Quick note regarding wool. It’s advantage is not that it drys faster than cotton, but rather, that it continues to retain body heat while wet (“warm when wet”), in contrast to cotton that rapidly saps body heat when wet.
The downside to that is when you stop pumping out the body heat (you stop hiking or paddling) you then are wearing a wet shirt. Kokatat made/makes a poly-wool shirt which gives the advantages of wool and synthetic. Dried faster but was warm when wet.
For less expensive gear, check out Champion clothing (I know Target carries some of their stuff). I've found a reasonable rain jacket with pit zips for $20, some reasonable 1/4 zip long sleeve layers, long underwear base layers (I sleep in them!), Etc. It doesn't have to be expensive to be useful!
Champion also has really nice no cotton underwhere for something like $20 for three pairs, and they don't even have a cotton liner piece, which is common in cheaper 'no cotton' underwhere.
I like most of my old military clothes and now picking up military surplus too... It's cheap, it's durable, and it's made for the outdoors... And there's many layers and choices. Gore-tex, nylon, polypropylene, polyester, therm-a-rest.
Cotton always tends to get a bad rap, if you're in hot temps, cotton once wet stays wet and acts a cooling system and as far as holding smells, there's nothing that holds smells worst than synthetics! Thanks again Dixie, these trail info segments are terrific!
Oregon Grinder I agree! Where I live not a chance we are ever going to get snow or freezing weather and all the ‘moisture wicking’ clothes I own make me sweat more especially the long sleeves in summer to help protect my skin, and once they get that sweat stink in them it’s hard to get rid of.
@@footprintsandtyretracks Exactly right, I live in an area where any summer night can dip well into the low forties and at higher elevations, so I tend to bring one of each. Cotton absolutely has it's place, If you use some common sense. Thanks for the reply Lux!
I'm a North Carolinian living in Sweden currently, and you are not only helping me plan an awesome "welcome home" hike but hearing that sweet southern twang makes me feel at home :) haha (even though I don't have it)
Best advice I've had in the past was when I went to work in Alaska. One of the first things I was told was to "dress like an onion" Layers are great! I've had as many as 5-6 layers on me in cold weather :-)
For the guys: I recommend Ex-Officio Boxer Briefs, 9-inch length is perfect. Never had a problem with chafing and I've been wearing them for more than ten years and they are durable.
I've heard ex-officio recommended by every thru hiker I know and I think I'm the only person who tried 'em and doesn't like them. Crazy I know. I'm a big fan of the jockey sport boxer briefs though. Their new designs especially.
@@PeteSpringer Yeah, I should have said, I don't have any preferred brand, just the form factor is good enough for me. My current hiking briefs are UnderArmour and some off brand, both work equally well for me.
Another great video for beginning backpackers. I completely agree on the use of long sleeve, collared, button up shirts. Same thing for me with convertible long pants in the same material as the long sleeve shirt, with zip-off legs to keep the bugs off and provide sun cover. Good side cargo pockets hold lots of trail snacks for the day, too. My favorite tip is opening the zippers at the thigh and ankle to allow air to vent while still providing shade and repelling bugs.
I like your pace of talking and that you explain your reasoning behind every tip! Some channels go so fast and there's a lot of new information for me here. I learned a lot, thanks for a great video!
wow you're putting out really good info these days. like well thought-out packages. keep up the good work! ps not that you didn't have good info earlier but these have hard-core production value
I love my light, water-resistant hiking trousers. Even if I didn't love them so much, I don't think I'd ever want to through hike in shorts, and the reason is sun protection! Keep in mind that you need to reapply sunscreen every two hours for it to properly protect you. By the second, but definitely the third application of the day, you'll feel like you're just rolling around old sunscreen and skin cells and dust, and without access to a shower you'll probably feel sticky for days! I know Dixie uses one baby wipe a day to feel fresh, but I don't think that would be completely up to the job. If it's just some sweat plus sunscreen off your face and hands, that's a different story...
Great info for all, Thanks Dixie ! 😃 I haven’t entered the “puffy” coat world yet, I love my Melanzana micro grid pull over too much to give it up for a puffy and don’t want to carry both.... And I like having a top on at camp that has pockets or a kangaroo pouch. I find it useful to keep track of my spoon, lighter, utensils, phone, etc. If it gets colder I just put my raincoat on over the mid layer. 👍 I’m definitely with ya on the shorts though , I just can’t do pants unless it’s really cold.
Sam's club. I find a lot of my mens gear there, Colombia ls 50spf shirt $15 hiking shorts with liners, puffy coat or vests the gear last me several years. It just help save cost. Frog togs at Walmart. Neemor he buys are Walmart during end of season to catch deals.
For european gals out there, I've already bought two sportbras from the clothing line "Crivit" of our beloved german supermarket Lidl. One of them I've been using for 5 the other for 4 years at least three times a week (mostly playing soccer or jogging but my guess is that it would work fine for backpacking too). They are both super comfortable, durable and cheap with each bra costing around 5 to 7€. You know... Just in case you need or want to spare some money somewhere. Also I've had good experiences with the french sport brand Decathlon. Cheers!
My favorite thing currently is a 7D version of the Torrid Apex by enlightened. Warm, light, nice texture, takes little space in the pack, fills gaps, and if it gets wet it still does something, being artificial. Not too expensive either. My 7D version feels warmer than the 10D, the lighter ripstop material floats and clings more. I have washed it often on front loader 30deg C wool cycle, plus a final rinse and a cool air only dry cycle.
My favorite thing is an REI shirt that has a pocket over my heart with a sticky vertical zipper right along the button band. I got it on a whim years ago just before going to Peru, and found that the pocket is the perfect size and location for my passport. The shirt itself is great, some synthetic that doesn't pick up smells at all, but the pocket really is the best part. I haven't been able to find a replacement, but I'm sure someone, somewhere has seen something like this...
Nice summary! I've never seen shirts with thumb holes - for men. You offer good reasons for trying one (if they exist) While I rarely use it, I was amazed by how effective a wind-shirt was against a strong, cold wind 2:01 Hey! I recognize these critters. I bet you were in Montana for this shot
Hi dixie. Just wanted to let you know that I really like your show. I think you share honest advice. I myself am just a day hiker but really find your videos interesting. Take care
Hi Dixie! Great video as usual. Apparently the rain coat that you use is not breathable at all, I noticed that you highlighted that having pit zips really helps regulate temperature, but I always heard that having a breathable (such as membrane) coat is really important. Thank you so much
You are really cranking out the videos lately! Thanks so much I love this series, learning a lot. When I was younger, I backpacked a LOT (just getting back into it) wish there would have been someone like you around back then...I was the one taking a puffy AND a puffy vest 😂😂😂 i figured a lot out since then lol. Sidenote, I have always kinda hated the term "embrace the suck" but I'm digging "embrace the stink" 😂😂😂 thanks again, Dixie!
My favorite clothing is my long sleeve Columbia silver ridge shirt. I hike the Grand Canyon a lot, and in the heat I can soak it in a creek, it also dries quickly when I’m cold and sweaty, and it provides long sleeves for cold starts at the top.
Outstanding series so far. I cant keep up with this younger generation, which is as it should be, leave me in the dust, I've been more or less reasonably accommodated. I've downloaded this into the TubeMate app will get to it when I can. I hope there is some discussion as to how clothing relates to hypothermia? I'm doing some research into getting a fire started fast, in adverse conditions: storm matches, fire steel, Vaseline coated cotton balls, fat wood etc. The indigenous aborigines can keep the bow drill stuff, please.
Costco carries nice gear just in their regular areas (i.e., not their seasonal "camping" display area). Really nice rain jackets for $20. I picked up some nice merino wool base layers for $20 each piece. Lightweight draw string sports shorts (I sleep in them when its warm) for $12. Even some Fila running shoes for light weight backup footwear were reasonable at $24 or something like that.
A downside not mentioned to synthetic clothes and fleece jackets is that they shave microplastics everywhere. Not good for rivers, streams or nature in general.
Hi. Love your videos! it sounds like you have your stuff together and has made it easier for me to convert from military backpacking to civi backpacking. I do have 1 question for you though and this maybe a dumb question, but I was wondering do you find that there is a difference between what gear and clothing is chosen/used by people from other countries (mainly Canada) on trails like the pct?
From my experience the clothing and gear types are much the same but the labels on the clothes may be different. Some items are simply only locally obtained but most of the items are universal.
I've been doing this hiking/backpacking thing for many years. Dixie, I have to admit... I was skeptical at first about a thru-hiker doing videos for backpacking. But...I find that with each video, you are doing a better and better job of putting out useful information that is neither too little nor too much. I am surprisingly more impressed with each new video. Keep up the good work Dixie. And WAR EAGLE!!
Only natural fabric for my feet, the synthetic socks give me trench foot. Love the under armor gets. cold here at night. It goes from 70s to 30s daily sometimes in 15 min. It's dry here so jeans work for me, the synthetic pants just get ripped where I go.
Very good content with clothes as for a puffy jacket I have a 60/40 blend 60% down 40% synthetic puffy down. As far as pants I do wear hiking pants. I also use a waterproof biking jacket it's only 5 oz so it is super light and does both wind protection and rain protection after all a bike packer has to figure out secondary and third ways of keeping warm against the cold and wind But again very good content with clothing
Im a huge fan of capri length pants. the leggings I wore for years where just about mid calf, but I could pull them up to my knee if I was hot. Unfortunately, they're cotton, and I have yet to find a synthetic replacement Im in love with. For my section hike Im going to go with the aphrodite pants at capri length, and in shorts as well. They fit a little looser in the leg than my leggings, so Im a little concerned about the chafing factor, but it's all part of the learning curve, and they are super comfortable everywhere else, and long enough that I dont have as much real estate exposed for the mosquitoes.
Thank you for the video. Shoes and socks are the biggest cause of injury to your feet. What should be done ; leather shoes and merino wool should be selected. If the temperature is above 20 celsius it would be wrong to use the bot. Walking bare feet with certain intervals protects the foot from being wound. They are all determined by experience.
I second the BCG brand from Academy Sports (I have no affiliation with them, btw). Very cheap, very durable workout/hiking undergarments that last as long - if not longer - than 'name' brands like Under Armour, Nike, Adidas, etc.
For us ladies have you tried thin reusable sanitary pads and just changing these out instead of changing knickers.. light weight and Fresh feeling daily .. no need to wash knickers and hope that the weather allows them to dry (nothing worse than damp ones for chaffing imo)
Careful with the convertible pants -> the zipper can irritate the thighs with chaffing !!!! (Like, I still have a huge scar, years after. It made a hole in my thigh...)
I had a similar experience while hiking the West Coast Trail -- the zippers irritated my thighs. Not only that, but when my legs got damp from sweat, the fabric would kind of adhere to my skin, and each time I had to step up to clear an obstacle (which are endless on the WCT), I had to pull up on the material above my knee to allow me to reduce resistance during the step. That ultimately helped cause an accident when I caught my foot on a tree root because my leg was restricted. Stretchy pant material would have helped.
I agree. I have converted to stretchy compression tights for hiking, especially up mountains, and they are brilliant! Need to take a tiny sewing kit for mending little rips though! 😅
Where I live I wear light coloured clothing so the kangaroo ticks are more visible. Light colours are reflective and don't absorb as much heat either. No snow here so the dark colours not necessary.
In addition to the REI garage sales, I like to buy used gear from REI's website, GearTrade website, and backpacking/hiking gear buy/sell groups on Facebook.
Been watching a lot of your videos. have gain a lot of valuable info. I have watch others also. don't know if you cover this topic, but would be nice if you could do a video on" Video on the trail". you are really in depth and for a geek like me, it would be nice to see all the in's and out's. Like camera vs phone, trekking pole vs the stick, any attachments, how and when best to down load, edit and post, what aps to use. hope you can help.
I have been experimenting with coconut & essential oils mixtures instead of deodorant in everyday life to evaluate stink mitigation and have had decent results. I know DoTerra has an oil they recommend as a deet replacement that is body safe but if someone were to try this out on a week long trip they would probably be able to say with more confidence.
When I hike in the Adirondacks (46r) I usually hike in a long nylon hiking shirt and hiking pants. My wife who before we got married never hiked, so I suggested to her to wear long hiking pants and a long nylon shirt too due to her getting cold regardless of temperature. After awhile, she decided to wear Danceskin brand long nylon shorts, yoga nylon long pants or capris due to much lighter and easier to move around when dealing with big rocks on hike. Her shirts became Walmart nylon tshirts and nylon camisole tops, but midway thru she just takes her tshirt of and hikes in camisole. As for shoes, I switch between hiking boots or trail shoes, wife wears hiking boots and bot wear very good/comfy socks! lol. my wife wants me to let you know if you don't already that Walmart is now carrying Hanes and Foot of the Loom (womens) Xfinity nylon style underwear and she highly recommends them. They usually run 9-15 dollars for a 6 pack. and you can probably find on Amazon.
Wind jackets/shirts are great in the desert, and almost more important than rain jackets. However, I am talking more hiking and backpacking in certain seasons where rain isn't really isn't that likely.
I wish merino wool was “itch free.” I’d love to wear it, and I’ve tried several manufacturers/brands products. All were uncomfortable (itchy) within seconds.
Same here! But I would consider trying to see if I can train myself to get used to it for a thru hike, as it would save a lot of pollution from microplastics (which synthetic fabrics release as the wear down and get washed). Could be I can only do it for socks, though.
You seem to have very sensitive skin. Usually merino just itches (very lightly) the very first minute if even at all. I hav absolutely no issues with that at all and really like the cozy feeling of merino wool as a base layer. I prefer them over my regular undies any day of the week.
If it is Smart Wool - then it should be itch free. I am sensitive to regular wool, but I bought some light weight long underwear - for sleeping or hiking, and had not itching.
Great job. I like the ex-officio bug jacket. I would love to bring my puffy, but I cant get over the coldest I have ever been in my life twice, was with freezing cold rain when my warmest garment would be useless. Thoughts? Also, if you use you and your buddy have frog-togs poncho, they snap together to make a nice rain tarp
🙋🏼♀️🙋🏼♀️ I have a question! When you’re hiking in the snow, are you just wearing your wool leggings with rain pants on top? Would I ever need fleece pants in those conditions? Particularly on the PCT? Thanks Dixie!
Real technical stuff. Base layers usually go on under normal clothes. I prefer sweat pants or sweat shirt while working because I can take it off easily without taking all my clothes off. Unless I'm chilling in my hammock or skiing in the winter. I'm thinking about getting hiking pants for dessert like conditions. I have Corderay cotton pants that I can't wear in the summer. For work I wear golf pants. For a few day trip I like sleeping in a base layer top with a blanket liner. Summer time I'll wear golf shorts, synthetic T-shirt, then bring winter button up like cotton or wool, or a sweat shirt, rain jacket, hat. Yes, I use a button up like a summer jacket. Depending how cold, I'll add neck gator scarf, puffy jacket, rain pants, tights, sweat pants. I can usually get away with a T- shirt plus sweater even in winter unless it's windy. Add my rain jacket, plus base layer, it gets bulky/ heavy so when it's deep winter I stick with a base layer plus puffy. Maybe add a T-shirt, button up, or both. I like to leave my puffy in my car in case I have to walk, or instead of warming up my car, or when I pump gas I put it on over my T-shirt/ sweater. Can you imagine wearing a base layer, T-shirt, button up, sweater, puffy, rain jacket? I also ride my motorcycle in spring/ fall, some times winter. How do I work in summer clothes after riding in the winter? T- shirt, shorts. Button up, puffy. Sweat pants, rain pants. Then summer nights I'll wear synthetic cut off, shorts, button up, rain jacket with pit zips to go from 90 full sun to 65 dark highway speed wind.
synths are not friendly with fire at all!!! Most times i like to use a 1st layer synth with some cotton or linen above, it is much more resistent to our fires
I love your videos and your channel! I set off for the AT later this year and I'm having a hard time finding clothing for any kind that fits me (5'4", 50"-40"-50"). Any ideas??
Outdoor Research ferrosi pants are amazing for hiking. Very thin soft shell material. Great in the heat or wind and a thin pair of leggings can take you down into frigid temps
I go cheap. Champion C9 baselayers, or briefs+T-shirt from Target. What-have-you fleece lounge pants from the job lot store in winter. A Columbia fleece top that was dirt cheap at a department store clearance sale. Darn Tough socks. In winter, the thinnest nylon or polyester dress socks I can find, and then doubled bread bags for a vapor barrier, and the Darn Toughs go on over that. Convertible hiking pants 'coz I like wandering off trail from time to time. Frogg Toggs on trail, or for bushwhacks I finally broke down and got a Marmot rain jacket with an EMS gift card and a pair of no-name wind/rain pants from BJ's. Carhartt beanie (and a no-name balaclava in winter). I have both down and synthetic puffies, and the synthetic one zips into a REI wind jacket that's bombproof and comes out in deep winter. I picked up some really nice DWR fleece gloves at Home Depot of all places, and in deep winter they go under an equally nice pair of ski mitts that turned up at TJ Maxx (or was it Marshall's?). If I were asked to pick one item from those that I really love, it'd be the Darn Tough socks.
I’m not a backpacker, I’d like to get into it on a small scale, but doesn’t anyone use bug spray on the trail? I would think that would be kind of important. I know that’s a chemical though and really not good for you but I’d rather have some chemical on me then getting attacked by mosquitoes and especially ticks all the time, just my opinion.
It's really incredible how much vital information you cram into your videos. Most channels ramble on about nothing.
Every sentence is new information. She's a natural, give this woman a PBS show.
Yes, agreed. Refreshing
Literally very true
It really is incredible 👏
I love how real she is
Quick note regarding wool. It’s advantage is not that it drys faster than cotton, but rather, that it continues to retain body heat while wet (“warm when wet”), in contrast to cotton that rapidly saps body heat when wet.
The downside to that is when you stop pumping out the body heat (you stop hiking or paddling) you then are wearing a wet shirt. Kokatat made/makes a poly-wool shirt which gives the advantages of wool and synthetic. Dried faster but was warm when wet.
Wool is also nice that, because it is not synthetic, ie. not made of plastic fibers, it breath better (for the most part).
It also doesn't retain your body odor as much as plant fibers.
and hey - it's wool! OK, i'll leave now.
from my experience it does dry much faster than cotton. been in the rain with cotton. it never dries.
For less expensive gear, check out Champion clothing (I know Target carries some of their stuff). I've found a reasonable rain jacket with pit zips for $20, some reasonable 1/4 zip long sleeve layers, long underwear base layers (I sleep in them!), Etc. It doesn't have to be expensive to be useful!
Champion also has really nice no cotton underwhere for something like $20 for three pairs, and they don't even have a cotton liner piece, which is common in cheaper 'no cotton' underwhere.
I like most of my old military clothes and now picking up military surplus too...
It's cheap, it's durable, and it's made for the outdoors...
And there's many layers and choices.
Gore-tex, nylon, polypropylene, polyester, therm-a-rest.
Cotton always tends to get a bad rap, if you're in hot temps, cotton once wet stays wet and acts a cooling system and as far as holding smells, there's nothing that holds smells worst than synthetics! Thanks again Dixie, these trail info segments are terrific!
Oregon Grinder I agree! Where I live not a chance we are ever going to get snow or freezing weather and all the ‘moisture wicking’ clothes I own make me sweat more especially the long sleeves in summer to help protect my skin, and once they get that sweat stink in them it’s hard to get rid of.
@@footprintsandtyretracks Exactly right, I live in an area where any summer night can dip well into the low forties and at higher elevations, so I tend to bring one of each. Cotton absolutely has it's place, If you use some common sense. Thanks for the reply Lux!
I'm a North Carolinian living in Sweden currently, and you are not only helping me plan an awesome "welcome home" hike but hearing that sweet southern twang makes me feel at home :) haha (even though I don't have it)
Best advice I've had in the past was when I went to work in Alaska. One of the first things I was told was to "dress like an onion" Layers are great! I've had as many as 5-6 layers on me in cold weather :-)
For the guys: I recommend Ex-Officio Boxer Briefs, 9-inch length is perfect. Never had a problem with chafing and I've been wearing them for more than ten years and they are durable.
I wear these as well and love them!
Thank you for this bit of info. Been considering going commando, but I enjoy having some support.
+1 About 10 years ago I started wearing them for hiking, and liked boxer briefs so much that I switch over to wearing them all the time.
I've heard ex-officio recommended by every thru hiker I know and I think I'm the only person who tried 'em and doesn't like them. Crazy I know. I'm a big fan of the jockey sport boxer briefs though. Their new designs especially.
@@PeteSpringer Yeah, I should have said, I don't have any preferred brand, just the form factor is good enough for me. My current hiking briefs are UnderArmour and some off brand, both work equally well for me.
Another great video for beginning backpackers. I completely agree on the use of long sleeve, collared, button up shirts.
Same thing for me with convertible long pants in the same material as the long sleeve shirt, with zip-off legs to keep the bugs off and provide sun cover. Good side cargo pockets hold lots of trail snacks for the day, too. My favorite tip is opening the zippers at the thigh and ankle to allow air to vent while still providing shade and repelling bugs.
I like your pace of talking and that you explain your reasoning behind every tip! Some channels go so fast and there's a lot of new information for me here. I learned a lot, thanks for a great video!
I am Honey Minnie, packing back with my children in Korea.
I am watching a good video and I always cheer for you.
wow you're putting out really good info these days. like well thought-out packages. keep up the good work!
ps not that you didn't have good info earlier but these have hard-core production value
I love my light, water-resistant hiking trousers. Even if I didn't love them so much, I don't think I'd ever want to through hike in shorts, and the reason is sun protection! Keep in mind that you need to reapply sunscreen every two hours for it to properly protect you. By the second, but definitely the third application of the day, you'll feel like you're just rolling around old sunscreen and skin cells and dust, and without access to a shower you'll probably feel sticky for days! I know Dixie uses one baby wipe a day to feel fresh, but I don't think that would be completely up to the job. If it's just some sweat plus sunscreen off your face and hands, that's a different story...
Great info for all, Thanks Dixie ! 😃 I haven’t entered the “puffy” coat world yet, I love my Melanzana micro grid pull over too much to give it up for a puffy and don’t want to carry both.... And I like having a top on at camp that has pockets or a kangaroo pouch. I find it useful to keep track of my spoon, lighter, utensils, phone, etc. If it gets colder I just put my raincoat on over the mid layer.
👍 I’m definitely with ya on the shorts though , I just can’t do pants unless it’s really cold.
Sam's club. I find a lot of my mens gear there, Colombia ls 50spf shirt $15 hiking shorts with liners, puffy coat or vests the gear last me several years. It just help save cost. Frog togs at Walmart. Neemor he buys are Walmart during end of season to catch deals.
For european gals out there, I've already bought two sportbras from the clothing line "Crivit" of our beloved german supermarket Lidl. One of them I've been using for 5 the other for 4 years at least three times a week (mostly playing soccer or jogging but my guess is that it would work fine for backpacking too). They are both super comfortable, durable and cheap with each bra costing around 5 to 7€. You know... Just in case you need or want to spare some money somewhere. Also I've had good experiences with the french sport brand Decathlon. Cheers!
Thanks! Lidl clothing is exactly the kind of cheap stuff I wouldn't dare risk without a recommendation like this :)
My favorite thing currently is a 7D version of the Torrid Apex by enlightened. Warm, light, nice texture, takes little space in the pack, fills gaps, and if it gets wet it still does something, being artificial. Not too expensive either. My 7D version feels warmer than the 10D, the lighter ripstop material floats and clings more. I have washed it often on front loader 30deg C wool cycle, plus a final rinse and a cool air only dry cycle.
My favorite thing is an REI shirt that has a pocket over my heart with a sticky vertical zipper right along the button band. I got it on a whim years ago just before going to Peru, and found that the pocket is the perfect size and location for my passport. The shirt itself is great, some synthetic that doesn't pick up smells at all, but the pocket really is the best part. I haven't been able to find a replacement, but I'm sure someone, somewhere has seen something like this...
Excellent explanation of clothing layers, not a second wasted in this video.
I'm all about the hiking skirt. Purple Rain skirts and Lightheart Gear are my favorites. Roomy, comfy, non binding, no chafing, good ventilation.
Nice summary! I've never seen shirts with thumb holes - for men. You offer good reasons for trying one (if they exist)
While I rarely use it, I was amazed by how effective a wind-shirt was against a strong, cold wind
2:01 Hey! I recognize these critters. I bet you were in Montana for this shot
Hi dixie. Just wanted to let you know that I really like your show. I think you share honest advice. I myself am just a day hiker but really find your videos interesting. Take care
Hi Dixie! Great video as usual. Apparently the rain coat that you use is not breathable at all, I noticed that you highlighted that having pit zips really helps regulate temperature, but I always heard that having a breathable (such as membrane) coat is really important. Thank you so much
You are really cranking out the videos lately! Thanks so much I love this series, learning a lot. When I was younger, I backpacked a LOT (just getting back into it) wish there would have been someone like you around back then...I was the one taking a puffy AND a puffy vest 😂😂😂 i figured a lot out since then lol. Sidenote, I have always kinda hated the term "embrace the suck" but I'm digging "embrace the stink" 😂😂😂 thanks again, Dixie!
My favorite clothing is my long sleeve Columbia silver ridge shirt. I hike the Grand Canyon a lot, and in the heat I can soak it in a creek, it also dries quickly when I’m cold and sweaty, and it provides long sleeves for cold starts at the top.
That rain kilt looks awesome! I had no idea that was a thing until now. It might be exactly what I've been wanting.
Thank you for such a clear and concise explanation.
Outstanding series so far. I cant keep up with this younger generation, which is as it should be, leave me in the dust, I've been more or less reasonably accommodated. I've downloaded this into the TubeMate app will get to it when I can.
I hope there is some discussion as to how clothing relates to hypothermia? I'm doing some research into getting a fire started fast, in adverse conditions: storm matches, fire steel, Vaseline coated cotton balls, fat wood etc. The indigenous aborigines can keep the bow drill stuff, please.
Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Zip Hoodie. Awesome piece of gear! I wear it all the time both on the trail and off.
Your right I love that piece,Just bought an R1 on sale on Patagonia site for $77 which I love already
Long sleeve base layer with thumbs- Patagonia thermal weight 1/4 zip with hoodie is my favorite
Costco carries nice gear just in their regular areas (i.e., not their seasonal "camping" display area). Really nice rain jackets for $20. I picked up some nice merino wool base layers for $20 each piece. Lightweight draw string sports shorts (I sleep in them when its warm) for $12. Even some Fila running shoes for light weight backup footwear were reasonable at $24 or something like that.
Laugh, thought my trousers would never dry.. 😊 Honest and objective..
A downside not mentioned to synthetic clothes and fleece jackets is that they shave microplastics everywhere. Not good for rivers, streams or nature in general.
Hi. Love your videos! it sounds like you have your stuff together and has made it easier for me to convert from military backpacking to civi backpacking. I do have 1 question for you though and this maybe a dumb question, but I was wondering do you find that there is a difference between what gear and clothing is chosen/used by people from other countries (mainly Canada) on trails like the pct?
From my experience the clothing and gear types are much the same but the labels on the clothes may be different. Some items are simply only locally obtained but most of the items are universal.
My favorite fishing shirt is also a great hiking shirt. Sun protection shot and long sleeves and light.
I've been doing this hiking/backpacking thing for many years. Dixie, I have to admit... I was skeptical at first about a thru-hiker doing videos for backpacking. But...I find that with each video, you are doing a better and better job of putting out useful information that is neither too little nor too much. I am surprisingly more impressed with each new video. Keep up the good work Dixie. And WAR EAGLE!!
What fleece is she wearing in this I'm in love
Pretty sure its True Grit Frosty Tipped
Only natural fabric for my feet, the synthetic socks give me trench foot. Love the under armor gets. cold here at night. It goes from 70s to 30s daily sometimes in 15 min. It's dry here so jeans work for me, the synthetic pants just get ripped where I go.
If one cannot walk........one must talk! Great video!
Very good content with clothes as for a puffy jacket I have a 60/40 blend 60% down 40% synthetic puffy down.
As far as pants I do wear hiking pants.
I also use a waterproof biking jacket it's only 5 oz so it is super light and does both wind protection and rain protection after all a bike packer has to figure out secondary and third ways of keeping warm against the cold and wind
But again very good content with clothing
Thanks for this very informative video!
Im a huge fan of capri length pants. the leggings I wore for years where just about mid calf, but I could pull them up to my knee if I was hot. Unfortunately, they're cotton, and I have yet to find a synthetic replacement Im in love with. For my section hike Im going to go with the aphrodite pants at capri length, and in shorts as well. They fit a little looser in the leg than my leggings, so Im a little concerned about the chafing factor, but it's all part of the learning curve, and they are super comfortable everywhere else, and long enough that I dont have as much real estate exposed for the mosquitoes.
Thank you for the video. Shoes and socks are the biggest cause of injury to your feet. What should be done ; leather shoes and merino wool should be selected. If the temperature is above 20 celsius it would be wrong to use the bot. Walking bare feet with certain intervals protects the foot from being wound. They are all determined by experience.
I second the BCG brand from Academy Sports (I have no affiliation with them, btw). Very cheap, very durable workout/hiking undergarments that last as long - if not longer - than 'name' brands like Under Armour, Nike, Adidas, etc.
For us ladies have you tried thin reusable sanitary pads and just changing these out instead of changing knickers.. light weight and Fresh feeling daily .. no need to wash knickers and hope that the weather allows them to dry (nothing worse than damp ones for chaffing imo)
Loving this series! Thanks for all the information and for putting it together in such an easily consumable way :)
Careful with the convertible pants -> the zipper can irritate the thighs with chaffing !!!! (Like, I still have a huge scar, years after. It made a hole in my thigh...)
I had a similar experience while hiking the West Coast Trail -- the zippers irritated my thighs. Not only that, but when my legs got damp from sweat, the fabric would kind of adhere to my skin, and each time I had to step up to clear an obstacle (which are endless on the WCT), I had to pull up on the material above my knee to allow me to reduce resistance during the step. That ultimately helped cause an accident when I caught my foot on a tree root because my leg was restricted. Stretchy pant material would have helped.
I agree. I have converted to stretchy compression tights for hiking, especially up mountains, and they are brilliant!
Need to take a tiny sewing kit for mending little rips though! 😅
you have excellent experience of hiking and yours movies are very informative
Where I live I wear light coloured clothing so the kangaroo ticks are more visible. Light colours are reflective and don't absorb as much heat either. No snow here so the dark colours not necessary.
In addition to the REI garage sales, I like to buy used gear from REI's website, GearTrade website, and backpacking/hiking gear buy/sell groups on Facebook.
I am so excited to start my AT trail and your videos really help a lot..
Thank you Jessica you are a wealth of information thank you for taking to time to clue us all in
Eddie Bauer Adventure Pro Field Shirt.
I usually find alot of great gear at the thrift store. Many go and buy all this stuff and never use it or use it once and ditch it.
Been watching a lot of your videos. have gain a lot of valuable info. I have watch others also. don't know if you cover this topic, but would be nice if you could do a video on" Video on the trail". you are really in depth and for a geek like me, it would be nice to see all the in's and out's. Like camera vs phone, trekking pole vs the stick, any attachments, how and when best to down load, edit and post, what aps to use. hope you can help.
I have been experimenting with coconut & essential oils mixtures instead of deodorant in everyday life to evaluate stink mitigation and have had decent results. I know DoTerra has an oil they recommend as a deet replacement that is body safe but if someone were to try this out on a week long trip they would probably be able to say with more confidence.
Very helpful and well presented.
You should go hike around Isle Royale!
Microfleece is amazing, light weight and low volume...
That looks like a cozy sweater! Lol
Great informative video, adorable hiker.
When I hike in the Adirondacks (46r) I usually hike in a long nylon hiking shirt and hiking pants. My wife who before we got married never hiked, so I suggested to her to wear long hiking pants and a long nylon shirt too due to her getting cold regardless of temperature. After awhile, she decided to wear Danceskin brand long nylon shorts, yoga nylon long pants or capris due to much lighter and easier to move around when dealing with big rocks on hike. Her shirts became Walmart nylon tshirts and nylon camisole tops, but midway thru she just takes her tshirt of and hikes in camisole.
As for shoes, I switch between hiking boots or trail shoes, wife wears hiking boots and bot wear very good/comfy socks! lol. my wife wants me to let you know if you don't already that Walmart is now carrying Hanes and Foot of the Loom (womens) Xfinity nylon style underwear and she highly recommends them. They usually run 9-15 dollars for a 6 pack. and you can probably find on Amazon.
Wind jackets/shirts are great in the desert, and almost more important than rain jackets. However, I am talking more hiking and backpacking in certain seasons where rain isn't really isn't that likely.
Thanks for the videos. Its good seeing ya. What is your next hike in the future
Thank you, Dixie!
I wish merino wool was “itch free.” I’d love to wear it, and I’ve tried several manufacturers/brands products. All were uncomfortable (itchy) within seconds.
Same here! But I would consider trying to see if I can train myself to get used to it for a thru hike, as it would save a lot of pollution from microplastics (which synthetic fabrics release as the wear down and get washed). Could be I can only do it for socks, though.
You seem to have very sensitive skin. Usually merino just itches (very lightly) the very first minute if even at all. I hav absolutely no issues with that at all and really like the cozy feeling of merino wool as a base layer. I prefer them over my regular undies any day of the week.
A Marmot - which brands did you try?
As a knitter I work with merino all the time. Try soaking it in hair conditioner or vinegar. It will help get rid of the itch.
If it is Smart Wool - then it should be itch free. I am sensitive to regular wool, but I bought some light weight long underwear - for sleeping or hiking, and had not itching.
Great job. I like the ex-officio bug jacket. I would love to bring my puffy, but I cant get over the coldest I have ever been in my life twice, was with freezing cold rain when my warmest garment would be useless. Thoughts? Also, if you use you and your buddy have frog-togs poncho, they snap together to make a nice rain tarp
Us Girl Scouts call bandannas 104’s, cuz you can use them 104 ways.
Panty liners would help prevent bacteria building up also to help prevent fungal infections too x
My Patagonia wind breaker tag says "weather resistant" and "wind resistant" but not waterproof. Does weather resistant count as rain resistant?
🙋🏼♀️🙋🏼♀️ I have a question! When you’re hiking in the snow, are you just wearing your wool leggings with rain pants on top? Would I ever need fleece pants in those conditions? Particularly on the PCT? Thanks Dixie!
Cotton saves lives in daytime desert situations. Cotton will save you in the AZ desert.
What sun hat do you recommend? What do you show yourself wearing in the video? Thsnks!!
Can you wash and reuse clothes after a trail that long or are they done after the trip
I love your fleece so much - I know it's not a hiking related question, but where is your fleece from that you're wearing in this vid? :)
Further down in the comments someone says 'True Grit Frosty Tipped'...
Great video! What pullover are you wearing in this video?
Real technical stuff. Base layers usually go on under normal clothes. I prefer sweat pants or sweat shirt while working because I can take it off easily without taking all my clothes off. Unless I'm chilling in my hammock or skiing in the winter. I'm thinking about getting hiking pants for dessert like conditions. I have Corderay cotton pants that I can't wear in the summer. For work I wear golf pants. For a few day trip I like sleeping in a base layer top with a blanket liner. Summer time I'll wear golf shorts, synthetic T-shirt, then bring winter button up like cotton or wool, or a sweat shirt, rain jacket, hat. Yes, I use a button up like a summer jacket. Depending how cold, I'll add neck gator scarf, puffy jacket, rain pants, tights, sweat pants. I can usually get away with a T- shirt plus sweater even in winter unless it's windy. Add my rain jacket, plus base layer, it gets bulky/ heavy so when it's deep winter I stick with a base layer plus puffy. Maybe add a T-shirt, button up, or both. I like to leave my puffy in my car in case I have to walk, or instead of warming up my car, or when I pump gas I put it on over my T-shirt/ sweater. Can you imagine wearing a base layer, T-shirt, button up, sweater, puffy, rain jacket? I also ride my motorcycle in spring/ fall, some times winter. How do I work in summer clothes after riding in the winter? T- shirt, shorts. Button up, puffy. Sweat pants, rain pants. Then summer nights I'll wear synthetic cut off, shorts, button up, rain jacket with pit zips to go from 90 full sun to 65 dark highway speed wind.
Thanks Dixie!
To wash a lot of my military gear my buddy gave me a clue. She said use Ivory liquid soap. It works.
thankssssssss
Does anyone have really good tips for tick & preventing Lyme disease?
Thanks!
does anyone have a link for the shirt? i tried to find it but wasnt successful.. do they not make it anymore?
synths are not friendly with fire at all!!! Most times i like to use a 1st layer synth with some cotton or linen above, it is much more resistent to our fires
I love your videos and your channel! I set off for the AT later this year and I'm having a hard time finding clothing for any kind that fits me (5'4", 50"-40"-50"). Any ideas??
DeepLiving aww I hope you got to enjoy some of the trail before everyone was pulled.
Outdoor Research ferrosi pants are amazing for hiking. Very thin soft shell material. Great in the heat or wind and a thin pair of leggings can take you down into frigid temps
I go cheap. Champion C9 baselayers, or briefs+T-shirt from Target. What-have-you fleece lounge pants from the job lot store in winter. A Columbia fleece top that was dirt cheap at a department store clearance sale. Darn Tough socks. In winter, the thinnest nylon or polyester dress socks I can find, and then doubled bread bags for a vapor barrier, and the Darn Toughs go on over that. Convertible hiking pants 'coz I like wandering off trail from time to time. Frogg Toggs on trail, or for bushwhacks I finally broke down and got a Marmot rain jacket with an EMS gift card and a pair of no-name wind/rain pants from BJ's. Carhartt beanie (and a no-name balaclava in winter). I have both down and synthetic puffies, and the synthetic one zips into a REI wind jacket that's bombproof and comes out in deep winter. I picked up some really nice DWR fleece gloves at Home Depot of all places, and in deep winter they go under an equally nice pair of ski mitts that turned up at TJ Maxx (or was it Marshall's?).
If I were asked to pick one item from those that I really love, it'd be the Darn Tough socks.
What is your view on Goretex raincoats? :) I thought that might me my best option, but now you're making me doubt!
How many pairs of shorts do you bring?
I’m not a backpacker, I’d like to get into it on a small scale, but doesn’t anyone use bug spray on the trail? I would think that would be kind of important. I know that’s a chemical though and really not good for you but I’d rather have some chemical on me then getting attacked by mosquitoes and especially ticks all the time, just my opinion.
AT 17:12, are you carrying a bottle of liquor of some sort. Looks like a bottle of champagne. Love the videos.
Is everyone going to ignore the fact that a giant animal was behind her in the forest at 8:50
Looks like a horse or deer
Looks likes horse
How do you notice these things haha
Of course I enjoyed the video
Vests are great in part because Goodwills (at least here in Chicago) ALWAYS have vests. No need for backpacking to be such a $$$$$ sport.
I had this little bruise on my heel. Simple thing. Common we have climbed Mountains
What’s she wearing in this video?
try skin so soft lotion to repel bugs
What is your fleece?
@8:52 is that a deer behind you?!?!
You forgot the most important piece of clothing (according to Perk).... the neck tie! lol