I admire the hell out of you all for not only accepting the advice of others, but to make this video. Your body will tell you when to get rid of more stuff, and Mountain Crossings (which is in the first week) does a free shake down from experienced hikers. I think you can still drop 8-10 pounds each, especially as the weather warms. Every single pound makes it easier on your body, and a more enjoyable experience. Sea to Summit makes lightweight liners that add warmth. They are awesome. I can't wait to see you all start. Awesome job! Thanks for your service, from a middle aged Army Grunt!
I just finished 30 rounds of radiation for stage 4 cancer..Im building my gear and planning the Michigan Triple Crown hike..if I survive that hike,Im shooting fot the AT.. Yall gave me inspiration,as well as some others such as Darwin,Dixie,Kyle,Dan..there are SO many.. Keep on hiking youngsters..😉😁 Love your channel
As a 67 year old guy who wants to hike the AT, I wish I could meet you at the start and follow along. My wife and 12 grandkids don’t think I can survive it. They have taken my keys away! So excited to watch your journey.
Man I wish you could come along too. But this is one of the reasons we are recording our journey, so those that can’t can at least follow along. I hope to get you some great footage. Thanks for following our journey!
Great to see you lightened up. My first long hike I had 40 lbs with food and water and stuff for my dog. My next hike I had it cut down to 20 lbs. I was miserable and could barely lift my pack to put it on at 40 lbs. I laughed at the ultra light crowd cutting tags out of clothes tents etc but I did exactly that after that hike. Not carrying anything not needed. I think it was wise to each have a water filter. It will give you freedom to hike your own speed on the trail. One can go ahead and set up camp for example. I would actually still have a trowel each since you are not likely to always be in sight of each other on the trail when the urge hits. I would have someone mail you things like the bug nets, summer clothes, extra toilet paper😂, trail runners, and anything else not absolutely needed for your first 4-5 days to get to Neel Gap. I keep reminding myself that this isn’t a wilderness hike, I am always within a few days of a town to replace gear and there are other hikers that will help in an emergency like a stove failure. Sharing gear like stoves and fuel give you both an opportunity to lighten up a lot. An advantage over single hikers. One large pot and two mugs might be enough if you are planning to eat the same foods together. I pack some food that doesn’t need to be cooked because I often don’t feel like cooking after hiking at first. If i were to have my stove malfunction or run out of fuel I have food to eat until I got to the next town to get a stove. 1 fuel canister should last to get to the first resupply. 4 is a LOT of extra weight to carry. I am an older hiker too and look at any extra weight as a potential injury. Food and water weigh a lot, your packs are going still going to be heavy. I am starting in Feb too. Hope we see each other out there.
Veteran of the Air Force Search and Rescue HC-130 Crew Chief, good luck to you both! And thank you for sharing your videos journey and for your service. My husband and I both love the the backpacking!
Good luck on your hike. I thruhiked in 2021 at 64 years old so you can do it! Remember you will be able to hit towns every three days or so to add or remove items.
I thru hiked from Ga-Me in 2010 with a close college friend. It was a life changing experience. I'm really excited to follow both of you on your journey. I could not be happier and more excited for your upcoming adventure. Also, I appreciate your vulnerability in sharing.
Good work cutting weight. Bear canister is smart! It is great protection for bears, you and the food plus more uses than any other piece of gear. I start 3/18. Favor follows you!
Thank you! I think you are the first or at least one of the few that approves of the bear canister! We like them but I also realize they are heavy. Good luck on your hike and welcome to our adventure!
I saw a hack that Polar Bear Hikes shared. He marked his long spoon with the cup measurements on the handle. Just a thought. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
I like you guys and I am envious that you have a partner that wants to do this with you. I carry bear spray when I walk my dog.......that stops any dog attack from aggressive K-9!
Thank you for the update. You made some great choices in your elimination process, and I'm sure you'll lose and add things on an as needed basis. I'm really excited to follow you on your journey. I wish you all the best! Thank you both for your service! My dad was in the Army Air Corp during WWII. He was a fighter pilot and flew the P-51 Mustang in 118th tactical reconnaissance in China. Again I wish you all the best and happy trails!
We took time to pray for your adventure. We wish you the best. We were supposed to start our thru hike in March, but my husband had a bad fall and we have to put it off until next year. So, we look forward to cheering you on as my husband heals and we dream of next year.
Thank you no h for your service. I’m retired AF myself (lab tech) and my wife is a retired AF medic. This community is great for helping with virtual shakedowns and helped me a lot too. You’re doing the right thing by going back through everything, but keeping what works for you. You do have a lot of power with those banks, you shouldn’t run out. Ha ha. It’s a challenge to go through all of this when you’ve never done it before, I’m in the same boat. You guys got this though!
Every year, at the start of hiking season, I try to find some thru hikers to follow on TH-cam. Last year I followed several hikers including Jay of Jay Wanders Out and I had the pleasure of meeting him at Harper's Creek shelter when I did a small section hike last April. I'm enjoying your videos this year and, who knows, maybe our paths will cross when I do my section hikes. It is my hope to do a thru hike next year, or the year after, after I retire. Right now I'm planning on doing a flip-flop starting at Harper's Ferry but there is something appealing about doing a traditional nobo and finishing with the summit of Katahdin. I wish you luck and success on your journey. This video says that you live in Delaware. I grew up in Dover and currently live in Wilmington. I understand if you don't want to answer this on your TH-cam channel but, what part of the state do you live in?
Eddie and Renee, you guys are awesome :) Good call reducing your weight carried. If you can get it down to 15lbs base weight (or less) that's what you should aim for. Be ruthless. You'll know by Neels Gap if you're carrying too much and can dump stuff off there (it's only 30 miles in). Dumping things and learning what you need and what you dont, is part of the journey. You really need a lot less than you think you need. You're never more than a day away from a town. Carrying spares, emergencies, extra's and so forth really isnt needed. Best of luck with your adventure!
I have a few miles on the trail and I have made it out there to do lashes every year for the last 5 years. I have dug maybe 10 cat holes in that time. I believe that you will drop more weight as you go. You will be pro in 2 to 3 weeks. Thank you for your service! Good luck on trail! Stop in at stanimals in Waynesboro and say hi!
Great job downsizing. I carried two filters the majority of the trail. And sent things home or donated to hiker boxes along the way. I’ve finished from Pearisburg VA to Katahdin ME and filmed a LOT. And watched downloaded or streamed shows when I had service. The 20,000mAh was fine for me most of the way. As soon as I added another 10,000mAh power bank, we started stopping more and I only needed that for the 100 mile wilderness and I watched NO shows, listened to no music/podcasts and reduced filming. It was cold and raining a lot and I didn’t put the batteries on my body to keep them warm and should have. Starting approach trail the end of February to finish in VA and I hope to catch up with you. Happy Trails!
I am SO HAPPY to see this video! I have/had no place to provide input (I've never thru hiked the AT); but I agree that some of the stuff seemed redundant. HAPPY TRAILS; Can't wait to follow your journey!
Very excited for you. My husband and I are planning on through hiking starting February 2024. We've section hiked from GA to CT. Will do MA this year then on to a thru. Can't wait to follow your adventure.
Great video! I think you did a great job lightening your gear. I hike the AT in 2018 with my husband (retired military). We had an incredible adventure. I am actually hiking the AT again this year. Hope to see you on trail.
Trekking Along mentioned they liked their bear canisters. Gave them a stool they could sit on and they could use the lid as a plate when they wanted. Plus they didn’t have to spend all of that time trying to throw a bear hang.
Good idea to drop the redundant items. Another suggestion since you said you want to do the ApproachTrail: IF you can, I suggest you hike up the Falls without your packs since they are heavy and you are older like me. If you can, walk from the Vistors Center arch to and up the Falls without your packs, then either rest that night in the Lodge, or get your packs after you climb the Falls steps. I'm 58. I did the Approach Trail in 2021 with a 34 pound pack and messed up my knees (already bad knees from 25 years in Army Special Forces). I was stubborn and continued to Black Gap Shelter and had to end my section hike early and limp back out because of it. My thru hike will be in 4 years when I permanently retire. Good luck and God Speed! I look forward to following your journey.
Thanks for that advice, we do need to shed some more weight but it’s hard to determine where to take it from at this point. We will quickly figure it out though on the trail. Feb 7th coming up soon!
Good progress. Now how do we get you to get rid of the bear canisters? :) :) :) Especially until May but I would dump it compeletly. The bears are still hibernating you know...
I carried a bear canister on my thru hike and loved having it. Sent around two pounds of other stuff home at Neel Gap though. 🙂 You'll figure out pretty quickly any adjustments you might want to make. Best of luck! Edited to add: I had a lighter and smaller bear canister (Bearikade Weekender) though and think the smaller Scout would have been enough, .
You're still going to suffer. But it only has to last for 3 or 4 days until you get to Neel Gap. They have a GIANT hiker box there. But really, it's an opportunity of a lifetime. You'll have fun. Peace!
We ordered our pack with an optional v strap that goes over the top of anything you want to put on the outside of the pack. We’re obviously using it for our bear cans for now anyway.
good job downsizing. you'll be happy your pack is lighter when you're hauling it up all those hills. I'm a believer in a lighter pack increases your chances for success and a happier hike. you'll figure it out as you go along>
I disagree heartily with the advice to leave out the bear spray. 1. You will be hiking through prime bear territory. You may not need it, but better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. 2. It provides protection against more than just bears. I know some people carry a knife for personal protection. Personally, I would rather defend myself from an attacker using a non-lethal eye irritant than to stab someone. Jus saying.
Hey team! Congratulations on your upcoming AT adventure. I know how exciting and ever a bit overwhelming all this preparation is. I am a 2020 AT thru-hiker and would love to reach out to you with a couple of suggestions on your kit and vlogging on trail. I put out daily videos during my 171 day NOBO thru-hike. If interested, I could reach out via email. Kamper
Just watched the original gear video. First, remember it is YOUR hike, do what makes you feel prepared - and SAFE -- on the trail. Some thoughts from this and your original gear video --- If you haven't watched Jay Wanders Out - he started the AT in January last year and his videos will help you know what to expect. Microspikes - you MIGHT use them once or twice for short distances so are they worth the weight? Gaiters - large ones are likely overkill. There are lighter options, but Feb 6th is very close to procure. First aid kit - people tend to over-prepare. Consider just leukotape +gauze pads + neosporin. Covers lots of uses (hot spots, blisters, small cuts). Ibuprofin & any personal meds. Good to have tweezers. Consider SMALL swiss army knife with scissors (Victorinox) - very useful. You won't need much more. Wipes - consider nightly wipe downs with microfiber towel, which also serves as shower towel. Won't need so many of the other wipes. I actually use those wipes (just a few) in my latrine kit instead of TP. Carefully evaluate clothing as this is one area frequently over packed. Of course consider your winter temps. You will have to do what is comfortable for you. Water - Good to have two filters. Two dirty water bags (CNOCs) will help minimize time spent filtering. One clean water bottle (1.5L - 2L). Good to carry A LITTLE extra capacity in the event of dry areas but not common on the AT. The tent "porch" looks too large. I know it is light but after 5 miles, every ounce hurts! Can you cut it in half? If not already done, YOU MUST go on at least one shakedown hike with final gear. Around 10 miles and one night. Make sure packs are TOLERABLE at full pack weight. Navigation - I assume you have subscribed to something like Guthooks? Highly useful. Repair kit - tape for holes in sleeping pad, small sewing kit (one needle + thread), tent pole repair, (could be a few wire ties), maybe a hip belt buckle. Think of any failures that would take you off trail. A whistle if not already on your pack. The human voice doesn't carry in the woods. Set low daily mileage goals for the first few weeks. Give your body & mind time to adjust without the added stress of long miles. These days won't necessarily be 'fun' but focus on making progress, even small. You CAN get to where time on the trail will be immensely rewarding. Have a GREAT hike !
First let me say thank you for sharing your advice and wisdom. Micro spikes probably won’t stay with us long but one slip could end our hike so in my mind they are worth the weight, at least they are worth it today. We’ll see how we feel in a few weeks. 😂 The gators Renée has are super light, from zpacks 2.8 oz. I don’t have any. We do have the items you recommended for the first aid kit including the knife. Also from zpacks 0.78 oz. The micro fiber towel is a great idea and I’ll add that to my pack. I’m assuming we’ll fill both of our liter bottles with water until we get comfortable and then only fill one. Plan to drink a liter at the water source and then refill before leaving so one may well be enough. The tent porch we’ll see about and cut it down on trail if we feel good about it. Our navigation is the Far Out app aka Guthook and we also have the AT guide. I know, it’s extra weight but there’s something about a book. We do have repair kits for sleeping pad and tent. We put them in the first aid kit bag, seemed fitting. A whistle is a great idea since we are leaving the bear spray behind. And finally, we don’t plan on big miles for a while. Probably somewhere around 5 to 8 and work our way up to 13 to 15. We have a solid 6 month window to complete so I think that will work. Thank you again for your comment and time. There are so many helpful people and we haven’t even gotten on trail yet. We are overwhelmed by the generosity.
@@couchtotrail2023 You do look WELL prepared. No matter the planning, the trail WILL throw curve balls - just be flexible I forget to mention - be sure to include DAILY electrolytes. Makes a BIG difference. I have a separate small water bottle I sip from on the trail & have a little extra to sometimes supplement in camp. GOOD LUCK.
Do not click on anything asking you for a DM, that is not from me or Renee. I will never ask for a DM, that's not what I'm here for. I've reported this through TH-cam so hopefully they will take the required action to remove it.
Electronics, Argh! I just upgraded my iPhone, and the new one uses the USB-C. Every plug and battery bank I own is the standard USB, so now I need to take adapters, and more cords, and possibly buy a new battery bank, etc. It’s really becoming a brain and back burden for this Boomer!
I hear ya! You can still use the standard USB cord for your phone but it won’t be fast charge I believe. Someone correct me if I’m wrong but I have a 12 that came with USBC and I still use the standard USB cord. Anyway, welcome to our journey!
I admire the hell out of you all for not only accepting the advice of others, but to make this video. Your body will tell you when to get rid of more stuff, and Mountain Crossings (which is in the first week) does a free shake down from experienced hikers. I think you can still drop 8-10 pounds each, especially as the weather warms. Every single pound makes it easier on your body, and a more enjoyable experience. Sea to Summit makes lightweight liners that add warmth. They are awesome. I can't wait to see you all start. Awesome job! Thanks for your service, from a middle aged Army Grunt!
Thanks for the compliment and I’m sure we will adapt along the way. Welcome to our journey.
I just finished 30 rounds of radiation for stage 4 cancer..Im building my gear and planning the Michigan Triple Crown hike..if I survive that hike,Im shooting fot the AT..
Yall gave me inspiration,as well as some others such as Darwin,Dixie,Kyle,Dan..there are SO many..
Keep on hiking youngsters..😉😁
Love your channel
Thank you! I’m glad you’re enjoying.
Thank You Both for Your Services
As a 67 year old guy who wants to hike the AT, I wish I could meet you at the start and follow along. My wife and 12 grandkids don’t think I can survive it. They have taken my keys away! So excited to watch your journey.
Man I wish you could come along too. But this is one of the reasons we are recording our journey, so those that can’t can at least follow along. I hope to get you some great footage. Thanks for following our journey!
Here is a 74 y/o that feels the same. Guess I will just hike vicariously and be a typical pack-sniffer.
Just found your channel. Go Canada Best of luck on your hike
Great to see you lightened up. My first long hike I had 40 lbs with food and water and stuff for my dog. My next hike I had it cut down to 20 lbs. I was miserable and could barely lift my pack to put it on at 40 lbs. I laughed at the ultra light crowd cutting tags out of clothes tents etc but I did exactly that after that hike. Not carrying anything not needed. I think it was wise to each have a water filter. It will give you freedom to hike your own speed on the trail. One can go ahead and set up camp for example. I would actually still have a trowel each since you are not likely to always be in sight of each other on the trail when the urge hits. I would have someone mail you things like the bug nets, summer clothes, extra toilet paper😂, trail runners, and anything else not absolutely needed for your first 4-5 days to get to Neel Gap. I keep reminding myself that this isn’t a wilderness hike, I am always within a few days of a town to replace gear and there are other hikers that will help in an emergency like a stove failure. Sharing gear like stoves and fuel give you both an opportunity to lighten up a lot. An advantage over single hikers. One large pot and two mugs might be enough if you are planning to eat the same foods together. I pack some food that doesn’t need to be cooked because I often don’t feel like cooking after hiking at first. If i were to have my stove malfunction or run out of fuel I have food to eat until I got to the next town to get a stove. 1 fuel canister should last to get to the first resupply. 4 is a LOT of extra weight to carry. I am an older hiker too and look at any extra weight as a potential injury. Food and water weigh a lot, your packs are going still going to be heavy. I am starting in Feb too. Hope we see each other out there.
Thank you for your advice. Welcome to our journey and hope to meet you on the trail as well. Good luck!
Always nice to lighten your pack. Good luck. I just found your channel and I need to get catched up. Keep trekking. 😀
Veteran of the Air Force Search and Rescue HC-130 Crew Chief, good luck to you both! And thank you for sharing your videos journey and for your service. My husband and I both love the the backpacking!
Thanks for your service!
Wow, you guys did great with getting your weight down! Happy Trails!
Good luck on your hike. I thruhiked in 2021 at 64 years old so you can do it! Remember you will be able to hit towns every three days or so to add or remove items.
That's the plan!
As a former Airman myself I'm hoping you guys crush it. Good luck.
Bear spray and military folding shovels had to be the most discarded items I seen in 2021 in Georgia. Bulky sleeping bags was the third thing.
I thru hiked from Ga-Me in 2010 with a close college friend. It was a life changing experience. I'm really excited to follow both of you on your journey. I could not be happier and more excited for your upcoming adventure. Also, I appreciate your vulnerability in sharing.
Thank you and yes, we are really just trying to be authentic and show our journey. Our trials, failures and successes.
@@couchtotrail2023 love it, thank you!
Good work cutting weight. Bear canister is smart! It is great protection for bears, you and the food plus more uses than any other piece of gear. I start 3/18. Favor follows you!
Thank you! I think you are the first or at least one of the few that approves of the bear canister! We like them but I also realize they are heavy. Good luck on your hike and welcome to our adventure!
I saw a hack that Polar Bear Hikes shared. He marked his long spoon with the cup measurements on the handle. Just a thought. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
That sounds like a good idea! Thanks for passing along!
That’s a good one
22 year Navy here, Thank you for your service also. looking forward to following.
Thanks and welcome aboard!
I like you guys and I am envious that you have a partner that wants to do this with you. I carry bear spray when I walk my dog.......that stops any dog attack from aggressive K-9!
Thank you for the update. You made some great choices in your elimination process, and I'm sure you'll lose and add things on an as needed basis. I'm really excited to follow you on your journey. I wish you all the best! Thank you both for your service! My dad was in the Army Air Corp during WWII. He was a fighter pilot and flew the P-51 Mustang in 118th tactical reconnaissance in China. Again I wish you all the best and happy trails!
Thank you and thanks to your Dad, WWII vets are highly regarded.
Great choices consider sea to
Summit sleeping bag liner. They are great and light
Look forward to following you. I am aiming for spring 2024 myself. Oh, and thank you both for your service.
Thank you and welcome to our journey!
We took time to pray for your adventure. We wish you the best. We were supposed to start our thru hike in March, but my husband had a bad fall and we have to put it off until next year. So, we look forward to cheering you on as my husband heals and we dream of next year.
Thank you so much for the prayers! Praying your husband heals completely and quickly. Welcome to our journey!
Thank you no h for your service. I’m retired AF myself (lab tech) and my wife is a retired AF medic.
This community is great for helping with virtual shakedowns and helped me a lot too. You’re doing the right thing by going back through everything, but keeping what works for you.
You do have a lot of power with those banks, you shouldn’t run out. Ha ha.
It’s a challenge to go through all of this when you’ve never done it before, I’m in the same boat. You guys got this though!
Thanks for the support.
Adapting is your greatest skill. Keep up the good work.
Oh we are very good at adapting. Think it comes from all those years in the military and the many, many moves we have made.
Every year, at the start of hiking season, I try to find some thru hikers to follow on TH-cam. Last year I followed several hikers including Jay of Jay Wanders Out and I had the pleasure of meeting him at Harper's Creek shelter when I did a small section hike last April. I'm enjoying your videos this year and, who knows, maybe our paths will cross when I do my section hikes. It is my hope to do a thru hike next year, or the year after, after I retire. Right now I'm planning on doing a flip-flop starting at Harper's Ferry but there is something appealing about doing a traditional nobo and finishing with the summit of Katahdin. I wish you luck and success on your journey.
This video says that you live in Delaware. I grew up in Dover and currently live in Wilmington. I understand if you don't want to answer this on your TH-cam channel but, what part of the state do you live in?
Dover
Eddie and Renee, you guys are awesome :)
Good call reducing your weight carried. If you can get it down to 15lbs base weight (or less) that's what you should aim for.
Be ruthless.
You'll know by Neels Gap if you're carrying too much and can dump stuff off there (it's only 30 miles in). Dumping things and learning what you need and what you dont, is part of the journey.
You really need a lot less than you think you need. You're never more than a day away from a town. Carrying spares, emergencies, extra's and so forth really isnt needed.
Best of luck with your adventure!
I have a few miles on the trail and I have made it out there to do lashes every year for the last 5 years. I have dug maybe 10 cat holes in that time.
I believe that you will drop more weight as you go. You will be pro in 2 to 3 weeks.
Thank you for your service!
Good luck on trail!
Stop in at stanimals in Waynesboro and say hi!
Thanks for the encouragement! Hope to see you while we’re out there. Welcome to our journey!
Great job downsizing. I carried two filters the majority of the trail. And sent things home or donated to hiker boxes along the way. I’ve finished from Pearisburg VA to Katahdin ME and filmed a LOT. And watched downloaded or streamed shows when I had service. The 20,000mAh was fine for me most of the way. As soon as I added another 10,000mAh power bank, we started stopping more and I only needed that for the 100 mile wilderness and I watched NO shows, listened to no music/podcasts and reduced filming. It was cold and raining a lot and I didn’t put the batteries on my body to keep them warm and should have. Starting approach trail the end of February to finish in VA and I hope to catch up with you. Happy Trails!
Thank you and hopefully our paths cross! Welcome to our journey!
Hiked it in 2021. Every day is an adventure, not necessarily a good one! Good luck to the both of you.
I’m sure everyday will be quite the adventure! Thank you and welcome to our journey!
I am SO HAPPY to see this video! I have/had no place to provide input (I've never thru hiked the AT); but I agree that some of the stuff seemed redundant. HAPPY TRAILS; Can't wait to follow your journey!
Thank you and welcome aboard or journey.
Great video, can't wait to see you hit the trail.
Thank you and welcome aboard!
You guys are GREAT! I’m really looking forward to following your journey!!
Thank you and welcome to our journey!
So excited to follow along👏👏👏
Prayers for an awesome adventure🙏🏻
Thank you and prayers are always welcomed. Welcome to our journey!
Very excited for you. My husband and I are planning on through hiking starting February 2024. We've section hiked from GA to CT. Will do MA this year then on to a thru. Can't wait to follow your adventure.
That’s awesome! Welcome to our journey, glad to have you along.
Yep - I always carry a full roll of TP. When I get down to about a third of a roll, I get another one…
Great job pairing down your gear! I am starting NOBO this Spring; hope to see you out there!
Thanks and good luck on your hike!
Good job! 👏👏👏👏 thank you for your service.
Thanks!
Great video! I think you did a great job lightening your gear. I hike the AT in 2018 with my husband (retired military). We had an incredible adventure. I am actually hiking the AT again this year. Hope to see you on trail.
That’s awesome and thank you! Hope to see you too!
Trekking Along mentioned they liked their bear canisters. Gave them a stool they could sit on and they could use the lid as a plate when they wanted. Plus they didn’t have to spend all of that time trying to throw a bear hang.
I hadn’t thought about using the lid as a plate, thanks for sharing that tip!
Ill be watching your journey. Be safe and have fun!
Thank you and welcome aboard! Feb 7th is coming up quick!
Good idea to drop the redundant items. Another suggestion since you said you want to do the ApproachTrail: IF you can, I suggest you hike up the Falls without your packs since they are heavy and you are older like me. If you can, walk from the Vistors Center arch to and up the Falls without your packs, then either rest that night in the Lodge, or get your packs after you climb the Falls steps. I'm 58. I did the Approach Trail in 2021 with a 34 pound pack and messed up my knees (already bad knees from 25 years in Army Special Forces). I was stubborn and continued to Black Gap Shelter and had to end my section hike early and limp back out because of it. My thru hike will be in 4 years when I permanently retire. Good luck and God Speed! I look forward to following your journey.
Thank you for your wisdom and advice. Welcome aboard!
You're on your way. Just adapt fast as you push north. If you haven't used it by Neel Gap, or especially Dick's Creek Gap, send it home.
Thanks for that advice, we do need to shed some more weight but it’s hard to determine where to take it from at this point. We will quickly figure it out though on the trail. Feb 7th coming up soon!
Good progress. Now how do we get you to get rid of the bear canisters? :) :) :)
Especially until May but I would dump it compeletly. The bears are still hibernating you know...
I carried a bear canister on my thru hike and loved having it. Sent around two pounds of other stuff home at Neel Gap though. 🙂 You'll figure out pretty quickly any adjustments you might want to make. Best of luck! Edited to add: I had a lighter and smaller bear canister (Bearikade Weekender) though and think the smaller Scout would have been enough, .
Yes I’m sure we’ll figure it out quick. We’re actually considering shedding some more stuff before we catch the train Monday.
@@couchtotrail2023 how exciting! Enjoy every minute.!
I'll be starting Feb 14, see you on trail.
Good luck to you!
Hope to meet up for trail magic near Bear Mountain NY. Best of luck!
That would be awesome! Welcome aboard!
Safe traveling and best of luck.
Thank you!
Liked what I saw so this vicariously hiking old pack-sniffer is subscribing. Are y'all gonna have IG also?
Thanks and welcome aboard! So, I have no idea what IG stands for so you’re gonna have to help me out.
Cute hamster
😂
i want that dog!! i need it!!!🙀
I’d give it to you but Renée would kill me😂
NICE SHIRT, RENEE! LOL
She got it from a great friend!
Appa-latch-in Trail
😂 depends on where you grew up, it was taught in school as the appa lay tion mountains.
You're still going to suffer. But it only has to last for 3 or 4 days until you get to Neel Gap. They have a GIANT hiker box there. But really, it's an opportunity of a lifetime. You'll have fun. Peace!
How did you attach your bear can to the top of your bag
We ordered our pack with an optional v strap that goes over the top of anything you want to put on the outside of the pack. We’re obviously using it for our bear cans for now anyway.
Why are you taking bear canisters? I’m also doing the AT starting in March. So inquiring minds need to know
Lack of experience and recommendation from the ATC
good job downsizing. you'll be happy your pack is lighter when you're hauling it up all those hills. I'm a believer in a lighter pack increases your chances for success and a happier hike. you'll figure it out as you go along>
Thank you and welcome to our journey.
I can offer you a ride from newfound gap to Gatlinburg if you need it. I live in Sevier county.
Appreciate that generous offer!
@@couchtotrail2023 Just give me some advance notice
Thanks for your service eh?
Semper Fidelis, Canadia.
I disagree heartily with the advice to leave out the bear spray. 1. You will be hiking through prime bear territory. You may not need it, but better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. 2. It provides protection against more than just bears. I know some people carry a knife for personal protection. Personally, I would rather defend myself from an attacker using a non-lethal eye irritant than to stab someone. Jus saying.
Hey team! Congratulations on your upcoming AT adventure. I know how exciting and ever a bit overwhelming all this preparation is. I am a 2020 AT thru-hiker and would love to reach out to you with a couple of suggestions on your kit and vlogging on trail.
I put out daily videos during my 171 day NOBO thru-hike.
If interested, I could reach out via email.
Kamper
Thanks and sure we are open to any advice experienced hikers want to give. Our email is eddieandrenee2011@gmail.com
Just watched the original gear video. First, remember it is YOUR hike, do what makes you feel prepared - and SAFE -- on the trail. Some thoughts from this and your original gear video ---
If you haven't watched Jay Wanders Out - he started the AT in January last year and his videos will help you know what to expect.
Microspikes - you MIGHT use them once or twice for short distances so are they worth the weight?
Gaiters - large ones are likely overkill. There are lighter options, but Feb 6th is very close to procure.
First aid kit - people tend to over-prepare. Consider just leukotape +gauze pads + neosporin. Covers lots of uses (hot spots, blisters, small cuts). Ibuprofin & any personal meds. Good to have tweezers. Consider SMALL swiss army knife with scissors (Victorinox) - very useful. You won't need much more.
Wipes - consider nightly wipe downs with microfiber towel, which also serves as shower towel. Won't need so many of the other wipes. I actually use those wipes (just a few) in my latrine kit instead of TP.
Carefully evaluate clothing as this is one area frequently over packed. Of course consider your winter temps. You will have to do what is comfortable for you.
Water - Good to have two filters. Two dirty water bags (CNOCs) will help minimize time spent filtering. One clean water bottle (1.5L - 2L). Good to carry A LITTLE extra capacity in the event of dry areas but not common on the AT.
The tent "porch" looks too large. I know it is light but after 5 miles, every ounce hurts! Can you cut it in half?
If not already done, YOU MUST go on at least one shakedown hike with final gear. Around 10 miles and one night. Make sure packs are TOLERABLE at full pack weight.
Navigation - I assume you have subscribed to something like Guthooks? Highly useful.
Repair kit - tape for holes in sleeping pad, small sewing kit (one needle + thread), tent pole repair, (could be a few wire ties), maybe a hip belt buckle. Think of any failures that would take you off trail.
A whistle if not already on your pack. The human voice doesn't carry in the woods.
Set low daily mileage goals for the first few weeks. Give your body & mind time to adjust without the added stress of long miles. These days won't necessarily be 'fun' but focus on making progress, even small. You CAN get to where time on the trail will be immensely rewarding.
Have a GREAT hike !
First let me say thank you for sharing your advice and wisdom. Micro spikes probably won’t stay with us long but one slip could end our hike so in my mind they are worth the weight, at least they are worth it today. We’ll see how we feel in a few weeks. 😂 The gators Renée has are super light, from zpacks 2.8 oz. I don’t have any. We do have the items you recommended for the first aid kit including the knife. Also from zpacks 0.78 oz. The micro fiber towel is a great idea and I’ll add that to my pack. I’m assuming we’ll fill both of our liter bottles with water until we get comfortable and then only fill one. Plan to drink a liter at the water source and then refill before leaving so one may well be enough. The tent porch we’ll see about and cut it down on trail if we feel good about it. Our navigation is the Far Out app aka Guthook and we also have the AT guide. I know, it’s extra weight but there’s something about a book. We do have repair kits for sleeping pad and tent. We put them in the first aid kit bag, seemed fitting. A whistle is a great idea since we are leaving the bear spray behind. And finally, we don’t plan on big miles for a while. Probably somewhere around 5 to 8 and work our way up to 13 to 15. We have a solid 6 month window to complete so I think that will work. Thank you again for your comment and time. There are so many helpful people and we haven’t even gotten on trail yet. We are overwhelmed by the generosity.
@@couchtotrail2023 You do look WELL prepared. No matter the planning, the trail WILL throw curve balls - just be flexible
I forget to mention - be sure to include DAILY electrolytes. Makes a BIG difference. I have a separate small water bottle I sip from on the trail & have a little extra to sometimes supplement in camp. GOOD LUCK.
Yes, we have them. And yes, we’ll be taking them out of the box. 😆
Do not click on anything asking you for a DM, that is not from me or Renee. I will never ask for a DM, that's not what I'm here for. I've reported this through TH-cam so hopefully they will take the required action to remove it.
Electronics, Argh! I just upgraded my iPhone, and the new one uses the USB-C. Every plug and battery bank I own is the standard USB, so now I need to take adapters, and more cords, and possibly buy a new battery bank, etc. It’s really becoming a brain and back burden for this Boomer!
I hear ya! You can still use the standard USB cord for your phone but it won’t be fast charge I believe. Someone correct me if I’m wrong but I have a 12 that came with USBC and I still use the standard USB cord. Anyway, welcome to our journey!