Dixie, your timing could not be better with this video. I'm currently planning my first overnight backpacking trip mainly because I was inspired by you! So thank you! ❤❤❤❤
Hello Dixie, my husband and I are going SOBO June 1st. I want to thank you for all that you have taught us, from what to pack, how to pack, what to eat, how to ford a river! I admire your teaching style and I feel prepared to do my very first thru-hike, with many thanks to you! Kind regards! Sharon (no trail name yet ;-)
Great info Dixie. For a 10 day section, GA is a great place (no permits needed), just don't do it in June, July, Aug. The heat, the bugs (some mosquitoes, many ticks), dry springs will test your will. Early spring is OK but then you deal with the bubble. The best times are Sep thru Feb. Just my view as a GA section hiker. BTW, you are spot on about leaving a vehicle on the trail at a paved pull-off crossing (FS 42, GA 60, US 129, GA 348, GA 76). You might be fine with no issues, but I have seen vehicles damaged-broken into by "locals" and by bears that have been sitting idle for days at a time. IMO it's worth paying to leave your vehicle at a safe shuttle house and pay the cost to be picked up when you have finished your section hike.
A couple of things, 1) doesn't really matter how experienced you are, a list is always a good thing. You check what's in your pack each time, why not check your trip plan? 2) loop trips are also a good starter for newbies. Actually a friend of mine and I plan a loop trip when we go, twice a year in th WNC-Tenn-Virg areas. Both of us are experienced, SAR packers. 3) Just like boaters leave a float plan, leave a packplan WITH someone you trust. At home. I really enjoy your videos, they are always spot on, enjoyable to listen to and thorough! Thanks for promoting backpacking!
Dixie, you are the first person I've heard tell people to turn around and look back to see what the trail looks like traveling the opposite way. So so true. Its especially important every time you come to a decision point on a route. Always look back and get a mental or real picture of where you came from so you can make sure you go back the correct way.
Dixie this beginner series HAS really helped me. Just stating the obvious for you, or other experienced hikers, is an aha moment for me. Keep it up, and thank you.
You are a total badass and a complete inspiration! Heading to Glacier and Yellowstone this summer for 9 days of backcountry. Your channel has been invaluable for info and gear suggestions. But I just watched your 3 thru hike documentaries. Wow! Of all the channels I’ve been watching, you’re the only one I feel who truly “gets it”. Keep killing it. You deserve every subscriber
Very well made, as always, and informative video. I've hiked mile 109 (pct) to eagle rock up to mile 112.5 in the snow and scorching summer heat. Then another time to mile 117 and so on as an example of my learning a trail. Done this on several trails. Agua tibia loop approximately 24 miles. No water anywhere except the beginning. You might not remember I emailed you about sweating while wearing a down puffy a couple of years ago. This was the trail. You give awesome advise. Thank you.
I put a car in the middle on my first trip. Can bail if not having fun, stash some equipment, or mabe an end point if weather goes bad or you are not as fast as you thought.
Hey Dixie, I've been watching for a while and I'm working on things to get out and hike more and I've been loving it. I am making this comment just to suggest something. You have been putting out a ton of videos that are super informative and do a good job of presenting the reality of hiking, as well as perspectives to think about based on your experience. And all that is great, but I'd love to see some that show "why" people would want to hike. Like "Top 5 views on the AT" or "My favorite hikes" with some footage and details of where the hike is located. Maybe you have some, and maybe you know the more informational videos get better views, so I can understand that, but I thought it would be cool to see the "fun" a bit. Anyway, thanks for all your posts!
Out and back routes are HIGHLY recommended until you are very familiar with your pacing and know how to use elevation maps, etc etc. Unless you have no deadline for finishing, an out and back route is pretty reliably going to take the same time each way (+/- some for weather, being tired, etc). If you hike out two days, you can pretty much guarantee you can make it back in two. Plus, I agree with Dixie - I've never done an out and back without finding a lot of new stuff to appreciate on the back leg.
I'm not a long distance Thru Hiker but I have learned a heck of a lot the last 8 or 9 months. I even got back into climbing and scrambling again. Made my first 3:1 Z Drag with progress capture today. Some of these techniques would come in handy for the solo hiker, especially when it shades into Mountaineering. I will get that 3-4 day Trans Catalina hike done soon! I'm a little more climbing oriented, but this ain't bad either
Went out on my first hike and my knees didnt let me make it as far as id hoped but i did make my initial goal. Hoping to heal up and do a few more section hikes of my local AT. Love all your content girl. Keep it up. 👍
Hey Dixie, I think the best thing to do is actually get out and hike/camp! “Experience” (learning from your successes and failures) is the best teacher. 😃
@@donnakessler789 Thats great! What section are you closest to? I dont live near the BT anymore but I grew up with the BT right behind my house and did not even know it. Now I drive up to the Sydenham Section and Penisnula Sections to make up for lost time LOL
Dixie, Thanks so much for the video for us beginners. I am planing my very first thru-hike (Colorado Trail) this summer and your channel has been such a valuable resource! Really appreciate your videos, keep doing what you do! ♥
I wish you went more into the idea of setting up food/water drops. I've been weekend backpacking for yesterday and the idea of setting up predetermined times and places to pick up food has been the biggest reason I've written off a long distance thru hike. I don't enjoy planning and the idea of scheduling out a hike to specific days to pick up supplies gives me anxiety just thinking about it.
For new hikers try your trail menu and volumes for each meal at home first even using your cook or soak methods to see if you have to much or not enough food. Using your cook method will familiarize you with how fast or slow to cook your food and how much water you need for cooking besides drinking water is heavy to carry.
I watched your "Dixie to Maine" video on your at thru and really becoming inspired to attempt this. After watching several of your other videos, I just want to say thank you. The info is so helpful!
You're right, the trail looks completely different in the opposite direction! There's nothing wrong with hiking up a mountain and back as an adventure!
A very good way to plan a trip start to finish is to have someone else plan for you that has already gone to the place that you want to go to. One can be involved in the planning, too. That's how I started decades ago. And nowadays I ask less experienced friends to come along with me. Or maybe they have only done summer camping, so I get them to come along on my winter trips. And then the reward comes later: Your friend plans trips for both of you!
Thanks Dixie for sharing your expertise. On a different topic, you mentioned awhile back about having a lingering pits odor. If that still exist I recommend trying ACV. It worked for me. The brand doesn't matter as long as it's raw, unfiltered, and unpasteurized. Actually, I'm not sure if it's necessary for it to be unfiltered. I doubt if the sediment does anything.
Great video Jessica. Honestly it really didn't answer questions I have at the moment but hopefully it helps others. For you people coming to hike in Florida guess what??? LOCALS ONLY. hahahahahaha (just kidding). For us Floridians our idea of hiking is the mall or the beach. Im currently planning my thru-hike Nobo on the AT within the next 2 years starting in March. I can't afford to be gone for 6-7 months so in the words of General George S. Patton Advance Advance Advance keep moving. I plan to hike as many miles aday as I can and hope to be done under 100 days.
You can backpack in many non-permitted locations. National Forests typically do not require permits. Otherwise, you want permits in place, because it helps keep a control on usage. Imagine if every AT through hiker decided to start in the same week. The trail would be overrun and miserable until enough people gave up and the rest started to spread out.
@@DanOutdoorsUK That would be nice, but then UK/Europe backcountry tourism is miniscule by comparison. There simply isn't a place over there that gets the numbers who want to hike around the backcountry in Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, etc. Grand Canyon alone sees 150k-200k backcountry hikers every year from almost every developed nation in the world. If we didn't permit, a) there would be no control as to when, so they'd all clump up in the busiest seasons, and b) there would be no way to judge how much trail maintenance is necessary.
@@DanOutdoorsUK Just checked out the Snowdonia website. To camp anywhere in Snowdonia, you need permission from a landowner, so to do a mulitday hike, you'll likely need permission from several different landowners. Since we don't require permits for day hikes, only overnight camping, that was not a great example to choose. I also can't find anything that says how many people visit Snowdonia. I doubt it's 5m a year. That's what the Grand Canyon gets. Cite that number please.
@@DanOutdoorsUK I assume you're talking about Mt. Snowdon. Their site says 400k go to the top per year, not 1m, and it's a day hike with a train if you don't want to hike. Again, we don't require permits for day hikes. Not equivalent.
Many of my hikes are in the Mt. Laguna Recreation Area of San Diego county and the PCT between Lake Morena and Pioneer Mail (miles 23-52ish). Also do some volunteering on the mountain so I may be able to answer questions about the area. Happy hiking!!!
ahhhh!!!! so excited for everytime i see a new video from you!!! been getting back into hiking thanks to dixie! hope to be a fellow hiking youtuber soon :)
My girlfriend and I are doing our first-ever thru-hike this summer. We're doing the 120ish-mile Centennial Trail in the Black Hills of South Dakota in August. So far, information about the trail has been slim. There is a book that I purchased, which has been helpful in planning. I think most people just section hike this trail and very few do thru-hikes. I'm a little worried about water, but I think we'll be OK. If anyone has any information about this trail, please shoot me a message!
Dixie, could you please share advice and options for stashing food for yourself. Best methods to ensure it will be there when you get to it on a long hike. Much thanks!
Hey Dixie, What do you think about putting out a vid on a PCT-centric Guthook tutorial? Or, do you know of one out there? I live in NorCal, a mile from the PCT and have hiked the PCT locally a lot (within 25 miles of Soda Creek) for the last 30 years. Many moons ago, I hiked the southern Sierra quite a bit, but that was in the days of paper + compass. Since my recent retirement, I have gotten the itch to get out a little further afield and would like to get more familiar with the Guthook app. I've had some success with some of the basics, but really could use some help navigating more of the features. Thanks so much for the great vids and all that you have done to inform and inspire!
My mate and I are planning to go on a 4 month hike up through Scandinavia, down through eastern Europe, the balkans, central Europe (where we'll be Bear Gryllsing it for another 4 months in a forest) and then back up to the channel to be home by Christmas. No trails, 15 different countries and a Nokia brick as our most modern tech. Any advice on how to survive this?
Thanks! War Eagle! I hiked the Loudoun Heights part of the AT at Harper's Ferry a couple of times last winter, once in 6" of snow...haha. Such an awesome place, with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy not far from there. That's where I really started to get the inspiration to try to do more. Loudoun heights has so much history with the trail going right by Civil War rifle pits. Now I'm hoping to hike Springer Mountain to Franklin NC. Really itching to get back out on the trail. So are permits necessary for that section?
I'm in Staunton VA and hike all around the George Washington and Shenandoah national Forest. I use the Gaia GPS app it's great for finding new trails and has alot of the water sources marked.
The best way to plan your first (few?) backpacking trips is to find a friend or several who have plenty of experience and go with them for a few, helping them out with all the planning parts. I don't know too many packers who would mind showing the ropes to a beginner if you ask - especially if you're willing to pay for the gas and fees.
You give sound advice that is presented in a cogent "Been there, done that, got the scars to prove it, Bubba" fashion. Easy on the eyes and smart (one video you said you were an engineer that said "FI" and went AWOL) :) Joe Brewer is also a favorite hiking channel.
A local trail to me i wish i knew before going was Epinette creak Manitoba you have to call and register with the park before backpacking, but there is no cell service at the trailhead
Trail-sourced food? (Fish, berries, rabbits, etc) Is that ever a thing, particularly on longer hikes? If yes, presumably getting permits for it would be another planning step.
Kimberly G. Long answer for this : fishing licenses in most states, resident or non, are easy. Small game is trickier but you can always contact game and fish in each state. Harvesting small game in National Parks is usually prohibited. You are right, it is plan and prepare.
Great advice. I’ve found the the GAIA GPS app to be quite useful, at least in the northeast. Good Topo and accurate location and it FREE if you don’t want more sophisticated map services.
Elizabeth Edgerton the general rule is 4 liters a day, but I always seem to need 5. That is drinking, cooking or soaking. Supplement with electrolytes if stressed like heat or high altitudes.
A very important point is altitude sickness. If you live at sea level and are planning on a trip where all your hiking is above 10'000 feet, I HIGHLY recommend taking a few days before the hike to acclimate to the elevation. People have died from altitude sickness.
Pictured Rocks in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a great trip. Can hike Munising to Grand Marais in 3 days - then hike back (or they have a shuttle). This is on the North Country Trail and is a beautiful section. Have you ever considered doing this trail Dixie?
"Some people go put for a thru hike which could be up to a five or six month trip" Between Sunsets and other Trans-Canada Trail through hikers are out a few years
Considering your rec for a z-pack tent for our upcoming JMT hike and would appreciate your advice. For 2 people, do you think the Duplex would be a bit tight and the Triplex might be a better choice?
I much enjoy your videos, but I have a question which occurs to me often when viewing youtube content: Apart from the money you might make, what is your main motivation in making your videos? It's a relatively new art form and the spectrum of content producers is very broad. (I'll whisper that some producers are jerks.) You, though, are earnest and serious and smart and well-spoken and I wonder what this medium does for you. Please share your thoughts if it seems reasonable. Thanks!
Question for you Dixie: I’m planning a thru hike and am mulling over using a zpack pack liner versus individual stuff sacks- any thoughts? I’m tossing up the weight benefit of just the single liner versus the benefit of having lots of little bags which stay organised but weight more- any thoughts?
Another thought is if your new to backpacking I would avoid large national parks. RMNP, Yosemite and Yellowstone are some of the most beautiful places in the country. But if you new to backing small designated camp sites can add alot off stress. Having to make a certain mileage to get to a campsite can ruin your site seeing and cause unneeded physical strees. Not to mention fees, permits, bear cans and so forth. Just my opinion. Leave no trace!
June 1st me and my brother are planning a three-day trip at lake Vesuvius in Ohio this could help My problem is I may live in Ohio but I do not know if permits are required for a three-day hike at lake Vesuvius I seem to be at a loss trying to find that particular information
Wow Dixie! I'm just returning from a two week trip, you are right sometime the logistics is difficult. But hiking out and back is great. I think seeing in the opposite direction is cool. I go by calorie count per day, if anyone wants info on that, I'm interested in helping. I'm looking for a JMT hiking partner around September first. Thanks again.
Look for Ross B here in these comments (5 h before your's) - he writes that he leaves on Aug 30 and even has a permit left. I'll be one month earlier, and NoBo. Also docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1brbpDPk0oyoClTGmcM3xq8X7T1AeNlJExTpdmnnckfg/edit#gid=0
Hi, thanks. I'm planning nobo also. For me, I think there will still be a lot of snow and high runoff in August this year. So planning September. Put if you are posting, I'll be watching.
@@johneason6540 Nobo: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TO6gyrmGmMK0j3PUuMOx4g3SS9k67tYj0EyP-jknTw0/edit#gid=0 Sure, much more snow than last year, but more on lower elevation, and it seems to melt quickly in the moment. I expect to be quite safe, with major stream crossings after Aug 10th. cdec.water.ca.gov/snowapp/swcchart.action
Hi Dixie was wandering because i live in the UK and have been thinking a lot about hiking the PCT . is it best to buy as much as i can before over here in the UK or wait until i get there and buy when get there
If you want to buy US brands it is cheaper there but you need more time. Also you may wish to test your gear before. I bought the big gear items here in EU, except the tent, also shoes, and small stuff from China. Tent and other small items I will buy before I hit the JMT this summer.
Thank you that was a great help I have already started buying items such as trekking poles and just brought my shoes as I am going to San sebastian in Spain in August so aim to use for walking
@@Henning_Rech thanks for the advice it was a great help I have downloaded guthook guide and as I am going on vacation in August going to use it as a test with lots of walking small back pack poles and trail runners
@@soloadventuretravel274 I wish you fun and success. My US adventure will be only 24 days but in a quite remote area so I have to plan well. I come from Germany.
Hey Jessica! For the rough estimate of 2lbs of food per day, is that fully hydrated or does that take in to consideration that the food may be dehydrated?
Dixie, your timing could not be better with this video. I'm currently planning my first overnight backpacking trip mainly because I was inspired by you! So thank you! ❤❤❤❤
SSTrueLoveMarinus me too!
Another option are loop trails 🙂 they are common here in the northwest.
Hello Dixie, my husband and I are going SOBO June 1st. I want to thank you for all that you have taught us, from what to pack, how to pack, what to eat, how to ford a river! I admire your teaching style and I feel prepared to do my very first thru-hike, with many thanks to you! Kind regards! Sharon (no trail name yet ;-)
Great info Dixie. For a 10 day section, GA is a great place (no permits needed), just don't do it in June, July, Aug. The heat, the bugs (some mosquitoes, many ticks), dry springs will test your will. Early spring is OK but then you deal with the bubble. The best times are Sep thru Feb. Just my view as a GA section hiker. BTW, you are spot on about leaving a vehicle on the trail at a paved pull-off crossing (FS 42, GA 60, US 129, GA 348, GA 76). You might be fine with no issues, but I have seen vehicles damaged-broken into by "locals" and by bears that have been sitting idle for days at a time. IMO it's worth paying to leave your vehicle at a safe shuttle house and pay the cost to be picked up when you have finished your section hike.
Awesome! Just started planning my first AT section for October so your timing is impeccable!
A couple of things, 1) doesn't really matter how experienced you are, a list is always a good thing. You check what's in your pack each time, why not check your trip plan? 2) loop trips are also a good starter for newbies. Actually a friend of mine and I plan a loop trip when we go, twice a year in th WNC-Tenn-Virg areas. Both of us are experienced, SAR packers. 3) Just like boaters leave a float plan, leave a packplan WITH someone you trust. At home. I really enjoy your videos, they are always spot on, enjoyable to listen to and thorough! Thanks for promoting backpacking!
Dixie, you are the first person I've heard tell people to turn around and look back to see what the trail looks like traveling the opposite way. So so true. Its especially important every time you come to a decision point on a route. Always look back and get a mental or real picture of where you came from so you can make sure you go back the correct way.
Dixie this beginner series HAS really helped me. Just stating the obvious for you, or other experienced hikers, is an aha moment for me. Keep it up, and thank you.
Hello Dixie, a big thank you. You remain a wealth of information for the hiker/backpacker. I look forward to your next informative video. 🤗
You are a total badass and a complete inspiration! Heading to Glacier and Yellowstone this summer for 9 days of backcountry. Your channel has been invaluable for info and gear suggestions. But I just watched your 3 thru hike documentaries. Wow! Of all the channels I’ve been watching, you’re the only one I feel who truly “gets it”. Keep killing it. You deserve every subscriber
ALWAYS like to get notifications about a new upload from you! HECK YEAH!
Yesssss
Love the beard brother 🤙 heck ya
@@justynamaria0333 so much YAY! Thanks! It's the source of all of my COOL POWER!
@@RickStoneTravels I know, right!?
I enjoyed Ipsut Creek at Mt Rainier National Park. It is flat and short. Good for first timers. Permits are required
Very well made, as always, and informative video. I've hiked mile 109 (pct) to eagle rock up to mile 112.5 in the snow and scorching summer heat. Then another time to mile 117 and so on as an example of my learning a trail. Done this on several trails. Agua tibia loop approximately 24 miles. No water anywhere except the beginning. You might not remember I emailed you about sweating while wearing a down puffy a couple of years ago. This was the trail. You give awesome advise. Thank you.
I put a car in the middle on my first trip. Can bail if not having fun, stash some equipment, or mabe an end point if weather goes bad or you are not as fast as you thought.
Hey Dixie, I've been watching for a while and I'm working on things to get out and hike more and I've been loving it. I am making this comment just to suggest something. You have been putting out a ton of videos that are super informative and do a good job of presenting the reality of hiking, as well as perspectives to think about based on your experience. And all that is great, but I'd love to see some that show "why" people would want to hike. Like "Top 5 views on the AT" or "My favorite hikes" with some footage and details of where the hike is located. Maybe you have some, and maybe you know the more informational videos get better views, so I can understand that, but I thought it would be cool to see the "fun" a bit. Anyway, thanks for all your posts!
Out and back routes are HIGHLY recommended until you are very familiar with your pacing and know how to use elevation maps, etc etc. Unless you have no deadline for finishing, an out and back route is pretty reliably going to take the same time each way (+/- some for weather, being tired, etc). If you hike out two days, you can pretty much guarantee you can make it back in two. Plus, I agree with Dixie - I've never done an out and back without finding a lot of new stuff to appreciate on the back leg.
I'm not a long distance Thru Hiker but I have learned a heck of a lot the last 8 or 9 months. I even got back into climbing and scrambling again. Made my first 3:1 Z Drag with progress capture today. Some of these techniques would come in handy for the solo hiker, especially when it shades into Mountaineering.
I will get that 3-4 day Trans Catalina hike done soon! I'm a little more climbing oriented, but this ain't bad either
Went out on my first hike and my knees didnt let me make it as far as id hoped but i did make my initial goal. Hoping to heal up and do a few more section hikes of my local AT. Love all your content girl. Keep it up. 👍
Hey Dixie, I think the best thing to do is actually get out and hike/camp! “Experience” (learning from your successes and failures) is the best teacher. 😃
The Bruce Trail in Ontario Canada. The Bruce Peninsula is amazing!
Hi I'm in the Bruce Trail neighbourhood! Nice to see another Canuck watching this channel! Happy trails!
@@donnakessler789 Thats great! What section are you closest to? I dont live near the BT anymore but I grew up with the BT right behind my house and did not even know it. Now I drive up to the Sydenham Section and Penisnula Sections to make up for lost time LOL
@@susanrivard3959 I'm in the Burlington area so a short drive to any trail sections.
@@donnakessler789 I'm jealous. its a two or three hour drive for me to get to the trails.
Dixie, Thanks so much for the video for us beginners. I am planing my very first thru-hike (Colorado Trail) this summer and your channel has been such a valuable resource! Really appreciate your videos, keep doing what you do! ♥
I wish you went more into the idea of setting up food/water drops. I've been weekend backpacking for yesterday and the idea of setting up predetermined times and places to pick up food has been the biggest reason I've written off a long distance thru hike. I don't enjoy planning and the idea of scheduling out a hike to specific days to pick up supplies gives me anxiety just thinking about it.
@@dgrfsthrgsergwrtghasefq not sure what that had to do with my comment but that is knowledge
For new hikers try your trail menu and volumes for each meal at home first even using your cook or soak methods to see if you have to much or not enough food. Using your cook method will familiarize you with how fast or slow to cook your food and how much water you need for cooking besides drinking water is heavy to carry.
I watched your "Dixie to Maine" video on your at thru and really becoming inspired to attempt this. After watching several of your other videos, I just want to say thank you. The info is so helpful!
Thanks. Always good information. I learn something from every video you post. Appreciate your efforts to inform us new comers!
You're right, the trail looks completely different in the opposite direction! There's nothing wrong with hiking up a mountain and back as an adventure!
Love your channel I have been backing for a bit now but getting great info from ya love ya fixie
Thank you for making beginners videos ❤️❤️🇨🇦
A very good way to plan a trip start to finish is to have someone else plan for you that has already gone to the place that you want to go to. One can be involved in the planning, too. That's how I started decades ago. And nowadays I ask less experienced friends to come along with me. Or maybe they have only done summer camping, so I get them to come along on my winter trips. And then the reward comes later: Your friend plans trips for both of you!
Thank you so much.You always give back so much to others .
Thanks Dixie for sharing your expertise. On a different topic, you mentioned awhile back about having a lingering pits odor. If that still exist I recommend trying ACV. It worked for me. The brand doesn't matter as long as it's raw, unfiltered, and unpasteurized. Actually, I'm not sure if it's necessary for it to be unfiltered. I doubt if the sediment does anything.
You ever thought about doing some east-west hikes like the North country trail?
Great video Jessica. Honestly it really didn't answer questions I have at the moment but hopefully it helps others. For you people coming to hike in Florida guess what??? LOCALS ONLY. hahahahahaha (just kidding). For us Floridians our idea of hiking is the mall or the beach. Im currently planning my thru-hike Nobo on the AT within the next 2 years starting in March. I can't afford to be gone for 6-7 months so in the words of General George S. Patton Advance Advance Advance keep moving. I plan to hike as many miles aday as I can and hope to be done under 100 days.
Awesome infos! Looking forward to applying this is my next backpacking trip!
For new hikers, Dixie's ebook is an excellent resource. Available on Amazon.
Thanks for all your tips!!
Awesome content as usual!
Permits are by far the worst part of this entire hobby.
Is there another way? From what I have seen so far, they seem to be pertinent and reasonable
You can backpack in many non-permitted locations. National Forests typically do not require permits. Otherwise, you want permits in place, because it helps keep a control on usage. Imagine if every AT through hiker decided to start in the same week. The trail would be overrun and miserable until enough people gave up and the rest started to spread out.
@@DanOutdoorsUK That would be nice, but then UK/Europe backcountry tourism is miniscule by comparison. There simply isn't a place over there that gets the numbers who want to hike around the backcountry in Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, etc. Grand Canyon alone sees 150k-200k backcountry hikers every year from almost every developed nation in the world. If we didn't permit, a) there would be no control as to when, so they'd all clump up in the busiest seasons, and b) there would be no way to judge how much trail maintenance is necessary.
@@DanOutdoorsUK Just checked out the Snowdonia website. To camp anywhere in Snowdonia, you need permission from a landowner, so to do a mulitday hike, you'll likely need permission from several different landowners. Since we don't require permits for day hikes, only overnight camping, that was not a great example to choose. I also can't find anything that says how many people visit Snowdonia. I doubt it's 5m a year. That's what the Grand Canyon gets. Cite that number please.
@@DanOutdoorsUK I assume you're talking about Mt. Snowdon. Their site says 400k go to the top per year, not 1m, and it's a day hike with a train if you don't want to hike. Again, we don't require permits for day hikes. Not equivalent.
Love this video!!! 🌍
Many of my hikes are in the Mt. Laguna Recreation Area of San Diego county and the PCT between Lake Morena and Pioneer Mail (miles 23-52ish). Also do some volunteering on the mountain so I may be able to answer questions about the area. Happy hiking!!!
Lots of great advice for tyros here. Well done.
ahhhh!!!! so excited for everytime i see a new video from you!!! been getting back into hiking thanks to dixie! hope to be a fellow hiking youtuber soon :)
Great video 👍 one of my favorite channels!
My girlfriend and I are doing our first-ever thru-hike this summer. We're doing the 120ish-mile Centennial Trail in the Black Hills of South Dakota in August. So far, information about the trail has been slim. There is a book that I purchased, which has been helpful in planning. I think most people just section hike this trail and very few do thru-hikes. I'm a little worried about water, but I think we'll be OK. If anyone has any information about this trail, please shoot me a message!
Pack coffee and a can of D.M. stew then put one foot in front of the other. Seems to work for anything less then a 3 day trip.
Dixie, could you please share advice and options for stashing food for yourself. Best methods to ensure it will be there when you get to it on a long hike. Much thanks!
Great information as always, thanks for sharing!
Hey Dixie, What do you think about putting out a vid on a PCT-centric Guthook tutorial? Or, do you know of one out there? I live in NorCal, a mile from the PCT and have hiked the PCT locally a lot (within 25 miles of Soda Creek) for the last 30 years. Many moons ago, I hiked the southern Sierra quite a bit, but that was in the days of paper + compass. Since my recent retirement, I have gotten the itch to get out a little further afield and would like to get more familiar with the Guthook app. I've had some success with some of the basics, but really could use some help navigating more of the features. Thanks so much for the great vids and all that you have done to inform and inspire!
Thank you so much for all the info. In all your videos.
My mate and I are planning to go on a 4 month hike up through Scandinavia, down through eastern Europe, the balkans, central Europe (where we'll be Bear Gryllsing it for another 4 months in a forest) and then back up to the channel to be home by Christmas. No trails, 15 different countries and a Nokia brick as our most modern tech. Any advice on how to survive this?
RIP
Thanks! War Eagle! I hiked the Loudoun Heights part of the AT at Harper's Ferry a couple of times last winter, once in 6" of snow...haha. Such an awesome place, with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy not far from there. That's where I really started to get the inspiration to try to do more. Loudoun heights has so much history with the trail going right by Civil War rifle pits. Now I'm hoping to hike Springer Mountain to Franklin NC. Really itching to get back out on the trail. So are permits necessary for that section?
We have Zaleski State Forest in Ohio. It’s a good 1st backpacking experience because it has dedicated campsites with water and a privy at them.
Hey Dixie, will you be sharing your walk on the Camino de Santiago with us? :D
Spring is good except for the ticks in Australia... Summer is probably too hot...
I'm in Staunton VA and hike all around the George Washington and Shenandoah national Forest. I use the Gaia GPS app it's great for finding new trails and has alot of the water sources marked.
Great job. Thank you.
The best way to plan your first (few?) backpacking trips is to find a friend or several who have plenty of experience and go with them for a few, helping them out with all the planning parts. I don't know too many packers who would mind showing the ropes to a beginner if you ask - especially if you're willing to pay for the gas and fees.
My aim is next April but if not definitely the year after as It is definitely a lot of planning
You give sound advice that is presented in a cogent "Been there, done that, got the scars to prove it, Bubba" fashion. Easy on the eyes and smart (one video you said you were an engineer that said "FI" and went AWOL) :) Joe Brewer is also a favorite hiking channel.
A local trail to me i wish i knew before going was Epinette creak Manitoba you have to call and register with the park before backpacking, but there is no cell service at the trailhead
Trail-sourced food? (Fish, berries, rabbits, etc) Is that ever a thing, particularly on longer hikes? If yes, presumably getting permits for it would be another planning step.
Kimberly G. Long answer for this : fishing licenses in most states, resident or non, are easy. Small game is trickier but you can always contact game and fish in each state. Harvesting small game in National Parks is usually prohibited. You are right, it is plan and prepare.
@@sagehiker The National Parks aspect was particularly what I was interested in. Thanks for the great reply.
Raccoons and squirrels may not be as scary as bears, but they are certainly just as hungry and just as capable of taking your food
Thank you for sharing! Cheers.
First time overnight hiker. We are heading to the Smokies. We definitely want to hike to LeConte Lodge. Any advice?
Dixie what is your day hiking gear list, thanks a lot, love your chanle helped me a lot
Great advice. I’ve found the the GAIA GPS app to be quite useful, at least in the northeast. Good Topo and accurate location and it FREE if you don’t want more sophisticated map services.
Always like your videos.
Was wondering how the dog training was going?
Hans Wagoner Thank you! We’ve been making progress. I’m posting little snippets on Instagram and Facebook :)
How much water do you need per day? I know that will vary based on the person and the weather, but do you have a ballpark number?
Elizabeth Edgerton the general rule is 4 liters a day, but I always seem to need 5. That is drinking, cooking or soaking. Supplement with electrolytes if stressed like heat or high altitudes.
At work right now I will watch it later on tonight
A very important point is altitude sickness. If you live at sea level and are planning on a trip where all your hiking is above 10'000 feet, I HIGHLY recommend taking a few days before the hike to acclimate to the elevation. People have died from altitude sickness.
Pictured Rocks in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a great trip. Can hike Munising to Grand Marais in 3 days - then hike back (or they have a shuttle). This is on the North Country Trail and is a beautiful section. Have you ever considered doing this trail Dixie?
Nice video Dixie.
I hike around Whidbey Island, WA as well as the North Cascades in Washington. If anyone has questions I am available.
Yes, more great info! :)
At 4:02 ....Eyes of Sauron ( ha ha ha ha ha) or, the miserable EYE of Dixie on the trail....
Considering doing the long trail starting late May, cant wait to compare your advice with what ive been doing.
"Some people go put for a thru hike which could be up to a five or six month trip" Between Sunsets and other Trans-Canada Trail through hikers are out a few years
Dixie- Another great video 😃 Have you thru hiked the Pinhoti?
Another great video. How many trips do you usually make a year?
Eagerly awaiting approve to the HMW Facebook Forum
Considering your rec for a z-pack tent for our upcoming JMT hike and would appreciate your advice. For 2 people, do you think the Duplex would be a bit tight and the Triplex might be a better choice?
Anyone know any trails in NC that would be good for a first timer?
I much enjoy your videos, but I have a question which occurs to me often when viewing youtube content: Apart from the money you might make, what is your main motivation in making your videos? It's a relatively new art form and the spectrum of content producers is very broad. (I'll whisper that some producers are jerks.) You, though, are earnest and serious and smart and well-spoken and I wonder what this medium does for you. Please share your thoughts if it seems reasonable.
Thanks!
Question for you Dixie: I’m planning a thru hike and am mulling over using a zpack pack liner versus individual stuff sacks- any thoughts? I’m tossing up the weight benefit of just the single liner versus the benefit of having lots of little bags which stay organised but weight more- any thoughts?
I have been using little bags and it has been working out for me.
When you say 2 pounds of food per day is it 2 pounds cooked or uncooked?
Love you video's!!)
Another thought is if your new to backpacking I would avoid large national parks. RMNP, Yosemite and Yellowstone are some of the most beautiful places in the country. But if you new to backing small designated camp sites can add alot off stress. Having to make a certain mileage to get to a campsite can ruin your site seeing and cause unneeded physical strees. Not to mention fees, permits, bear cans and so forth. Just my opinion. Leave no trace!
How much cash did you take with you on PCT or other thru hike?
What is a loop trail??
Love your new braces :)
Ask me about the Pemi Loop in the White Mountains NH.
June 1st me and my brother are planning a three-day trip at lake Vesuvius in Ohio this could help
My problem is I may live in Ohio but I do not know if permits are required for a three-day hike at lake Vesuvius I seem to be at a loss trying to find that particular information
Have you considered thru hiking the FL trail?
Alex M - Florida hiking is insanely boring. Lived in South FL for 10 years. Literally the worst state in the country for backpacking.
Heaven's going to be filled with people just like You 👑And Perk👑And Aron👑(sp)
Wow Dixie!
I'm just returning from a two week trip, you are right sometime the logistics is difficult. But hiking out and back is great. I think seeing in the opposite direction is cool.
I go by calorie count per day, if anyone wants info on that, I'm interested in helping.
I'm looking for a JMT hiking partner around September first.
Thanks again.
Look for Ross B here in these comments (5 h before your's) - he writes that he leaves on Aug 30 and even has a permit left. I'll be one month earlier, and NoBo.
Also docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1brbpDPk0oyoClTGmcM3xq8X7T1AeNlJExTpdmnnckfg/edit#gid=0
Hi, thanks. I'm planning nobo also. For me, I think there will still be a lot of snow and high runoff in August this year. So planning September. Put if you are posting, I'll be watching.
@@johneason6540 Nobo: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TO6gyrmGmMK0j3PUuMOx4g3SS9k67tYj0EyP-jknTw0/edit#gid=0
Sure, much more snow than last year, but more on lower elevation, and it seems to melt quickly in the moment. I expect to be quite safe, with major stream crossings after Aug 10th.
cdec.water.ca.gov/snowapp/swcchart.action
@@Henning_Rech we will see, a lot of snow. I think there will be a lot of water everywhere. But it will be fun!
Hi Dixie was wandering because i live in the UK and have been thinking a lot about hiking the PCT . is it best to buy as much as i can before over here in the UK or wait until i get there and buy when get there
If you want to buy US brands it is cheaper there but you need more time. Also you may wish to test your gear before. I bought the big gear items here in EU, except the tent, also shoes, and small stuff from China. Tent and other small items I will buy before I hit the JMT this summer.
Thank you that was a great help I have already started buying items such as trekking poles and just brought my shoes as I am going to San sebastian in Spain in August so aim to use for walking
@@Henning_Rech thanks for the advice it was a great help I have downloaded guthook guide and as I am going on vacation in August going to use it as a test with lots of walking small back pack poles and trail runners
@@soloadventuretravel274 I wish you fun and success. My US adventure will be only 24 days but in a quite remote area so I have to plan well. I come from Germany.
@@Henning_Rech thank you
Any Camino updates?
Hey Jessica! For the rough estimate of 2lbs of food per day, is that fully hydrated or does that take in to consideration that the food may be dehydrated?
It assumes about1500 kcal/lbs which does not allow much water in the food.
I estimate 1lb per day, dehydrated.
Thumbs up watch out for the bug's
Totally forgot about Facebook as a resource!