Semper Paratus. I've carried First Aid kits for 60 years and only needed them for myself a few times but for others many times. I used to wash everything in a little bit of bleach and hang them in the sun to remove funk from gear. Take it from an old soldier, ponchos are the way to go. If you can find a pair of GI issued ponchos they can perform multiple functions: personal rain protection, stretcher, hammock, a small tarp, snap two together for a medium size tarp, and as protection for your tent in heavy percipitation. The old woobies are great extra insulation(can be put over your tent in cold weather with a poncho over it). River Country has nice ponchos for $10 but, they don't snap together. Nice video. Good Luck, Rick
Hey guys. I finished the Pinhoti and BMT section. At the Green Dragon for a couple days. Glad to see you guys again. Get caffeinated 😂😂😂😂. Hope to see you guys hiking again. Go Durston🎉🎉🎉🎉. I have the same wear on my pack Chuck. My straps hit the waist pouches and rubbed a hole. I have since taken a small pair of socks and cut out the toe then slid them over the waist pouches while hiking and it seems to take care of it. I ride my pack high and tight and that is what makes them rub on mine
Always a sucker for gear vids. 😂 But so stoked to have followed your guys' journey AND to have met & chatted with you when I was working at REI! Fellow Coasties unite!
Clothing for me is ALSO where I spiral!!! I literally watch gear videos for the clothing! Thanks so much for this thorough discussion. As always, great to see y’all! We’re shoving off from MD ➡️ME in May!
Really nice and thorough post hike gear video. I have landed on a lot of the same things you two did as well. Validation is great! I got a Zpacks and a Sea to Summit poncho , I liked the Z way better. I mostly got it to cover my Durston pack on the Colorado Trail summer 2024. I really liked it. I hated the DCF rain gloves too but I think I got the wrong size. I can't remember which brand I had first. I literally texted my husband from the side of the mountain first chance and asked him to order me the poncho and the smaller gloves from a different brand. I think it was Z Packs. I do wish the poncho had long arms because I could have left my jacket behind. I splurged (on weight and money) on raincoat and pants from arcteryx. The peace of mind knowing I would stay warm and dry was worth it. I got a senchi alpha 90 quarter zip hoodie and I thought that thing is the BOMB! A small item that I got from GGG that you might want on a different trail with harder dirt is the driver thing. Sorry I don't remember exactly what it is called. You can use it to help you push the stakes into the ground. I didn't always have a rock. It also has a slot for the end of a poop shovel. I never used it for that but it was a life saver for me to get the stakes into the ground and it weighs nothing. Anyway, if you are ever in Colorado, hit me up for a hike. I plan on doing the CT in 2025 since I didn't finish this year. Thank you again for sharing!
Seeing this was a great surprise. Yeah, I hope both are well. I'm a pillow lady here, too. It was a great review, especially about the double walled tents vs. the single wall and not to send your winter clothes back too soon. Enjoy the new home, and thanks for the reviews.
Hey guys ! Thank you for putting out the gear video! Alot of useful info !! Ohh and Chuck,, LOVE THE SHIRT! Great band ! Listen to them all the time on my pandora station! Hope you do alot more youtube ! 👏👏👏
Enjoyed this and enjoyed your entire hike. It was great to hike the AT and not get cold or wet or hot and mosquito bitten. Of course, I didn't lose any weight either. Hope you enjoy your new lives in Roanoke and I look forward to your next adventure!
Heather, I remember you wearing Chuck's Chicken Leg shorts and thought you should have taken those they looked so good on you! You guys were so well equipped for this, fun to watch!
1:20 Durston stink packs... I used the Kakwa 55 on a 223 mile trail here in Arkansas. The back not having any ventilation and just stewing in my sweat was one of two reasons I decided to switch to the Zpacks Arc Haul. The other reason was that I didn't care for the hip belt pockets. I know there is now an add on back ventilation thing you can get from Garage Grown Gear. If I didn't have the money for the Arc Haul, and the hip belt pockets were working for me, I would probably go with that. I'm also not a huge fan of the water bottle holders on the shoulder straps on the Kakwa. 3:30 I also popped a nylofume liner bag. I still use them. I'm not doing the AT and I'm rarely at camp with other people. 9:45 I got back into backpacking last year after hanging up my pack for about 15 years almost entirely because of new sleep system developments like sleeping pads, pillows, and quilts. My sleep was greatly improved by those equipment changes, but I changed to a hammock setup this spring and I get still better sleep in my hammock than on the ground. I also found that I can use a much smaller pillow with my hammock than I could sleeping on the ground because my head is slightly raised already. There is definitely a learning curve with hammocks, and it's more fussy to set up than a tent, but as long as you're backpacking where there are lots of trees, you'll have more options for camping because you don't need the flat smooth ground. 39:30 My experience is in Arkansas where "winter" is maybe 20° on the coldest nights and probably gets up to 40-50 or warmer in the daytime, but with that noted, I love using a poncho. Keeps me from getting completely soaked, and when I throw it over my pack, protects the pack and breathes better than any rain barrier jacket I've ever tried. Good stuff. Thanks for sharing.
Some tips for the Befree, you can patch pinholes with Super Glue gel (gorilla glue brand), My bladder lasted the entire trail. Also remember to Swush the water around and rinse it out until its clear. I would do this after each use as a routine to prolong the life of the cartridge. Congrats on your A.T. finish, and Happy Trails! - Bullfrog
@@ijblessjourney The Olympus saved my thru hike 100%. Bummer about the pump. I’ve heard others say the same thing too - guess they have some kinks they need to work out 😓
Great video, guys... glad to see you again... I appreciate the in-depth review and while I believe I have my gear dialed in for my 2025 NOBO, I still got good ideas from your video and am rethinking a few choices... I'm like Heather though, analysis paralysis, over think everything. Thanks for adding to my indecision😀👍
How did you vlog and get by with a 10k battery?! I had a 20k and still had to conserve at times. I guess having Chucks as well helped. I have a single wall duplex tent and I rarely had trouble with condensation. However with 2 people in a single wall I can see how that would be an issue!!
@@stanthemanhikes2965 ahaha I honestly don’t know because I feel like I should have needed it way more than I did! But this was my strategy… • I stayed in airplane mode 99.99% of the time • I only listened to podcasts offline and for a few episodes (unless we were heading into a place that we could charge devices, then I did whatever I wanted lol) • Only edited one video a day • We also had brand new iPhones so I’m sure that helped with the longevity of the batteries And honestly I never really needed Chuck’s battery either! I was surprised too lol.
I am always amazed at how much gear is packed in the backpacks. I don’t seem to be able to get my pack weight down… depending on how many days of food I have and if I’m carrying one water bottle or two water bottles full, my pack still weighs about 40 pounds we have gone on so many shakedown hikes and have got rid of everything we possibly can and it’s still weighs a lot. Do you mind telling me how much your pack weighed with supply food and water as well as all the gear?
@@jackieonthego I’m trying to remember when we weighed our completely full packs with our winter gear at Boots Off Hostel I THINK Chuck’s pack with a 4ish day resupply and 2L of water was like 29 pounds and mine was like 24 pounds? I could be wrong though lol.
@ dang that’s great! I don’t know why our packs are so heavy… we don’t have ultra light stuff but our stuff is t heavy either… oh well…40 pounds it is and will always be haha!! Glad to see you both again! Congratulations on your new home!
This may be a goofy question, but..did you stash your folded Gossamer Geat Thinlite pad in your side pocket or inside your pack? I'm assuming the pad was originally the rolled version, which you ended up folding? 🤷 Does it even make a difference?
So yes, these were the pads that were meant to be rolled. I tried stashing it in the side pocket once but honestly it was super annoying to try and get in and out of the pocket because the material is pretty grippy. We ended up folding them without any issues like rips or tears but those that had the version with the little slits meant for the fold had a cleaner, more compact fold if that makes sense haha
@@DissiDan Hi, it’s actually quite simple. I’m talking more because I did 99.9% of the research regarding gear pre-trail so naturally I have more to say. Hope this helps.
@heather__hikes You made him hold a bag of electronics unnecessarily, could've placed it on the floor but you made him hold while you talk over him constantly. Domination moves😀
Semper Paratus. I've carried First Aid kits for 60 years and only needed them for myself a few times but for others many times. I used to wash everything in a little bit of bleach and hang them in the sun to remove funk from gear. Take it from an old soldier, ponchos are the way to go. If you can find a pair of GI issued ponchos they can perform multiple functions: personal rain protection, stretcher, hammock, a small tarp, snap two together for a medium size tarp, and as protection for your tent in heavy percipitation. The old woobies are great extra insulation(can be put over your tent in cold weather with a poncho over it). River Country has nice ponchos for $10 but, they don't snap together. Nice video. Good Luck, Rick
@@richardross7219 Thanks Rick!
🎉 so great to see you guys!!!
Welcome to your new diggs.
Thank you for your gear info.
@@nanabd you’re welcome! 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing your AT journey. Hope you have many, happy trails ahead. We look forward to adventures you share.
@@amynapier3551 Thank you Amy! You are so kind 🥹
Hey! Missed you 2! Loved the video! Great tips on gear! Thank you 🫶🏻
Thank ya!! 🙂
Hey guys. I finished the Pinhoti and BMT section. At the Green Dragon for a couple days. Glad to see you guys again. Get caffeinated 😂😂😂😂. Hope to see you guys hiking again. Go Durston🎉🎉🎉🎉. I have the same wear on my pack Chuck. My straps hit the waist pouches and rubbed a hole. I have since taken a small pair of socks and cut out the toe then slid them over the waist pouches while hiking and it seems to take care of it. I ride my pack high and tight and that is what makes them rub on mine
@@Goruckyourself68 team Durston!!!
Great thorough review!! 😊
@@gina5827 thank you 😊
This was a pleasant surprise this morning. Only watched a coffee cups wirth, will finish later.
@@billmutschler2734 yea it’s a long one 🤣 hard ro keep it shorter when it’s two of us talking about the gear haha
Always a sucker for gear vids. 😂 But so stoked to have followed your guys' journey AND to have met & chatted with you when I was working at REI! Fellow Coasties unite!
Semper P 🫡
Thanks for sharing! I’ve enjoyed every minute of y’all’s hike. Congratulations again for completing the A.T. And Congratulations on y’all’s new home
Thank you! 🙂
Clothing for me is ALSO where I spiral!!! I literally watch gear videos for the clothing! Thanks so much for this thorough discussion. As always, great to see y’all! We’re shoving off from MD ➡️ME in May!
@@flowerpower1980 i still spiraled while on trail as you can see ahahahha 🤣
Really nice and thorough post hike gear video. I have landed on a lot of the same things you two did as well. Validation is great! I got a Zpacks and a Sea to Summit poncho , I liked the Z way better. I mostly got it to cover my Durston pack on the Colorado Trail summer 2024. I really liked it. I hated the DCF rain gloves too but I think I got the wrong size. I can't remember which brand I had first. I literally texted my husband from the side of the mountain first chance and asked him to order me the poncho and the smaller gloves from a different brand. I think it was Z Packs. I do wish the poncho had long arms because I could have left my jacket behind. I splurged (on weight and money) on raincoat and pants from arcteryx. The peace of mind knowing I would stay warm and dry was worth it. I got a senchi alpha 90 quarter zip hoodie and I thought that thing is the BOMB! A small item that I got from GGG that you might want on a different trail with harder dirt is the driver thing. Sorry I don't remember exactly what it is called. You can use it to help you push the stakes into the ground. I didn't always have a rock. It also has a slot for the end of a poop shovel. I never used it for that but it was a life saver for me to get the stakes into the ground and it weighs nothing. Anyway, if you are ever in Colorado, hit me up for a hike. I plan on doing the CT in 2025 since I didn't finish this year. Thank you again for sharing!
Heck yea! We love CT! Especially Boulder.
@@heather__hikes tee hee Boulder is nowhere near the CT but it IS an interesting town!
Seeing this was a great surprise. Yeah, I hope both are well. I'm a pillow lady here, too. It was a great review, especially about the double walled tents vs. the single wall and not to send your winter clothes back too soon. Enjoy the new home, and thanks for the reviews.
Thank you! 😊
I will be right there next to you on the megapillow hill!
Ahahah he loved that thing! I actually didn’t get the hype. I liked the little groove in the s2s pillow for my shoulder since I’m a side sleeper lol
Hey guys ! Thank you for putting out the gear video! Alot of useful info !! Ohh and Chuck,, LOVE THE SHIRT! Great band ! Listen to them all the time on my pandora station! Hope you do alot more youtube ! 👏👏👏
Oh yea Trampled By Turtles is the best 🤘🏼
Enjoyed this and enjoyed your entire hike. It was great to hike the AT and not get cold or wet or hot and mosquito bitten. Of course, I didn't lose any weight either. Hope you enjoy your new lives in Roanoke and I look forward to your next adventure!
Thank you Jim!
Heather, I remember you wearing Chuck's Chicken Leg shorts and thought you should have taken those they looked so good on you! You guys were so well equipped for this, fun to watch!
Thank ya! 🙂
1:20 Durston stink packs... I used the Kakwa 55 on a 223 mile trail here in Arkansas. The back not having any ventilation and just stewing in my sweat was one of two reasons I decided to switch to the Zpacks Arc Haul. The other reason was that I didn't care for the hip belt pockets. I know there is now an add on back ventilation thing you can get from Garage Grown Gear. If I didn't have the money for the Arc Haul, and the hip belt pockets were working for me, I would probably go with that. I'm also not a huge fan of the water bottle holders on the shoulder straps on the Kakwa.
3:30 I also popped a nylofume liner bag. I still use them. I'm not doing the AT and I'm rarely at camp with other people.
9:45 I got back into backpacking last year after hanging up my pack for about 15 years almost entirely because of new sleep system developments like sleeping pads, pillows, and quilts. My sleep was greatly improved by those equipment changes, but I changed to a hammock setup this spring and I get still better sleep in my hammock than on the ground. I also found that I can use a much smaller pillow with my hammock than I could sleeping on the ground because my head is slightly raised already. There is definitely a learning curve with hammocks, and it's more fussy to set up than a tent, but as long as you're backpacking where there are lots of trees, you'll have more options for camping because you don't need the flat smooth ground.
39:30 My experience is in Arkansas where "winter" is maybe 20° on the coldest nights and probably gets up to 40-50 or warmer in the daytime, but with that noted, I love using a poncho. Keeps me from getting completely soaked, and when I throw it over my pack, protects the pack and breathes better than any rain barrier jacket I've ever tried.
Good stuff. Thanks for sharing.
@@rungavagairun same to you! I always love to hear about other’s experiences with their gear as well 🙂
Some tips for the Befree, you can patch pinholes with Super Glue gel (gorilla glue brand), My bladder lasted the entire trail. Also remember to Swush the water around and rinse it out until its clear. I would do this after each use as a routine to prolong the life of the cartridge. Congrats on your A.T. finish, and Happy Trails! - Bullfrog
Hey Bullfrog! Hope all is well with you! 🙂
The Olympus Altra were amazing. No blisters but I used 7 total pairs. Same experience with the pump, it died on me very early on trail.
@@ijblessjourney The Olympus saved my thru hike 100%. Bummer about the pump. I’ve heard others say the same thing too - guess they have some kinks they need to work out 😓
@@heather__hikes I threw my pump like that in the trash! Expensive piece of JUNK!
Great video, guys... glad to see you again... I appreciate the in-depth review and while I believe I have my gear dialed in for my 2025 NOBO, I still got good ideas from your video and am rethinking a few choices... I'm like Heather though, analysis paralysis, over think everything. Thanks for adding to my indecision😀👍
It’s so easy to get caught up in the heat research! That’s the most fun part though!
@@heather__hikes Yeah, I'm a gear junkie... it's a totally separate hobby.... ordering an airmesh hoody at this very moment 😀
Nice! Hope you love it!
Thanks!
Omg you are too sweet! 🥹
@@heather__hikes I really enjoyed your hike and this gear video!
PONCHO IS LIFE❤
How did you vlog and get by with a 10k battery?! I had a 20k and still had to conserve at times. I guess having Chucks as well helped.
I have a single wall duplex tent and I rarely had trouble with condensation. However with 2 people in a single wall I can see how that would be an issue!!
@@stanthemanhikes2965 ahaha I honestly don’t know because I feel like I should have needed it way more than I did! But this was my strategy…
• I stayed in airplane mode 99.99% of the time
• I only listened to podcasts offline and for a few episodes (unless we were heading into a place that we could charge devices, then I did whatever I wanted lol)
• Only edited one video a day
• We also had brand new iPhones so I’m sure that helped with the longevity of the batteries
And honestly I never really needed Chuck’s battery either! I was surprised too lol.
Yay!!! Hello!!
Heyyy!
I am always amazed at how much gear is packed in the backpacks. I don’t seem to be able to get my pack weight down… depending on how many days of food I have and if I’m carrying one water bottle or two water bottles full, my pack still weighs about 40 pounds we have gone on so many shakedown hikes and have got rid of everything we possibly can and it’s still weighs a lot. Do you mind telling me how much your pack weighed with supply food and water as well as all the gear?
@@jackieonthego I’m trying to remember when we weighed our completely full packs with our winter gear at Boots Off Hostel I THINK Chuck’s pack with a 4ish day resupply and 2L of water was like 29 pounds and mine was like 24 pounds? I could be wrong though lol.
@ dang that’s great! I don’t know why our packs are so heavy… we don’t have ultra light stuff but our stuff is t heavy either… oh well…40 pounds it is and will always be haha!! Glad to see you both again! Congratulations on your new home!
@@jackieonthego do you have a kitchen scale?
This may be a goofy question, but..did you stash your folded Gossamer Geat Thinlite pad in your side pocket or inside your pack? I'm assuming the pad was originally the rolled version, which you ended up folding? 🤷 Does it even make a difference?
So yes, these were the pads that were meant to be rolled. I tried stashing it in the side pocket once but honestly it was super annoying to try and get in and out of the pocket because the material is pretty grippy. We ended up folding them without any issues like rips or tears but those that had the version with the little slits meant for the fold had a cleaner, more compact fold if that makes sense haha
What brand are those camp shoes? I need to replace my crocs
@@chrisgreen5905 Merrell! Just realized we didn’t mention the brand in the video - I’m sorry 🫣😅
Trampled By Turtles!
They’re so good!
Weird disproportional power dynamic here
@@DissiDan Hi, it’s actually quite simple. I’m talking more because I did 99.9% of the research regarding gear pre-trail so naturally I have more to say.
Hope this helps.
@heather__hikes You made him hold a bag of electronics unnecessarily, could've placed it on the floor but you made him hold while you talk over him constantly. Domination moves😀
I asked him to hold it, while saying please, because I needed to reach for something farther away.
I assure you it’s not that deep.
. You were fine,thanks for the review. ✌🏼
@@roberttrinies7698 haha 😆 thank you!
And you’re very welcome for the reviews! I love talking about gear!