Love the pack hanging idea! I also think that stuffing your gear is the right way to go. Rolling and folding gear the same way every day and then compressing it in a pack is a recipe for deep creases and premature gear failure. Stuffing may put folds in but those folds don't become creases with stuffing because the folds will never be in the same exact spot each time you put it away.
agreed! I was a little concerned that some of the gear I had may have been unusable after the trail but everything is in surprisingly good condition still. The sleeping pad and sleeping bag after washing look brand new again! Trust in the gear stuffing!
That Guy that totally makes sense! I’m learning everything from scratch and videos like this help a lot. If I found out I had to handle my gear with kid gloves and fold it neatly before I started hiking each day, that would make the AT sound like a pain in the 🍑 yay stuff sacks! 😊
I need to tell you again Chris that your you tube program, in as much as I am concerned, is in the top 3 or 4 when I comes to learning, entertainment and photography. Always great content and often can make me laugh. I am going back to you AT beginnings and watch a few segments again!
Thanks lucky! Greatly appreciate the kind words! Man I wish I could physically go back right now and start recording a whole new AT series. Perhaps maybe something next year if I am lucky!
Thanks Eric! It is hard sometimes to think of some basic stuff that people new to backpacking may not know already. Had a lot of requests for this video!
1000% Very, very helpful vid. I had a rendition of that stick pack hanging thing that I was going to do a video on but a buddy of mine kind of mocked me and said that was ridiculous so I never did the vid. Thank you for validating my theory.
+Tuba Solo the Hiker haha far from ridiculous. Amazing really. Even if my pack was overloaded I'd still do it. I would put a rock on the stake holding it down to make sure it would keep standing!
This year I got rid of stuff sacks for the sleeping bag as well. Seems to fit well into the pack filling all the little areas without the stuff sack. With the stuff sack it makes little unused areas. Works for me so far, we'll see.
Did the same for a while on the trail and it does work really well for filling in the crevices. I used it stuffed up because doing so squished the pack into my side water bottle pockets where I kept my camera. It was perfect for keeping the camera secured!
Thanks for all the videos. My first prep hike is this weekend. Excited but anxious too! Haven't backpacked for 20 years. Never had to hang food or filter water.Probably did too much research and am overthinking things. Glad too be getting out there finally!
Thats awesome Tom! I think the food hang thing is a good call. Both for safety of bears and people but from my own observations on the AT mice and rodents are all over the place. I think for the most part filtering is not actually needed but I prefer to do it as a just in case thing. I think most people do a lot of overthinking and research ahead of the trail. It's one of the few things you have control over before the hike. I'd recommend do research on/get/test gear that works for YOU and cut out all things that are not completely necessary. Other than that the rest will fall into place. On the AT anyways you are typically only a few days at most from a town stop so it should be fairly easy to get something you find you need. Best of luck on the prep hike!
I found this very helpful. I will be doing a 600 mile section of the PNT eastbound solo next summer. I've day hiked but never camped so this gives me an idea of what I need to do. I'm still gathering items and appreciate you sharing your gear list. I'm more concerned about getting the wrong equipment. I won't have as many opportunities to replace something on that trail as with others.
Gear wise I would try and research the best you can on what others have successfully used / enjoyed and try to base your decisions off the info you gather as to what you think will work best for you. It can be hard with all that is out there but can also be very rewarding. And certainly if you can test out the gear ahead of time before the AT I would. Glad the video was helpful!
I used to fold my stuff like many other. I quit doing it yeas ago. I literally use the “stuff” sack for its needs. Also, I’d think constant folding etc. on the same lines would eventually cause weak spots.
I used a cuben/dyneema stuff sack for my tent that came included with it. The stuff sack was a really thin cuben and tore up pretty bad by the end of the trail. I ended up throwing it away. For the sleeping bag I typically didnt use one. It was usally just stuffed into the bottom of my backpack / pack liner. Thanks for watching!
I didnt notice much of a difference. Usually it raises the floor height a little but which maybe nice in rain but I typically tried to stay at the suggested pole lengths.
I picked up the duplex before the trail. Got it decked out. The camo version, free standing option. It cost about $750. I already had the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 and quiet frankly didn't think the upgrade was worth it for the money at that point. Especially when I would be heading out on the trail soon. Found a Solplex in the Zpacks bargin bin for $500 straight up and figured why not give it a shot as I didn't have a specific one person tent. It had all the space I needed as a solo hiker, it was very slightly lighter, easier to setup in higher winds, and in all honesty the smaller foot print of the tent came in much more handy than I expected. I actually ended up picking up the same duplex again when I got back from the trail to use as my two person shelter from now on. I really like that there is no sag in the cuben and I had great success with it on the trail. Though I must admit the Copper Spur is still an EXCELLENT tent as well. Hope that helps!
I feel you on the price. In all honesty I think the average person would prefer the additional space the Duplex offers. I saw only one other Solplex on the entire AT. Saw MANY MANY Duplex tents out there. I work good in tight spaces so it worked for me. If you get the duplex though, you will have a tent for two and a trail mansion if you are solo.
I don't even take the time to roll my pad. I just fold two or 3 times and way down the bottom of the pack, flat on the bottom. Both those little stuff sacks are stupidly difficult.
I wish I could do the same. The Thermarest only has the small nozzle to deflate it so you almost have to roll it up to get all the air out. What pad are you using?
+Owen Clements nice! I have an rei flash pad I considered bringing because it has a pull valve you open and deflates in like 2 seconds. Both it and the thermarest were comfy. Figured I'd save a few ounces with the thermarest. Either way it worked out haha
I was going to say the same as Sindex haha. But for real if its raining just waste no time. I would get the tent up asap and then do most of that unpacking stuff from within the tent. I would also usually roll out my rain skirt in front of the entrance to help stay dry a little more when entering and exiting.
You can quickly blow up your inflatable pad by using your trash compactor bag to gather air and push it into the pad. Tried it on my last trip and could blow up my pad with 2 tries.
I wish I could but I didn't have ANY legit gear failures on the trail. My only problems were really my dislike for some rain gear. I guess thats a good thing though hah!
Love the pack hanging idea! I also think that stuffing your gear is the right way to go. Rolling and folding gear the same way every day and then compressing it in a pack is a recipe for deep creases and premature gear failure. Stuffing may put folds in but those folds don't become creases with stuffing because the folds will never be in the same exact spot each time you put it away.
agreed! I was a little concerned that some of the gear I had may have been unusable after the trail but everything is in surprisingly good condition still. The sleeping pad and sleeping bag after washing look brand new again! Trust in the gear stuffing!
Exactly what I was going to say. They are called "stuff sacks" for a reason.
Embrace the stuffing!
That Guy that totally makes sense! I’m learning everything from scratch and videos like this help a lot. If I found out I had to handle my gear with kid gloves and fold it neatly before I started hiking each day, that would make the AT sound like a pain in the 🍑 yay stuff sacks! 😊
I need to tell you again Chris that your you tube program, in as much as I am concerned, is in the top 3 or 4 when I comes to learning, entertainment and photography. Always great content and often can make me laugh. I am going back to you AT beginnings and watch a few segments again!
Thanks lucky! Greatly appreciate the kind words! Man I wish I could physically go back right now and start recording a whole new AT series. Perhaps maybe something next year if I am lucky!
I love these type of videos. It is one of those basic things that newbies may not know how to do. Hangining the pack was by far the best tip.
Thanks Eric! It is hard sometimes to think of some basic stuff that people new to backpacking may not know already. Had a lot of requests for this video!
Awesome video. That was funny oh we woke up lol it's morning. Thank you for sharing. I would love to hike the AT.
1000% Very, very helpful vid. I had a rendition of that stick pack hanging thing that I was going to do a video on but a buddy of mine kind of mocked me and said that was ridiculous so I never did the vid. Thank you for validating my theory.
+Tuba Solo the Hiker haha far from ridiculous. Amazing really. Even if my pack was overloaded I'd still do it. I would put a rock on the stake holding it down to make sure it would keep standing!
I’m with you. Folding the tent and pad can create fold lines that get thin and compromise the material. Stuff on!!!
+gary modine in honor of thanksgiving. I shall stuff away haha
Sensational idea!!!! Gonna start hanging my bag in my Duplex... GENIUS!!!! Great video Chris!
It is simple and quiet awesome! Thanks for watching!
Thank you...your vids have made a seemingly impossible "bucket list" dream ...quite possible....Subcribed
Thanks! I hope you make that dream a reality!
Nice - thanks. Many of the videos do not cover this level of detail for novices. THANKS!
My pleasure! Hope it helps you out on the trail!
Noice
That tent looks really small for your height. How tall are you. Thanks for the set up and take down of camp. Have a great day.
This year I got rid of stuff sacks for the sleeping bag as well. Seems to fit well into the pack filling all the little areas without the stuff sack. With the stuff sack it makes little unused areas. Works for me so far, we'll see.
Did the same for a while on the trail and it does work really well for filling in the crevices. I used it stuffed up because doing so squished the pack into my side water bottle pockets where I kept my camera. It was perfect for keeping the camera secured!
yay for stuff sacks! very helpful video!!
That’s awesome that getting your pack off the ground just that much keeps the critters at bay!
Hope it helps you out on the trail!
Great videos Chris .I really appreciate as someone just learning backpacking all the help that you are giving all of us .
Thanks! Just trying to give info that would've found useful. Hope it helps!
Thanks for the video, No one every shows a camp being setup on a thru hike.
+Paul Ganze no problem Paul. Glad people seem to enjoy it! Hoping people will ask for some other AT videos I may not think of!
Stick trick is very cool....even more room in my Duplex now. Be testing it near Blood in a couple weeks. Thanks as usual.
Thanks Tom! Hope it goes well!
Thanks for all the videos. My first prep hike is this weekend. Excited but anxious too! Haven't backpacked for 20 years. Never had to hang food or filter water.Probably did too much research and am overthinking things. Glad too be getting out there finally!
Thats awesome Tom! I think the food hang thing is a good call. Both for safety of bears and people but from my own observations on the AT mice and rodents are all over the place. I think for the most part filtering is not actually needed but I prefer to do it as a just in case thing.
I think most people do a lot of overthinking and research ahead of the trail. It's one of the few things you have control over before the hike. I'd recommend do research on/get/test gear that works for YOU and cut out all things that are not completely necessary. Other than that the rest will fall into place. On the AT anyways you are typically only a few days at most from a town stop so it should be fairly easy to get something you find you need. Best of luck on the prep hike!
I found this very helpful. I will be doing a 600 mile section of the PNT eastbound solo next summer. I've day hiked but never camped so this gives me an idea of what I need to do. I'm still gathering items and appreciate you sharing your gear list. I'm more concerned about getting the wrong equipment. I won't have as many opportunities to replace something on that trail as with others.
Gear wise I would try and research the best you can on what others have successfully used / enjoyed and try to base your decisions off the info you gather as to what you think will work best for you. It can be hard with all that is out there but can also be very rewarding. And certainly if you can test out the gear ahead of time before the AT I would. Glad the video was helpful!
Nice demo and neat trick with trekking pole and backpack
Thanks! Used it regularly!
Love the tip about hanging your pack! Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure! Thanks for watching!
I love this video Chris...you are a hoot!
Thanks Julia!
Chris look up the IRIDIUM stove... it’s made for trips like this!!!!! Best pack stove ever made.....
Never seen the stick trick before great idea.
It worked great on the trail for me! Hope it does for you too
uh oh! the stick trick! Chris you've gone bushcraft on us!
ChrisGoesBushcrafting O_O
I used to fold my stuff like many other. I quit doing it yeas ago. I literally use the “stuff” sack for its needs. Also, I’d think constant folding etc. on the same lines would eventually cause weak spots.
Agreed! Stuff as the sack intended!
lol i have the same tent and hang my bag the same way. cool vid!
Great minds think alike! haha thanks for watching!
Nice idea ,showing setup👍
Thanks Teddy. Was asked by a few different people while I was out on the trail but didn't really have the time to do it out there!
Thanks! What kind of stuff sacks did you use for your sleeping bag and tent? Good video!!
I used a cuben/dyneema stuff sack for my tent that came included with it. The stuff sack was a really thin cuben and tore up pretty bad by the end of the trail. I ended up throwing it away. For the sleeping bag I typically didnt use one. It was usally just stuffed into the bottom of my backpack / pack liner. Thanks for watching!
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors good to know. Thanks so much for answering! I enjoyed seeing your camp routine.
And i especially liked the sound your bear line made 😂
cool! have you ever considered Hammocks? I've started using a Hennessey exposition and ill never sleep on the ground again.
Its been recommended a lot to give them a try. Lets just say.... coming soon
Good job
"Food coma"...Priceless. Great vid, man. What kind of sleeping bag? Thanks.
Haha when it hits. It hits hard! It's an enlightened equipment revelation 20 degree quilt. Wide and extra long.
Nice Camping conditions- but like to see this done in pouring rain..
Agreed. Been hoping to film a rainy setup video for weeks now. I may actually get the opportunity to do so this Sunday!
ChrisGoesOutdoors okay that would be awsome. I Look forward to it !
Could you please do the same info in pouring rain?
Sure thing Susan!
ruclips.net/video/kHeNLkIw-Jo/видео.html
Bonne idée ton petit bâton pour tenir le sac ! Merci !
Thank you! Its a handy little trick!
love your videos!
Very cool thanks!
My pleasure!
WoW! cool video I can dig it
Thanks Buddy!
Impressed!
Thank you sir!
Does the Solplex set up better using 100 cm for the back pole versus the 82 cm that is suggested by Zpacks?
I didnt notice much of a difference. Usually it raises the floor height a little but which maybe nice in rain but I typically tried to stay at the suggested pole lengths.
Good job man. thank you
Thanks for watching!
Hii I really enjoy your page ☺ Keep it up!
Do you use ground sheet or footprint?
Nope. I've never found I needed them. Floor on the tent still looks new even after the entire AT!
cram it in!
what was some of your major reasons you went with the solo plex vs. duplex?
I picked up the duplex before the trail. Got it decked out. The camo version, free standing option. It cost about $750. I already had the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 and quiet frankly didn't think the upgrade was worth it for the money at that point. Especially when I would be heading out on the trail soon. Found a Solplex in the Zpacks bargin bin for $500 straight up and figured why not give it a shot as I didn't have a specific one person tent. It had all the space I needed as a solo hiker, it was very slightly lighter, easier to setup in higher winds, and in all honesty the smaller foot print of the tent came in much more handy than I expected. I actually ended up picking up the same duplex again when I got back from the trail to use as my two person shelter from now on. I really like that there is no sag in the cuben and I had great success with it on the trail. Though I must admit the Copper Spur is still an EXCELLENT tent as well. Hope that helps!
ChrisGoesOutdoors appreciate it. Solo hiker. Been leaning to the solo plex. Just a big purchase. Thanks again
I feel you on the price. In all honesty I think the average person would prefer the additional space the Duplex offers. I saw only one other Solplex on the entire AT. Saw MANY MANY Duplex tents out there. I work good in tight spaces so it worked for me. If you get the duplex though, you will have a tent for two and a trail mansion if you are solo.
Good informative video thanks.
Thanks Evan!
I don't even take the time to roll my pad. I just fold two or 3 times and way down the bottom of the pack, flat on the bottom. Both those little stuff sacks are stupidly difficult.
I wish I could do the same. The Thermarest only has the small nozzle to deflate it so you almost have to roll it up to get all the air out. What pad are you using?
Big Agnes Q-core slx. Picked it up at the REI garage sale cheap. Comfy as hell. Still pretty light and is fairly warm.
+Owen Clements nice! I have an rei flash pad I considered bringing because it has a pull valve you open and deflates in like 2 seconds. Both it and the thermarest were comfy. Figured I'd save a few ounces with the thermarest. Either way it worked out haha
I remember the camping days with a roll pad or no pad at all. An inflatable pad, for me, made it possible to sleep outdoors. Happy Turkey Day!
Another thing is..... I know EXACTLY where you shoot that video. I think. I don't want to give away your spot and start guessing.
Patiently waiting for your gear reviews! 😃 Happy Thanksgiving 🍞🍗🌽 and do nt forget the Cheetos!
Arc Haul video is filmed and about 75% done so that should be out soon! Hoping to start recording the other ones this weekend!
ChrisGoesOutdoors Yahooo! Thank you!
Super pack hack
Thanks man! Used it almost everyday out there!
How does the process differ if it is raining?
You do it faster. ^_^
I was going to say the same as Sindex haha. But for real if its raining just waste no time. I would get the tent up asap and then do most of that unpacking stuff from within the tent. I would also usually roll out my rain skirt in front of the entrance to help stay dry a little more when entering and exiting.
What's the name and model of your tent?
Zpacks solplex. Have an initial impressions video and a post Appalachian trail review on my channel as well!
You can quickly blow up your inflatable pad by using your trash compactor bag to gather air and push it into the pad. Tried it on my last trip and could blow up my pad with 2 tries.
good idea. I have also seen a nozzle incorporated onto stuff sack bags with the same idea in mind. Thanks for watching!
Sigh, one day 🦥
You should do gear failure vids. One of your pals has already 30'000 views. YT will send him more money than he earns as a worker for a gear maker.
I wish I could but I didn't have ANY legit gear failures on the trail. My only problems were really my dislike for some rain gear. I guess thats a good thing though hah!
Look up NU
Look up nuclearoutdoorproducts on here....it’s my company!!, we love this stuff,,,,,,,,,,,!!!!!!