so appreciate that you have become such an advocate for sun protection! it’s a hard earned lesson, grateful you are trying to pass it on so the rest of us don’t have to learn the same way

It's so awesome you mentioned getting active/hiking clothes at thrift stores! That's my go to place for anything active wear related. It depends on the store but savers usually has a pretty decent selection. I've gotten all of my active wear from savers, including my water shoes and running shoes which can be expensive at regular price. Even gear can be thrifted or gotten from a consignment shop or even eBay and Facebook marketplace. I think a lot of people get discouraged about the exorbitant prices of active wear and outdoor gear but I hope everyone will start to realize it doesn't have to be expensive! Buy second hand and you'll save money and help the planet a little bit while you're at it

Fun fact: backpacking tips about clothing and shoe comfort, also apply to running around a theme park all day 😂 enjoyed Universal Studios Orlando SO much more with my wide toe box sneakers. Also brought my UL sleeping pad because the pullout couch was terrible 😆

I can give some more insight into Alpaca fiber clothing and the fiber itself Vs wool, as I worked on a farm that had both sheep and alpacas. Alpaca fibers are hollow, whereas wool has air pockets Polar bears also have hollow fur. Not only does that allow more warmth to be trapped, but it also keeps you cooler in the summer. It also wicks better and retains less moisture than wool, which is why the water repellency is better. Both wool and Alpaca are known for their ability to keep you warm even if they are soaking wet. where Alpaca wins out is once again the water retention. water retention = more weight and longer dry times. Alpaca fibers are smoother, thinner, and stronger than wool. Wool has a very rough surface hence the itch. That brings me to this, Alpaca is hypoallergenic. They are doing things with Alpaca fiber now that cannot be done with wool because of the comfort and thickness of the fibers. They now make t-shirts, underwear, lightweight socks, etc. As you mentioned Alpaca takes less work to prepare and to produce yarn and thread than wool, cotton, or synthetics. I am betting that they are far superior to anything out there as far as clothing materials, natural or synthetic. There was one exceptionally cold winter when I worked on the farm when it was consistently 20 below with windchill for a few days. I couldn't wear gloves because of the jobs I was doing at that time. But there was an alpaca and a sheep that liked hanging around and I quickly learned that the alpaca was much easier to get my hands in its hair than it was to get my hands in the sheep's wool, and much softer and warmer. Part of that was due to the waxy oils that wool has (Lanolin) which is believed to be the allergy cause of wool as well as the matting that wool does that alpaca fibers do not do. On a side note though the sheep still came in handy to keep my hands from drying out and cracking in that weather due to the lanolin. There are two types of fibers depending on which type of alpaca. Suri or Huacaya, Huacaya is what is used for warm clothing and more everyday clothing. That fiber is short and curly and feels like a teddy bear, which is the type I worked with. Suri has long straighter fibers that have a silkier smoother look and texture. That fiber is usually used for more high-end fashion due to that luster and feel. Suri is best for woven clothing and Huacaya is best for knit items. With all that being said I would wear alpaca fiber clothing whenever possible ESPECIALLY when hiking during summer rain you're wearing rain gear and it is humid. It will do so much to help you stay cooler and drier under that gear. I would use synthetics only as outerwear in bad weather. I run into more issues with synthetic materials than natural materials, Remember wool, cotton, and alpaca fiber are all flame retardant, synthetics can melt or even flame up depending on the material. I never hiked as much as you have but maybe try testing an alpaca blanket as a sleeping bag. It could save you some weight, keep in mind in this country's infancy soldiers, explorers, trappers, and hunters used wool blankets alone at times. I found an alpaca blanket 51" x 71" that weighs 1.2 lbs. Yes this was long but a ton of knowledge that needs to be shared for more informed decisions on what is right for your needs.

Lots of good information. But I'll be honest, my favorite part was the little "cotton kills" guy. Haha! 😂

Hi Dixie; thanks for “introducing” folks to the benefits of alpaca socks. I own both merino wool socks (Darn Tough) and Alpaca socks and love them both. The alpaca socks do seem to keep my feet a bit warmer than the wool (possibly simply because they are a thicker sock) but one thing I will mention; be careful not to put them in the dryer. I accidentally put both in the dryer and although the merino wool socks shrunk a little (I could still fit into them) the alpaca socks shrunk so severely that my wife now has another nice pair of alpaca socks !!!

One item that doesn't get mentioned a lot but has found a permanent home in my snowshoeing and winter hiking gear is a neck gaiter. The ones my wife and I carry are made by turtle fur. Weighs almost nothing but seals the neck from air flow, warm, and a mask in severe cold. Been to -50 wind chill and with proper layering, neck gaiter pulled up and goggles, no exposed skin and comfy as a bug in a rug.

your gonna love the alpaca material its great for cold weather tho i would still carry a merino base layer for summer nights but alpaca is def the new champ in the winter world

Hi Dixie. I have watched all your videos on the PCT, AT and CDT. Marathon viewing ! I am getting ready for a thru hike of my own this year on the PCT 2024 and I appreciate your info! Thanks for sharing. Plant Papa

I find many (if not all) of your backpacking suggestions also apply to us "walkers". I walk 3 miles a day - conservatively 1,200 miles/year and really appreciate your ideas. Last week, in Fairbanks Alaska it was -48F here and I was still out walking my miles. As you say...Layers work - for me and for my dog. Good video.

Dixie, you are looking much, much younger, your skin looks youthful and happy, and that is what you impart to us, your followers. Arohanui from NZ

Best socks I ever owned are made of Bamboo fibre, 14 years of constant use never a hole, blister or smelly feet.

I own and wear Appalachian Gear Company shirts and fleece hoodies. Absolutely love them. On the plus side, the garments don't stink and you don't need to wash them that often. Airing them out works very well. I also ordered different sock types from Paka. The low cut ones are ok, the other ones sucked.

Thanks, Dixie! I have allergies and can't wear wool, but my old EMS polyester tees manage moisture much better than cotton and don't stink. I hope this encourages others who can't wear wool either. I read the comment about alpaca wool not having lanolin and will try that, as I have an Alpacor alpaca blend beanie which is fabulous for backpacking--I can see steam rise when I'm hot, which means it's dumping moisture fast, and it's thin, light, and warm.

very useful, thanks Dixie!

Thanks Dixie! I have the Paka socks, and I absolutely love them! I also love their hoodie, it is thin and light weight, but very warm and breathable. I bought the light gray one and loved it so much I bought two more and I bought them for my children too who also love them.

For those who are curious, the biggest difference between Merino and Alpaca is that Merino has lanolin which helps wick moisture, and alpaca doesn't. If your allergic to wool, alpaca may be for you. Very good tips from Dixie.

Love my long sleeve sun shirts! They are cool, and they keep your skin protected as well.

Thank you for your perspective and experience on clothing. There’s a video that did a head to head between merino wool and synthetic clothing after getting dunked. The wool stayed wet significantly longer than synthetic. I’m not sure the same would be true for alpaca but it’s food for thought.

I just got a pair of injinji toe socks you mentioned in another video and I love them for hiking! My toes thank you, lol.

Cotton in a hot, dry, desert environ is actually preferable for exactly the reasons you state. It holds water and is slow to dry out. Hikers here at Grand Canyon are regularly told to wear cotton and soak it with water from the spigots or streams.

Key to what was mentioned. Tailor clothes to where going. Cotton ok for desert. But it does kill in mountains. WAS on trip. I had great time. Same mountain at same time guy died because he had nothing but wet from sweat, cotton clothes. Froze even in sleeping bag.

Your suggestions are all valid, but I have to say cotton isn't necessarily the killer it is painted as these days. Us old timers (I started backpacking in 1961) remember when everyone wore jeans, and I remember no one suffering greatly as a result. I did have a pair of wool knickers I used in winter in Alaska, in the '70s, but stayed with jeans, or even old chinos until the last 20 years. I moved to synthetics mostly due to weight. My Kuhl hiking pants weigh about a third of what my Wranglers do.

Thanks for the tips!

Would be great if you'd give an update about the Garmin SAR fiasco.... and whether or not they've paid?!? If not, maybe you can do a video about other alternatives that you've heard good things about, or other options?

You're the only person I know that uses the word britches.

I have a Paka hoodie. I've washed it once and it doesn't stink. It also kept me warm in 10° weather. I was in a light base layer and the Paka too. - Angel (AT class of 19)

I love all my Alpaca products!!

Appalachian Trail Company for sleeping bag liners, layering, sun shirts. They are awesome!

Thanks for including the original sources of the data discussed in the video!

My go to is a bamboo base sun hoodie and undies, super cool and stay dry and does not smell like wool or synthetic. Cheers!

If your hike is Spring, Summer, Autumn *and* Winter, then you need to load up with winter woollies too, which is annoying extra weight in your Summer section -- but necessary sometimes, unless you can buy it on the way and/or send it along as needed. Cotton can be fine on hikes when you're mostly sleeping indoors, though it's not for everyone. I personally radiate a lot of body heat so that it dries up on me most days just from hiking -- I can even sometimes go to sleep in a wet sleeping bag and find it dry in the morning -- but if that's not your case and your body doesn't do that, be careful with it. The one cotton to absolutely avoid in every single circumstance is cotton socks !! I walk in cotton jeans and t-shirt though. Wear what you have at home is a Top Tip !! As to socks I would always recommend 100% wool of whatever sort. Against the Sun, I've found that a good hat and long trousers are the two most important. And a tan on your forearms !!

I have an Alpaca fleece hoodie. The manufacturer claimed it was their own special weave that was stronger than merino wool and it wouldn’t tear. Mine hasn’t torn but after just a couple months of use it has a bunch of holes. I paid an insane amount of money. The manufacturer offered to supply me with some patches when I messaged them. I just wasn’t happy with that. If you can get a blend of nylon and alpaca it’ll help with durability. I’ve found that synthetic insulations perform better than wool, provided they are wrapped in quality materials. I really want to try the Enlightened Equipment Torrid jacket but I’m concerned about the durability. I think having a durable outer shell no matter the season is key. Have an extra insulating layer like a puffy jacket.

I purchased a Paka hoodie last year on my AZT hike and tho it's a bit weighty, it's warm and comfy and dependable. Papa gets 3 thumbs up 👍

plus size day hiker here, very few brands to choose from for myself that fit just right. I may have to invent it! this video is good information thank you for putting it out

Great info! Paka has on my list for the last couple months…going to try it for Isle Royale spring hike trip! TY!

Your the best.expert.👍

Hey Dixie, Give Altera Explore socks a try. They are alpaca and have the lifetime warranty. I used them on my LASH of the AT in 2019 and have worn them pretty much every day since. Oh and check Paka's other clothes.

I'm team alpaca for sure. I got socks and a throw blanket in Peru when we visited there and am impressed with its warmth for weight/bulk ratio.

I know I've posted this before but perhaps a newbie will find it valuable. CLOTHES ARE NOT WARM! Put a thermometer in a pile of clothes and it will read ambient temp. Except for external sources (fire, chemicals etc.) your body is the only SOURCE of heat. There are 5 ways the body looses heat: evaporation, conduction, convection, radiation and respiration. Clothes can trap that heat, shed rain, stop wind etc. to help keep you warm but you controlling food intake and energy output are really the major ways of controlling warmth. The wise choice of clothes and putting on or taking off as Dixie says is critical of course, and an understanding of your particular body is so important.

When we hike long .going to smell no matter what..I wear Patagonia light underwear a lot .all season's. Good advice.

All good info! Thanks for sharing! Good to see new video! Peace be with you.

I prefer 2 day outfits that way if you need to you can be drying one while wearing the other.

Alpaca gloves and hoodie in my pack. They are a bit delicate. Warm. The hoodie has a wide range of comfort. Can wear the hoodie outside in as low as 30 degrees F, -1 C, and go inside where it’s 65F/ 18C and be comfortable in both. Thank you for sharing, from East Tennessee

I have an alpaca beanie from Appalachian gear co., it's kind of thin so not for the super cold and a bit itchy but still my go to most of the time. Will have to try the socks for sure.

Love the cotton kills graphic

Dang, camera quality is real good in this video.

Excellent info! Getting clothing right is pretty important. (Also, the cotton monster and the B roll are awesome Aaron.)

I tried Alpaca socks about 3 years ago. I love them so much they're the only socks I wear for all but the hottest part of the year here (northeast US).

Hey Jessica, Happy 2024. Thanks for posting! Cheers, SV Good Karma as Grins.

I love my paca socks!

Great tips, love the new hair!

Love you dixie (platonically) and love your videos. Hoping these suggestions help get my wife into the back country. I love it but she's not totally on board.

Thanks!

Great advice. Would you please add the link to the specific socks you qre wearing from Paka?

Good advice.

I would genuinely buy a Cotton kills t-shirt 😂

I've got alpaca socks and they are great :D

I told a newbie hiker that "Cotton Kills". She thought I meant "Dress to kill" and came to the hike in her cotton pajamas.

Thanks for the Paka tip! My only issue with DT is they're a bit scratchy -bearable, but I am the princess and the pea :-P

Looking good Jes

It’s hard for someone living in south florida to test clothing for a mountain hike. Pretty much just have to do some research and trust yourself to make the right decisions

I like Paka and have 3 of their sweaters. Look forward to your opinion on their socks.

Thanks for the video

To really test outfits by day hiking, wear the same outfit for several consecutive hikes, treating just like you are backpacking.

great advice, Dixie...♥ from Belgium

Socks first -- yes!

Haven't seen you in a while, Dixie. You look nice. Thanks for the Tips!

Great vid per usual Dixie! ❤

Have you tried the Paka socks yet? I bought one pair and they threw in a second pair for free. The feel good but seem a little thin.

I think you should do a few trails again . . . Be a double triple crowner . . . Like a double-triple banana split :o)

10/10 thumbnail

Cotton is best in the desert

Yo yo yo!!

Thanks for the video, Dixie. And I think congratulations are in order....🤔

I've not done a long distance hike so what do I know, but sorry Dixie if I ever do one I'm taking 4 pairs of underwear not 2, lol. I'm thinking I could handle the extra weight.

Has the Stellate ganglion block continued to provide relief? Curious because I am considering a trip to Texas for the procedure.

Cotton doesn't kill, stupidity kills

This was the first time I saw you post a video with no views yet. What an honor to be the first click on your video! Great job, as always Dixie. Keep on trekking!

How's the health?

More light layers/options is better than heavy do every.

Thursday, February 08th: Thank-you for sharing. Happy Trails! Ross08

Did you travel allone? Wow

Ever see a nice, clean Jeep on the street? Then a filthy muddy one goes by & think "they’re living the life". I’m a Proud Stinky Muddy Jeep☮️ Old School☮️

Dixie, how do you feel about a really light comfortable pair of "camp shoes" like cross or flip flops?

What are your thoughts on compression clothing (socks, leggings, tops, etc) while hiking? I don't know if anyone actually use them for that but they're very popular here for runners and walkers (I use them from time to time when I exercise as well - or I did, pre-pregnancy, now I'm too sick to do anything, unfortunately), so it just occurred to me while watching this video that maybe they'd be beneficial when hiking too (I might be completely wrong though, hence the question).

I think you are going to love PAKA. I've been a huge PAKA user for well over a year. Socks, tee shirts, underwear, a fleece top, and they are amazing. Everything you love about merino wool is MUCH better with Alpaca wool - temperature regulating like crazy and super anti-microbial. On microbe counts in wool. Just counting the microbes is useless. You need to count them by TYPE. Just like your gut, your skin, and wool also, has biome of its own. The stink comes from bad bacteria. So that study was probably counting the good bacteria that is wool's natural biome (or your skin's) as being bad, which is very wrong. Paid for by synthetics, I bet

Cloudline socks are life time warranty as well

Ok, so stupid question. If cotton kills, what material should pants be made of that will stand up to walking through the woods and not getting torn up by thorns and branches. I have a pair of non-cotton pants for this purpose and the woods won.....not even a challenge.

Cotten doesn't kill but it certainly stinks after a couple of days

Syntethic clothing leaves me clammy and irritates me in hot weather. I will wear cotton for day, but have other fabrics for night or underlayers for cooler days.

Wet cotton does not cool you off. It is the evaporation of the water that cools you off. Cotton can only cool you when the humidity is low. I wear alpaca socks year around. They are cool in the summer and warm in the winter. For equal weight alpaca is stronger than sheep wool and twice the insulation. Alpaca wool is said to be hollow fiber making it twice as warm per weight. The reality the fibers are not hollow like a straw; they have hollow pockets in each fiber. Pure alpaca yarn socks now come with Tencel threads in the socks and some of the shirts and sweaters to increase the life of the garment. Alpaca can only hold 10% of its weight in moisture. If you cross a stream and leave your socks on, take them off and squeeze them Never ring wool garment they my Felt. After squeezing them they are damp but not wet. Alpaca knit sleeping bag liners are a great year around module for your Sleep System. Alone they are a nice comfortable summer bag or with a one pound down quilt and your Nyja suit and a 15 oz hooded down jacket you can sleep you comfortably to 20 F degrees.

Hi Dixie! In your section about layering, your dog is wearing a jacket. Can you tell me what brand it is? Thank you for your videos!

I see that some clothes have copper thread throughout them would that help keep bacteria from growing

Help on men’s underwear for backpacking… briefs or bower. Really need suggestions…. I know you are a woman but you have men hiker friends. 😊

sunscreen y'all!

So far alpaca sox are causing me to have athlete's foot due to the breathability. Im heartbroken over this because theyre the softest and most comfortable socks ive ever worn. This is the 'Pacas' brand im speaking of, not Paka

FYI Altra Lone Peak 8 has brought back the wide toe box from the 5 series. You can be Bozo again 😂

Have you had any progress on getting payment from Garmin?

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