Huge respect for taking the time to make this Dixie, I'm planning my AT thru-hike this year and you couldn't have picked a better time to post this video!
This is the best most informative (and funny), true and 100% real video to explain everything for the AT. I love how you cover everything! Your video should be a mandatory watch for anyone serious about hiking the AT. Listening to you for the entire 5 hours and 50 minutes made me smile . Thank you for such a great video. I love your start photo. I love your accent too. You are awesome! Thank you again.
6 hour video👀 much respect to you for the time, planning, and effort this took to put together. This is a one stop shop for folks to learn authoritative info to get into the sport. Well done👍🏻
You are so beloved by hikers everywhere! I am not a hiker but I live on a bicycle so our interests overlap in many ways. I stayed at a trail angel's house in Arizona about a month ago and your name and channel came up several times! Everyone just loves you! Thank you for your videos! I kinda envy hikers because y'all have a sense of community. I'm just out here by myself on a bicycle and very rarely meet people like me; especially females. I've actually only met one female bicycle traveler actually. Here's sending my love and thanks to you, my fellow female traveler♥️
This is awesome!! You truly covered the gamete. I used to carry actual potatoes, bacon, eggs wrapped in newspaper then wrapped in waxed canvas, rice, beans and we grew our greens in bottles that we carried with us. It's so cool that all these trail angels exist now and all these stores help out and all these drop off pick up places exist now. So very very cool.
You're just an amazing resource. I'm 43 and rehabbing injuries while raising two kids and just counting the days until I can get back on trail with them. Thanks for what you do. Great material.
Dixie, I just needed to say how grateful I am for all of these videos you make! I feel like I'm slowly working my way up to a full AT trip at some point, and there's ZERO chance I'd be willing to even THINK about taking that on with out your advice! Thank you so much.
I am an armchair hiker only, and no chance of being anything else. However, I have enjoyed virtually hiking with you on all your thru hikes the past few years. I appreciate so much the enormous amount of effort you obviously put into this video. Haven't watched it yet, but am going to really enjoy it. Wonder if you would consider doing a video for those of us who might lose power or water, etc at home for whatever reason.. It has occurred to me that a lot of what takes place on the trail could be adapted for non hikers to use as a backup emergency plan at home, depending on the season of the year. I personally am especially interested in the most practical and simple way to heat food. I think that would be a fun way for you to share your extensive knowledge with your nonhiker subscribers. Thanks for all you do, and for the adventures you have shared over the past years. You are such a breath of fresh air, and it's always a day brightener to watch one of your vids.
Hi Dixie, when I watched this the first time I was amazed at the amount of effort you put into this incredible abundance of information. I just watched this again thru today and was once again amazed. The commitment that you applied to backpacking is an obviously a passion that is rarely seen. I am so very grateful for the effort you applied to the assembly of this vid, and as well the inspiration that has encouraged so many to enjoy this sport. Good karma with everything that you do!!!
Hi Dixie. I just wanted to say thank you for all the content you provide. You have inspired this 46 year old to chase being alive again, something I had stopped doing years ago, was always chasing death as one of my friends put it, making all the bad decisions possible in life. You and a few others on RUclips have helped me see that there is more to life and I will always be thankful for that!
Hey Dixie simply wanted to say I believe you have one of the very best RUclips channels in the world.....I mean this sincerely....I often share some of your videos to British wild outdoor camping and trekking sites....your channel is wonderful, full of knowledge,sincere advice and genuine hands on kit reviews and advice.....Well done you! Your channel is much loved and respected ....thank you for all the time you put into it ....Alex from U.K
@@HomemadeWanderlust You have earned that respect Dixie....as a video producer I know how much work must go into your videos....You have earned it.....your channel is brilliant. Happy Days.
You give so much extra information i never even considered. Long time hiking is no foreign word for me, still i am learning a lot. Hoping to hop on pct 2023 or 2024 from Europe! Thanks a lot for your content
Thank you so so much for putting this video together! I was thinking that there was no way I could sit down to watch a six hour video, and I was sad when it was over. I learned so much valuable information, and I am so thankful for you sharing your insights and experience. Awesome!! 🎉
I watched over again your video Pacific crest Trail, Appalachian documentary and continental divide it is very inspirational. Very very good videos. I saw them all two or three times over and over again that’s my favorite. I hope those videos never gonna go away from the RUclips.❤ I literally cried when you cried, when you were through some difficulties on the trail and challenges❤❤
This has been my dream since 2016! I'm really not even sure where I first learned of the AT, but I've dreamed of it ever since. My husband and I have talked about this hike since we met in 2018 and are planning to hike in 2023 after working our booties off to save save save (and pay off some debt). Dixie, you've continued to inspire my heart to get on trail. We're planning small backpacking trips for this year to get us ready for the AT next year! You're an inspiration! :)
Easily the longest video I’ve ever watched, on RUclips or anywhere else. Nearly six hours long, I watched it in segments. I recently returned from a trip to the blue ridge mountains in Virginia and did day hikes on the A.T. as well as off the Blue Ridge Parkway. I visited Humpback Rock, Crabtree Falls and Natural Bridge and it got me interested in through hiking after remembering watching the movie “Wild” several years ago. I witnessed absolutely stunning views in real life that could never compare to watching a video or seeing pictures of. I can only imagine all the wonderful things you’ve seen on your hike. Not that I ever have plans on doing a through hike, but I find the topic fascinating. Your video sucked me unlike any other video or movie. Well thought out, fantastic presentation of information and well said in an easy to understand format. You covered topics I never even considered and it makes me want to find out more. Some of the best informational material I’ve ever seen on RUclips.
I´ve been binge watching your videos the last weeks! I am right now preparing for my first ever thru hike :) I am gonna go the Camino de Santiago, but starting from my hometown in Germany. Super excited for it :))
I normally have a hard time sitting still for a movie. Somehow you managed to keep me at the screen for nearly 6 hours. Great information I appreciate all the great advice. It is still a little under a year before I hit the trail but after watching this I am actually excited. I don't get excited all that easily. Thanks again!
Did a staggered flipflop of the AT (2019-20) with my dog after being inspired by your videos. Haven't watched this entire video yet but the section on finances is spot-on. Thanks for your work and inspiration.
This is what I’m considering, mind sharing how you planned yours? I’m thinking starting from the south in March for 3-4 weeks and then from Maine down in the fall for a week or two. Ect.
Outstanding video. I’m doing a 10 day section hike this summer and even as a former Army Ranger I learned a lot. A through hike is on my bucket list for after I retire. Thank you for all your videos and the info you share. Great work.
Wow Dixie, what an incredible effort you made to put out this video! I watched the whole thing. All of your advice was SUPER helpful, and I loved seeing clips from your own hike throughout! Thank you!!!
I really liked this video ! It is very comprehensive and I think it applies to not just AT thru-hiking but general hiking. Phenomenal run through on gear selection. This is a must watch for anyone getting into hiking. Congrats on all your major hiking accomplishments since your AT hike!
I was anticipating a montage of all of your previous videos, much like your 4 hour "backpacking basics" video montage. I was surprised that it was all recently recorded. You truly are a dedicated woman! Having watched 99% of your videos, I thought I wouldn't see anything new, but I watched the whole thing and I did see 2 new tips that I think I'll use! 1. I never thought of using a wood burning stove, mostly because of the weight. However, when you consider the weight of fuel, it ends up evening out if you use an ultralight stove like the littlbug. I also love the idea of being as low waste as possible. 2. The popsicle stick water measuring method. Genius! You could also use 2 different color straws- one color for 1/4c increments, and one color for 1/3c increments, and use permanent marker to indicate the level.
I just wanted to personally thank you for all your amazing and informative videos! ❤️ you definitely have the it factor! not to mention the knowledge and the bravery to accomplish all these amazing hikes. I am 53 and in not good health and have been inspired so much by your videos that my husband and I now plan on hiking the Appalachian trail in 2025. our assumption is it will take that long to gather all the necessary equipment knowledge but most of all health and endurance My hope is by the time 2025 comes around all my hard work will allow me to attempt this hike. I have wanted to do this since I graduated in 1988 from Brunswick Maine high School and I look forward to going back to Maine to celebrate my completion of this trail. quite honestly it would have to be a miracle for me to be able to be healthy enough to do this but it's a miracle I'm hoping to achieve look forward to watching more of your videos and seeing where you go and what you do next. Big Thanks Lolly
I loved seeing the inserts of Baby Dixie on the AT. I started watching you back then. My, how time flies. I got a kick out of "PawPaw's Army blanket." :)
Hi Dixie👋 Just hearing your voice makes me smile. Your journeys have got me through 4 to 5 of the sadest, most challenging years of my life. Thankyou so very much for giving me a mental escape and strength to get through it all. You have a friend in me forever and words can't speak to how much I appreciate you. May your everyday overflow with joy and happiness!
Thank you so much for this video! I'm planning for March 2023 and I've been looking at gear but have seen mixed reviews on everything so its nice to get an opinion from someone whose tried a couple different options
I’m not new but I just love watching your videos- even going over stuff that’s second nature is fun to watch when you say it! You’re a national treasure.
Awesome video! I found it very helpful even though I won’t be hiking the AT anytime soon. I’m a beginner backpacker and your video is very comprehensive and gets me thinking about the thought process of planning hikes ☺️
Great information for anyone who wants to do a thru hike on the AT, I'm new to the hiking scene and want to do the Thru hike on the AT in 2025 so I'm preparing for it now with the Physical aspect and the gear aspect I already have experience Camping and have some good gear, but will need to update a lot of it, Thanks for all the great info and the hard work you have done to help others.
What a great, informative video! Thanks for posting! As someone that plans to section hike the AT very soon I glean a lot of useful information from your content. I've been a backpacking camper for many years and have run the gamut of tents and hammock systems and find your comments on these subjects to be spot on! Often times, my backwoods adventures are only for a few days at a time, but they have given me insight as to what works for me and what doesn't work for me and your content always aligns with my trial and error/lessons learned. I'm always getting useful tidbits from your stuff and am making a list for my upcoming hike.
Damn this video is fantastic, 30 minutes in and still enraptured. I also appreciate having kg displayed on screen and your kits set being able to convert to kg.
Thanks Dixie. You were one of my go-to resources as i prepared for my 2021 Thru Hike. You made it so much easier on me and i had few problems with my gear making my hike very enjoyable.. I also love the way you say oil. My wife is from Louisiana and she says it the same way. "Water Doc "
Awesome information, I think I’ve watched all your videos, so I’ve heard all this before, but it was great to have it all in one video. Thanks you’ve inspired me to get out to become a hiker . Thanks and God Bless !
Hi Dixie. I really love all your videos as I'm preparing for the AT next year, this one especially is really amazing such a gold source of information. Thank you so much
Thank you for such a thorough video, I usually fast forward thru long videos but you had my attention the whole way thru. Im planning my thru hike once I retire in a couple years. Been hiking the white mountains for years so I can see why most people would prefer NOBO to get trail legs in shape. Again Thanks Heaps.. Salty..
Wow I cannot believe it took me so long to find this. This video is now my go-to resource for all of my future hikes. Thank you for taking time to share your mighty knowledge.
Ha, as someone who is suffering through PT for the second time I cracked up with: ...trust me, they (your feet) will tell you louder..." Yes, my doggies were barking, and later biting. I have learned the hard way to not pay attention and to make the proper adjustments. Thank you for all you do Dixie. I love your work!!!
I am a hunter and hiker. Both labels of what they are comes with pre conceived notions on their wants. But what I see is both groups care more than anyone about public lands. Without is we can't enjoy the want to roam. (Teddy Roseveldt did us well) Have you thought about doing a video regarding how we got our public lands? How we fund the trails, the habitat, the trail heads? How the Pittman Roberston fund is used and where the funding comes from? As hikers and hunters we need to fight for public lands, future easements, more access, and best management of the lands we love and want more of.
Dixie, as always thank you. I always appreciate your honest explanations of your learning process along the way. I have to chuckle with your "from 0 to 60" no bp experience to through hiking the AT. One thing, I didn't see anything on tent foot prints.
Chat disconnected but..... Wow, here we are virtually five hours in. There may be just 386 people watching right not, but you have created The Encyclopedia Wanderlustia which will serve as such an amazing resource for years to come. Congratulations for the huge accomplishment... and.... thank you.
Thank you Dixie for another great video. I will be thru-hiking the AT beginning April 4, 2022. Also, I'm a blogger on The Trek. I have 3 post so far and will be adding more on the trail. Hopefully, you won't mind me mentioning you in my blogs referencing some of the tips which I learned from your videos. Galen Baker
Thank you for your video! I am going to hike the AT next year. I have been lingering on the choice of South/North or North/South. Still contemplating this so many pros and cons but honestly like North/South being I won't be as pressed for time. But I'm so excited! Again thank you for the most helpful information!
Just stumbled upon this and I am so happy I did so! You covered so many questions and with the tricks and hints I feel like I could do this!! Thank you so very much for putting this together!
Just came across your channel and videos today and it really gave me the spark to do this--- hike the AT. It's been something I've wanted to do for years and years, but "life always got in the way"! I'm doing it next year! Great channel and there's so much useful information here!
I hiked Kataden a few days ago and saw a thru hiker doing the same thing with the filtration component on their squeeze filter and was so confused, it makes a lot more sense now. also thanks for the helpful video, I'm only 14 but I really want to thru hick the AT when I graduate Hight school so I'm doing a little research now.
4:26:50 - PLBs "stronger signal" is the dual mode most of them operate on as well as the lower frequency they run. So they have a mode where they directly talk to the satelite which is 406 MHz (in HAM speak, 70cm band) which is a lot more tollerant to overgorwth and other shit than your standard iridium constellation (which uses L band or 1,600 something MHz, which is the microwave band, those waves are more readily interferred with by water (i.e. human meat bags, trees, etc)) What's Iridium Constellation got to do with it? that's the global communications network that Garmin InReach uses. Additionally the beacons also broadcast on 121.5MHz which is the international aviation emergency frequency, 121.5 MHz (in HAM speak, roughly 2m band). 121.5 tends to propagate a lot further and is more tollerant to trees and other terrian features that'd attenuate 406 MHz and potentially completely obstruct L Band satelite signals. Finally the lower the frequency it's much easier to get much more power at the 406/121.5 than it is at L Band (at microwave band things become weird, it's hard to explain without geeking out). So if we look at the fcc id website (really helpful for working out how stuff works) fccid.io/XYEPLB1 for a random PLB, you'll see that there is two frequencies, the 121.5 runs at 50mW (which is bugger all, but makes sense, you don't want to be blasting the locator frequency at high power and jamming out aircraft distress signals far away, also the lower power helps with direction finding) but the 406 MHz is 4 watts. Compare that to an inreach fccid.io/IPH9603N which runs at around 1.4 watts. However for PLBs you will want a GPS enabled PLB, as, if it only sends "HELP" rather than "HELP I AM located here -> coords" it takes much longer for them to get a rough idea of where you are because the geostationary distress satellite will know that "hey someone is calling for halp" but it won't be until one of the lower polar orbiting distress satelites passes overhead and goes "oh hey there is someone around this area calling for help", search and rescue then has to "radio direciton find" to locate you which can be a little slow depending on how the signal is interacting with the terrian (in HAM circles we call direction finding "fox hunting", though no actual foxes are harmed)
Just finished watching this video in its entirety!! Thank you so much Dixie for taking the time out to make this video and going over all the different aspects on hiking the AT!! You are definitely an inspiration to the hiking community!! Much respect to you for your time and effort. I am hoping to thru hike the AT at some point in the future.
This was really informative. The testimonial of your experience, with all the trial and error anecdotes, make things so much clearer. People forget that a master has once been a novice. You did a tremendous job documenting your choices and their pros and cons. Thank you for this video.
14 years ago I sat in Sunday school listening to my uncle Ed talk about hiking the Appalacian trail. On the 9th I'll set out. Amazing how time flies, huh? It's been a dream for a while and you're the #1 resource that makes this trip possible. If I see you on the trail this year I'm very sorry for nerding out in advance, but a gargantuan thank you all the same :)
@hpvd it's all an absolute dream. Georgia was warm in the daylight, with the occasional spring rain and learning how to hike for the first time being my main complication. NC was hot, but the NOC and the friendships I made in that state ice carried to this day. The smokies were a struggle, and walking into TN felt like walking into history through a backdoor left open by a village southern grandma. Virginia was flat of course, with the Three Ridges hike and Apple Orchard challenging my will to live in the heat of the beating sun. Maryland started the rocks, and in the absence of a few friends that had to get off I started my transformation into the man that I am today. PA was like walking through my childhood, with friends and family surrounding me wherever I went. NJ was the end of the rocks, but the boulders that I found there sharpened my reflexes and showed me what a technical hike I had ahead of me. CT I will forever miss, as the stretches of flat held most of the southbounders that I passed. I never made it to Vermont or NH because of the time I spent in the southern heat, but I never stopped hiking even though I failed my thru hike. Maine will forever live in my memories, and the foggy mountains and chilling cold warm my heart to this day. Khatadin is indescribably beautiful with the fall colors, and the last night on trail I cried for those I had left behind, even in the light of a brighter future ahead. The book will be called "320 to Khatadin" and I'm finishing up the first chapter now
Love the tip about using a pre-measured popsicle stick for water measurements. On the AT, I found that some dehydrated meals require odd-numbered measurements of water (1/3 cup) but the Toaks titanium pot doesn't have odd measurements engraved on the inside of the pot. A popsicle stick is much lighter than carrying a measuring cup. Also, I'll never again carry the quart and gallon-sized freezer bags with the "grooved line" seals. They were good for only one or two seals and then, due to dirt, grit, food particles, etc., they became a real pain, if not impossible, to seal properly. Now I use only the slide-lock kind and it makes life so much easier.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Huge respect for taking the time to make this Dixie, I'm planning my AT thru-hike this year and you couldn't have picked a better time to post this video!
Good luck and happy trails!
Are you planning on hiking this year or in 2023?
I agree I had just been wishing I could just ask Dixie and she put this out ❤
@@HeyOlexa shooting for late March 2023
I start my hike in 20 days April 15th I'm starting out
I’m not a hiker, or even a backpacker, but I use your long form videos to fall asleep to, as your voice is so soothing
oh my god becky that is the funniest thing love your show
You are the reason I hike now as a 50 year old! Thank you! 300 miles last year as a newbie, going for 400 total this year!
This is the best most informative (and funny), true and 100% real video to explain everything for the AT. I love how you cover everything! Your video should be a mandatory watch for anyone serious about hiking the AT. Listening to you for the entire 5 hours and 50 minutes made me smile . Thank you for such a great video. I love your start photo. I love your accent too. You are awesome! Thank you again.
6 hour video👀
much respect to you for the time, planning, and effort this took to put together. This is a one stop shop for folks to learn authoritative info to get into the sport.
Well done👍🏻
Out of the 100s of video, books, blogs, and word of mouth advice on hiking the AT this is easily the best and most thorough. Thank you Dixie.
You are so beloved by hikers everywhere! I am not a hiker but I live on a bicycle so our interests overlap in many ways. I stayed at a trail angel's house in Arizona about a month ago and your name and channel came up several times! Everyone just loves you! Thank you for your videos! I kinda envy hikers because y'all have a sense of community. I'm just out here by myself on a bicycle and very rarely meet people like me; especially females. I've actually only met one female bicycle traveler actually. Here's sending my love and thanks to you, my fellow female traveler♥️
This should be # 1 in the search results...... Keywords Help
This is awesome!! You truly covered the gamete. I used to carry actual potatoes, bacon, eggs wrapped in newspaper then wrapped in waxed canvas, rice, beans and we grew our greens in bottles that we carried with us. It's so cool that all these trail angels exist now and all these stores help out and all these drop off pick up places exist now. So very very cool.
Dixie, you are an amazing ambassador to hiking. Keep on hiking and inspiring.
You're just an amazing resource. I'm 43 and rehabbing injuries while raising two kids and just counting the days until I can get back on trail with them. Thanks for what you do. Great material.
Dixie, I just needed to say how grateful I am for all of these videos you make! I feel like I'm slowly working my way up to a full AT trip at some point, and there's ZERO chance I'd be willing to even THINK about taking that on with out your advice! Thank you so much.
I am an armchair hiker only, and no chance of being anything else. However, I have enjoyed virtually hiking with you on all your thru hikes the past few years. I appreciate so much the enormous amount of effort you obviously put into this video. Haven't watched it yet, but am going to really enjoy it. Wonder if you would consider doing a video for those of us who might lose power or water, etc at home for whatever reason.. It has occurred to me that a lot of what takes place on the trail could be adapted for non hikers to use as a backup emergency plan at home, depending on the season of the year. I personally am especially interested in the most practical and simple way to heat food. I think that would be a fun way for you to share your extensive knowledge with your nonhiker subscribers. Thanks for all you do, and for the adventures you have shared over the past years. You are such a breath of fresh air, and it's always a day brightener to watch one of your vids.
Whenever I have a bad day at work or need to laugh I look at video of your dog 🐕playing in the snow for the first time. It just makes my day ❤️❤️
I am planning my thru hike for 2024 so thank you so much for this incredible resource!!
Awesome!!
Best wishes!!
Hi Dixie, when I watched this the first time I was amazed at the amount of effort you put into this incredible abundance of information. I just watched this again thru today and was once again amazed. The commitment that you applied to backpacking is an obviously a passion that is rarely seen. I am so very grateful for the effort you applied to the assembly of this vid, and as well the inspiration that has encouraged so many to enjoy this sport. Good karma with everything that you do!!!
Hi Dixie. I just wanted to say thank you for all the content you provide. You have inspired this 46 year old to chase being alive again, something I had stopped doing years ago, was always chasing death as one of my friends put it, making all the bad decisions possible in life. You and a few others on RUclips have helped me see that there is more to life and I will always be thankful for that!
Hey Dixie simply wanted to say I believe you have one of the very best RUclips channels in the world.....I mean this sincerely....I often share some of your videos to British wild outdoor camping and trekking sites....your channel is wonderful, full of knowledge,sincere advice and genuine hands on kit reviews and advice.....Well done you! Your channel is much loved and respected ....thank you for all the time you put into it ....Alex from U.K
Wow, thank you so much Alex 🥰
@@HomemadeWanderlust You have earned that respect Dixie....as a video producer I know how much work must go into your videos....You have earned it.....your channel is brilliant. Happy Days.
This deserves an award!!! So good!
You give so much extra information i never even considered. Long time hiking is no foreign word for me, still i am learning a lot.
Hoping to hop on pct 2023 or 2024 from Europe! Thanks a lot for your content
amazing resource to have all of this in one place to check rather than having to go through lots of individual videos. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so so much for putting this video together! I was thinking that there was no way I could sit down to watch a six hour video, and I was sad when it was over. I learned so much valuable information, and I am so thankful for you sharing your insights and experience. Awesome!! 🎉
Thanks! You inspired me hike the AT and I can’t wait for it!
Update: I did thru-hike Nobo in 2023!
I watched over again your video Pacific crest Trail, Appalachian documentary and continental divide it is very inspirational. Very very good videos. I saw them all two or three times over and over again that’s my favorite. I hope those videos never gonna go away from the RUclips.❤ I literally cried when you cried, when you were through some difficulties on the trail and challenges❤❤
The amount of work that must have gone into this... Amazing!
Thank you from Sweden
🤯 I can't even imagine the painstaking detail that you had to put into making this!! thank you soooo much
This has been my dream since 2016! I'm really not even sure where I first learned of the AT, but I've dreamed of it ever since. My husband and I have talked about this hike since we met in 2018 and are planning to hike in 2023 after working our booties off to save save save (and pay off some debt). Dixie, you've continued to inspire my heart to get on trail. We're planning small backpacking trips for this year to get us ready for the AT next year! You're an inspiration! :)
Props to y’all for working so hard to make your dream a reality!
I'm hiking in 2023 as well 😄
How did it go
This is great. A master class in backpacking essentials. The gold standard.
Most comprehensive, well researched, practical backpacking advice I have seen. Thank you.
Easily the longest video I’ve ever watched, on RUclips or anywhere else. Nearly six hours long, I watched it in segments. I recently returned from a trip to the blue ridge mountains in Virginia and did day hikes on the A.T. as well as off the Blue Ridge Parkway. I visited Humpback Rock, Crabtree Falls and Natural Bridge and it got me interested in through hiking after remembering watching the movie “Wild” several years ago. I witnessed absolutely stunning views in real life that could never compare to watching a video or seeing pictures of. I can only imagine all the wonderful things you’ve seen on your hike. Not that I ever have plans on doing a through hike, but I find the topic fascinating. Your video sucked me unlike any other video or movie. Well thought out, fantastic presentation of information and well said in an easy to understand format. You covered topics I never even considered and it makes me want to find out more. Some of the best informational material I’ve ever seen on RUclips.
Dixie is really knowledgeable about hiking. Thanks again. ✌
I´ve been binge watching your videos the last weeks! I am right now preparing for my first ever thru hike :)
I am gonna go the Camino de Santiago, but starting from my hometown in Germany.
Super excited for it :))
I normally have a hard time sitting still for a movie. Somehow you managed to keep me at the screen for nearly 6 hours. Great information I appreciate all the great advice. It is still a little under a year before I hit the trail but after watching this I am actually excited. I don't get excited all that easily. Thanks again!
Did a staggered flipflop of the AT (2019-20) with my dog after being inspired by your videos. Haven't watched this entire video yet but the section on finances is spot-on. Thanks for your work and inspiration.
How was your hike with your dog? We are hoping to thru hike next year with our pup :)
This is what I’m considering, mind sharing how you planned yours? I’m thinking starting from the south in March for 3-4 weeks and then from Maine down in the fall for a week or two. Ect.
I read starting in Virginia in April/Map and heading north to Maine. Then from the same spot heading south for the latter part of the Summer/Fall
Pete...what was your trail name I was sobo July 4 2019 through June 2029...Subway..maybe we met!
Outstanding video. I’m doing a 10 day section hike this summer and even as a former Army Ranger I learned a lot. A through hike is on my bucket list for after I retire. Thank you for all your videos and the info you share. Great work.
Thanks for the informative and interesting videos! This one especially, encompassing all your hard work (and wilderness fun).
Thank you so much!!
Wow Dixie, what an incredible effort you made to put out this video! I watched the whole thing. All of your advice was SUPER helpful, and I loved seeing clips from your own hike throughout! Thank you!!!
I really liked this video ! It is very comprehensive and I think it applies to not just AT thru-hiking but general hiking. Phenomenal run through on gear selection. This is a must watch for anyone getting into hiking. Congrats on all your major hiking accomplishments since your AT hike!
I was anticipating a montage of all of your previous videos, much like your 4 hour "backpacking basics" video montage. I was surprised that it was all recently recorded. You truly are a dedicated woman! Having watched 99% of your videos, I thought I wouldn't see anything new, but I watched the whole thing and I did see 2 new tips that I think I'll use! 1. I never thought of using a wood burning stove, mostly because of the weight. However, when you consider the weight of fuel, it ends up evening out if you use an ultralight stove like the littlbug. I also love the idea of being as low waste as possible. 2. The popsicle stick water measuring method. Genius! You could also use 2 different color straws- one color for 1/4c increments, and one color for 1/3c increments, and use permanent marker to indicate the level.
Love your videos. Always great content and inspiring for sure. Thanks for all your effort and hard work.
incredibly thorough and detailed. thank you. i watched it live from the start...5 hours in and i had to shut it off to head to bed!
I just wanted to personally thank you for all your amazing and informative videos! ❤️ you definitely have the it factor! not to mention the knowledge and the bravery to accomplish all these amazing hikes. I am 53 and in not good health and have been inspired so much by your videos that my husband and I now plan on hiking the Appalachian trail in 2025. our assumption is it will take that long to gather all the necessary equipment knowledge but most of all health and endurance My hope is by the time 2025 comes around all my hard work will allow me to attempt this hike. I have wanted to do this since I graduated in 1988 from Brunswick Maine high School and I look forward to going back to Maine to celebrate my completion of this trail. quite honestly it would have to be a miracle for me to be able to be healthy enough to do this but it's a miracle I'm hoping to achieve look forward to watching more of your videos and seeing where you go and what you do next.
Big Thanks Lolly
I loved seeing the inserts of Baby Dixie on the AT. I started watching you back then. My, how time flies. I got a kick out of "PawPaw's Army blanket." :)
Hi Dixie👋 Just hearing your voice makes me smile. Your journeys have got me through 4 to 5 of the sadest, most challenging years of my life. Thankyou so very much for giving me a mental escape and strength to get through it all. You have a friend in me forever and words can't speak to how much I appreciate you. May your everyday overflow with joy and happiness!
This was one of the most helpful and greatest videos you've ever made! Thankyou for putting so much time and thought into this video! Outstanding!
I’m so sorry you’ve had some hard years. I hope things start looking up soon!
Thank you so much for this video! I'm planning for March 2023 and I've been looking at gear but have seen mixed reviews on everything so its nice to get an opinion from someone whose tried a couple different options
I'm hiking in 2023 too
I’m not new but I just love watching your videos- even going over stuff that’s second nature is fun to watch when you say it! You’re a national treasure.
@47:41 I live in Waynesboro. That looks like Rockfish Gap Outfitters which is definitely my spot!
Awesome video! I found it very helpful even though I won’t be hiking the AT anytime soon. I’m a beginner backpacker and your video is very comprehensive and gets me thinking about the thought process of planning hikes ☺️
Thank you Dixie! I'm doing a 230ish mile section hike in a couple of weeks, and you have helped me so much :)!
Hey Dixie I thru hiked the AT last year and your video helped me IMMENSELY!! Thanks
Dixie your channel got me to start planning a 2023 through hike on the AT. Thanks for the awesome content.
I'm hiking in 2023 as well
Great information for anyone who wants to do a thru hike on the AT, I'm new to the hiking scene and want to do the Thru hike on the AT in 2025 so I'm preparing for it now with the Physical aspect and the gear aspect I already have experience Camping and have some good gear, but will need to update a lot of it, Thanks for all the great info and the hard work you have done to help others.
What a great, informative video! Thanks for posting! As someone that plans to section hike the AT very soon I glean a lot of useful information from your content. I've been a backpacking camper for many years and have run the gamut of tents and hammock systems and find your comments on these subjects to be spot on! Often times, my backwoods adventures are only for a few days at a time, but they have given me insight as to what works for me and what doesn't work for me and your content always aligns with my trial and error/lessons learned. I'm always getting useful tidbits from your stuff and am making a list for my upcoming hike.
Damn this video is fantastic, 30 minutes in and still enraptured. I also appreciate having kg displayed on screen and your kits set being able to convert to kg.
This video was so helpful! Thank you for taking the time to do this for all of us!
Thanks Dixie. You were one of my go-to resources as i prepared for my 2021 Thru Hike. You made it so much easier on me and i had few problems with my gear making my hike very enjoyable.. I also love the way you say oil. My wife is from Louisiana and she says it the same way. "Water Doc "
Awesome information, I think I’ve watched all your videos, so I’ve heard all this before, but it was great to have it all in one video. Thanks you’ve inspired me to get out to become a hiker . Thanks and God Bless !
Hi Dixie. I really love all your videos as I'm preparing for the AT next year, this one especially is really amazing such a gold source of information. Thank you so much
I'm hiking in 2023 also
Thanks for putting all this info together for us in one place. Really informative!
Thank you for such a thorough video, I usually fast forward thru long videos but you had my attention the whole way thru. Im planning my thru hike once I retire in a couple years. Been hiking the white mountains for years so I can see why most people would prefer NOBO to get trail legs in shape. Again Thanks Heaps.. Salty..
Wow I cannot believe it took me so long to find this. This video is now my go-to resource for all of my future hikes. Thank you for taking time to share your mighty knowledge.
"Eating doo-doo snacks" LOL! Jessica, you are such a gem 💎! Gosh you really gave me a fit of the giggles with that one!
What a wonderfully executed video! Great help! I'll contribute.
Ha, as someone who is suffering through PT for the second time I cracked up with: ...trust me, they (your feet) will tell you louder..." Yes, my doggies were barking, and later biting. I have learned the hard way to not pay attention and to make the proper adjustments. Thank you for all you do Dixie. I love your work!!!
I hope you heal up soon ♥️
I am a hunter and hiker. Both labels of what they are comes with pre conceived notions on their wants. But what I see is both groups care more than anyone about public lands. Without is we can't enjoy the want to roam. (Teddy Roseveldt did us well)
Have you thought about doing a video regarding how we got our public lands? How we fund the trails, the habitat, the trail heads? How the Pittman Roberston fund is used and where the funding comes from?
As hikers and hunters we need to fight for public lands, future easements, more access, and best management of the lands we love and want more of.
Very well said! Excellant!
Awesome video! One thing though that thread method in a blister will greatly increase the chance of infection.
Dixie, as always thank you. I always appreciate your honest explanations of your learning process along the way. I have to chuckle with your "from 0 to 60" no bp experience to through hiking the AT. One thing, I didn't see anything on tent foot prints.
This is excellent, Dixie. I'm going to watch this again with a notebook handy.
Chat disconnected but..... Wow, here we are virtually five hours in. There may be just 386 people watching right not, but you have created The Encyclopedia Wanderlustia which will serve as such an amazing resource for years to come. Congratulations for the huge accomplishment... and.... thank you.
Thank you, Spencer! I appreciate you chatting :)
Thank you Dixie for putting this together for us! Happy trails!
Very very thorough video. Well thought and articulated.
Thank you Dixie for another great video. I will be thru-hiking the AT beginning April 4, 2022. Also, I'm a blogger on The Trek. I have 3 post so far and will be adding more on the trail. Hopefully, you won't mind me mentioning you in my blogs referencing some of the tips which I learned from your videos. Galen Baker
A sincere THANK YOU for creating this video
THANK YOU for this comprehensive video and your unique and VALUED perspective! I start a flip flop from Harpers Ferry 4/1/24!
This video is amazing. Plethora of information you’d never expect unless you’re an experienced backpacker.
I am not even planning a thru hike soon, just love the advice in general
This should be nominated for a Webby Award!
Heading out in literally less than 3 weeks for the trail. This is amazing timing, thank you so much!
Thank you for your video! I am going to hike the AT next year. I have been lingering on the choice of South/North or North/South. Still contemplating this so many pros and cons but honestly like North/South being I won't be as pressed for time. But I'm so excited! Again thank you for the most helpful information!
Just stumbled upon this and I am so happy I did so! You covered so many questions and with the tricks and hints I feel like I could do this!! Thank you so very much for putting this together!
Just came across your channel and videos today and it really gave me the spark to do this--- hike the AT. It's been something I've wanted to do for years and years, but "life always got in the way"! I'm doing it next year! Great channel and there's so much useful information here!
I hiked Kataden a few days ago and saw a thru hiker doing the same thing with the filtration component on their squeeze filter and was so confused, it makes a lot more sense now. also thanks for the helpful video, I'm only 14 but I really want to thru hick the AT when I graduate Hight school so I'm doing a little research now.
such a great video, thank you for taking the time to make content 👍👍👍💪💪💪
4:26:50 - PLBs "stronger signal" is the dual mode most of them operate on as well as the lower frequency they run. So they have a mode where they directly talk to the satelite which is 406 MHz (in HAM speak, 70cm band) which is a lot more tollerant to overgorwth and other shit than your standard iridium constellation (which uses L band or 1,600 something MHz, which is the microwave band, those waves are more readily interferred with by water (i.e. human meat bags, trees, etc)) What's Iridium Constellation got to do with it? that's the global communications network that Garmin InReach uses. Additionally the beacons also broadcast on 121.5MHz which is the international aviation emergency frequency, 121.5 MHz (in HAM speak, roughly 2m band). 121.5 tends to propagate a lot further and is more tollerant to trees and other terrian features that'd attenuate 406 MHz and potentially completely obstruct L Band satelite signals. Finally the lower the frequency it's much easier to get much more power at the 406/121.5 than it is at L Band (at microwave band things become weird, it's hard to explain without geeking out).
So if we look at the fcc id website (really helpful for working out how stuff works) fccid.io/XYEPLB1 for a random PLB, you'll see that there is two frequencies, the 121.5 runs at 50mW (which is bugger all, but makes sense, you don't want to be blasting the locator frequency at high power and jamming out aircraft distress signals far away, also the lower power helps with direction finding) but the 406 MHz is 4 watts. Compare that to an inreach fccid.io/IPH9603N which runs at around 1.4 watts.
However for PLBs you will want a GPS enabled PLB, as, if it only sends "HELP" rather than "HELP I AM located here -> coords" it takes much longer for them to get a rough idea of where you are because the geostationary distress satellite will know that "hey someone is calling for halp" but it won't be until one of the lower polar orbiting distress satelites passes overhead and goes "oh hey there is someone around this area calling for help", search and rescue then has to "radio direciton find" to locate you which can be a little slow depending on how the signal is interacting with the terrian (in HAM circles we call direction finding "fox hunting", though no actual foxes are harmed)
That’s not the BASICS, it’s EVERYTHING! Thx
Awesomely terrific video for the newbie and experienced hiker alike! Happy trails!
This is by far the best video I have seen on the AT great job great info thank you
Just finished watching this video in its entirety!! Thank you so much Dixie for taking the time out to make this video and going over all the different aspects on hiking the AT!! You are definitely an inspiration to the hiking community!! Much respect to you for your time and effort. I am hoping to thru hike the AT at some point in the future.
Thank you SO MUCH for putting this together. I'm from AL as well, a familiar accent and vocabulary has been a huge bonus 😉
This was really informative. The testimonial of your experience, with all the trial and error anecdotes, make things so much clearer.
People forget that a master has once been a novice. You did a tremendous job documenting your choices and their pros and cons. Thank you for this video.
Looking pretty brave there on McAfee Knob!
14 years ago I sat in Sunday school listening to my uncle Ed talk about hiking the Appalacian trail. On the 9th I'll set out. Amazing how time flies, huh? It's been a dream for a while and you're the #1 resource that makes this trip possible. If I see you on the trail this year I'm very sorry for nerding out in advance, but a gargantuan thank you all the same :)
so how did it go?
@hpvd it's all an absolute dream. Georgia was warm in the daylight, with the occasional spring rain and learning how to hike for the first time being my main complication. NC was hot, but the NOC and the friendships I made in that state ice carried to this day. The smokies were a struggle, and walking into TN felt like walking into history through a backdoor left open by a village southern grandma. Virginia was flat of course, with the Three Ridges hike and Apple Orchard challenging my will to live in the heat of the beating sun. Maryland started the rocks, and in the absence of a few friends that had to get off I started my transformation into the man that I am today. PA was like walking through my childhood, with friends and family surrounding me wherever I went. NJ was the end of the rocks, but the boulders that I found there sharpened my reflexes and showed me what a technical hike I had ahead of me. CT I will forever miss, as the stretches of flat held most of the southbounders that I passed. I never made it to Vermont or NH because of the time I spent in the southern heat, but I never stopped hiking even though I failed my thru hike. Maine will forever live in my memories, and the foggy mountains and chilling cold warm my heart to this day. Khatadin is indescribably beautiful with the fall colors, and the last night on trail I cried for those I had left behind, even in the light of a brighter future ahead. The book will be called "320 to Khatadin" and I'm finishing up the first chapter now
Dixie, Seven Years since you began your AT hike!
This is a great video. I can remember following your thru hike of the AT years ago. I'm so glad you are still helping others with your experience.
Love the tip about using a pre-measured popsicle stick for water measurements. On the AT, I found that some dehydrated meals require odd-numbered measurements of water (1/3 cup) but the Toaks titanium pot doesn't have odd measurements engraved on the inside of the pot. A popsicle stick is much lighter than carrying a measuring cup. Also, I'll never again carry the quart and gallon-sized freezer bags with the "grooved line" seals. They were good for only one or two seals and then, due to dirt, grit, food particles, etc., they became a real pain, if not impossible, to seal properly. Now I use only the slide-lock kind and it makes life so much easier.
I jus found out some of my old neighbors are hiking the trail rght now. I think that s super awesome
Wow! This is an amazing, super informative video. I don’t know if I’ll ever hike the AT but if I do I know where to come to get info. Great job!
You are so amazing to have taken the time to make this for us! God bless you! And I love your hair.
Appreciate your efforts Dixie..always👍
Thank you for making and sharing this content with the world 🙏