I successfully through hiked the AT in 2023 and had the pleasure of meeting and hiking for a day with Nahamsha Hiker. There were a small group of us who stopped for a break at a Ranger Station. She was going to take a NERO and most of us were continuing on. Out of curiosity, I asked if I could lift her pack and wow it was light. I think I had been on the trail just over two months and I asked her if she would be willing to just look through my gear and make suggestions. After 10mins she had identified what amounted to just over 5lbs of stuff I didn’t need. You can bet I ditched it at my next town stop. She is very knowledgeable and more than willing to share her experience with fellow hikers.
Did you know can replace the tips of most trekking poles? First heat them up above a fire or gas or electric stove (induction stoves don’t work for this). Then remove the tips with pliers. Insert the new tips and voila! Brands such as Leki sell replacement tips.
Nobody should question your gear choices Taylor... With all of your experience and experimenting with different gear, your choices are rock solid for sure..Love ya kid! 🥰😊👍👏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
You can replace the tips of trekking poles! You can buy replacements and they are usually just pressure fit on. Cut off the old tips (AND WITH THE POLE FULLY EXTENDED) hit the ground with the poles with the new tips on
Taylor, very informative, thanks. I have a few questions if I may: 1. How did you manage contact lens on the trail from the standpoint getting your hands clean enough to handle them and touch your eyes? Did you keep your contacts on until you could get to a hostel? 2. What did you use for a fire starter? Wait, now I see you said you have a Bic lighter. 3. You said your long-sleeved base layer was for sleeping. Did you also use it for hiking? Did you have a short-sleeved base layer for hiking? 4. If you stayed in hostels often you had access to doing laundry, but did you have a second hiking shirt? If you finished a day wet and cold, did you just put wet clothes on in the morning if they hadn't dried? 5. How many pairs of underwear? 6. Did you carry a digging trowel? 7. Is the Hyperlite pack sufficiently water resistant that you don't need a pack cover or poncho as long as you have dry sacks inside? 8. Did you carry a lightweight towel? I've hiked the Camino Santiago three times and the hostels there often don't supply towels and soap. Did you carry Dr. Bronner's or other soap? 9. What was your base weight, not counting food, water, trekking poles, the clothes you were wearing? 10. About your camp shoes ... in cold weather, did you just keep your trail runners on until you got into your tent during the early cold weeks? Sorry for so many questions and I thank you for your efforts at educating and supporting others. Brian in Atlanta, age 68 and thinking about taking up backpacking now that I'm retired.
suggest Adilette Comfort Slide for camp shoe. Slick deals pointed to a $10 sale a couple months ago and I bought a couple pair. Very comfortable and durable. Also suggest Gossamer Gear umbrella and DCF Rain Kilt - better than breathable jacket which will steam up during hiking in the rain no matter the brand.
Just finished watching the last couple of videos from your 2021 thru hike today. Never been a hiker but have become interested in doing the hike or at least some sections from watching your videos and a few others. Thanks for vlogging your AT experience.
Very informative Taylor. Of course the rain jacket has sold out.😂. I would recommend a universal charging cable set to save on carrying lots of different cables. I purchased the Rolling Square inCharge XL 6-in-1 Multi Charging Cable, Portable USB and USB-C Cable with 100W Ultra-Fast Charging Power, 1 Ft . It’s been a game changer for me. Hope to see you on trail again soon. Happy trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️
Taylor, I followed you for both hikes from here in Central NY. You do a great job with your presentations and gave a realistic feeling of trail life. This video was also helpful to understand the thought that goes into gear. My wife is from Maine so we'll have to stop at the store on our way. I think I heard a baby at the start, sounded like a future hiker. ;-)
Thank you for the gear info. I’m gathering stuff for my second attempt in 2026 . I’m going super light as I can this time. I’m old and only half crippled….. so… that’s my plan .. I’d love to get a melanzana or what ever it’s called … because my name is Melanie …. Keep hiking and telling us what to do! I love you!
The peregrine 11 was ggood but I tried the 14 this year and was pretty disappointed that they feel narrower and the stack height feels higher. Ended up going Lone Peak 8’s. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the peregrine 14’s!
I bought one a month ago at REI and tested it at a NH state fair. After a couple hours of light rain and about 20 minutes of heavier rain it started to leak through in the upper back. I returned it the next week for a full refund and no questions asked.
I would LOVE to hike it with u .... I'm in central Ga!! I got to base camp for and was literally 500 a week from summoning Everest and we had to turn back I was so pissed the weather literally turned on us...... we thought we had a window we left at like 11:00 at night..... and it just didn't work out I was so upset......
I love the Survivor buffs!! I think you had a Vanauatu or Vavau or something like that in one of you thru hikes! I cant wait to wear mine on my hikes from playing Live Reality Games. :)
@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker haha that’s so awesome! He’s a big reason I started watching in the first place, Pearl Islands, 2003! & then I met him at the Earth Fair when I was 10, he’s such a kind soul! :)
@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker they are made for apple products but maybe there is something like that for android too. We love you Nahampsha! Was up at Lockes today hiking where I ran into your mom last year and her dog. We came by the shop at the time but you were out hiking! Smile! Keep on keeping on!
Have u heard about the LMNT scandal? Recently outed as having up to 550mg of maltodextrin per serving, hidden as natural flavors? Yup, maltodextrin gives me chest pains, angina. I emailed them for the full ingredients list, and they said it's a miniscule amount, and now, they said it's not an ingredient but a flavour carrier, it just pisses me off, I can't make an informed decision from the packagings ingredients list, I have to check their website or email the company, first? That's insane
Newer iPhones are supposed to have emergency satellite communications built-in. It could be something you already have. I don't know if Android is doing it, too. You could also look to borrowing/renting one. Just make sure the insurance transfers or that you have your own policy.
Thru hiking is so passé and overdone. Like a cult of lemmings searching for their trail “families, stupid nicknames and approval as they wonder from town to town for resupply. Get off trail, do some actual wilderness backpacking/trekking. The AT is like a huge subway filled with homeless people you would never associate with in real life. Happy trails.
Trolling content creators, especially by men of women in the outdoor space, is overdone. If that is truly your opinion why even take the time to follow content creator with so much thru-hiking content? Also as someone who has spent the last three years working on three different areas the Appalachian Trail serving the hiking community I can tell you they are any thing but a cult lemmings seeking approval. Instead I have found thru-hikers to be a diverse group from all walks of life, in different life stages, and are devoting months of their life (and their bodies) on train for a variety of reasons. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences with them and may join their ranks next year. Also it doesn’t sound like you have you watched much of Taylor’s content because she has done a lot of wilderness trekking.
@ The NH Whites are my go to hiking area. I am very familiar with Taylor’s hiking experience. She seems like a wonderful person. Listen to Taylor on Kyle Hates Hiking where she is obviously uneasy and politely critical of thru hikers. She said she was sick of “tramiles ” and thought nicknames were stupid. Thru hiking has been promoted by sponsors and manufacturers to make money.
@@edwardkuenzi5751 Sure, I chat with other hikers all the time. However, I don’t want to share a shelter with strangers or give them silly nicknames or be called by one. The whole thing is a little to cultish for me.
I successfully through hiked the AT in 2023 and had the pleasure of meeting and hiking for a day with Nahamsha Hiker. There were a small group of us who stopped for a break at a Ranger Station. She was going to take a NERO and most of us were continuing on. Out of curiosity, I asked if I could lift her pack and wow it was light. I think I had been on the trail just over two months and I asked her if she would be willing to just look through my gear and make suggestions. After 10mins she had identified what amounted to just over 5lbs of stuff I didn’t need. You can bet I ditched it at my next town stop. She is very knowledgeable and more than willing to share her experience with fellow hikers.
Did you know can replace the tips of most trekking poles? First heat them up above a fire or gas or electric stove (induction stoves don’t work for this). Then remove the tips with pliers. Insert the new tips and voila! Brands such as Leki sell replacement tips.
Nobody should question your gear choices Taylor... With all of your experience and experimenting with different gear, your choices are rock solid for sure..Love ya kid! 🥰😊👍👏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I love that you did this even though you aren't thru hiking again right now. It's just so fun to talk about gear!! Love it! :D
You can replace the tips of trekking poles! You can buy replacements and they are usually just pressure fit on. Cut off the old tips (AND WITH THE POLE FULLY EXTENDED) hit the ground with the poles with the new tips on
You're planning a new journey, I know it.!🤙🏻🤙🏻💯🏆
Thank you Miss Taylor. We rely on the experience of others to share what does and does not work.
Taylor, very informative, thanks. I have a few questions if I may: 1. How did you manage contact lens on the trail from the standpoint getting your hands clean enough to handle them and touch your eyes? Did you keep your contacts on until you could get to a hostel? 2. What did you use for a fire starter? Wait, now I see you said you have a Bic lighter. 3. You said your long-sleeved base layer was for sleeping. Did you also use it for hiking? Did you have a short-sleeved base layer for hiking? 4. If you stayed in hostels often you had access to doing laundry, but did you have a second hiking shirt? If you finished a day wet and cold, did you just put wet clothes on in the morning if they hadn't dried? 5. How many pairs of underwear? 6. Did you carry a digging trowel? 7. Is the Hyperlite pack sufficiently water resistant that you don't need a pack cover or poncho as long as you have dry sacks inside? 8. Did you carry a lightweight towel? I've hiked the Camino Santiago three times and the hostels there often don't supply towels and soap. Did you carry Dr. Bronner's or other soap? 9. What was your base weight, not counting food, water, trekking poles, the clothes you were wearing? 10. About your camp shoes ... in cold weather, did you just keep your trail runners on until you got into your tent during the early cold weeks? Sorry for so many questions and I thank you for your efforts at educating and supporting others. Brian in Atlanta, age 68 and thinking about taking up backpacking now that I'm retired.
So many good questions! I will try to answer them all when I have some time. Thanks 😁
Loved this video. Your knowledge and experience with gear shows. Always fun to see what gear I share with the most experienced thru hikers.
suggest Adilette Comfort Slide for camp shoe. Slick deals pointed to a $10 sale a couple months ago and I bought a couple pair. Very comfortable and durable. Also suggest Gossamer Gear umbrella and DCF Rain Kilt - better than breathable jacket which will steam up during hiking in the rain no matter the brand.
Great video Taylor :-). I like the bottle and straw. I may have to try that out west in 2025. Thanks!
Just finished watching the last couple of videos from your 2021 thru hike today. Never been a hiker but have become interested in doing the hike or at least some sections from watching your videos and a few others. Thanks for vlogging your AT experience.
Very informative Taylor. Of course the rain jacket has sold out.😂. I would recommend a universal charging cable set to save on carrying lots of different cables. I purchased the Rolling Square inCharge XL 6-in-1 Multi Charging Cable, Portable USB and USB-C Cable with 100W Ultra-Fast Charging Power, 1 Ft . It’s been a game changer for me. Hope to see you on trail again soon. Happy trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️
Taylor great to see you , the AT is in rough shape in some parts after the hurricane. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Great memory seeing you on the trail !!
Taylor, I followed you for both hikes from here in Central NY. You do a great job with your presentations and gave a realistic feeling of trail life. This video was also helpful to understand the thought that goes into gear. My wife is from Maine so we'll have to stop at the store on our way. I think I heard a baby at the start, sounded like a future hiker. ;-)
Thank you!
Yes the future hiker was watching me film :)
Taylor your vlogs are always so well prepared and you are a good commentator. I am betting on the AT being open for 2225 in some way. ❤😊
You’re awesome! Really appreciate your videos
Thank you for the gear info. I’m gathering stuff for my second attempt in 2026 . I’m going super light as I can this time. I’m old and only half crippled….. so… that’s my plan .. I’d love to get a melanzana or what ever it’s called … because my name is Melanie …. Keep hiking and telling us what to do! I love you!
Thank you. Will any of these items be available in your expanded space at your store in Gilford New Hampshire???
The peregrine 11 was ggood but I tried the 14 this year and was pretty disappointed that they feel narrower and the stack height feels higher. Ended up going Lone Peak 8’s. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the peregrine 14’s!
Now that you've hiked the AT twice, have you considered doing any other long distance trails? The PCT or CDT for instance.
Great video. How about bear canister and bear spray? Are they necessary?
Thanks! I've seen a few people with bear canisters on the AT but they've rent necessary. I never see bear spray either
Great vid
I’ll be on the AT March 2025
Very helpful video
Good information. Thank you.
You should try one of those chargers that generates power while you're hiking. I don't know of any brands but I'm sure they're online somewhere.
How is the modern Helium in rain? The old ones weren't very waterproof and better off as a windshirt.
I bought one a month ago at REI and tested it at a NH state fair.
After a couple hours of light rain and about 20 minutes of heavier rain it started to leak through in the upper back.
I returned it the next week for a full refund and no questions asked.
@@levainqueur9095 That's a bummer and why I love REI.
I would LOVE to hike it with u .... I'm in central Ga!! I got to base camp for and was literally 500 a week from summoning Everest and we had to turn back I was so pissed the weather literally turned on us...... we thought we had a window we left at like 11:00 at night..... and it just didn't work out I was so upset......
I love the Survivor buffs!! I think you had a Vanauatu or Vavau or something like that in one of you thru hikes! I cant wait to wear mine on my hikes from playing Live Reality Games. :)
it is vanuatu! Rupert signed it too!
@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker haha that’s so awesome! He’s a big reason I started watching in the first place, Pearl Islands, 2003! & then I met him at the Earth Fair when I was 10, he’s such a kind soul! :)
Nice background! Is that wallpaper?
I think there is some question whether the entire AT will even be hikeable in 2025 due to all the hurricane damage in the southeast.
With all your cords, i saw one on Amazon that sell a cheap trifold charger for watch, phone, earbuds. Just an FYI to lose the cords.
that's a good idea! the headphone and watch i use have specific chargers to them tho
@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker they are made for apple products but maybe there is something like that for android too. We love you Nahampsha! Was up at Lockes today hiking where I ran into your mom last year and her dog. We came by the shop at the time but you were out hiking! Smile! Keep on keeping on!
Got some shokz for running out of curiosity and they really are great. no more pods for me.
it's a game changer!
Have u heard about the LMNT scandal? Recently outed as having up to 550mg of maltodextrin per serving, hidden as natural flavors? Yup, maltodextrin gives me chest pains, angina. I emailed them for the full ingredients list, and they said it's a miniscule amount, and now, they said it's not an ingredient but a flavour carrier, it just pisses me off, I can't make an informed decision from the packagings ingredients list, I have to check their website or email the company, first? That's insane
Taylor ❤
Is there a cheaper alternative to Garmin Inreach? Thanks
Probably! The garmin is just the only satellite communicator I have experience with
Newer iPhones are supposed to have emergency satellite communications built-in. It could be something you already have. I don't know if Android is doing it, too. You could also look to borrowing/renting one. Just make sure the insurance transfers or that you have your own policy.
Hey taylor❤eric
2026 return to the trail???
APP AH LATCH UH
Thru hiking is so passé and overdone. Like a cult of lemmings searching for their trail “families, stupid nicknames and approval as they wonder from town to town for resupply. Get off trail, do some actual wilderness backpacking/trekking. The AT is like a huge subway filled with homeless people you would never associate with in real life. Happy trails.
Trolling content creators, especially by men of women in the outdoor space, is overdone. If that is truly your opinion why even take the time to follow content creator with so much thru-hiking content? Also as someone who has spent the last three years working on three different areas the Appalachian Trail serving the hiking community I can tell you they are any thing but a cult lemmings seeking approval. Instead I have found thru-hikers to be a diverse group from all walks of life, in different life stages, and are devoting months of their life (and their bodies) on train for a variety of reasons. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences with them and may join their ranks next year. Also it doesn’t sound like you have you watched much of Taylor’s content because she has done a lot of wilderness trekking.
@ The NH Whites are my go to hiking area. I am very familiar with Taylor’s hiking experience. She seems like a wonderful person. Listen to Taylor on Kyle Hates Hiking where she is obviously uneasy and politely critical of thru hikers. She said she was sick of “tramiles ” and thought nicknames were stupid. Thru hiking has been promoted by sponsors and manufacturers to make money.
@@DPM-dp9onIs it not a good thing to occasionally interact with people you wouldn't otherwise interact with?
@@edwardkuenzi5751 Sure, I chat with other hikers all the time. However, I don’t want to share a shelter with strangers or give them silly nicknames or be called by one. The whole thing is a little to cultish for me.
What about bringing a battery operated boyfriend?