so appreciate that you have become such an advocate for sun protection! it’s a hard earned lesson, grateful you are trying to pass it on so the rest of us don’t have to learn the same way
I can give some more insight into Alpaca fiber clothing and the fiber itself Vs wool, as I worked on a farm that had both sheep and alpacas. Alpaca fibers are hollow, whereas wool has air pockets Polar bears also have hollow fur. Not only does that allow more warmth to be trapped, but it also keeps you cooler in the summer. It also wicks better and retains less moisture than wool, which is why the water repellency is better. Both wool and Alpaca are known for their ability to keep you warm even if they are soaking wet. where Alpaca wins out is once again the water retention. water retention = more weight and longer dry times. Alpaca fibers are smoother, thinner, and stronger than wool. Wool has a very rough surface hence the itch. That brings me to this, Alpaca is hypoallergenic. They are doing things with Alpaca fiber now that cannot be done with wool because of the comfort and thickness of the fibers. They now make t-shirts, underwear, lightweight socks, etc. As you mentioned Alpaca takes less work to prepare and to produce yarn and thread than wool, cotton, or synthetics. I am betting that they are far superior to anything out there as far as clothing materials, natural or synthetic. There was one exceptionally cold winter when I worked on the farm when it was consistently 20 below with windchill for a few days. I couldn't wear gloves because of the jobs I was doing at that time. But there was an alpaca and a sheep that liked hanging around and I quickly learned that the alpaca was much easier to get my hands in its hair than it was to get my hands in the sheep's wool, and much softer and warmer. Part of that was due to the waxy oils that wool has (Lanolin) which is believed to be the allergy cause of wool as well as the matting that wool does that alpaca fibers do not do. On a side note though the sheep still came in handy to keep my hands from drying out and cracking in that weather due to the lanolin. There are two types of fibers depending on which type of alpaca. Suri or Huacaya, Huacaya is what is used for warm clothing and more everyday clothing. That fiber is short and curly and feels like a teddy bear, which is the type I worked with. Suri has long straighter fibers that have a silkier smoother look and texture. That fiber is usually used for more high-end fashion due to that luster and feel. Suri is best for woven clothing and Huacaya is best for knit items. With all that being said I would wear alpaca fiber clothing whenever possible ESPECIALLY when hiking during summer rain you're wearing rain gear and it is humid. It will do so much to help you stay cooler and drier under that gear. I would use synthetics only as outerwear in bad weather. I run into more issues with synthetic materials than natural materials, Remember wool, cotton, and alpaca fiber are all flame retardant, synthetics can melt or even flame up depending on the material. I never hiked as much as you have but maybe try testing an alpaca blanket as a sleeping bag. It could save you some weight, keep in mind in this country's infancy soldiers, explorers, trappers, and hunters used wool blankets alone at times. I found an alpaca blanket 51" x 71" that weighs 1.2 lbs. Yes this was long but a ton of knowledge that needs to be shared for more informed decisions on what is right for your needs.
It's so awesome you mentioned getting active/hiking clothes at thrift stores! That's my go to place for anything active wear related. It depends on the store but savers usually has a pretty decent selection. I've gotten all of my active wear from savers, including my water shoes and running shoes which can be expensive at regular price. Even gear can be thrifted or gotten from a consignment shop or even eBay and Facebook marketplace. I think a lot of people get discouraged about the exorbitant prices of active wear and outdoor gear but I hope everyone will start to realize it doesn't have to be expensive! Buy second hand and you'll save money and help the planet a little bit while you're at it
Hi Dixie; thanks for “introducing” folks to the benefits of alpaca socks. I own both merino wool socks (Darn Tough) and Alpaca socks and love them both. The alpaca socks do seem to keep my feet a bit warmer than the wool (possibly simply because they are a thicker sock) but one thing I will mention; be careful not to put them in the dryer. I accidentally put both in the dryer and although the merino wool socks shrunk a little (I could still fit into them) the alpaca socks shrunk so severely that my wife now has another nice pair of alpaca socks !!!
You Felted the socks. After washing any wool garment. Squeeze the water out of the garment. Never ring they out. The next step is to lay the garment/socks etc. on a bath towel. Roll the towel up. Squeeze the towel or put it on the floor and step on it. Unroll the towel. if the garment is sheep wool it will be about 80% dry by weight. Hang or lay flat where there is air flow indoors or outdoors and the garment will be dry enough to wear in an hour or two depending on humidity. In a pinch you can put it on a "wear it dry" in an hour. it still has 80% of its insulation value. Good to know if you are wearing it the rain instead of a rain coat. As for alpaca. when squeezing and towel rolling alpaca you have removed 90% of the moisture.
One item that doesn't get mentioned a lot but has found a permanent home in my snowshoeing and winter hiking gear is a neck gaiter. The ones my wife and I carry are made by turtle fur. Weighs almost nothing but seals the neck from air flow, warm, and a mask in severe cold. Been to -50 wind chill and with proper layering, neck gaiter pulled up and goggles, no exposed skin and comfy as a bug in a rug.
I love those too. They're a must have for me for all outdoor sports when temperatures are at or below freezing. If they get icy, just roll them so it's away from your skin. I also like a Buff with InsectShield for the rest of the year (as headband, neckwarmer, etc.). Both are great glasses wipes, making them multifunctional.
your gonna love the alpaca material its great for cold weather tho i would still carry a merino base layer for summer nights but alpaca is def the new champ in the winter world
I find many (if not all) of your backpacking suggestions also apply to us "walkers". I walk 3 miles a day - conservatively 1,200 miles/year and really appreciate your ideas. Last week, in Fairbanks Alaska it was -48F here and I was still out walking my miles. As you say...Layers work - for me and for my dog. Good video.
Avid walker here as well and I agree as well. I'm currently pregnant so I'm forced into taking a break but I'm saving all of these tips and suggestions for when I'm back on my feet again in a few months. I have learned so much from hikers that benefit me on my long walks.
I own and wear Appalachian Gear Company shirts and fleece hoodies. Absolutely love them. On the plus side, the garments don't stink and you don't need to wash them that often. Airing them out works very well. I also ordered different sock types from Paka. The low cut ones are ok, the other ones sucked.
Thanks Dixie! I have the Paka socks, and I absolutely love them! I also love their hoodie, it is thin and light weight, but very warm and breathable. I bought the light gray one and loved it so much I bought two more and I bought them for my children too who also love them.
Thanks, Dixie! I have allergies and can't wear wool, but my old EMS polyester tees manage moisture much better than cotton and don't stink. I hope this encourages others who can't wear wool either. I read the comment about alpaca wool not having lanolin and will try that, as I have an Alpacor alpaca blend beanie which is fabulous for backpacking--I can see steam rise when I'm hot, which means it's dumping moisture fast, and it's thin, light, and warm.
For those who are curious, the biggest difference between Merino and Alpaca is that Merino has lanolin which helps wick moisture, and alpaca doesn't. If your allergic to wool, alpaca may be for you. Very good tips from Dixie.
I would just like to clarify that the lanolin makes the merino wool water-repellent but it's actually the structure of the wool fibers themselves that [mechanically] wick away moisture through capillary action 🙂
Thank you for your perspective and experience on clothing. There’s a video that did a head to head between merino wool and synthetic clothing after getting dunked. The wool stayed wet significantly longer than synthetic. I’m not sure the same would be true for alpaca but it’s food for thought.
What kind of synthetic weave was used? What kind of synthetic fiber poly or microfiber. What was the insulation value when they were both at total saturation. Where the garments squeezed to see which, one retained the lowest amount of moisture. Synthetics can be formulated to hold water such as a dish towel or hold almost nor water, like a beach towel to lay on or an active sports shirt. An alpaca garment will only absorb 10% of its weight of water and at the same time retain 80% of its insulation value. Sheeps wool when wet still retains 80% of its insulation value. In research you first have to remove the variables.
Cotton in a hot, dry, desert environ is actually preferable for exactly the reasons you state. It holds water and is slow to dry out. Hikers here at Grand Canyon are regularly told to wear cotton and soak it with water from the spigots or streams.
Your suggestions are all valid, but I have to say cotton isn't necessarily the killer it is painted as these days. Us old timers (I started backpacking in 1961) remember when everyone wore jeans, and I remember no one suffering greatly as a result. I did have a pair of wool knickers I used in winter in Alaska, in the '70s, but stayed with jeans, or even old chinos until the last 20 years. I moved to synthetics mostly due to weight. My Kuhl hiking pants weigh about a third of what my Wranglers do.
If your hike is Spring, Summer, Autumn *and* Winter, then you need to load up with winter woollies too, which is annoying extra weight in your Summer section -- but necessary sometimes, unless you can buy it on the way and/or send it along as needed. Cotton can be fine on hikes when you're mostly sleeping indoors, though it's not for everyone. I personally radiate a lot of body heat so that it dries up on me most days just from hiking -- I can even sometimes go to sleep in a wet sleeping bag and find it dry in the morning -- but if that's not your case and your body doesn't do that, be careful with it. The one cotton to absolutely avoid in every single circumstance is cotton socks !! I walk in cotton jeans and t-shirt though. Wear what you have at home is a Top Tip !! As to socks I would always recommend 100% wool of whatever sort. Against the Sun, I've found that a good hat and long trousers are the two most important. And a tan on your forearms !!
plus size day hiker here, very few brands to choose from for myself that fit just right. I may have to invent it! this video is good information thank you for putting it out
Fun fact: backpacking tips about clothing and shoe comfort, also apply to running around a theme park all day 😂 enjoyed Universal Studios Orlando SO much more with my wide toe box sneakers. Also brought my UL sleeping pad because the pullout couch was terrible 😆
There's a whole sub genre on RUclips for how to pack for vacations. Using ultralight principles one can leave the big suitcase at home and still be comfortably dressed at all times. If you are comfy on the trail, you probably will be comfy anywhere.
Totally agree! I have been wearing Altras as my shoes for all occasions. Backpacking, Running, Biking, Work, ect. Can't beat that wide toe box. They aint just for hiking.
I have an alpaca beanie from Appalachian gear co., it's kind of thin so not for the super cold and a bit itchy but still my go to most of the time. Will have to try the socks for sure.
I tried Alpaca socks about 3 years ago. I love them so much they're the only socks I wear for all but the hottest part of the year here (northeast US).
Sleep clothes if you have them, puffy or rain jacket top/wind pants or rain pants for your bottoms. Wasn't uncommon to see me in a laundromat on the PCT wearing just that. Being out in the wilderness would be less weird to the "muggles".
Love you dixie (platonically) and love your videos. Hoping these suggestions help get my wife into the back country. I love it but she's not totally on board.
This was the first time I saw you post a video with no views yet. What an honor to be the first click on your video! Great job, as always Dixie. Keep on trekking!
What are your thoughts on compression clothing (socks, leggings, tops, etc) while hiking? I don't know if anyone actually use them for that but they're very popular here for runners and walkers (I use them from time to time when I exercise as well - or I did, pre-pregnancy, now I'm too sick to do anything, unfortunately), so it just occurred to me while watching this video that maybe they'd be beneficial when hiking too (I might be completely wrong though, hence the question).
I think you are going to love PAKA. I've been a huge PAKA user for well over a year. Socks, tee shirts, underwear, a fleece top, and they are amazing. Everything you love about merino wool is MUCH better with Alpaca wool - temperature regulating like crazy and super anti-microbial. On microbe counts in wool. Just counting the microbes is useless. You need to count them by TYPE. Just like your gut, your skin, and wool also, has biome of its own. The stink comes from bad bacteria. So that study was probably counting the good bacteria that is wool's natural biome (or your skin's) as being bad, which is very wrong. Paid for by synthetics, I bet
Ok, so stupid question. If cotton kills, what material should pants be made of that will stand up to walking through the woods and not getting torn up by thorns and branches. I have a pair of non-cotton pants for this purpose and the woods won.....not even a challenge.
Wet cotton does not cool you off. It is the evaporation of the water that cools you off. Cotton can only cool you when the humidity is low. I wear alpaca socks year around. They are cool in the summer and warm in the winter. For equal weight alpaca is stronger than sheep wool and twice the insulation. Alpaca wool is said to be hollow fiber making it twice as warm per weight. The reality the fibers are not hollow like a straw; they have hollow pockets in each fiber. Pure alpaca yarn socks now come with Tencel threads in the socks and some of the shirts and sweaters to increase the life of the garment. Alpaca can only hold 10% of its weight in moisture. If you cross a stream and leave your socks on, take them off and squeeze them Never ring wool garment they my Felt. After squeezing them they are damp but not wet. Alpaca knit sleeping bag liners are a great year around module for your Sleep System. Alone they are a nice comfortable summer bag or with a one pound down quilt and your Nyja suit and a 15 oz hooded down jacket you can sleep you comfortably to 20 F degrees.
So far alpaca sox are causing me to have athlete's foot due to the breathability. Im heartbroken over this because theyre the softest and most comfortable socks ive ever worn. This is the 'Pacas' brand im speaking of, not Paka
I'm working on my clothes for backpacking Point Reyes California in two weeks and considering leaving rain gear at home. Or at least leaving rain pants at home. I've never really been able to stay dry no matter what I wear. Thoughts?
Rain pants are great in chilly weather. In summer I wear synthetic running shorts and a polypropylene T-shirt if it is drizzly and then slip a poncho over that if it is pouring rain. A waterproof ball cap too. I respect Dixie's choice to protect her skin in sunny conditions. I take precautions too.
I sweat like crazy, and Zpacks Vertice rain garments work better for me than any others. Between the pit zips and high breathability, I've been slightly damp but comfortable in 3 days of steady rain. If it's going to get cold or windy, bring rain gear because it will help keep you warm even if you are damp. For that reason, I always bring a rain jacket, no matter the climate.
I live close to Point Reyes. The odds of it raining or being foggy are pretty good. If you don't stay dry you'll freeze. If you don't like rain pants get a long poncho. Rain or fog you're going to be wet.
?? They don't kill the animal to get the wool!! In fact, it's therapeutic for the animals when their wool is sheared off to help maintain their overall health. 🙄🙄
Hi Dixie. I have watched all your videos on the PCT, AT and CDT. Marathon viewing ! I am getting ready for a thru hike of my own this year on the PCT 2024 and I appreciate your info! Thanks for sharing. Plant Papa
Would be great if you'd give an update about the Garmin SAR fiasco.... and whether or not they've paid?!? If not, maybe you can do a video about other alternatives that you've heard good things about, or other options?
Syntethic clothing leaves me clammy and irritates me in hot weather. I will wear cotton for day, but have other fabrics for night or underlayers for cooler days.
I've not done a long distance hike so what do I know, but sorry Dixie if I ever do one I'm taking 4 pairs of underwear not 2, lol. I'm thinking I could handle the extra weight.
If you are able to wash a pair and hang it on your pack to dry each day, you can bring two pairs and still be putting (mostly) clean underwear on each day.
Hey Dixie, Give Altera Explore socks a try. They are alpaca and have the lifetime warranty. I used them on my LASH of the AT in 2019 and have worn them pretty much every day since. Oh and check Paka's other clothes.
I have an Alpaca fleece hoodie. The manufacturer claimed it was their own special weave that was stronger than merino wool and it wouldn’t tear. Mine hasn’t torn but after just a couple months of use it has a bunch of holes. I paid an insane amount of money. The manufacturer offered to supply me with some patches when I messaged them. I just wasn’t happy with that. If you can get a blend of nylon and alpaca it’ll help with durability. I’ve found that synthetic insulations perform better than wool, provided they are wrapped in quality materials. I really want to try the Enlightened Equipment Torrid jacket but I’m concerned about the durability. I think having a durable outer shell no matter the season is key. Have an extra insulating layer like a puffy jacket.
Tencel is a biodegradable fiber that adds strength to lose weave wool fabrics. I wear the hell out of my 100% alpaca hoodie and never had a problem, but I know it happens.
Key to what was mentioned. Tailor clothes to where going. Cotton ok for desert. But it does kill in mountains. WAS on trip. I had great time. Same mountain at same time guy died because he had nothing but wet from sweat, cotton clothes. Froze even in sleeping bag.
It’s hard for someone living in south florida to test clothing for a mountain hike. Pretty much just have to do some research and trust yourself to make the right decisions
I know I've posted this before but perhaps a newbie will find it valuable. CLOTHES ARE NOT WARM! Put a thermometer in a pile of clothes and it will read ambient temp. Except for external sources (fire, chemicals etc.) your body is the only SOURCE of heat. There are 5 ways the body looses heat: evaporation, conduction, convection, radiation and respiration. Clothes can trap that heat, shed rain, stop wind etc. to help keep you warm but you controlling food intake and energy output are really the major ways of controlling warmth. The wise choice of clothes and putting on or taking off as Dixie says is critical of course, and an understanding of your particular body is so important.
I have a Paka hoodie. I've washed it once and it doesn't stink. It also kept me warm in 10° weather. I was in a light base layer and the Paka too. - Angel (AT class of 19)
Has anybody solved the problem of layers that can be easily swapped out yet? Stopping, taking off a backpack, un/packing a layer and then taking off or putting on that layer is annoying af lol
Alpaca gloves and hoodie in my pack. They are a bit delicate. Warm. The hoodie has a wide range of comfort. Can wear the hoodie outside in as low as 30 degrees F, -1 C, and go inside where it’s 65F/ 18C and be comfortable in both. Thank you for sharing, from East Tennessee
Ever see a nice, clean Jeep on the street? Then a filthy muddy one goes by & think "they’re living the life". I’m a Proud Stinky Muddy Jeep☮️ Old School☮️
so appreciate that you have become such an advocate for sun protection! it’s a hard earned lesson, grateful you are trying to pass it on so the rest of us don’t have to learn the same way
I can give some more insight into Alpaca fiber clothing and the fiber itself Vs wool, as I worked on a farm that had both sheep and alpacas. Alpaca fibers are hollow, whereas wool has air pockets Polar bears also have hollow fur. Not only does that allow more warmth to be trapped, but it also keeps you cooler in the summer. It also wicks better and retains less moisture than wool, which is why the water repellency is better. Both wool and Alpaca are known for their ability to keep you warm even if they are soaking wet. where Alpaca wins out is once again the water retention. water retention = more weight and longer dry times. Alpaca fibers are smoother, thinner, and stronger than wool. Wool has a very rough surface hence the itch. That brings me to this, Alpaca is hypoallergenic. They are doing things with Alpaca fiber now that cannot be done with wool because of the comfort and thickness of the fibers. They now make t-shirts, underwear, lightweight socks, etc. As you mentioned Alpaca takes less work to prepare and to produce yarn and thread than wool, cotton, or synthetics. I am betting that they are far superior to anything out there as far as clothing materials, natural or synthetic. There was one exceptionally cold winter when I worked on the farm when it was consistently 20 below with windchill for a few days. I couldn't wear gloves because of the jobs I was doing at that time. But there was an alpaca and a sheep that liked hanging around and I quickly learned that the alpaca was much easier to get my hands in its hair than it was to get my hands in the sheep's wool, and much softer and warmer. Part of that was due to the waxy oils that wool has (Lanolin) which is believed to be the allergy cause of wool as well as the matting that wool does that alpaca fibers do not do. On a side note though the sheep still came in handy to keep my hands from drying out and cracking in that weather due to the lanolin. There are two types of fibers depending on which type of alpaca. Suri or Huacaya, Huacaya is what is used for warm clothing and more everyday clothing. That fiber is short and curly and feels like a teddy bear, which is the type I worked with. Suri has long straighter fibers that have a silkier smoother look and texture. That fiber is usually used for more high-end fashion due to that luster and feel. Suri is best for woven clothing and Huacaya is best for knit items. With all that being said I would wear alpaca fiber clothing whenever possible ESPECIALLY when hiking during summer rain you're wearing rain gear and it is humid. It will do so much to help you stay cooler and drier under that gear. I would use synthetics only as outerwear in bad weather. I run into more issues with synthetic materials than natural materials, Remember wool, cotton, and alpaca fiber are all flame retardant, synthetics can melt or even flame up depending on the material. I never hiked as much as you have but maybe try testing an alpaca blanket as a sleeping bag. It could save you some weight, keep in mind in this country's infancy soldiers, explorers, trappers, and hunters used wool blankets alone at times. I found an alpaca blanket 51" x 71" that weighs 1.2 lbs. Yes this was long but a ton of knowledge that needs to be shared for more informed decisions on what is right for your needs.
It's so awesome you mentioned getting active/hiking clothes at thrift stores! That's my go to place for anything active wear related. It depends on the store but savers usually has a pretty decent selection. I've gotten all of my active wear from savers, including my water shoes and running shoes which can be expensive at regular price. Even gear can be thrifted or gotten from a consignment shop or even eBay and Facebook marketplace. I think a lot of people get discouraged about the exorbitant prices of active wear and outdoor gear but I hope everyone will start to realize it doesn't have to be expensive! Buy second hand and you'll save money and help the planet a little bit while you're at it
Lots of good information. But I'll be honest, my favorite part was the little "cotton kills" guy. Haha! 😂
So cute😂
Hi Dixie; thanks for “introducing” folks to the benefits of alpaca socks. I own both merino wool socks (Darn Tough) and Alpaca socks and love them both. The alpaca socks do seem to keep my feet a bit warmer than the wool (possibly simply because they are a thicker sock) but one thing I will mention; be careful not to put them in the dryer. I accidentally put both in the dryer and although the merino wool socks shrunk a little (I could still fit into them) the alpaca socks shrunk so severely that my wife now has another nice pair of alpaca socks !!!
You Felted the socks. After washing any wool garment. Squeeze the water out of the garment. Never ring they out. The next step is to lay the garment/socks etc. on a bath towel. Roll the towel up. Squeeze the towel or put it on the floor and step on it. Unroll the towel. if the garment is sheep wool it will be about 80% dry by weight. Hang or lay flat where there is air flow indoors or outdoors and the garment will be dry enough to wear in an hour or two depending on humidity. In a pinch you can put it on a "wear it dry" in an hour. it still has 80% of its insulation value. Good to know if you are wearing it the rain instead of a rain coat. As for alpaca. when squeezing and towel rolling alpaca you have removed 90% of the moisture.
One item that doesn't get mentioned a lot but has found a permanent home in my snowshoeing and winter hiking gear is a neck gaiter. The ones my wife and I carry are made by turtle fur. Weighs almost nothing but seals the neck from air flow, warm, and a mask in severe cold. Been to -50 wind chill and with proper layering, neck gaiter pulled up and goggles, no exposed skin and comfy as a bug in a rug.
I love those too. They're a must have for me for all outdoor sports when temperatures are at or below freezing. If they get icy, just roll them so it's away from your skin.
I also like a Buff with InsectShield for the rest of the year (as headband, neckwarmer, etc.). Both are great glasses wipes, making them multifunctional.
You mean like A buff? Pretty sure these are synonymous with hikers!! And for good reason!
your gonna love the alpaca material its great for cold weather tho i would still carry a merino base layer for summer nights but alpaca is def the new champ in the winter world
I find many (if not all) of your backpacking suggestions also apply to us "walkers". I walk 3 miles a day - conservatively 1,200 miles/year and really appreciate your ideas. Last week, in Fairbanks Alaska it was -48F here and I was still out walking my miles. As you say...Layers work - for me and for my dog. Good video.
I agree 100%. I am. Day hiker and an exercise walker, l can be out for hours at a time. All of Dixie’s hard earned knowledge works for us as well.
Avid walker here as well and I agree as well. I'm currently pregnant so I'm forced into taking a break but I'm saving all of these tips and suggestions for when I'm back on my feet again in a few months. I have learned so much from hikers that benefit me on my long walks.
As someone who can't afford a vehicle and walks to get groceries every week, I concur!
Dixie, you are looking much, much younger, your skin looks youthful and happy, and that is what you impart to us, your followers. Arohanui from NZ
I own and wear Appalachian Gear Company shirts and fleece hoodies. Absolutely love them. On the plus side, the garments don't stink and you don't need to wash them that often. Airing them out works very well. I also ordered different sock types from Paka. The low cut ones are ok, the other ones sucked.
Thanks Dixie! I have the Paka socks, and I absolutely love them! I also love their hoodie, it is thin and light weight, but very warm and breathable. I bought the light gray one and loved it so much I bought two more and I bought them for my children too who also love them.
Best socks I ever owned are made of Bamboo fibre, 14 years of constant use never a hole, blister or smelly feet.
Thanks, Dixie!
I have allergies and can't wear wool, but my old EMS polyester tees manage moisture much better than cotton and don't stink. I hope this encourages others who can't wear wool either.
I read the comment about alpaca wool not having lanolin and will try that, as I have an Alpacor alpaca blend beanie which is fabulous for backpacking--I can see steam rise when I'm hot, which means it's dumping moisture fast, and it's thin, light, and warm.
Love my long sleeve sun shirts! They are cool, and they keep your skin protected as well.
For those who are curious, the biggest difference between Merino and Alpaca is that Merino has lanolin which helps wick moisture, and alpaca doesn't. If your allergic to wool, alpaca may be for you.
Very good tips from Dixie.
I would just like to clarify that the lanolin makes the merino wool water-repellent but it's actually the structure of the wool fibers themselves that [mechanically] wick away moisture through capillary action 🙂
I found the Paka socks keep my feet much drier than the merino wool and I don’t need to change them nearly as often.
very useful, thanks Dixie!
Thank you for your perspective and experience on clothing. There’s a video that did a head to head between merino wool and synthetic clothing after getting dunked. The wool stayed wet significantly longer than synthetic. I’m not sure the same would be true for alpaca but it’s food for thought.
What kind of synthetic weave was used? What kind of synthetic fiber poly or microfiber. What was the insulation value when they were both at total saturation. Where the garments squeezed to see which, one retained the lowest amount of moisture. Synthetics can be formulated to hold water such as a dish towel or hold almost nor water, like a beach towel to lay on or an active sports shirt. An alpaca garment will only absorb 10% of its weight of water and at the same time retain 80% of its insulation value. Sheeps wool when wet still retains 80% of its insulation value. In research you first have to remove the variables.
Cotton in a hot, dry, desert environ is actually preferable for exactly the reasons you state. It holds water and is slow to dry out. Hikers here at Grand Canyon are regularly told to wear cotton and soak it with water from the spigots or streams.
I just got a pair of injinji toe socks you mentioned in another video and I love them for hiking! My toes thank you, lol.
Injinji - game changer for me
Which ones did you get because mine didn't even last a week of moderate usage :/
@@3nertia I have a yellow crew pair my fav & some low cut that are a tad thicker
@@PaperSachs Oh, I picked up the merino wool pair :/
Your suggestions are all valid, but I have to say cotton isn't necessarily the killer it is painted as these days. Us old timers (I started backpacking in 1961) remember when everyone wore jeans, and I remember no one suffering greatly as a result. I did have a pair of wool knickers I used in winter in Alaska, in the '70s, but stayed with jeans, or even old chinos until the last 20 years. I moved to synthetics mostly due to weight. My Kuhl hiking pants weigh about a third of what my Wranglers do.
Appalachian Trail Company for sleeping bag liners, layering, sun shirts. They are awesome!
If your hike is Spring, Summer, Autumn *and* Winter, then you need to load up with winter woollies too, which is annoying extra weight in your Summer section -- but necessary sometimes, unless you can buy it on the way and/or send it along as needed.
Cotton can be fine on hikes when you're mostly sleeping indoors, though it's not for everyone. I personally radiate a lot of body heat so that it dries up on me most days just from hiking -- I can even sometimes go to sleep in a wet sleeping bag and find it dry in the morning -- but if that's not your case and your body doesn't do that, be careful with it. The one cotton to absolutely avoid in every single circumstance is cotton socks !! I walk in cotton jeans and t-shirt though.
Wear what you have at home is a Top Tip !!
As to socks I would always recommend 100% wool of whatever sort.
Against the Sun, I've found that a good hat and long trousers are the two most important. And a tan on your forearms !!
I love all my Alpaca products!!
plus size day hiker here, very few brands to choose from for myself that fit just right. I may have to invent it! this video is good information thank you for putting it out
Fun fact: backpacking tips about clothing and shoe comfort, also apply to running around a theme park all day 😂 enjoyed Universal Studios Orlando SO much more with my wide toe box sneakers.
Also brought my UL sleeping pad because the pullout couch was terrible 😆
There's a whole sub genre on RUclips for how to pack for vacations. Using ultralight principles one can leave the big suitcase at home and still be comfortably dressed at all times. If you are comfy on the trail, you probably will be comfy anywhere.
Totally agree! I have been wearing Altras as my shoes for all occasions. Backpacking, Running, Biking, Work, ect. Can't beat that wide toe box. They aint just for hiking.
When we hike long .going to smell no matter what..I wear Patagonia light underwear a lot .all season's. Good advice.
Excellent info! Getting clothing right is pretty important. (Also, the cotton monster and the B roll are awesome Aaron.)
Great info! Paka has on my list for the last couple months…going to try it for Isle Royale spring hike trip! TY!
I have an alpaca beanie from Appalachian gear co., it's kind of thin so not for the super cold and a bit itchy but still my go to most of the time. Will have to try the socks for sure.
I tried Alpaca socks about 3 years ago. I love them so much they're the only socks I wear for all but the hottest part of the year here (northeast US).
Love the cotton kills graphic
I prefer 2 day outfits that way if you need to you can be drying one while wearing the other.
I just make my sleeping outfit something that could also be a day outfit
Sleep clothes if you have them, puffy or rain jacket top/wind pants or rain pants for your bottoms. Wasn't uncommon to see me in a laundromat on the PCT wearing just that. Being out in the wilderness would be less weird to the "muggles".
@@lehcimst I love the $20 dance warm-up pants on Amazon. I carry a pair of them for wind pants and they only weigh 3 oz.
I told a newbie hiker that "Cotton Kills". She thought I meant "Dress to kill" and came to the hike in her cotton pajamas.
Great advice. Would you please add the link to the specific socks you qre wearing from Paka?
I would genuinely buy a Cotton kills t-shirt 😂
Love you dixie (platonically) and love your videos. Hoping these suggestions help get my wife into the back country. I love it but she's not totally on board.
Thanks for the Paka tip! My only issue with DT is they're a bit scratchy -bearable, but I am the princess and the pea :-P
Socks first -- yes!
I think you should do a few trails again . . . Be a double triple crowner . . . Like a double-triple banana split :o)
I like Paka and have 3 of their sweaters. Look forward to your opinion on their socks.
Thanks!
Have you tried the Paka socks yet? I bought one pair and they threw in a second pair for free. The feel good but seem a little thin.
Has the Stellate ganglion block continued to provide relief? Curious because I am considering a trip to Texas for the procedure.
This was the first time I saw you post a video with no views yet. What an honor to be the first click on your video! Great job, as always Dixie. Keep on trekking!
It does not mean you were first, just that TY does not update the view numbers very fast
Good advice.
Great vid per usual Dixie! ❤
To really test outfits by day hiking, wear the same outfit for several consecutive hikes, treating just like you are backpacking.
Cotton doesn't kill, stupidity kills
What are your thoughts on compression clothing (socks, leggings, tops, etc) while hiking? I don't know if anyone actually use them for that but they're very popular here for runners and walkers (I use them from time to time when I exercise as well - or I did, pre-pregnancy, now I'm too sick to do anything, unfortunately), so it just occurred to me while watching this video that maybe they'd be beneficial when hiking too (I might be completely wrong though, hence the question).
Looking good Jes
More light layers/options is better than heavy do every.
Thursday, February 08th: Thank-you for sharing. Happy Trails! Ross08
Did you travel allone? Wow
I think you are going to love PAKA. I've been a huge PAKA user for well over a year. Socks, tee shirts, underwear, a fleece top, and they are amazing. Everything you love about merino wool is MUCH better with Alpaca wool - temperature regulating like crazy and super anti-microbial.
On microbe counts in wool. Just counting the microbes is useless. You need to count them by TYPE. Just like your gut, your skin, and wool also, has biome of its own. The stink comes from bad bacteria. So that study was probably counting the good bacteria that is wool's natural biome (or your skin's) as being bad, which is very wrong. Paid for by synthetics, I bet
Cotten doesn't kill but it certainly stinks after a couple of days
Ok, so stupid question. If cotton kills, what material should pants be made of that will stand up to walking through the woods and not getting torn up by thorns and branches. I have a pair of non-cotton pants for this purpose and the woods won.....not even a challenge.
I see that some clothes have copper thread throughout them would that help keep bacteria from growing
Ditto silver.
Help on men’s underwear for backpacking… briefs or bower. Really need suggestions…. I know you are a woman but you have men hiker friends. 😊
Wet cotton does not cool you off. It is the evaporation of the water that cools you off. Cotton can only cool you when the humidity is low. I wear alpaca socks year around. They are cool in the summer and warm in the winter. For equal weight alpaca is stronger than sheep wool and twice the insulation. Alpaca wool is said to be hollow fiber making it twice as warm per weight. The reality the fibers are not hollow like a straw; they have hollow pockets in each fiber. Pure alpaca yarn socks now come with Tencel threads in the socks and some of the shirts and sweaters to increase the life of the garment. Alpaca can only hold 10% of its weight in moisture. If you cross a stream and leave your socks on, take them off and squeeze them Never ring wool garment they my Felt. After squeezing them they are damp but not wet. Alpaca knit sleeping bag liners are a great year around module for your Sleep System. Alone they are a nice comfortable summer bag or with a one pound down quilt and your Nyja suit and a 15 oz hooded down jacket you can sleep you comfortably to 20 F degrees.
Have you had any progress on getting payment from Garmin?
Garmin has paid.
👍
So far alpaca sox are causing me to have athlete's foot due to the breathability. Im heartbroken over this because theyre the softest and most comfortable socks ive ever worn. This is the 'Pacas' brand im speaking of, not Paka
I'm working on my clothes for backpacking Point Reyes California in two weeks and considering leaving rain gear at home. Or at least leaving rain pants at home. I've never really been able to stay dry no matter what I wear. Thoughts?
Bring an umbrella!
Rain pants are great in chilly weather. In summer I wear synthetic running shorts and a polypropylene T-shirt if it is drizzly and then slip a poncho over that if it is pouring rain. A waterproof ball cap too. I respect Dixie's choice to protect her skin in sunny conditions. I take precautions too.
I sweat like crazy, and Zpacks Vertice rain garments work better for me than any others. Between the pit zips and high breathability, I've been slightly damp but comfortable in 3 days of steady rain.
If it's going to get cold or windy, bring rain gear because it will help keep you warm even if you are damp. For that reason, I always bring a rain jacket, no matter the climate.
I live close to Point Reyes. The odds of it raining or being foggy are pretty good. If you don't stay dry you'll freeze. If you don't like rain pants get a long poncho. Rain or fog you're going to be wet.
@robertclark8044 thanks!!!! This is just what I needed to know. I just want it to be worth the weight, sounds like it is there.
FYI Altra Lone Peak 8 has brought back the wide toe box from the 5 series. You can be Bozo again 😂
Looking at those socks, only 41% Alpaca, probably not a true test of the fibre…
hey Dixie, you need to get that husband of yours involved in the RUclips channel also 👍
Why do you make those weird faces on your thumbnails. Please don’t be like everybody else, no need.
wow you hate animals. Now alpacas. Damn, those industries are CRUEL
Why is it cruel? They do not kill the animals to harvest the wool.
??
They don't kill the animal to get the wool!!
In fact, it's therapeutic for the animals when their wool is sheared off to help maintain their overall health.
🙄🙄
My neighbors alpaca seem pretty happy. She has sheep too. I am wearing a hat and anorak made from the fiber of those animals right now.
Hi Dixie. I have watched all your videos on the PCT, AT and CDT. Marathon viewing ! I am getting ready for a thru hike of my own this year on the PCT 2024 and I appreciate your info! Thanks for sharing. Plant Papa
You're the only person I know that uses the word britches.
Would be great if you'd give an update about the Garmin SAR fiasco.... and whether or not they've paid?!? If not, maybe you can do a video about other alternatives that you've heard good things about, or other options?
How's the health?
Syntethic clothing leaves me clammy and irritates me in hot weather. I will wear cotton for day, but have other fabrics for night or underlayers for cooler days.
I've not done a long distance hike so what do I know, but sorry Dixie if I ever do one I'm taking 4 pairs of underwear not 2, lol. I'm thinking I could handle the extra weight.
If you are able to wash a pair and hang it on your pack to dry each day, you can bring two pairs and still be putting (mostly) clean underwear on each day.
Hey Dixie, Give Altera Explore socks a try. They are alpaca and have the lifetime warranty. I used them on my LASH of the AT in 2019 and have worn them pretty much every day since. Oh and check Paka's other clothes.
I have an Alpaca fleece hoodie. The manufacturer claimed it was their own special weave that was stronger than merino wool and it wouldn’t tear. Mine hasn’t torn but after just a couple months of use it has a bunch of holes. I paid an insane amount of money. The manufacturer offered to supply me with some patches when I messaged them. I just wasn’t happy with that.
If you can get a blend of nylon and alpaca it’ll help with durability. I’ve found that synthetic insulations perform better than wool, provided they are wrapped in quality materials. I really want to try the Enlightened Equipment Torrid jacket but I’m concerned about the durability.
I think having a durable outer shell no matter the season is key. Have an extra insulating layer like a puffy jacket.
Tencel is a biodegradable fiber that adds strength to lose weave wool fabrics. I wear the hell out of my 100% alpaca hoodie and never had a problem, but I know it happens.
Key to what was mentioned. Tailor clothes to where going. Cotton ok for desert. But it does kill in mountains. WAS on trip. I had great time. Same mountain at same time guy died because he had nothing but wet from sweat, cotton clothes. Froze even in sleeping bag.
Your the best.expert.👍
It’s hard for someone living in south florida to test clothing for a mountain hike. Pretty much just have to do some research and trust yourself to make the right decisions
I know I've posted this before but perhaps a newbie will find it valuable. CLOTHES ARE NOT WARM! Put a thermometer in a pile of clothes and it will read ambient temp. Except for external sources (fire, chemicals etc.) your body is the only SOURCE of heat. There are 5 ways the body looses heat: evaporation, conduction, convection, radiation and respiration. Clothes can trap that heat, shed rain, stop wind etc. to help keep you warm but you controlling food intake and energy output are really the major ways of controlling warmth. The wise choice of clothes and putting on or taking off as Dixie says is critical of course, and an understanding of your particular body is so important.
Yo yo yo!!
I have a Paka hoodie. I've washed it once and it doesn't stink. It also kept me warm in 10° weather. I was in a light base layer and the Paka too. - Angel (AT class of 19)
Thanks for the tips!
My go to is a bamboo base sun hoodie and undies, super cool and stay dry and does not smell like wool or synthetic. Cheers!
bamboo fibers are processed in chemicals turning them into plastic. It is very misleading and deceptive. I was fooled until I did a little digging.
Dang, camera quality is real good in this video.
sunscreen y'all!
Cotton is best in the desert
I purchased a Paka hoodie last year on my AZT hike and tho it's a bit weighty, it's warm and comfy and dependable. Papa gets 3 thumbs up 👍
Hey Jessica,
Happy 2024.
Thanks for posting!
Cheers, SV Good Karma as Grins.
10/10 thumbnail
I love my paca socks!
Thanks for including the original sources of the data discussed in the video!
Thanks for the video
Has anybody solved the problem of layers that can be easily swapped out yet? Stopping, taking off a backpack, un/packing a layer and then taking off or putting on that layer is annoying af lol
Alpaca gloves and hoodie in my pack. They are a bit delicate. Warm. The hoodie has a wide range of comfort. Can wear the hoodie outside in as low as 30 degrees F, -1 C, and go inside where it’s 65F/ 18C and be comfortable in both. Thank you for sharing, from East Tennessee
great advice, Dixie...♥ from Belgium
All good info! Thanks for sharing! Good to see new video! Peace be with you.
Ever see a nice, clean Jeep on the street? Then a filthy muddy one goes by & think "they’re living the life". I’m a Proud Stinky Muddy Jeep☮️ Old School☮️
Thanks for the video, Dixie. And I think congratulations are in order....🤔
Dixie, how do you feel about a really light comfortable pair of "camp shoes" like cross or flip flops?