Thank you, this is one of the best videos you have ever compiled. Everyone develops their own style overtime and with experience. Thank you again for taking the time to create this video.
"Don't die" - I strongly recommend anyone in the outdoors starts from there. Having worked in the outdoors a lot on my own a long way from other people when I was young. Its really easy to die on your own if something goes wrong. First, don't take stupid risks. Even if a few hours from home, a good knife, some matches, a decent coat, a big plastic bag or sheet, some fuel of some kind, tinder, a bottle to carry water, a big tin or metal cup to cook or boil water in, some food enough for a day, some plastic twine or cordage. Really cheap light stuff that can go in coat pockets. Plus durable clothes and footwear. Nothing fancy. Make sure somebody know where you are and when you should come back. Finally, practice building a shelter, a fire and being comfortable outdoors. This was in the days before cell phones and electronic gadgets for navigation. This is the part of the video I disagree with. Never trust electronic gadgets to get you out of a jam.
Man, you just have to appreciate this lady. If almost any other channel offered a " 140 Tips. . ." video, I'd blow it off as totally over hyping the content and click the 'not interested' option. But being that it was from Dixie's channel, I clicked Play instead. Thanks, Dixie.
The same thing happened to me with a Sawyer Squeeze filter, that I had used several times with no problems. I am always sure to black-flush and clean it before storing, so I wasn’t worried about it the next time I went backpacking. I forgot to soak and test it, then had difficulty when I had to use it on the trail. Very little water would go through it and I struggled for the whole trip. Got back home and, before I decided to throw it away and replace it, I soaked it and back-flushed again, and it worked just fine. So…learned my lesson: soak and test that filter!
Hiking with an umbrella, strapping the tent to the outside of my pack, and using gold bond powder to freshen up before sleep are the key tips I've learned from this channel. Lately I've been using an insulated thermos as my second water bottle, so that I can pack up and take coffee to go in the morning. Go a few miles, find a good rock or log to sit on with a nice view, then enjoy
The hiking alone tips are excellent and should be considered by anybody who thinks they cannot or should not hike alone. The "be selfish" tip especially needed to be said. Cheers.
I know the majority of your content is based around tips and tricks but I just had to say I stumbled upon a video of yours from a while back where you solo backpacked in Colorado and it was stunning. The footage, slow mo shots of bees flying, astrophotography, wildlife, underwater shots of fish, music, etc. I didn’t even know it was you until you showed your face in the middle of the video and was shocked.
Tip 91 that worthless Sawyer bag that comes with the Squeeze. Cut the blue Sawyer bag in half. Discard the top. Now you have a lightweight durable water scoop that folds down flat for storage.
Dixie-I don’t know if you’ve tried a trail bidet, but I highly recommend. There is a bit of a learning curve and it’s good to practice at home first (use the bath tub to get positioning correct). Honest-to-God game changer. Not much is worse than swamp butt as the other butt that comes with backpacking. I use a dedicated bottle and a couple of drops of Dr. Bronner’s in the water. If irs cold, I’ll heat a little water and the experience is actually pleasant. Once clean, I use a culo cloth or bandana to dry off, then hang it outside my pack to dry. 🌿
Now i feel less silly when repacked my groceries on a trip! In general I adap my gear for the trip; when i suspected very cold or very wet weather i might've 2 lighters + UCO storm matches) otherwise 1 refillable lighter+ storm matches When i walked the cammino i send the winter module of my Modular sleeping system ( i love those grunt proof zippers+ i got them for free) back home In oktober i just onlu had 2 thin dollarstore fleece blanket my dutch army bivy + small tarp and a dollar store sleeping pad and had only 3 chilly nights in 2 months but mostly around 18 / 19 Celsius In the Swiss alps i had a 32 cescius day, in the morning it was minus 2 degree Celsius with 15cm snow on 14 July ( Berneroberland) But Ibiza & majorca was around 13 Celsius as lowest temperature
OMG I'm so behind, I need to binge watch to get up to date. Sorry you had a heart attack, it may have been a new awakening for you, but still a biggy. I love that you're still upbeat after all the changes you've had in the last year or so. Merry Christmas to you and I hope 2025 is a good year for you.
Great open discussion ! THANK YOU for the timestamps on the specific topics ! THANK YOU for sharing your vast expertise and from your extensive experience !
If your Bivy Bag has a zipper on the side like the MSS bivy you can leave it unzipped either fully or partially to help mitigate condensation ; but never bury your head or face in a sleeping bag , especially not a down filled bag , your breath will quickly accumulate moisture on the inside . Thanks for your many insightful tips Dixie ! ! !
One thing that I stupidly did. I snowshoe backpacked, not a long way, with my sons, I’m 61, and while “visiting” too long outside and before getting into my tent and sleep gear, I let my core temp lower to, not the point of hypothermia or maybe so? , but I could not get warm the rest of the night and I had the correct gear. Lingering too long outside was my issue. Lesson learned.
One thing I learned via Matti & Stina, dog mushers in the Artic: prior to going into your sleeping bag; walk or do light exercise to get your blood flowing, rather than trying to get warm within your bag. I sleep cold, so at times, I will do leg lifts in my bag to keep circulation. Hope this helps, glad to hear you are out n about.
The genius of the Military Ponchos with Tarp Grommets at the corners & edges, enables you to tie out to Trees for shelter as you're still wearing it. They also have buttons/snaps along the edges to connect two or more together to build larger shelter. Having each person carry the same Angola or US GI Poncho can be a huge advantage.
A tip regarding clothing. Dress so you can just about feel the cold weather, but not so that you're freezing. The hike is going to be enough keeping you warm and dry if you dress accordingly. It might not be comfortable but it's important to stay neutral regarding temperature and staying dry from sweat.
Great list - obviously took time to prepare let alone record. Testing your water filter before your trip is essential. If you rinse out your filter with normal tap water before storing, minerals in the water can plug the filter. I have found that rinsing with distilled water before storing does help but still not a guarantee. Soaking in clean water just before your trip does help as well, but I have had great results soaking in vinegar (be sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual vinegar). Definitely try to backflush often on trail. I have been using my BeFree for over 4 years and it still filters very well.
I can't imagine a scenario outside of SHTF that I'd ever hike in the heat to make long sleeves an issue. Cool/cold weather hiking >>>>>> sweating. 7th generation Floridian, I know all about the heat and I go north to hike to get away from it. Food, I'll never not overpack a little bit of food. I eat a lot. A. Lot. 😂 No regrets adding the little extra weight for the Zenbivy sleep system, I love it. Tent vs. Hammock - The true works in reverse. I have some injuries and I found a hammock offered zero support no matter the setup/adjustments, especially as a side sleeper.
Ditch the earbuds. So many get lost on trail it’s not worth the cost. I used bone conducting headphones during my latest hike and they were a game changer. Could hear and converse with people, hear all sounds around me, and still hear clearly the music.
Super helpful tips, especially the umbrella. I have one, but haven’t really used it on trail. I hiked the JMT and tried to incorporate an umbrella on my shake down hikes and failed. Luckily hardly any rain, but it would have helped in the exposed hot areas if I could have figured it out. I’m 61 and became a literal gram weenie for that hike, but I’ll give the umbrella a chance in my future.
Tip 3 can save your life!!!! I never hike without my puffy! Weather can turn anytime. Synthetic insulation works even wet. I recommend the Enlightened Equipment Torrid jacket. EE is running their black friday sale now.
Tip 39 on real cold nights, I place a hand warmer on the center of my chest under all my layers. It heats my core and all the warm blood then goes to my extremities.
This is so important for everyone thinking of hiking anytime, anywhere for any multi day trip. Will definitely save this to show a couple of my friends who are interested in coming with me in the future 👍
Jessica mills thank you for your adventures we love to watch! Thanks for your great sharing of the wealth of Backpacking knowledge outdoor survival skills!❤
This is a great compilation. I’d normally pass over, b/c I’ve been hiking for years, but it is very well done and practical that I just kept watching. BTW, the Nalgene in the bottom of the bag is clutch on bitter cold nights and has made the difference between a hard night’s sleep and no sleep.
Hello beautiful haven't seen you in bit glad to see you again and doing exactly what I consider you to be an expert at and that's the hiking world. I have literally followed you through all your hiking videos from way back. Glad to see more, hike on my friend thanks for all you've done and taking me along for the journey .
Love your accent! We are from southeast Georgia. It’s rare to hear a deep south accent on TH-cam especially about hiking. Good luck with your baby and great work with organizing all of these videos in advance so you could do your family stuff.
Tip 85: TRUTH! I'm from AZ, and have been saved by this MANY times. I personally have a combo of a rayon scarf that's long enough that it goes over my forehead, under my hat, then the ends are tucked into the drawstring chin cord with the wet ends of the scarf dangling around the front of my neck. Simple evaporative cooler...👍
You're looking fantastic, how is the new momma and family doing. Certainly an adjustment. Love the video. I always how people asking me tips and hacks. Im just going to refer them to this video. You have a 3 hour video from years ago addressing questions for woman. That's good too.
30:38 I put my hot water filled Nalgene inside a 2 gallon ziplock bag and then inside a dry bag reserved just for that purpose. Lasts all night and I have no fear of it leaking all over.
Some pads are actually more comfortable when fully inflated; the REI Helix is one example. Also keep in mind that if your pad has a high warmth/R value, partially deflating it will hurt the effectiveness of the insulation.
"Don't watch great videos" 🤣 That definitely made me chuckle. I'm well beyond "dialing in" and have a lot of prior gear cluttering my space. I've told REI staff that I love walking the store, but I can no longer justify buying anything (but consumables). 😋 Interesting on the battery storage. I've consistently heard that lithium batteries should be stored ~40-60%. 🤷♂️
Thank you so much for this information. I hope try a little section hiking next spring on the AT. Armed with these tips I feel like I got a chance. LOL.
... I have watched I'm sure all of your video's since the start of the AT ,, always enjoyed the content and subject that catches the artistic eye ,, from landscapes to the smallest of natures living creations ... and So much history of the trails and towns along the way ... I'm not a through hiker and some of these tips won't apply but are a good reference to hear and relate to for a possible discussion with someone else at another time ... With a list like this ,, I think this would make a good reference in a printed pamphlet at the outdoor stores ,, I know I have checked many well known hikers Lighterpack gear lists to help modify my own ,, I've only backpacked about 55+ years and always seem to modify my loadout depending on terrain ,, conditions and activity I plan to do ..... AS is always commented to HYOH , not all hikes will need the same gear .... and there will always be gear choices that some will not leave behind ... ... With a new chapter of life ,, marriage and motherhood requiring your time .... for me , it's good to see you continue sharing your experiences of the trail to help others ... Because of hikers and content creators like yourself ,, there will always be new hikers and backpackers needing to know what may be useful or not ... From one that enjoys your channel and content .....Stay Safe and God Bless ...
That’s what I really appreciate about “Justin Outdoors”. He always gets cleaned up especially washing his feet daily. It only makes sense that you won’t get as much foot issues if you do that.
Provided you have the time and energy. I’m 61, thru hiked with my adult son, therefore always behind and exhausted. Chores like cleaning my feet or even eating? I became a true dirtbag and lived through it.
I understand that you can extend the use of hand warmers by using them to warm up for an hour and then placing the hand warmer into and appropriate (high temperature) sealed bag they starves the reaction of oxygen. Then when you open the bag and expose the hand warmer to air again, it heats up again. Reportedly you can do this several times, and this use them more efficiently and need to carry fewer of them.
Tip 19 I tried a nylafume bag, but it tore down the side this year on the PCT. I used a white trash compactor bag on the AT and it lasted the entire trail. I switched back to a compactor bag and will continue using them.
You should try getting a small hot waterbottle rather than hand warmers. Most of the weight can just be water boiled from a stream when you camp, they're endlessly reusable, and they last a fair few hours.
Tip 31 NEVER sit at a table with your legs below the table while boiling water on your stove!!! Accidents happen and I've met two separate hikers that got second degree burns from boiling water on their legs. Always stand while you are boiling water on a table!
The thing I appreciate this the most is that Dixie could have broken this down into individual videos and just released 1 a month but instead she has done it as one long video which would have taken ages to video and edit. 👍
You only need to boil water (rolling boil) for one minute to make it safe to drink (unless the water is contaminated with heavy metals or chemicals, which boiling will not remove at all), unless you are above 5,000' elevation. In that case, you need to boil it for three minutes. Any longer than that is wasting fuel and time.
I have a question for you. Since backpacks absorb water, since they typically aren't waterproof, can it be said that it's better to carry a backpack cover, which would shed water better? My own rudimentary backyard experiments show that my backpack can gain 20 ounces of water weight, but my backpack cover, which weighs 4 ounces, only gains 2 ounces of water, so that's saving 14 ounces. Obviously, that would only apply for rainy trails like the AT and not so much for the CDT, but am I missing something? I've never seen this addressed. Thanks, love your channel.
Great work as always! Something I’ve been wondering about: on some of the American backpacking channels I see lots of clips of people sitting or lying in their tents and cooking outside of the door. I am a canoe tripper, backpacker, car camper, winter backcountry hiker from southern Ontario in Canada. I have never seen anyone doing this where I camp or heard it mentioned or discussed in our local forums. Of course this doesn’t mean it’s not being done, but it doesn’t seem common. Is this really common practice in some places? Is it mainly to have some privacy in busy through hiking spots, or is there something else I’m missing out on here?
Thank you, this is one of the best videos you have ever compiled. Everyone develops their own style overtime and with experience. Thank you again for taking the time to create this video.
"Don't die" is great advice - it's what my wife and I focus on when we're tramping, as hiking is called here in NZ.
"Don't die" - I strongly recommend anyone in the outdoors starts from there.
Having worked in the outdoors a lot on my own a long way from other people when I was young. Its really easy to die on your own if something goes wrong. First, don't take stupid risks. Even if a few hours from home, a good knife, some matches, a decent coat, a big plastic bag or sheet, some fuel of some kind, tinder, a bottle to carry water, a big tin or metal cup to cook or boil water in, some food enough for a day, some plastic twine or cordage. Really cheap light stuff that can go in coat pockets. Plus durable clothes and footwear. Nothing fancy. Make sure somebody know where you are and when you should come back. Finally, practice building a shelter, a fire and being comfortable outdoors.
This was in the days before cell phones and electronic gadgets for navigation. This is the part of the video I disagree with. Never trust electronic gadgets to get you out of a jam.
Man, you just have to appreciate this lady. If almost any other channel offered a " 140 Tips. . ." video, I'd blow it off as totally over hyping the content and click the 'not interested' option. But being that it was from Dixie's channel, I clicked Play instead. Thanks, Dixie.
Amen to that
@@yvonnehathaway8435 She's got a new baby. I think we can extend her some grace.
The same thing happened to me with a Sawyer Squeeze filter, that I had used several times with no problems. I am always sure to black-flush and clean it before storing, so I wasn’t worried about it the next time I went backpacking. I forgot to soak and test it, then had difficulty when I had to use it on the trail. Very little water would go through it and I struggled for the whole trip. Got back home and, before I decided to throw it away and replace it, I soaked it and back-flushed again, and it worked just fine. So…learned my lesson: soak and test that filter!
Hiking with an umbrella, strapping the tent to the outside of my pack, and using gold bond powder to freshen up before sleep are the key tips I've learned from this channel. Lately I've been using an insulated thermos as my second water bottle, so that I can pack up and take coffee to go in the morning. Go a few miles, find a good rock or log to sit on with a nice view, then enjoy
The hiking alone tips are excellent and should be considered by anybody who thinks they cannot or should not hike alone. The "be selfish" tip especially needed to be said. Cheers.
I know the majority of your content is based around tips and tricks but I just had to say I stumbled upon a video of yours from a while back where you solo backpacked in Colorado and it was stunning. The footage, slow mo shots of bees flying, astrophotography, wildlife, underwater shots of fish, music, etc. I didn’t even know it was you until you showed your face in the middle of the video and was shocked.
If you have not already, check out Jerry Arizona’s hiking videos.
Tip 91 that worthless Sawyer bag that comes with the Squeeze. Cut the blue Sawyer bag in half. Discard the top. Now you have a lightweight durable water scoop that folds down flat for storage.
Dixie-I don’t know if you’ve tried a trail bidet, but I highly recommend. There is a bit of a learning curve and it’s good to practice at home first (use the bath tub to get positioning correct). Honest-to-God game changer.
Not much is worse than swamp butt as the other butt that comes with backpacking. I use a dedicated bottle and a couple of drops of Dr. Bronner’s in the water. If irs cold, I’ll heat a little water and the experience is actually pleasant. Once clean, I use a culo cloth or bandana to dry off, then hang it outside my pack to dry. 🌿
Each of these tips are solid! Not just some crap that’s being recycled by every other YTer. Thank you!
Really? It's not 139 common sense things anyone with a brain would intuitively know?
One of the most useful posts for backpackers on TH-cam..So informative, well done! Greetings from the UK..Happy Trails😊👍
Now i feel less silly when repacked my groceries on a trip!
In general I adap my gear for the trip; when i suspected very cold or very wet weather i might've 2 lighters + UCO storm matches) otherwise 1 refillable lighter+ storm matches
When i walked the cammino i send the winter module of my Modular sleeping system ( i love those grunt proof zippers+ i got them for free) back home
In oktober i just onlu had 2 thin dollarstore fleece blanket my dutch army bivy + small tarp and a dollar store sleeping pad and had only 3 chilly nights in 2 months but mostly around 18 / 19 Celsius
In the Swiss alps i had a 32 cescius day, in the morning it was minus 2 degree Celsius with 15cm snow on 14 July ( Berneroberland)
But Ibiza & majorca was around 13 Celsius as lowest temperature
It's funny, I follow 10 or 15 hiking channels on here but you're the only one that I'll actually be like oh awesome she released a new video.
OMG I'm so behind, I need to binge watch to get up to date. Sorry you had a heart attack, it may have been a new awakening for you, but still a biggy. I love that you're still upbeat after all the changes you've had in the last year or so.
Merry Christmas to you and I hope 2025 is a good year for you.
Great open discussion ! THANK YOU for the timestamps on the specific topics ! THANK YOU for sharing your vast expertise and from your extensive experience !
If your Bivy Bag has a zipper on the side like the MSS bivy you can leave it unzipped either fully or partially to help mitigate condensation ; but never bury your head or face in a sleeping bag , especially not a down filled bag , your breath will quickly accumulate moisture on the inside . Thanks for your many insightful tips Dixie ! ! !
One thing that I stupidly did. I snowshoe backpacked, not a long way, with my sons, I’m 61, and while “visiting” too long outside and before getting into my tent and sleep gear, I let my core temp lower to, not the point of hypothermia or maybe so? , but I could not get warm the rest of the night and I had the correct gear. Lingering too long outside was my issue. Lesson learned.
One thing I learned via Matti & Stina, dog mushers in the Artic: prior to going into your sleeping bag; walk or do light exercise to get your blood flowing, rather than trying to get warm within your bag. I sleep cold, so at times, I will do leg lifts in my bag to keep circulation. Hope this helps, glad to hear you are out n about.
The genius of the Military Ponchos with Tarp Grommets at the corners & edges, enables you to tie out to Trees for shelter as you're still wearing it. They also have buttons/snaps along the edges to connect two or more together to build larger shelter. Having each person carry the same Angola or US GI Poncho can be a huge advantage.
A tip regarding clothing. Dress so you can just about feel the cold weather, but not so that you're freezing. The hike is going to be enough keeping you warm and dry if you dress accordingly.
It might not be comfortable but it's important to stay neutral regarding temperature and staying dry from sweat.
Great list - obviously took time to prepare let alone record.
Testing your water filter before your trip is essential. If you rinse out your filter with normal tap water before storing, minerals in the water can plug the filter. I have found that rinsing with distilled water before storing does help but still not a guarantee. Soaking in clean water just before your trip does help as well, but I have had great results soaking in vinegar (be sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual vinegar). Definitely try to backflush often on trail. I have been using my BeFree for over 4 years and it still filters very well.
I can't imagine a scenario outside of SHTF that I'd ever hike in the heat to make long sleeves an issue. Cool/cold weather hiking >>>>>> sweating. 7th generation Floridian, I know all about the heat and I go north to hike to get away from it. Food, I'll never not overpack a little bit of food. I eat a lot. A. Lot. 😂 No regrets adding the little extra weight for the Zenbivy sleep system, I love it. Tent vs. Hammock - The true works in reverse. I have some injuries and I found a hammock offered zero support no matter the setup/adjustments, especially as a side sleeper.
Solid gold Dixie! I am planning an AT thru this summer and I'll use a bunch these tips for sure!
The pinnacle of all your work. Thank you!
Wow, this is over an hour of pure golden tips! Thank you for putting these all together ❤
Ditch the earbuds. So many get lost on trail it’s not worth the cost. I used bone conducting headphones during my latest hike and they were a game changer. Could hear and converse with people, hear all sounds around me, and still hear clearly the music.
I use these as well, I camp in bear country and won’t be able to sleep if I can’t hear what’s going on outside.
I'm just about to treat myself to binge watching Dixie's full CDT playlist. Again.
Especially appreciate the effort it takes to time index all of the topics in this and all of your videos. A really big help!
Super helpful tips, especially the umbrella. I have one, but haven’t really used it on trail. I hiked the JMT and tried to incorporate an umbrella on my shake down hikes and failed. Luckily hardly any rain, but it would have helped in the exposed hot areas if I could have figured it out. I’m 61 and became a literal gram weenie for that hike, but I’ll give the umbrella a chance in my future.
Tip 3 can save your life!!!! I never hike without my puffy! Weather can turn anytime. Synthetic insulation works even wet. I recommend the Enlightened Equipment Torrid jacket. EE is running their black friday sale now.
Hey, Dixie, from the Wasatch front in Utah. Congratulations on your new baby! You look fantastic, BTW. These tips sound sane and wise. Thank you!
Tip 39 on real cold nights, I place a hand warmer on the center of my chest under all my layers. It heats my core and all the warm blood then goes to my extremities.
I tried one of those and fell asleep, woke up and burned myself. I decided I’m not allowed to carry those. 😊
I saw the title and length and wasn’t sure about this, two hours later I was all in. Thanks.
This is so important for everyone thinking of hiking anytime, anywhere for any multi day trip. Will definitely save this to show a couple of my friends who are interested in coming with me in the future 👍
Jessica mills thank you for your adventures we love to watch! Thanks for your great sharing of the wealth of Backpacking knowledge outdoor survival skills!❤
This is a great compilation. I’d normally pass over, b/c I’ve been hiking for years, but it is very well done and practical that I just kept watching. BTW, the Nalgene in the bottom of the bag is clutch on bitter cold nights and has made the difference between a hard night’s sleep and no sleep.
Hello beautiful haven't seen you in bit glad to see you again and doing exactly what I consider you to be an expert at and that's the hiking world. I have literally followed you through all your hiking videos from way back. Glad to see more, hike on my friend thanks for all you've done and taking me along for the journey .
Love your accent! We are from southeast Georgia. It’s rare to hear a deep south accent on TH-cam especially about hiking. Good luck with your baby and great work with organizing all of these videos in advance so you could do your family stuff.
Hoping the bare aluminum cookpot clip is an oldie - if not, please switch to a titanium or anodized aluminum!
Tip 1 is a genius move!!!! I always tell others hikers about this one!!!
Two hours of Dixie, yay!
These tips will be a smart thing to view again right before hiking season begins. So many great little reminders!
Tip 85: TRUTH!
I'm from AZ, and have been saved by this MANY times. I personally have a combo of a rayon scarf that's long enough that it goes over my forehead, under my hat, then the ends are tucked into the drawstring chin cord with the wet ends of the scarf dangling around the front of my neck. Simple evaporative cooler...👍
(Also serves as sun protection for my neck whilst hiking into the sun...)
Sand works great for scrubbing pots.
You're looking fantastic, how is the new momma and family doing. Certainly an adjustment. Love the video. I always how people asking me tips and hacks. Im just going to refer them to this video. You have a 3 hour video from years ago addressing questions for woman. That's good too.
Priceless information Dixie...thank you. You are the legend.
So many great Tips! Thank you from Germany.
So many good tips from Dixie, thank you.
Thank you Dixie ❤ happy hikes!
Arnica cream is amazing for the bottom of your feet after a long hike. It really helps your feet the next day.
Thank you for putting the descriptors and time stamps in the description of the video!
30:38 I put my hot water filled Nalgene inside a 2 gallon ziplock bag and then inside a dry bag reserved just for that purpose. Lasts all night and I have no fear of it leaking all over.
Thank you for the video. I find it extremely informative.
Some pads are actually more comfortable when fully inflated; the REI Helix is one example. Also keep in mind that if your pad has a high warmth/R value, partially deflating it will hurt the effectiveness of the insulation.
"Don't watch great videos" 🤣 That definitely made me chuckle. I'm well beyond "dialing in" and have a lot of prior gear cluttering my space. I've told REI staff that I love walking the store, but I can no longer justify buying anything (but consumables). 😋
Interesting on the battery storage. I've consistently heard that lithium batteries should be stored ~40-60%. 🤷♂️
Wow the first tip is great. I’ve done a lot of wet hiking a long time ago. I don’t remember how we did the tent, but this makes sense.
Amazing video! Thank you for all of the information. ❤
This video was totally worth watching just to hear you say, "Britches." 😂
Thank you for turning me on to backpacking! ❤
Great video! Thks for taking the time to share so much info!
Thank you so much for this information. I hope try a little section hiking next spring on the AT. Armed with these tips I feel like I got a chance. LOL.
... I have watched I'm sure all of your video's since the start of the AT ,, always enjoyed the content and subject that catches the artistic eye ,, from landscapes to the smallest of natures living creations ... and So much history of the trails and towns along the way ... I'm not a through hiker and some of these tips won't apply but are a good reference to hear and relate to for a possible discussion with someone else at another time ... With a list like this ,, I think this would make a good reference in a printed pamphlet at the outdoor stores ,, I know I have checked many well known hikers Lighterpack gear lists to help modify my own ,, I've only backpacked about 55+ years and always seem to modify my loadout depending on terrain ,, conditions and activity I plan to do ..... AS is always commented to HYOH , not all hikes will need the same gear .... and there will always be gear choices that some will not leave behind ... ... With a new chapter of life ,, marriage and motherhood requiring your time .... for me , it's good to see you continue sharing your experiences of the trail to help others ... Because of hikers and content creators like yourself ,, there will always be new hikers and backpackers needing to know what may be useful or not ... From one that enjoys your channel and content .....Stay Safe and God Bless ...
Learned something new. I've not thought about a pop-sickle stick to measure water.
You have the best hiking tips ever. I tell my friends to go to your youtube site to learn about hiking.
Nice to see you. Im here due to the paucity of news/ updates post Helene. At least re the A.T. and area communities. Any source would be welcome.
That’s what I really appreciate about “Justin Outdoors”. He always gets cleaned up especially washing his feet daily. It only makes sense that you won’t get as much foot issues if you do that.
Provided you have the time and energy. I’m 61, thru hiked with my adult son, therefore always behind and exhausted. Chores like cleaning my feet or even eating? I became a true dirtbag and lived through it.
Great advice, will definitely come back to this many times.
You are a trail hero Dixie!
This is a really helpful video
Excellent, helpful video. A master class.
Chair fort!!! Also great tips! Thanks
Tip #23 i use a 65 liter pack in the winter and a 35 liter pack for the other 3 seasons. 65liter to carry the other stuff to survive the winter snow
I understand that you can extend the use of hand warmers by using them to warm up for an hour and then placing the hand warmer into and appropriate (high temperature) sealed bag they starves the reaction of oxygen. Then when you open the bag and expose the hand warmer to air again, it heats up again. Reportedly you can do this several times, and this use them more efficiently and need to carry fewer of them.
Very nice. Cheers from Norway 🙂👍
Tip 19 I tried a nylafume bag, but it tore down the side this year on the PCT. I used a white trash compactor bag on the AT and it lasted the entire trail. I switched back to a compactor bag and will continue using them.
You should try getting a small hot waterbottle rather than hand warmers. Most of the weight can just be water boiled from a stream when you camp, they're endlessly reusable, and they last a fair few hours.
Thanks for another great and entertaining video! Looking forward to the day that Bratcher inherits that beat up pot. 😂
LOVE the chair fort!!!!
Very good. First tip is priceless.
140 truths… 😂 I keep falling a sleep half way but I enjoying a lot
Sweet blanket fort!
Maybe a kow concern, but rinsing socks, feet in "natural" water when you have open blister soots could lead to an infection.
Great tips and reminders. Thank you.
Is there a list that I can print out of these tips? Excellent video. I am learning so much. Thank you Dixie!!!
Very good tips here, niice! ❤
Merry Christmas!! If you celebrate it😊 I am prepping to go post Christmas shopping. I'm curious about what daypack you like to use? Thanks!!!!!
Thank you Sister
Love #128! Once you have your gear dialed-in…stop watching gear videos!
Tip 31 NEVER sit at a table with your legs below the table while boiling water on your stove!!! Accidents happen and I've met two separate hikers that got second degree burns from boiling water on their legs. Always stand while you are boiling water on a table!
Excellent advice.
The thing I appreciate this the most is that Dixie could have broken this down into individual videos and just released 1 a month but instead she has done it as one long video which would have taken ages to video and edit. 👍
I guess it is mostly a compilation of existing footage. She hasn't much time in the moment for new stuff.
Great video Jess
2 hr gear vid...no thanks...oh wait, it's Dixie. I'm IN!
Epic, great summary!
If you ever considered writing a book, it may be a good idea to do it, while beeing baby-fixed at home!?
Great video 👏🏽
WOW huge tip list thanks!
You only need to boil water (rolling boil) for one minute to make it safe to drink (unless the water is contaminated with heavy metals or chemicals, which boiling will not remove at all), unless you are above 5,000' elevation. In that case, you need to boil it for three minutes. Any longer than that is wasting fuel and time.
Well, she sure has nice tips.
Great editing!
I have a question for you. Since backpacks absorb water, since they typically aren't waterproof, can it be said that it's better to carry a backpack cover, which would shed water better? My own rudimentary backyard experiments show that my backpack can gain 20 ounces of water weight, but my backpack cover, which weighs 4 ounces, only gains 2 ounces of water, so that's saving 14 ounces. Obviously, that would only apply for rainy trails like the AT and not so much for the CDT, but am I missing something? I've never seen this addressed. Thanks, love your channel.
Yikes! How long did it take you to compile this video?
Great content and presentation.
Great work as always! Something I’ve been wondering about: on some of the American backpacking channels I see lots of clips of people sitting or lying in their tents and cooking outside of the door. I am a canoe tripper, backpacker, car camper, winter backcountry hiker from southern Ontario in Canada. I have never seen anyone doing this where I camp or heard it mentioned or discussed in our local forums. Of course this doesn’t mean it’s not being done, but it doesn’t seem common. Is this really common practice in some places? Is it mainly to have some privacy in busy through hiking spots, or is there something else I’m missing out on here?
Just a note. I know talc has concerns these days, but talc-free baby powder often has cornstarch--which lots of critters like to eat. FWIW.