My daughters and I were were regular trekkers on many established trails, but sick of picking up other peoples garbage. So with me being a search and rescue tech, we went places nobody went. Always finding places with unfished lakes and sandy beaches on which set up camp. Thankfully these places exist in Canada. I'm 70 now but my daughters are still doing the same thing with there children and both were search and rescue volunteer techs.
Great to see you! It is always interesting to see the gear that worked well and the gear that didn’t. And isn’t it (still) amazing that every thing you needed for months on end … you carried in and/or on Bertha!
I'm always surprised when hammockers use a pad in their hammock. I began hammock camping in 2004, and tried it but ended up with a sweaty back every time. I eventually settled on a system that uses a sleeping bag with a foot vent and a drawstring around the neck. I just run the hammock through the sleeping bag. To prevent cold spots underneath, I simply lay on the diagonal until the bottom of the bag tightens against the bottom of the hammock. I wear a hooded garment to bed to keep my head warm, or just a light balaclava or watch cap. I cut a small piece of foam out of a closed cell sleeping pad to keep the bottom of my head warm.I use a Hummingbird Hammock with whoopie slings, a discontinued Golite Feather-lite 40 degree bag, down pants and booties in colder weather, a separate bug net whn I need it, a Hammock Gear DCF Winter Palace Tarp with doors, and a small DCF groundsheet. Tinker, thruhike attempt, 2023, halfway. Tore my meniscus and had to stop hiking.
Guilty, I skipped some parts. Did you feature your neck knife among your gear list? I didn't seem to see it anymore at the end of the trail. Found it! At 12:25!
Really enjoyed watching your vlog. I am curious why you chose to carry the bear canister vs dry bag and hang. My understanding has been the AT doesn’t really need a canister. Thanks.
I just recently became aware of Lghtheart gear. They were at Palmetto State Hangers Fall Sprawl camp out that I was at last weekend In S.C.. I had a hard time keeping my wallet in my pocket after looking at all their gear.
I was wondering how you liked the Appalachian Gear Company items you had, and what was the reasoning behind what gear you had sent back home early on trail/after the weather warmed up.
Hey TC! I followed your trek and thoroughly enjoyed your vlogs. I came back to this video looking for guidance on the rain pants. When you got rid of them was it because the weather was heating up? Did your floss and duct tape fix last all those miles? I'm trying to lighten my pack and have a pair of those but have been carrying a heavier option because of the frog toggs reputation however, i also carry duct tape, needle and thread and wouldn't mind having to use them if the fix works and saves me some weight! Thanks! And Happy New Year!
I threw them out because the weather warmed up enough that I didn’t need them. They were important to have against cold wind and rain. But once I got to Virginia, I hardly wore them and tossed them in Roanoke. My repairs worked well for the most part. After 500 miles of hiking, they started to tear at the edges of the duct tape itself.
Great end of AT gear vlog. Doesn’t your back get bent like a banana utilizing a hammock? The foam mat versus an air mattress?? Is a hammock system lighter of heavier than a tent? Hope to see more after AT vlogs of yours posted. 😊 thank you.
My system weighs the same as most tents on the AT. I enjoyed having my legs slightly raised in the hammock, it drained my feet every night which was great after long days hiking. You can sleep at a diagonal to correct the ‘banana’ effect. I used the foam mat because it was what I had, and it wouldn’t slide out from under me in the hammock.
Well done. In 2018 and then again in 2013 i hiked to Daleville Va. I started the last week in January and im a hammock camper too. Im going back to Daleville this July to continue. In your opinion do i need or want an underquilt? Im going in July because the wife said i could 😅😂😅
Googles explanation for gendered trekking poles: “Women's specific trekking poles are designed to work for shorter people and/or folks with smaller hands. Men's poles are designed for taller people or those with bigger hands. You may have larger hands and want the features of a "men's" trekking pole”
Yes I did! When I wrapped everything together, it held moisture in a way I didn’t like. I also found it to be mostly unnecessary weight. And I preferred to deploy my hammock setup differently.
Hey TC, enjoyed following you on the trail this year. I too carry a bear can ( the same one actually) and I’m having trouble carrying it comfortably. The only way I’ve found is to strap it on the top of the pack. It’s a zpack 55L arch. Howwhere did you pack yours? Thanks!
Hi TC, I recently found your videos and am currently on week 12. I have really enjoyed them and they bring back lots of memories from my GA to VA hike in 2014. I am planning to attempt the whole trail in 2025.just wanted to ask, who sings the song at the end of your video? The lyrics, I dreamnt of you last night. I can't find it in my searches. Thanks in advance and thanks for such a chill and simply real style of video! Dale in VA
Great gear run down. I’m a writer so I must point out that your repeated use of “concise” is incorrect. “Brief but comprehensive” is not a good descriptor for your pack, your stove’s packability, etc. “Compact” may be the word you’re trying for.
As a fellow hammock camper, I was most interested in how that pad worked for you. To be honest, I thought you would regret it and end up getting an underquilt. I'm glad it worked for you! I've tried foam pads in my hammock and they kept me warm enough, but they would never stay put which is why I switched to an underquilt. I love the versitility to use in a shelter, but for me I can't sleep on the ground any more. My back just won't take it. But it is great that it worked for you. BTW, I believe that style of hammock suspension is called a "Whoopie Sling". I've not used them but I've heard really good things about them.
I love my whoopie slings. I'm a big dude with a big hammock, and sometimes the trees are almost too far apart. Last time out my cheap cinch straps on a long hang stretched so much that I ended up sitting on the ground. Fortunately I had whoopie slings in the car, which wasn't too far away. Those puppies don't stretch, and they saved my butt. The main drawback is that they don't get quite as short as other suspensions. I carry 7' tree huggers now, long enough to let me get creative in tighter spots.
My daughters and I were were regular trekkers on many established trails, but sick of picking up other peoples garbage. So with me being a search and rescue tech, we went places nobody went. Always finding places with unfished lakes and sandy beaches on which set up camp. Thankfully these places exist in Canada. I'm 70 now but my daughters are still doing the same thing with there children and both were search and rescue volunteer techs.
Glad to have found your channel! Looking forward to watching your weekly updates from your hike when I'm working.
The lid flying off the pot at 32:40 is such a mood ... I feel like I spend more time picking that lid off the ground than doing anything else with it
For women's trekking poles, usually the grips are a smaller circumference/diameter for smaller hands.
Loved the live qa, but I'm so excited for this video.. hammockers need to hang together
Well I'm so glad you took a much-needed rest because you achieved a great accomplishment. Thank you for the videos of your adventure 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Great to see you! It is always interesting to see the gear that worked well and the gear that didn’t. And isn’t it (still) amazing that every thing you needed for months on end … you carried in and/or on Bertha!
I enjoyed watching your video, TC!
NORTH⭐️STAR
Thanks North Star! Hope you’re well!
Great list. Watched all videos of your AT adventure. You did good!!! Mike from Roanoke VA
Thank you. Very helpful. Be well. Wishing you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!
I'm always surprised when hammockers use a pad in their hammock. I began hammock camping in 2004, and tried it but ended up with a sweaty back every time. I eventually settled on a system that uses a sleeping bag with a foot vent and a drawstring around the neck. I just run the hammock through the sleeping bag. To prevent cold spots underneath, I simply lay on the diagonal until the bottom of the bag tightens against the bottom of the hammock. I wear a hooded garment to bed to keep my head warm, or just a light balaclava or watch cap. I cut a small piece of foam out of a closed cell sleeping pad to keep the bottom of my head warm.I use a Hummingbird Hammock with whoopie slings, a discontinued Golite Feather-lite 40 degree bag, down pants and booties in colder weather, a separate bug net whn I need it, a Hammock Gear DCF Winter Palace Tarp with doors, and a small DCF groundsheet.
Tinker, thruhike attempt, 2023, halfway. Tore my meniscus and had to stop hiking.
Hammock for the win!! I remember watching ur pre trail gear vid and glad to see u enjoyed the trail and got it done!Congrats. Great gear videos.
Hey now back! Thanks for sharing your 2023 AT thru hike gear review. I was mostly interested how the hammock system worked.
Awesome thank you
Thank you for the review.
Woopie slings are your tree strap attachments congratulation on your hike good job on the tarp also
Love your videos! Thanks
Sounds like you put a lot of thought into what to take. Thanks for sharing.
Loved watching your hike and from one hammock hanger to another, congrats!!
Great video Thanks
Thanks
See you out there I live out here it's all fun
Cool......again congratulations on a great hike with your tramily
Yay you.
Guilty, I skipped some parts. Did you feature your neck knife among your gear list? I didn't seem to see it anymore at the end of the trail.
Found it! At 12:25!
Really enjoyed watching your vlog. I am curious why you chose to carry the bear canister vs dry bag and hang. My understanding has been the AT doesn’t really need a canister. Thanks.
I just recently became aware of Lghtheart gear. They were at Palmetto State Hangers Fall Sprawl camp out that I was at last weekend In S.C.. I had a hard time keeping my wallet in my pocket after looking at all their gear.
They are great people! I’ve been to their facility outside Hendersonville, NC. Lovely folks!
I was wondering how you liked the Appalachian Gear Company items you had, and what was the reasoning behind what gear you had sent back home early on trail/after the weather warmed up.
I love my App Gear Co shirt! I still wear it regularly. I sent it home because it got too warm in the summer months.
Hey TC! I followed your trek and thoroughly enjoyed your vlogs. I came back to this video looking for guidance on the rain pants. When you got rid of them was it because the weather was heating up? Did your floss and duct tape fix last all those miles? I'm trying to lighten my pack and have a pair of those but have been carrying a heavier option because of the frog toggs reputation however, i also carry duct tape, needle and thread and wouldn't mind having to use them if the fix works and saves me some weight! Thanks! And Happy New Year!
I threw them out because the weather warmed up enough that I didn’t need them. They were important to have against cold wind and rain. But once I got to Virginia, I hardly wore them and tossed them in Roanoke. My repairs worked well for the most part. After 500 miles of hiking, they started to tear at the edges of the duct tape itself.
Great end of AT gear vlog. Doesn’t your back get bent like a banana utilizing a hammock? The foam mat versus an air mattress?? Is a hammock system lighter of heavier than a tent? Hope to see more after AT vlogs of yours posted. 😊 thank you.
My system weighs the same as most tents on the AT. I enjoyed having my legs slightly raised in the hammock, it drained my feet every night which was great after long days hiking. You can sleep at a diagonal to correct the ‘banana’ effect. I used the foam mat because it was what I had, and it wouldn’t slide out from under me in the hammock.
Well done. In 2018 and then again in 2013 i hiked to Daleville Va. I started the last week in January and im a hammock camper too. Im going back to Daleville this July to continue. In your opinion do i need or want an underquilt? Im going in July because the wife said i could 😅😂😅
Googles explanation for gendered trekking poles:
“Women's specific trekking poles are designed to work for shorter people and/or folks with smaller hands. Men's poles are designed for taller people or those with bigger hands. You may have larger hands and want the features of a "men's" trekking pole”
Went looking for a list in your description of your items. Could you please list the main items and where to purchase.
Are you tempted to do the PCT 2024? Thanks for sharing.
Nope! 😅 The PCT has a definite allure, but not for 2024. I’ve got other adventures in mind…
I believe women-specific poles just have shorter segments. So they don’t extend as long as men’s.
I just stole "hey howdy". Keepin' it.
Smaller hand grips on the women’s trekking poles
Thanks for the informative video, Aly! Just curious- given the option, why would you use a regular charger instead of always using the quick charger?
Mine had a quick charge port. I used it 90% of the time. I liked that it gave me the option to charge multiple devices with that quick charge option.
Did you ultimately get rid of your snakeskin for your tent and tarp?
Yes I did! When I wrapped everything together, it held moisture in a way I didn’t like. I also found it to be mostly unnecessary weight. And I preferred to deploy my hammock setup differently.
Did you ever end up staying in shelters or cowboy camping and if so, was the pad ok for that?
Yes it worked great for cowboy camping and shelters!
Hey TC, enjoyed following you on the trail this year. I too carry a bear can ( the same one actually) and I’m having trouble carrying it comfortably. The only way I’ve found is to strap it on the top of the pack. It’s a zpack 55L arch. Howwhere did you pack yours? Thanks!
Mine fit sideways at the top (inside) of my pack. I used the Bear Vault 475.
@@appalachianadventurista I have the same one… I’ll try that way. Thanks.
How you used the gift card for the bear can should be a whole seperete insteuctional video... Please?!?
Great question! I’ll share more info about this coming up. Thanks!
Hi TC, I recently found your videos and am currently on week 12. I have really enjoyed them and they bring back lots of memories from my GA to VA hike in 2014. I am planning to attempt the whole trail in 2025.just wanted to ask, who sings the song at the end of your video? The lyrics, I dreamnt of you last night. I can't find it in my searches. Thanks in advance and thanks for such a chill and simply real style of video! Dale in VA
It’s called Sonic Bloom by Cherry Blossom Special
How much did your pack weigh? Before food but fully stuffed?
Bleach the best I've been out here 14 years don't criticiszm me been out here a long time and I like you your cool
Hi, what was your base weight and total weight? Enjoy your videos.
My base weight is 17lbs, with water and food it comes to roughly 25lb.
do not litter + pick up litter dont ignore it
Great gear run down.
I’m a writer so I must point out that your repeated use of “concise” is incorrect. “Brief but comprehensive” is not a good descriptor for your pack, your stove’s packability, etc. “Compact” may be the word you’re trying for.
Am I the only one who thinks trail names are totally conformist and infantile? Like kids building a fort giving themselves special names to enter.
Ya
As a fellow hammock camper, I was most interested in how that pad worked for you. To be honest, I thought you would regret it and end up getting an underquilt. I'm glad it worked for you! I've tried foam pads in my hammock and they kept me warm enough, but they would never stay put which is why I switched to an underquilt. I love the versitility to use in a shelter, but for me I can't sleep on the ground any more. My back just won't take it. But it is great that it worked for you.
BTW, I believe that style of hammock suspension is called a "Whoopie Sling". I've not used them but I've heard really good things about them.
I love my whoopie slings. I'm a big dude with a big hammock, and sometimes the trees are almost too far apart. Last time out my cheap cinch straps on a long hang stretched so much that I ended up sitting on the ground.
Fortunately I had whoopie slings in the car, which wasn't too far away. Those puppies don't stretch, and they saved my butt. The main drawback is that they don't get quite as short as other suspensions. I carry 7' tree huggers now, long enough to let me get creative in tighter spots.
🏕️ I ABSOLUTELY ENJOYED THIS VIDEO
I HAVE SUBSCRIBED TO ALL OF YOUR VIDEOS
I AM GOING TO WATCH THE OUR WHOLE A.T. 2023 ADVENTURE
I would love to hear how you got your trail name!! 🤍🤍 great vid
I share my TC origin story in one of my weekly videos in the Smokies - Week 3. Not sure which part.