@@lickourballs1atatimeok YES! (idk why I just saw this) but I started pretty pasty and even tried to slather sunscreen on my legs quite a bit and that was the result. Lots of time above 10,000 feet will do that to ya.
Great video! I like that it is a longer format, and also discusses more unique backpacking topics. For example, not many UL couples out there, so my wife and I enjoyed your details on hiking with your partner. I also really dig your down to earth, unpretentious style, and that you encourage using what you have. My wife also is a cold person, so I have a tip that you might be interested in. We each have our own SOL Escape Lite bivy that we use with our quilts inside of for extra warmth. They only weigh 150g and add more warmth than a quilt/bag liner used inside. Also fairly inexpensive, and we've been using ours for section hikes and overnighters for like 7 years now. Keep up the good work! New subscriber here!
Yes we had a hard time deciding how much gear we would share - turned out to be none haha but sometimes still helped each other out when our stoves broke, etc. which was nice. Thank you so much for the kind words!! And that's awesome, I'll definitely be looking into the bivy tip, thank you for sharing and welcome!!
@@eliseott My wife and I have pretty dialed in kits after hiking together for nearly 20 years as section hikers. I might have to do a new video on our couple's kit in the future. But yeah, it's wonderful to share a hike with a partner! BTW, I recently shared your latest video on thru-hiking costs (another great video btw!) on the UL subreddit. Some interesting discussions going on about section hiking vs thru-hiking. Not sure if you're on Reddit tho, but check it out if you are. Peace!
These reviews really help car campers too because we are flying to camp in yellow stone and we typically Glamp with a ton of gear. We have to limit to a suitcase and a carry-on backpack. I know queue the violins, but we value your experience 😊
Wow, way to few likes. Great video, super helpful to hear your experience. I did JMT and would love to do another long mini backpack someday with my better half.
Excellent video! Very informative. We have much of the same gear, but will look into some of your suggestions too. Looking forward to using my new Snow Peak Lite Max stove and my new SWD Movement 40/50 L pack. I hope to do the CDT in the next 3 years. I did the PCT a few years ago and loved it. Happy trails!
RE Sawyer Squeeze: after each use I would hold it with my hand coupled around the discharge end and blow through it. Then all the water still in it would come out the other end (backflushing). I was only wanting to get all the water out of it so to help keep it from freezing.
yes! this is also a great strategy, I usually tried to do the same each night, especially if I was sleeping with it so it wouldn't leak in my sleeping bag.
Thanks Elise. Loved this video, perfect amount of detail without being too much. So good. Was wondering about your ice axe setup. Looked like some kind of tape and orange cordage. Couldn’t see the end of the corsage. Just curious about that setup. Thanks, as always. Peace and happy trails to you and Kid.
Thanks so much!! Yes so the tape was a tip from a friend on the PCT, makes it a little easier to grip the top of the axe in the cold. The cordage is a makeshift leash (you use it to tie around your wrist so if you fall and lose your grip on the ice axe, it's still attaached and you can recover it). I've heard mixed reviews on if leashes are a good idea or not (if you fall and lose the grip on the axe, the leash could cause the axe to swing around and hit you as you are falling) - however, I found one to be absolutely necessary during a self arrest I had to do on Mt.Shasta. I dropped my axe and if it weren't for the leash I wouldn't have been able to self-arrest.
Thanks for this thorough review video! Super helpful! Thought I'd share my recommendation on my go-to stove: the soto windmaster with the triflex support! Still works like a charm after two thru's (PCT and AZT).
Congratulations on completing the CDT. I spent 4 nights snd 5 days in the Winds in September so did at least get to hike a short segment of the CDT. Nice job on your gear review. I really enjoyed your detailed explanations and inserted clips from your time on the trail. Nicely done! As far as a stove choice, I have had good luck so far with the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Deluxe. The Soto Amicus with or without the igniter is a good choice too. The igniter will eventually fail but a replacement kit is readily available for it. Some people swear by a Jetboil solution and I'm sure you saw a number of BRS 3000 models on trail. The 3000 is lightweight and relatively inexpensive but is not as economical with its use of fuel. All of these stoves suffer efficiency in the wind but the 3000 is most affected of all I have mentioned. Good luck. Now go hike the AT and earn that crown 👑.! ~ Martin
Thank you!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. And thank you for the stove recommendations! Maybe I’ll have to give MSR another shot, I’ll have to look into the Soto. I tried a BRS before the PCT and it broke on me right away. Maybe I’ve just got bad luck with stoves - ha. AT is definitely in my future at some point! Happy trails!
@@eliseott Backpacking Light did an indepth testing/review of backpacking stoves in 2019. The top four in descending order were the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe, Soto Windmaster 4Plex, MSR Pocket Rocket 2.0 and the Soto Amicus. If you're not a member you can still read the first portion of the article they published. I'm a member and respect their geeky approach to testing gear since they don't promote specific products to my knowledge. In other words, they are as unbiased as a person can be when testing gear.
Outstanding gear review! Very practical and to the point. We have been Backpacking since the early '70s and picked up some great tips from you! Next time you are in Montana give us a call. Would love to host or shuttle you guys!
thanks so much! I'm so glad you found it helpful. And thank you for the host / shuttle offer, maybe we will have to hike the divide again - definitely will be visiting Glacier again!
Give the Soto Amicus Stove a try if you want to stick with your pot. For more $ you can get a jetboil stash system, but my Amicus hasn't broke so I haven't felt the need to upgrade. I have the toaks 650ml pot and it fits my small canister, stove, hot lips, 1/4 bandana, and a mini bic inside. I also have a 950ml that pot I only carry when I can talk my daughter into a trip.
I was checking that fleece out in your CDT videos and loved it but perhaps I have to go with something else since I dont live in the US lol I have really 'earth tone' hiking clothes so the bright beenie is a good idea!
Loved the detailed walk-through of your gear!! And damn that’s a serious tan hahaha. Have been really enjoying the Soto Amicus stove (lightweight, super reliable also in wind and a bit cheaper than the Windmaster) if you’re still in the market for a stove
The Soto stoves are absolutely the best. I have the Windmaster as an upgrade from the BRS3000 which I used for many years. I couldn’t be happier. The Windmaster is a dream to use.
I’ve tried Snow Peaks, BSR and Soto Windmaster stoves are the best. Fast boil time, high quality, built in piezo that is reliable. Very wind proof. Get the triplex pot support.
Yup, I second the opinion on the soto windmaster. Only problem I had with it was after going through cold weather was the valve didn't close all the way and had a small leak. I just removed the canister right after cooking and had no problem. Keep hiking!
Idk if you bought new sleeping bag, but there is great polish company Cumulus. I have 2 sleeping bags from them and I love them. I love long gear videos with a lot of footage from hike
Thank you!! One thing I wondered about: with your Garmin watch, do you have to connect it with your phone via Bluetooth all the time? Or only whenever you want to have the data on your phone? I am thinking about getting a Garmin watch, but apparently that is such a basic question, that it isn't answered anywhere 😂
Haha oh no! You only have to connect it once you want the data on your phone, so it does NOT have to be connected all the time. I think there’s a limit on how many workouts the watch itself can store but I just synced mine every time I was in town and never had issues.
Thanks for making this! I'm giving the CDT a go early this May. I'm back and forth between a DCF footbag and bear hang kit vs an Ursak and just tying low to the ground for convenience. Some folks have said they had a hard time finding good bear hang trees along the CDT. What are your thoughts on this? Did you mostly just keep your food bag near you in your tent vestibules? Did you meet many people that had mice/critter issues with footbags?
Love this question! and WOOHOOO about your hike! I slept with my foodbag in my vestibule (with a scent proof liner inside) until we reached Grizzly territory (there are some spots in CO you may also want to protect against black bears). For the most part, I was able to find trees for hanging - however, there were a few times where it got late and there were no trees around (one particular evening comes to mind where another hiker had JUST spotted a grizzly) not a situation I wanted to be in with no trees. Allllll that said, some nights hanging my food bag was the worst part of my day because it's the last chore before bed and often I ended up doing it in the dark. I WISH I had carried an ursack and almost picked one up but couldn't find the right size at the outdoor store. Personally, I wish I'd had one to make my life a little easier. Only issue I had with mice was forgetting some trash in the mesh of my backpack one night in NM and they chewed through. I'd say for the most part there's comments on camp sites that have mice issues so you can do a mouse hang if needed.
@@eliseott Awesome, thanks for the info. I live in the NE and our local longer trails (AT and LT) have the mice infested shelters. The critters learned real quick about new food coming in every day. I'm so used to having to spend a lot of effort avoiding them chewing everything up. Maybe I'll gran an Ursack to simplify things for WY and onward.
Am I just being a super idiot or is there no summary of what your total starting carry weight was??? Would be great to know: base weight, full weight with all except water and food, full weight with "everything" as you lift on the pack to start. You do great videos with very clear and coherent explanations + without all the 'super buzz hype' that some feel necessary. THANKS!!!
OMG no, you're not a super idiot - I think I am and it's not in this video 😅. My "full weight" was 11.56 pounds according to my lighter pack (some stuff varied as I mentioned) and that doesn't include camera gear which was another 2.5 pounds. So total I was carrying pretty consistently about 14 pounds as my base weight. and thank you for watching and for the feedback!
I have this on the list of videos to make -hopefully soon! If it helps, it's prettttty similar to what I use to make most of my videos (and I have that list under most of them!)
@@eliseott I do a lot of my hiking with at least a camera and 3 lenses, and then all my additional gear, which makes it hard to strive for ultralight and small packs. Have had my eye on the SWD packs and am curious how they carry...
Thanks for the video! I would recommend you the BRS3000T. It's good enough at cooking water for less than an ounce. You pot is pretty wide so research if the flame pattern works with it since the BRS one is pretty pointy. Or upgrade to their smaller diameter 750/650ml that holds the smallest can (and stove and lighter and towel). Since you mentioned the camp sites on the CDT, do you think a three person tent would work or be too much hassle with the large footprint? Congrats on the CDT! My next one and (hopefully) triple.
I think a three person footprint might be slightly more difficult to find space for, but we hiked with a couple who had one and they definitely made it work (and we camped with them for at least half the trail). So I'd say it's definitely doable. Thanks for the tip on the stove! I have tried the BRS before and the valve broke on my almost right away, it seems to be a little hit or miss if you get good quality with those, but I've heard of people who get a good one and it lasts them ages. So maybe it's worth another shot.
@@eliseott Thanks. So I can make my Xmid 2 Pro work.😂 The BRS hasn't great QC but I hear they've gotten better at it. I was lucky and mine lasted for 2 thru hikes so I replaced it immediately. If they were pricey the QC issue would be bigger, I'd give it a go again.
@@wio2189 oh definitely. You might sleep on the occasional root but that’s gonna happen regardless 😂. And good to know I’ll have to give it another shot!
I was recommended your video and already love the content! Your video was genuine and full of good thorough details of all of your gear. Your very underrated and deserve more of a following. Keep up the great content 🤙🏼
Yes! There’s a new one every Sunday - the first part of Colorado will be out this weekend. I’m still working on editing but I’ll have the whole thing up eventually!
I’m interested in getting more into camping and backpacking and have some experience, but I want to take my girlfriend camping/backpacking and she has no experience. Do you have any advice for backpacking while on your period? I hope that’s okay to ask. She said she doesn’t think she’d feel comfortable backpacking/camping during that time of the month
I don't mind at all! I should probably do a video on this. Everybody is different and I totally understand her hesitation. It's a little inconvenient and everybody has different symptoms that could make backpacking straight up miserable. If that's the case, I'd recommend planning around it if you're able; however I do have a few tips if she doesn't deal with super harsh cramping, etc. and would still physically be able to go but just wants some intel on what to do once she's out there: -as far as "maintenance" use whatever products you use at home (so if you typically use a cup, great, but don't switch to a cup just for backpacking). Personally, I use the organic tampons that don't have applicators because it means I have to pack out less trash. -you have to pack out tampons just like toilet paper, which is probably the most annoying part - I know some people who bring different bags (aka a seperate ziploc, or a doggy bag type thing so it's not see through) to put their used period products in to make them more approachable to carry out. -bring ibuprofen or whatever meds you use to mitigate cramping at home if you need it. -when it comes time to change, try to have a little extra water so you can rinse your hands beforehand, and then of course hand sanitizer. It's basically the same approach I would take to going number 2 (so I hike a decent way off trail to get some privacy). Then rinse and hand sanitize after as well. -if it'll make you more comfortable, bring a back up pair or two of underwear I'd say it sounds a lot worse than it ends up being (as far as actually having to change a tampon out in the wild). It's kinda like pooping in the woods and packing out your TP, you just get used to it eventually.
Leave your gear questions (or roasts) in the comments!
Was that your tan? Just from hiking , nice I definitely will not need the Hawaiian Tropic 🙂
@@lickourballs1atatimeok YES! (idk why I just saw this) but I started pretty pasty and even tried to slather sunscreen on my legs quite a bit and that was the result. Lots of time above 10,000 feet will do that to ya.
@@eliseott I agree
I have the same pack frame less 40 love it
it's the best!!
Great video! I like that it is a longer format, and also discusses more unique backpacking topics. For example, not many UL couples out there, so my wife and I enjoyed your details on hiking with your partner. I also really dig your down to earth, unpretentious style, and that you encourage using what you have.
My wife also is a cold person, so I have a tip that you might be interested in. We each have our own SOL Escape Lite bivy that we use with our quilts inside of for extra warmth. They only weigh 150g and add more warmth than a quilt/bag liner used inside. Also fairly inexpensive, and we've been using ours for section hikes and overnighters for like 7 years now.
Keep up the good work! New subscriber here!
Yes we had a hard time deciding how much gear we would share - turned out to be none haha but sometimes still helped each other out when our stoves broke, etc. which was nice. Thank you so much for the kind words!!
And that's awesome, I'll definitely be looking into the bivy tip, thank you for sharing and welcome!!
@@eliseott My wife and I have pretty dialed in kits after hiking together for nearly 20 years as section hikers. I might have to do a new video on our couple's kit in the future. But yeah, it's wonderful to share a hike with a partner!
BTW, I recently shared your latest video on thru-hiking costs (another great video btw!) on the UL subreddit. Some interesting discussions going on about section hiking vs thru-hiking. Not sure if you're on Reddit tho, but check it out if you are. Peace!
These reviews really help car campers too because we are flying to camp in yellow stone and we typically Glamp with a ton of gear. We have to limit to a suitcase and a carry-on backpack. I know queue the violins, but we value your experience 😊
Ah I'm so glad it's helpful for you! It can be so hard to reduce when you are used to the luxury items. I hope you have a great time though!
Thanks!
wow thank you so much!! I very much appreciate the support.
Stove recommendatio: Soto Windmaster. very popular in the nordics while you hike above treeline.
For the stoves. I love the Soto stoves
sweet! thanks! I've had a few people say Soto I'll definitely be checking them out.
There are still some people who appreciate long videos 😉
haha I'm clearly banking on that! Figured it's better this way than breaking it up into a million parts.
Thank you for your effort making this video for us. Great video and info!
So glad you found it helpful!
Surgical gloves over your normal gloves. Cheap, light and Very effective. 🙂 And the Soto Windmaster Stove. Spectacular stove.
yes great tip! And i'm officially purchasing have had too many comments not to!
Fantastic comprehensive gear video!!!! Thank you!! So helpful and well done!
Thanks so much! I'm glad it was helpful :)
Definitely interested in a camera gear video. Also specifically the how’d and when’s of your filming including storage.
awesome! I'm working on it!!
Thanks for sharing. I start CDT Apr 18 2023.
Woohoo!! Have so much fun!
Wow, way to few likes. Great video, super helpful to hear your experience. I did JMT and would love to do another long mini backpack someday with my better half.
Thank you so much!! So glad you found it helpful. The JMT is gorgeous, I’d love to do it in full someday.
Thank you, Elise for a detailed and transparent review of your CDT hike expense. Much appreciated of the hows and whys of expenses, including zeroes!
you're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Couldn’t agree more about the otter box. I dropped my phone off of a 30ft cliff on the PCT and my phone was totally ok
omg this is an incredible testimonial hahaha don't want to know how hard that was to retrieve
Always like the trash compactor bag liner.
Elise - Lot's of good information on gear that was actually used on a trip. Thank you!
glad you thought so, thank YOU for watching!
Super hyped about this review thanks so much! Can’t wait to hike my 10,000 mile hike across the world in 80 days next month. Thanks for sharing ❤
Hahahahah love youuuuu!
Great video and the whole series. Sweet spot in terms of length. Photo/video video would be great.
Thank you! I was worried it was a bit long but didn't want to leave anything out. I'll be working on a photo/video loadout soon!
Excellent video! Very informative. We have much of the same gear, but will look into some of your suggestions too. Looking forward to using my new Snow Peak Lite Max stove and my new SWD Movement 40/50 L pack. I hope to do the CDT in the next 3 years. I did the PCT a few years ago and loved it. Happy trails!
Thanks!! And that's awesome. Best of luck prepping for the CDT!
You need to get the soto windmaster for a stove!
noted - i feel like too many have suggested it not to try!
Thank you for the thorough gear video. Happy hiking!
you're welcome and thanks for watching!
Great infos and gear loadout... Sure, Electronic camera gear video would be nice
I have a tarp I am going to use. Light. Light price. Large enough for two but I'll be by myself.
love that! I need to get more used to tarps in wet environments but I feel like they're a great option.
RE Sawyer Squeeze: after each use I would hold it with my hand coupled around the discharge end and blow through it. Then all the water still in it would come out the other end (backflushing). I was only wanting to get all the water out of it so to help keep it from freezing.
yes! this is also a great strategy, I usually tried to do the same each night, especially if I was sleeping with it so it wouldn't leak in my sleeping bag.
Thanks Elise. Loved this video, perfect amount of detail without being too much. So good.
Was wondering about your ice axe setup. Looked like some kind of tape and orange cordage. Couldn’t see the end of the corsage. Just curious about that setup.
Thanks, as always.
Peace and happy trails to you and Kid.
Thanks so much!! Yes so the tape was a tip from a friend on the PCT, makes it a little easier to grip the top of the axe in the cold. The cordage is a makeshift leash (you use it to tie around your wrist so if you fall and lose your grip on the ice axe, it's still attaached and you can recover it). I've heard mixed reviews on if leashes are a good idea or not (if you fall and lose the grip on the axe, the leash could cause the axe to swing around and hit you as you are falling) - however, I found one to be absolutely necessary during a self arrest I had to do on Mt.Shasta. I dropped my axe and if it weren't for the leash I wouldn't have been able to self-arrest.
Thanks for this thorough review video! Super helpful! Thought I'd share my recommendation on my go-to stove: the soto windmaster with the triflex support! Still works like a charm after two thru's (PCT and AZT).
I'm so glad you found it helpful! I am definitely checking out the soto windmaster it's come highly recommended, glad to hear another happy reviewer.
Wow - I never realized the blue aftermarket Sawyer Squeeze coupling could work on a hose for backflushing. Thanks for the tip!
Gotta thank our aussie friends for that one! Absolute game changer. Thanks for watching!
Congratulations on completing the CDT. I spent 4 nights snd 5 days in the Winds in September so did at least get to hike a short segment of the CDT. Nice job on your gear review. I really enjoyed your detailed explanations and inserted clips from your time on the trail. Nicely done! As far as a stove choice, I have had good luck so far with the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Deluxe. The Soto Amicus with or without the igniter is a good choice too. The igniter will eventually fail but a replacement kit is readily available for it. Some people swear by a Jetboil solution and I'm sure you saw a number of BRS 3000 models on trail. The 3000 is lightweight and relatively inexpensive but is not as economical with its use of fuel. All of these stoves suffer efficiency in the wind but the 3000 is most affected of all I have mentioned. Good luck. Now go hike the AT and earn that crown 👑.! ~ Martin
Thank you!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. And thank you for the stove recommendations! Maybe I’ll have to give MSR another shot, I’ll have to look into the Soto. I tried a BRS before the PCT and it broke on me right away. Maybe I’ve just got bad luck with stoves - ha. AT is definitely in my future at some point! Happy trails!
@@eliseott Backpacking Light did an indepth testing/review of backpacking stoves in 2019. The top four in descending order were the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe, Soto Windmaster 4Plex, MSR Pocket Rocket 2.0 and the Soto Amicus. If you're not a member you can still read the first portion of the article they published. I'm a member and respect their geeky approach to testing gear since they don't promote specific products to my knowledge. In other words, they are as unbiased as a person can be when testing gear.
Outstanding gear review! Very practical and to the point. We have been Backpacking since the early '70s and picked up some great tips from you! Next time you are in Montana give us a call. Would love to host or shuttle you guys!
thanks so much! I'm so glad you found it helpful. And thank you for the host / shuttle offer, maybe we will have to hike the divide again - definitely will be visiting Glacier again!
Oh my goodness. That tan line !!!!! Epic!
hahaha probably a little irresponsible but also objectively hilarious.
Your post PCT video was a big help for me in planning my trip next March so I was looking forward to this to see what changed.
Nice! As you could probably tell not too much! Hopefully that vouches for the longevity of some of the gear!
Give the Soto Amicus Stove a try if you want to stick with your pot. For more $ you can get a jetboil stash system, but my Amicus hasn't broke so I haven't felt the need to upgrade. I have the toaks 650ml pot and it fits my small canister, stove, hot lips, 1/4 bandana, and a mini bic inside. I also have a 950ml that pot I only carry when I can talk my daughter into a trip.
Thanks for the suggestion! I've been looking into Soto.
I was checking that fleece out in your CDT videos and loved it but perhaps I have to go with something else since I dont live in the US lol I have really 'earth tone' hiking clothes so the bright beenie is a good idea!
Yeah they’re a little hard to get unfortunately :/ and yes the bright beanie is great for standing out!
You should look at antigravity gear rain pants they are very good and for $65 mine in size small weigh 4.7 oz
I'll check those out!
Loved the detailed walk-through of your gear!! And damn that’s a serious tan hahaha. Have been really enjoying the Soto Amicus stove (lightweight, super reliable also in wind and a bit cheaper than the Windmaster) if you’re still in the market for a stove
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I still have the tan lines 😂. And thank you for the rec I am still looking - I’ll def check it out.
The Soto stoves are absolutely the best. I have the Windmaster as an upgrade from the BRS3000 which I used for many years. I couldn’t be happier. The Windmaster is a dream to use.
I’ve tried Snow Peaks, BSR and Soto Windmaster stoves are the best. Fast boil time, high quality, built in piezo that is reliable. Very wind proof. Get the triplex pot support.
thank you!!
Yup, I second the opinion on the soto windmaster. Only problem I had with it was after going through cold weather was the valve didn't close all the way and had a small leak. I just removed the canister right after cooking and had no problem. Keep hiking!
Idk if you bought new sleeping bag, but there is great polish company Cumulus. I have 2 sleeping bags from them and I love them.
I love long gear videos with a lot of footage from hike
Thanks so much for watching! I did get a new one from katabatic, but I will keep them in mind for the future!
Thanks for sharing the gear you used! I’d love to know what you used to film your hike as well. Your videos are so smooth.
Thanks so much! I'm working on a video about that!
Superb Gear Run Down!
Thanks!
Sorry, but the tan line 18:27 had me die laughing! I have similar ones on my thighs from kayaking! but man, your face and hands are just intense!!!
haha I KNOW!!! I'm trying to be better in the future, it got out of hand
Camera gear load out plz
You need to hike the Appalachian trail now
I’m definitely planning to!
Thank you!! One thing I wondered about: with your Garmin watch, do you have to connect it with your phone via Bluetooth all the time? Or only whenever you want to have the data on your phone? I am thinking about getting a Garmin watch, but apparently that is such a basic question, that it isn't answered anywhere 😂
Haha oh no! You only have to connect it once you want the data on your phone, so it does NOT have to be connected all the time. I think there’s a limit on how many workouts the watch itself can store but I just synced mine every time I was in town and never had issues.
@@eliseott Thank you!!! I think my next big purchase will be a Garmin watch haha!
Thanks for sharing! Would you mind sharing your camera gear as well?
thanks for watching! I'm working on it - hopefully coming out soon!
Thanks! I got a lot out of this review. I hope badger doesn't realize you totally stole his sign off at the end 🤣
Yay!! So glad you liked it and LOL I just realized I did that since you said it. It was subconcious I guess haha.
I hike with a SWD 30L. I love it?
nice!!
I would love to know about the camera gear you used on trail.
awesome! working on a video!
Thanks for making this! I'm giving the CDT a go early this May. I'm back and forth between a DCF footbag and bear hang kit vs an Ursak and just tying low to the ground for convenience. Some folks have said they had a hard time finding good bear hang trees along the CDT. What are your thoughts on this? Did you mostly just keep your food bag near you in your tent vestibules? Did you meet many people that had mice/critter issues with footbags?
Love this question! and WOOHOOO about your hike! I slept with my foodbag in my vestibule (with a scent proof liner inside) until we reached Grizzly territory (there are some spots in CO you may also want to protect against black bears). For the most part, I was able to find trees for hanging - however, there were a few times where it got late and there were no trees around (one particular evening comes to mind where another hiker had JUST spotted a grizzly) not a situation I wanted to be in with no trees. Allllll that said, some nights hanging my food bag was the worst part of my day because it's the last chore before bed and often I ended up doing it in the dark. I WISH I had carried an ursack and almost picked one up but couldn't find the right size at the outdoor store. Personally, I wish I'd had one to make my life a little easier. Only issue I had with mice was forgetting some trash in the mesh of my backpack one night in NM and they chewed through. I'd say for the most part there's comments on camp sites that have mice issues so you can do a mouse hang if needed.
@@eliseott Awesome, thanks for the info. I live in the NE and our local longer trails (AT and LT) have the mice infested shelters. The critters learned real quick about new food coming in every day. I'm so used to having to spend a lot of effort avoiding them chewing everything up. Maybe I'll gran an Ursack to simplify things for WY and onward.
@@LynxOutdoors686 yeah happy to help! That would be my approach next time!
Am I just being a super idiot or is there no summary of what your total starting carry weight was??? Would be great to know: base weight, full weight with all except water and food, full weight with "everything" as you lift on the pack to start. You do great videos with very clear and coherent explanations + without all the 'super buzz hype' that some feel necessary. THANKS!!!
OMG no, you're not a super idiot - I think I am and it's not in this video 😅. My "full weight" was 11.56 pounds according to my lighter pack (some stuff varied as I mentioned) and that doesn't include camera gear which was another 2.5 pounds. So total I was carrying pretty consistently about 14 pounds as my base weight.
and thank you for watching and for the feedback!
Very curious what photography gear you carried as I hike with a lot of photography gear
I have this on the list of videos to make -hopefully soon! If it helps, it's prettttty similar to what I use to make most of my videos (and I have that list under most of them!)
@@eliseott I do a lot of my hiking with at least a camera and 3 lenses, and then all my additional gear, which makes it hard to strive for ultralight and small packs. Have had my eye on the SWD packs and am curious how they carry...
Thank you!
Helpful, thanks for sharing.
Glad you found it helpful!
sorry late question? you and I are similar size 5'8" 150lb I think you said? what size were the dollar general leggings you got??
yes! that's about what I am, the leggings are a size large!
Thanks for the video! I would recommend you the BRS3000T. It's good enough at cooking water for less than an ounce. You pot is pretty wide so research if the flame pattern works with it since the BRS one is pretty pointy. Or upgrade to their smaller diameter 750/650ml that holds the smallest can (and stove and lighter and towel).
Since you mentioned the camp sites on the CDT, do you think a three person tent would work or be too much hassle with the large footprint?
Congrats on the CDT! My next one and (hopefully) triple.
I think a three person footprint might be slightly more difficult to find space for, but we hiked with a couple who had one and they definitely made it work (and we camped with them for at least half the trail). So I'd say it's definitely doable.
Thanks for the tip on the stove! I have tried the BRS before and the valve broke on my almost right away, it seems to be a little hit or miss if you get good quality with those, but I've heard of people who get a good one and it lasts them ages. So maybe it's worth another shot.
@@eliseott Thanks. So I can make my Xmid 2 Pro work.😂
The BRS hasn't great QC but I hear they've gotten better at it. I was lucky and mine lasted for 2 thru hikes so I replaced it immediately. If they were pricey the QC issue would be bigger, I'd give it a go again.
@@wio2189 oh definitely. You might sleep on the occasional root but that’s gonna happen regardless 😂. And good to know I’ll have to give it another shot!
I was recommended your video and already love the content! Your video was genuine and full of good thorough details of all of your gear. Your very underrated and deserve more of a following. Keep up the great content 🤙🏼
wow thank you so much!! I'm so glad someone liked it enough to recommend it. I definitely plan to keep making more :)
I meant to ask, do you plan to post more vlogs of your CDT hike? It appears you didn't post anymore after leaving NM?
Yes! There’s a new one every Sunday - the first part of Colorado will be out this weekend. I’m still working on editing but I’ll have the whole thing up eventually!
@@eliseott excellent! I'll catch up with you soon then. Thanks.
What beanie are you wearing in this video?
the brand is just "yea. nice" ha I borrowed it from my fiance!
@@eliseott Glad you put it in quotes or else I would thought it was an opinion and not a brand name. 😃
Thanks for getting back to me.
Your crazy units are driving me crazy 😅Had to pause and google the metric translation with every new item. Now i know. For now.
hahah I'm sorry!! Next time I'll add a conversion - grams?
don't let that typo haunt you....
bony collarbones make the add-on shoulder pads a MUST
you're not telling me where it is?! it's definitely gonna haunt me now 😅 and yes agreed they're a game changer
@@eliseott title card thumbnail!
@@hermeticallysealed THANK YOU, I can actually fix that. Your work is appreciated.
@@eliseott aces
nothing worse than finding one and having to re-render
@@hermeticallysealed an absolute day ruiner!
Great vid.
thank you!
I’m interested in getting more into camping and backpacking and have some experience, but I want to take my girlfriend camping/backpacking and she has no experience. Do you have any advice for backpacking while on your period? I hope that’s okay to ask. She said she doesn’t think she’d feel comfortable backpacking/camping during that time of the month
I don't mind at all! I should probably do a video on this. Everybody is different and I totally understand her hesitation. It's a little inconvenient and everybody has different symptoms that could make backpacking straight up miserable. If that's the case, I'd recommend planning around it if you're able; however I do have a few tips if she doesn't deal with super harsh cramping, etc. and would still physically be able to go but just wants some intel on what to do once she's out there:
-as far as "maintenance" use whatever products you use at home (so if you typically use a cup, great, but don't switch to a cup just for backpacking). Personally, I use the organic tampons that don't have applicators because it means I have to pack out less trash.
-you have to pack out tampons just like toilet paper, which is probably the most annoying part - I know some people who bring different bags (aka a seperate ziploc, or a doggy bag type thing so it's not see through) to put their used period products in to make them more approachable to carry out.
-bring ibuprofen or whatever meds you use to mitigate cramping at home if you need it.
-when it comes time to change, try to have a little extra water so you can rinse your hands beforehand, and then of course hand sanitizer. It's basically the same approach I would take to going number 2 (so I hike a decent way off trail to get some privacy). Then rinse and hand sanitize after as well.
-if it'll make you more comfortable, bring a back up pair or two of underwear
I'd say it sounds a lot worse than it ends up being (as far as actually having to change a tampon out in the wild). It's kinda like pooping in the woods and packing out your TP, you just get used to it eventually.
That may be the most aggressive tan line of all time
it was my most impressive to date for sure.
i like it
i really liked the shoulder pads tip!
thanks!! yeah that's added so much life to my pack!
Sauce 🤣
started as SOS and has evolved to Sauce!
I was go say something nawty but I'll be good 😃😄😄😄😄😄
Thx for a very nice channel.... Greetings from Denmark
thanks so much! So cool that someone in Denmark is watching!