When I look at the gear you chose I am amazed at the thought that went in to each piece. Nothing was allowed that would distract from your success, everything had purpose. One of the meanings of the noun purpose - A person’s sense of resolve or determination. Braids, you had an incredible sense of purpose on this hike. Just like Jerry said, “ Your pretty damn amazing”.
You are such a blessing. I was really hoping you would do this video in a timely manner, which you did. I've learned so much from your videos. You've never shied away from your mistakes and you seem to be a genuinely decent and caring person. You make Tennessee proud!
I haven’t caught up fully on your adventure but I absolutely will continue watching. I just want to let you know that I’m really impressed with how much of this you hiked alone. Going into the AT, many people expect that social experience of the trail and all I’m saying is it must have been hard to have done so much on your own. But you persisted! And it’s just great to see such strong people like you grow during their journey on TH-cam. I hope you continue hiking. Keep in mind all of the trails you could thru hike in the country that aren’t the triple crown. Thanks for the joy you brought me and my family throughout 2020.
Naglene bottle. It's amazing how full circle things go. Those use to be really popular, as they replaced narrow mouth containers which were hard to add drink mixes, powders and oatmeal to without spill half around the opening. But they are heavy compared to disposable bottles and were later abandoned in favor of the quart size Gatoraid bottles. The Gatoraid bottles have a wide top (though not as wide as Nalgenes) which made them great for drink mixes and powders. Then the sawyer squeeze filter came out and then everyone started using smart water bottles which mate directly to them. Though they are narrow mouth and once again hard to add mixes, etc. Now I'm seeing a Nalgene again. :-) I personally never understood why people swapped ALL their bottles for smartwater types and didn't hold on to at least 1 Gatoraid bottle which are better multi-purpose. You can still filter into the Smartwater bottle and then pour it into the Gatoraid one.
Good to see ya kiddo! I still miss your daily hike vids!😌 It’s amazing how much stuff you need on a through hike and how much stuff you can actually put in that backpack! Awesome as always! 🥰👍🏔🐻⛺️🦌❄️
I've been waiting months and months for you to finish your epic hike cross your amazing country. Now I am going to start at the beginning and watch it right through! Congrats it must have been an awesome experience.
Thanks for taking the time to make this thorough video. I do like to see what people start with and then the essentials they end with. Helps me get a better idea what to start with. I have the BRS stone too glad to know yours lasted the whole time.
Thanks for all the information and knowledge. We hikers all appreciate it and will benefit from your experiences. Thanks again and keep on hammering !!!
Thanks for sharing this video, I have followed many of your miles and knew that you had got back on the trail after COVID. When I got back to checking on you, I noticed you were about to "finish" your through hike, but not at Katahdin....I knew you must have changed your game plan, but now I know all the useful details. Thanks for a Great Journey through your Adventure!
Hi Braids, always good to see you. so proud of you for your determinedness to complete the trail. Great gear video that will undoubtedly benefit future AT thru hikers....and it is interesting what your home on the trail consisted of.
BTW...Just wanted to say I think it was so cool to finish before Christmas! And that must be a wild contrast! In the woods almost daily for months and then - boom - you are back home and everything is festive and light! ... Also, I like that you mentioned, what gear to hikers use at the end of a thru-hike! Like, Thru-Hike Tested should be stamped somewhere around here! It's good to here you talk about your particular experience with the gear and your thoughts on it now!
Loved this video so so informative. I’m heading out for my thru-hike on the 14th and this really helped me with packing etc. Lots of great advice. Thank you!
I just love you Braids!!! Thanks so much for this video it will help me so much as I prepare for my hike!!! Hope to meet you sometime!!! Take good care!!
Don't know if your shoes are guaranteed but most hiking shoes and equipment have amazing guarantees. My Liki trekking poles lower sections have bent and the company replaced them free. Many backpacks and tents also have guarantees. So, Check out the company that made your shoes. They might replace them. Thanks for the run down of your equipment. God bless.
Great video! If you didn’t use the tripod to film while you were hiking, did you use anything to hold your phone/camera? Or did you just hold it with your hand?
I haven’t done the AT yet, but when I do, I will definitely be bringing my skin care. Six months is too long to ignore your skin IMO. I use Drunk Elephant and their “Littles” set is perfect for backpacking. I use the bar soap for my face and you can either cut the regular bar or get their travel size. The entire line only adds a few ounces and is well worth it.
2 random thoughts after watching this video. 1 you are really done this hike as by the way you tossed the gear aside after explaining it, Congratulations again! 2nd, and maybe speaking for others, not seeing you everyday or after a few days of you not popping up on my feed would get worried about you. This even happened towards the end and I got something from Smoky Mountain Hiking(?) and they announced you had completed it. I knew you were home with Jerry yet when no video was available all I could think of was is she OK. Thank you for your videos, take care, enjoy your family and rest in the knowledge you did 1 of the toughest hikes in possibly the worst year.
Great informative video. I do have a question about your handmade hat you wore several times. It’s purple and multi colored. You mentioned where you got it at it in one of your videos but I can’t find the mention again. Do you mind telling me where you got it at. My daughter and I just love it and wanted to get one. Thanks in advance and congratulations again on your finish!!!!
hi there. first off congratulations on your thru hike success ! I hope to be hiking SOBO 2022 starting in June. Curious about one thing. You mentioned drinking carnation in the mornings. did you mix that with water or powdered milk ?
I'm looking to change my pack for something lighter weight...doesn't need to be super-light as I'm usually just a weekend warrior, not a thru-hiker, but lighter is always better! I usually carry around 25 lbs but can get up to 30 on longer trips. I think I've actually narrowed it down to two packs you've carried! 6 Moon Designs Fusion (and it's on sale right now!) and the ULA Circuit. Thinking about GG Mariposa too, but I've heard that one doesn't breathe well. Between the Fusion and Circuit, which one would you recommend. Fusion is about a 1lb heavier, but it's less $$ and looks like it might breathe better? Thanks for your help! I haven't changed my pack in 7 years...such a big decision!
Thanks! I did a LASH with a big agnes AXL, and while it was super comfy, it just absorbed the ground cold. I picked up an xtherm this summer, havent had the chance to try it in the cold yet. did you use anything under your pad?
Hey, thanks so much.. this is hugely helpful. Definitely better to see what gear survived the winnowing process through 2,000+ miles on the trail. Cheers!
You mentioned the protein bars and the shake in the morning. I don’t see that you carried any other food. Did you cook food or eat in towns? Please help me understand your actual calorie intake and how you carried that or is there another video on this subject? Any advice. I’m new to the AT plan and hope to start in 2021 or 2022.
I typically carried 3 - 4 days of food (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks). There's a video on my channel showing my first 4 days of food on the AT and many of my videos include the food I ate along the trail. I'll probably do another video on this soon.
When you flew, did you fly with the Anker power bank in your carry on OR inside your checked backpack? I'm hearing the airlines won't allow certain battery banks. John from MI
Thanks for all the information and knowledge. We hikers all appreciate it and will benefit from your experiences. Thanks again and keep on hammering !!!
When I look at the gear you chose I am amazed at the thought that went in to each piece. Nothing was allowed that would distract from your success, everything had purpose. One of the meanings of the noun purpose - A person’s sense of resolve or determination. Braids, you had an incredible sense of purpose on this hike. Just like Jerry said, “ Your pretty damn amazing”.
I did feel very called to do this hike. Thank you for the compliment. :)
You are such a blessing. I was really hoping you would do this video in a timely manner, which you did. I've learned so much from your videos. You've never shied away from your mistakes and you seem to be a genuinely decent and caring person. You make Tennessee proud!
Thank you that means so much!
I haven’t caught up fully on your adventure but I absolutely will continue watching. I just want to let you know that I’m really impressed with how much of this you hiked alone. Going into the AT, many people expect that social experience of the trail and all I’m saying is it must have been hard to have done so much on your own. But you persisted! And it’s just great to see such strong people like you grow during their journey on TH-cam. I hope you continue hiking. Keep in mind all of the trails you could thru hike in the country that aren’t the triple crown. Thanks for the joy you brought me and my family throughout 2020.
Love this video. ****taking detailed notes****
Naglene bottle. It's amazing how full circle things go. Those use to be really popular, as they replaced narrow mouth containers which were hard to add drink mixes, powders and oatmeal to without spill half around the opening. But they are heavy compared to disposable bottles and were later abandoned in favor of the quart size Gatoraid bottles. The Gatoraid bottles have a wide top (though not as wide as Nalgenes) which made them great for drink mixes and powders. Then the sawyer squeeze filter came out and then everyone started using smart water bottles which mate directly to them. Though they are narrow mouth and once again hard to add mixes, etc. Now I'm seeing a Nalgene again. :-) I personally never understood why people swapped ALL their bottles for smartwater types and didn't hold on to at least 1 Gatoraid bottle which are better multi-purpose. You can still filter into the Smartwater bottle and then pour it into the Gatoraid one.
Good to see ya kiddo! I still miss your daily hike vids!😌 It’s amazing how much stuff you need on a through hike and how much stuff you can actually put in that backpack! Awesome as always! 🥰👍🏔🐻⛺️🦌❄️
It's crazy to think how much a pack can hold. :D
Thank you. From Denise, Lilly, our dog and me for being part of this wonderful journey.
I hiked the AT in 2017 from South to North. It was a nice workout vacation, thank you for sharing these gear ideas with me.
Awesome! We've never seen gear at the END! What a great idea...
Happy New Year Braids. Shuttled our first 2 hikers of 2021 back to the Mount Rogers visitor center yesterday morning. Mountain Cat and Cobra.
Yay! It's starting up already. It's gonna be a busy year!
I've been waiting months and months for you to finish your epic hike cross your amazing country. Now I am going to start at the beginning and watch it right through! Congrats it must have been an awesome experience.
Well done congratulations! Great gear review super good info!
i love that you did this after your hike rather than before. thank you !
Thanks for taking the time to make this thorough video. I do like to see what people start with and then the essentials they end with. Helps me get a better idea what to start with. I have the BRS stone too glad to know yours lasted the whole time.
Thanks for all the information and knowledge. We hikers all appreciate it and will benefit from your experiences. Thanks again and keep on hammering !!!
Thanks for sharing this video, I have followed many of your miles and knew that you had got back on the trail after COVID. When I got back to checking on you, I noticed you were about to "finish" your through hike, but not at Katahdin....I knew you must have changed your game plan, but now I know all the useful details. Thanks for a Great Journey through your Adventure!
Great video and very informative. Happy hiking and god bless
I like that straw idea!
LOVE your cozy holiday set up.
Hi Braids, always good to see you. so proud of you for your determinedness to complete the trail. Great gear video that will undoubtedly benefit future AT thru hikers....and it is interesting what your home on the trail consisted of.
Thanks for the gear review. I loved following you on your journey!! Been missing your videos. Happy trails!
BTW...Just wanted to say I think it was so cool to finish before Christmas! And that must be a wild contrast! In the woods almost daily for months and then - boom - you are back home and everything is festive and light! ... Also, I like that you mentioned, what gear to hikers use at the end of a thru-hike! Like, Thru-Hike Tested should be stamped somewhere around here! It's good to here you talk about your particular experience with the gear and your thoughts on it now!
thru hike tested. I like that!
Excellent presentation. You were real with us, and That is a great benefit for us future through Hikers.
Thanks for the final gear list! Enjoyed watching your video journey. Thanks!
Loved this video so so informative. I’m heading out for my thru-hike on the 14th and this really helped me with packing etc. Lots of great advice. Thank you!
Oh I'm so glad. Good luck to you on you hike! It's soooo close! :)
@@HikingwithBraids Thank you and yes!
@@HikingwithBraids Thank you and yes!
Great video felt like you were opening Christmas presents LOL
Haha yeah it kinda was
I really like this video not many hikers show you what they had in their pack at the end of their hike. 👍👍
Wash your Tyvek! THAT is something I would never think to do.
Happy New Year to you and family. All good here in NH
Awesome video
Great video! Thanks for sharing all your great gear.
Sure was a lot of stuff, Stuffed in that backpack and u remember almost all the brands and everything u r awesome 👏 love you
Love you mom
I thank you for this breakdown. Exactly what i needed.
Great information. Glad to see another video. Blessings
Been missing your videos! Great video!
thank you so much for this braids! this really helps! I'm having such a hard time deciding on clothes to bring!
I just love you Braids!!! Thanks so much for this video it will help me so much as I prepare for my hike!!! Hope to meet you sometime!!! Take good care!!
I learned a few things from this video. Thank you!
Very informative, Thank you
Lots of good info. Appreciate it. Gapple
Thanks for the great gear review!
You did it! To cool!
Don't know if your shoes are guaranteed but most hiking shoes and equipment have amazing guarantees. My Liki trekking poles lower sections have bent and the company replaced them free. Many backpacks and tents also have guarantees. So, Check out the company that made your shoes. They might replace them. Thanks for the run down of your equipment. God bless.
all that gear looks brand new
Great video! THanks! You did it! Yay! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Please get a better mask! PCT and CDT! Here you come!
Great video review! Love your necklace!
Congratulations Braids!
I enjoy your journey. What’s next keep us informed
Great video! If you didn’t use the tripod to film while you were hiking, did you use anything to hold your phone/camera? Or did you just hold it with your hand?
Great video - thank you!
Great info! Do you what your base weight was at the end?
I'm very curious about that too 👍
Did you feel the Montbell Versalite worked well in the rain? Do you recommend sizing up?
Thanks! Keep in touch... I wonder if you will have post thru hike depression? What are your plans next?
Question , I have never seen any females bring up face lotion or acne and like taking care of that so it doesn’t fester or become a issue?
I haven’t done the AT yet, but when I do, I will definitely be bringing my skin care. Six months is too long to ignore your skin IMO. I use Drunk Elephant and their “Littles” set is perfect for backpacking. I use the bar soap for my face and you can either cut the regular bar or get their travel size. The entire line only adds a few ounces and is well worth it.
Thanks for the info.
Watched this whole video and realized I already follow u on insta! Groguuu
Good job 👌👍
2 random thoughts after watching this video. 1 you are really done this hike as by the way you tossed the gear aside after explaining it, Congratulations again! 2nd, and maybe speaking for others, not seeing you everyday or after a few days of you not popping up on my feed would get worried about you. This even happened towards the end and I got something from Smoky Mountain Hiking(?) and they announced you had completed it. I knew you were home with Jerry yet when no video was available all I could think of was is she OK. Thank you for your videos, take care, enjoy your family and rest in the knowledge you did 1 of the toughest hikes in possibly the worst year.
Thanks for thinking of me! :)
Great informative video. I do have a question about your handmade hat you wore several times. It’s purple and multi colored. You mentioned where you got it at it in one of your videos but I can’t find the mention again. Do you mind telling me where you got it at. My daughter and I just love it and wanted to get one. Thanks in advance and congratulations again on your finish!!!!
I found the video and found Jasper who makes the hats. Got mine ordered!!!
hi there. first off congratulations on your thru hike success ! I hope to be hiking SOBO 2022 starting in June. Curious about one thing. You mentioned drinking carnation in the mornings. did you mix that with water or powdered milk ?
Thank you and good luck to you on your hike! I used water and mixed it with protein powder and coffee
thanks for all this info. i copied a lot of your gear. are you going back to work or did they save your job?
U gonna do cdt or pct next ?
I'm looking to change my pack for something lighter weight...doesn't need to be super-light as I'm usually just a weekend warrior, not a thru-hiker, but lighter is always better! I usually carry around 25 lbs but can get up to 30 on longer trips. I think I've actually narrowed it down to two packs you've carried! 6 Moon Designs Fusion (and it's on sale right now!) and the ULA Circuit. Thinking about GG Mariposa too, but I've heard that one doesn't breathe well. Between the Fusion and Circuit, which one would you recommend. Fusion is about a 1lb heavier, but it's less $$ and looks like it might breathe better? Thanks for your help! I haven't changed my pack in 7 years...such a big decision!
good video
You mentioned wearing sunglasses, and I was wondering, how did that affect your ability to spot snakes on the trail? was it easier? Or harder?
Did I miss rain jacket?
👍
Great video! Question. If you had to start in February again, do you think the xtherm would be good? Thanks for taking the time to do this! -Dandelion
Yes definitely. It is a 5.7 R value and only 17 ounces.
Thanks! I did a LASH with a big agnes AXL, and while it was super comfy, it just absorbed the ground cold. I picked up an xtherm this summer, havent had the chance to try it in the cold yet. did you use anything under your pad?
Hey, thanks so much.. this is hugely helpful. Definitely better to see what gear survived the winnowing process through 2,000+ miles on the trail.
Cheers!
You mentioned the protein bars and the shake in the morning. I don’t see that you carried any other food. Did you cook food or eat in towns? Please help me understand your actual calorie intake and how you carried that or is there another video on this subject? Any advice. I’m new to the AT plan and hope to start in 2021 or 2022.
I typically carried 3 - 4 days of food (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks). There's a video on my channel showing my first 4 days of food on the AT and many of my videos include the food I ate along the trail. I'll probably do another video on this soon.
When you flew, did you fly with the Anker power bank in your carry on OR inside your checked backpack? I'm hearing the airlines won't allow certain battery banks. John from MI
You will need to put it in your carry on. It will be fine there.
@@HikingwithBraids Thank you for replying. John
Ur bag looks extremely heavy how much dis it weight with all ir gear in it
If you could, would you do it again?
Not sure but I think about the trail a lot.
I hear gators I think snake gear
Thanks for all the information and knowledge. We hikers all appreciate it and will benefit from your experiences. Thanks again and keep on hammering !!!