So glad you can talk about peein', poopin' and tow-lit paper without turning into a 12 year old. The practical information is very helpful.

You’re by far, my go to backpacking hiking guru. I love your communication style and your incredible easy going expertise on hiking. Keep up the good work.

Our Boy Scout council purchased large duffel bags used to contain and transport back packs by air when attending high-adventure bases. The one serious rule they had was that the trek participants were required to wear their hiking boots for the plane ride. The rationale was (learned by difficult experience) that if the entire set of back packing gear was lost in transit it could be replaced at the destination but broken in footwear was irreplaceable.

I really like your videos because they're 100% content. You get straight to the point instead of waffling or having an overly long intro like a lot of youtubers do.

Every hiker, skilled or not, should watch your videos. Thank you

Just went on my first real back-packing trip this past week end. I don't have a boatload of money for a complete Ultralight kit so I packed everything I thought I needed (2 miles one-way) in and out. Set everything up, used what I needed, and now I know exactly what I do/don't need for a week of back packing. I still will have a heavier pack than a true Ultralight set but I have figured out how to get it down to a manageable weight.

Great video. I can add to the dressing in a hammock question. That in itself is a great reason to carry an opaque poncho...it becomes like an open ended dress, under which you can do all kind of things. Peeing. Dressing. Bathing....all kind of naked things!!! Of course it can also be your rain gear or supplement any rain related gear for your pack or your shelter. You can also use it to sit on, carry firewood, even gather water. All that to say there are multiple non conflicting reasons why it would be helpful to have a poncho with you anyway. They are definitely not uni-taskers! And versatile items tend to earn their place in your pack even if they are extra. You might also make something like that out of tyvek. (Got to that part of the video) take a rect or diamond shaped piece and cut a slit in the middle for your head and do your naked things under it.

Dixie, Thank you for sharing your experiences/lessons in such an open way. The questions in this video inspired these comments: Bear Can: They are usually NOT waterproof. I either line the inside with a plastic bag I can seal or put garbage sack over the can if it is on the ground. When kayaking, the weight of the can is not a problem and it doubles as a camp chair - but I store it away from camp - just like hanging food. Privacy: Not only can you bring the tarp sides down for dressing (and stand behind the hammock), you can get a hammock that has, nylon panels on the ends ("doors"). The extra weight is trivial and can be offset by not needing as heavy a sleeping bag or top quilt (because the tarp interior is warmer). Also the doors provide more weather protection in blowing rain. Peeing on Shoes: It helps to find a couple of rocks or stick you can put under your heels making it easier to squat without tipping over. Also finding a log/tree branch you can grab with one hand so you can lean back a little. Note, make sure it won't break in mid-exercise; just say'n. Ice Axe: An ice axe takes a little training to use properly, instinctively, immediately. If you need it - you don't want to think about it - just pure muscle memory. Also, unlike the video, practice with some pants on or you'll abrade you skin on course snow. See if your local mountaineering group gives lessons. It is not intuitive. For example, without training, many erroneously try to stop dragging the adz instead of the pick. Toilet Paper: Metamucil is your friend. I'm a vegetarian, my partner is a vegan; somehow we make it work. But moving away from my diet and towards her's (she cooks, I clean), my poo turned to paste - lots of clean up. Once I started taking a spoonful of Metamucil after each meal, things firmed up such that sometimes no work is necessary; clean with one swipe. Tyvek: There is more to consider besides just the material. Various nylon colors give you levels of opaqueness (and joy) and there are seam sealers specifically formulated for the material. When Tyvek is new and smooth, it is noisy. When it is used and wrinkled (took me four washings to "soften" it up), it isn't what I'd want for tent/shelter walls. But I will try it as a ground cloth (footprint). I usually use black plastic (Visqueen) for that because, being black, it drys quickly. I put a little duct tape on the corners and write TOP on them so I always orient the same side down.

Great info. Glad I found these Q&A videos. One suggestion on the air travel with a backpack... I have traveled a bunch for work. Used to be a road warrior for a while. I've had airports destroy luggage on a few occasions to include a hold-over for an avionics problem causing my luggage to stay in the cargo section for 4 hours during peak summer afternoon heat in Georgia. This melted parts of my luggage. I've had buckles and straps torn and broken too. If you box and ship your gear by UPS or FedEx to the nearest depot for pickup, you might very well save on a ton of heartache. Our packs aren't cheap. Some of our gear can be banged around also (titanium cookware, etc). I've shipped luggage, duffels, camera gear, and engine parts ahead of my trip and had a much better experience knowing I had a tracking confirmation and could be sure that any issues were covered by the insurance.

I'm a beginning hiker and your videos (especially the silly questions) have helped me sooooo much! Thanks!!

The best advice I can give is to go on small practice trips, 2-3 days, before you go on something long. you will naturally learn all of this stuff, and then when Dixie gives these tips, they make a lot more sense. ya'll are smarter than you think.

I have been backpacking since the 90s and have an outdoor leadership degree and I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos. There are so many great ways to do stuff and we never stop learning. Your videos are my favorite and encourage me to make my own, less interesting videos, lol. Great work and I love how you encourage everyone and don’t focus on doing something one way.

For airplanes and hiking poles I go to a used sporting goods store and buy a cheap bat bag. Pretty much the same as your duffel concept .... maybe just a little more compact and usually less than $10. I also buy a pool noodle and split it and insert the pole for a bit of protection from potential rough handling. Great vids!

I never would have thought about leapfrogging in a vehicle like that. So cool!

As for injections I have lots of experience being a type 1 diabetic For a long trip I carry an extra water bottle and put my used needles in there. Mark it with tape as Sharps and toss it in any trash can. I also have a old hard drive case that I carry my insulin in so it won't get smashed in my pack. If you really want to get outside you will find a way!

Thanks for being very to the point! My gf and I are new to backpacking and you've been a godsend for alot of much needed information!

I love watching your videos...easy to understand and entertaining. Im fairly new to backpacking, even though i was with the boy scouts for years. I am starting to do multiple days hoking trips and you have shown me good ways to lighten up. The AT is on my bucket list, and i want to do that before i turn 60. I am 55 now, but i just discovered i have a hole in my heart ( which they found after i had a mini stroke). So, i will have that fixed and then start getting ready for that hike.. i will do the Midstate trail and 100 Mile Woods first to make sure i will be ok...plus, all your viewers are great sources of info, too....keep hiking and smiling!

One of ghe best backpacking/hiking channels on youtube. Would be interested to hear about alternative cooking methods and setups such as nesting tins with alcohol burners and a wee camping pot/kettle on it to know how well they would do as opposed to full camping stove setups with various pots etc. And alternative light sources.

I believe that the US and Canada have different maximum legal Capsaicin concentrations for bear spray, with the US allowing twice the strength (2% vs 1%) that is legal in Canada. So you probably can’t legally bring maximum strength bear spray from the US into Canada, but carrying the less concentrated Canadian bear spray into the US might be allowed depending on how you are transporting it.

Tyvek, if you put it in a washing machine with an agitator , cold water and NO detergent it will soften it without affecting is water proofing. And, it's very quiet

Dixie, thank you for your videos and for discussing "delicate" issues so openly. This video inspired these comments: Bear Can: They are not waterproof so I line the inside with a sealable bag or put a plastic bag over it when I store it away from camp. The black can doubles as a chair. Weight is not an issue when kayak camping. Privacy: In addition to bringing down the tarp's side, you can also stand behind the hammock. Get a tarp with nylon panels ("doors") on the ends. More privacy, warmer environment, more protection in blowing rain. Pee on boots: put rocks or sticks under shoe heels for better balance when squatting. Grab a branch on a tree or fallen log with one hand to aid in leaning back. Note: Make sure the branch is strong enough so it will not break in mid-exercise; just say'n. Ice Axe: Its use is not intuitive. Beginners often erroneously drag the adz instead of the pick. To be effective its use must be immediate, accurate, without hesitation - pure muscle memory. Get lessons from mountaineering group if you are going to carry one. Practice with pants - not bare legs shown in the video - or your skin will abrade on the coarse ice/snow. Toilet Paper: Metamucil is your friend. I'm vegetarian, my partner is vegan; somehow we make it work. But cutting out dairy turned my poo to paste - lot's of work. A spoonful of Metamucil, or other psyllium product, after each meal firmed everything up. Often one swipe and I'm done. Much less hassle on the trail. Tyvek, Too noisy when new, too wrinkly when softened up (at least four washings). Nylon shelters have specifically formulated seam sealers and give you a choice of opaqueness (and joy) via their color choices. I might use Tyvek as a ground cloth (footprint), but I usually use black plastic (Visqueen). It dries quickly in the sun and I put a little duct tape on each corner, writing TOP on one side so I always have the same ground side down.

Glad someone asked about the tyvek. I wondered about it too. Thx!

Hello Dixie, thank you for another informative video. You handled all the questions quite well. Your name is well known and respected throughout the hiking community. I often refer new hikers to your channel for important information pertaining to hiking. Take care out there. Keep those informative videos coming. 🤗

The TP question, I found a portable bidet in which you just attach a nozzle to a water bottle. More hygienic and no needing to worry about TP all together

Have never hiked a day in my life, but your videos have given me SUCH a desire to go out and do something more! I just love watching your videos and think that the way you present your information is so awesome! Great job!!

Excellent video, Dixie!! You are terrific at explaining lots of information in an easy to understand way. I'm so looking forward to seeing your upcoming adventure with your Ma and Fancy!! :D

I highly recommend keeping your TP in a sealed, waterproof plastic bag and making SURE any unused TP gets put back into the bag and sealed again immediately after use. It is especially important to verify that this protocol has been followed if you loan your TP to a fellow hiker, since not everyone is sufficiently intelligent or responsible to do the obvious. Learned the hard way the importance of getting your loaned TP back and sealed up while on a three day canoe trip in the Yukon back around '76. High bush cranberry leaves were the best available alternative to TP, and they were not very satisfactory, even after thawing the frost off them between bare hands. After that experience, I might trust my life to a friend - but not my TP. :) I wonder whether anyone else has had regrets after loaning something to a fellow adventurer.

Thank you for being so straightforward. This was really clear!

I'm about to hike the VA and NC portion of the AT. Your videos have helped tremendously. I feel more confident and prepared than before. Thanks , and keep up the great vids !!

Thanks for this video! You do great work and have helped us prepare for our LEO Honor Hike.

Thanks Dixie, always enjoy your presentations, very informative with a good deal of humor. Be Well.

Another beautiful spring day in Alabama. Thanks for the backdrop. TP and a flushable wipe is the best. Just pack out the wipe. I stayed on a sight I had stayed at 2 years prior and dug my prior wipe up whilst getting ready to move things b4 the trail. Seriously. I asked an Army vet years back why MRE's only had 6 sheets of TP. He pulled one sheet from his roll of desktop discount kleenex (because no one steals it). He folded in half and wrapped it around his index finger. Question answered.

Thanks for yet another Amazing video Dixie! As always, you continue to remain engaging and entertaining while being extremely informative! You cover things which some of us forget to ask, or haven't even considered! Thanks again and keep up the great work!

Another great one! Thank you for addressing so many basics that many assume everyone already knows!

Yay you answered my question! 😁 Thanks Dixie. Your Facebook group is so helpful to me as I’m just in the very beginning of planning for a thru hike

Constantly refreshed by your videos. You have managed to really capture the attention of a wide range of people and followers as well as blow some fresh air into this activity. So many thanks for your time and energy Dixie! Thanks constantly! :)

Dixie, all up in here dropping KNOWLEDGE BOMBS! Fantastic video... AGAIN!

Another fun and informative vid! Thank You! Yes, none of us came out of the box knowing these things, so it is totally OK to ask any question. 👍

Hey dixie, thanks for your inspiration. 29 days Till my first 600km hike across Irland 🇮🇪 i am sooo anxious to Start.

Absolutely the best hiking/backpacking info source!!! Thanks for the education Dixie!

River crossing: Teva sandals or something like that. Also nice in the camp after wearing heavy boots all Day. We dan out of toilet paper, but grass and leaves... Greetings from the Netherlands!

Dixie thank you so much for your videos, your personality reminds me of why I love backpaking so much.

Hi Dixie, awesome job on keeping us informed about every little bit and inspiring to develop the love for hiking and overcome the fears. Question about food and bear. Do bears come closer or charge at you for the food in backpack while hiking? What should you do?

I will agree with George Frole. You are the first place I check for any hiking or backpacking tips and answers. Your videos are always factual, to the point without wasted commentary and you're not afraid to talk about the things we wonder but don't want to ask, I really appreciate that...

Great info Dixie, just like always. Thank you again.

Interesting questions and answers! I haven't been able to find Tyvek in South Africa, but I did make some temporary tarp shelters in my backyard out of painters' plastic (a thick plastic sheet that painters put on the floor to protect it) when I was experimenting with designs for making a DIY tarp out of nylon. The plastic worked surprisingly well, it just obviously was not breathable at all so prone to condensation :)

Another great vid! Cheers! Feeling thankful that there aren't any bears in our bush. 😣🙏

Another great video! I am looking for videos on healthier choices for hiking meals. Knorr is on the do-not-pack list.

Holland MI here I totally agree with what you said about being comfortable in the idea of being uncomfortable Being a noob hiker and camper this advise spoke to me as I am in uncharted territory in life

Can't wait for your next hike, I've watched all your hikes

Dixie, you are such a refreshing personality. Love your videos and can't believe some big camping products Corporation has not snapped you up as their spokesperson. Your communication skills are awesome. Enjoy all your videos. Best wishes.

I've only gone on short weekend backpacking trips, and never in bear country. We've used "bear bags" to protect our food from other critters like racoons. But I've been told that if you do go into bear country, then you need to use a bear canister that is approved for the location you're backpacking in. Apparently, some bears in some areas have figured out how to open certain bear canisters, so those bear canisters are no longer approved for those areas. But it varies regionally.

Dixie, it is amazing to see how much you channel has grown from that first few thousand of us way back on the AT start...19,187 views in one day...i can remember some of the first videos took a loooooong time to reach 1000...

Hey dixie...I have given you smallgrief in the past but want to thank you for the videos....they are quite helpful in realation to backpacks, gear clothing and so on...I am not intrested in hiking as a sport but intrested in preparing for an emergency but your experience with through hikes and dealing with preparing for those hike is invaluble.... To me thanks again

Love the fact that you’ll talk about anything! You’re so open and real. Keep it up!

the eeriness of the wilderness is an interesting feeling. I've been camping in the wild for a long time, but *still* squirrels in the trees at night sound like bears. Or monsters. :)

Great video! I hope this is a regular thing since I don't use facebook. 😊

Dixie you're just the best! Love from Washington State 🌲

In camping scenarios I've used a tarp or painter's drop cloth and wrapped it around two saplings that were close together and used that for changing and/or showering

Dixie, you are inspiring! If I have questions about planning a thru hike on a popular trail (outside of the US) that there are no other vlogs - and obviously I would like Your advice - what's the best way/s to ask you those questions and get your advices?

That is food for thought for me. I’m not hiking yet. However I’m doing festival camping and I was going to do a plain tarp for my ground cover. But maybe the Tyvek would work better.

For going to the bathroom: get a backpacking bidet and practice using it at home. Highly recommend

Great tips, thanks!

I make all of the ground sheets out of polycro. It’s super cheap on amazon. Like $5 for a huge piece. Tyvek works well too because it’s more durable, but a bit heavier. Great vid, Dixie! Enjoyed it 🙌🏻

I have made a 16ft long tent out of Tyvek, 7ft peak at one end other end goes to ground. I tie off on large tree in front at 7ft and use 3 tent pegs,. and have 8ft zipper in the front I even have it set up for a portable wood stove. The Tyvek was left over from a job, I also use a piece for a table cloth when eating crabs.

nice video thanks dixie!!

Hey Dixie, to dispose of needles, find a local tattoo shop. They are required to have sharps containers for the needles they use. You might have to pay them a buck or two, but I am sure they will help you out.

Hi Dixie. Love your videos. I was wondering if you ever go back to an area that you went through during a thru-hike, with more time to enjoy the area.? What I was specifically thinking about was the Sierras. I have spent a lot of time in the Sierras. They are beautiful with all of the snow, but, they are incredible in a completely different way with the green meadows, wildflowers, being able to explore, etc. There is so much to see and enjoy that you are enjoying in a completely different way when there is a timeline. Just wondering. Thanks

I have the pstyle because I’m in a semi with hubby and sometimes I just gotta be and there are no bathrooms near us. It has a holder with a carabiner you can get and it’s super easy to use this September I’ll use it on my first hike

For the bathroom questions, My method is to carry a little squirt water bottle and 2 bamboo washclothes. (Too switch out when they get crusty) For pee it's super easy to just squat and air dry or use the lightweight super soft and absorbent bamboo washcloth to dry. I tend to pick a bunch grass or little pile of dirt to pee on to avoid splashes. Gravel and rock are the worst for splashing yourself. Number 2 I rinse off with the little water bottle then use the cloth to dry off. I hate toilet paper because it leaves pieces, is wasteful, falls apart, and plus I don't have to worry about packing gross stuff out. I actually prefer the outdoor bathroom to modern indoor ones haha

Long time watcher and I absolutely Love your videos. You are my inspiration, I am setting out in 6 days to do as much as Oregon as possible. I am having pack weight issues, I have only basics, plus food. does it always feel heavy to start? I know it will get lighter as you go

Hey Dixie! First and foremost I just wanna say that you are my main inspiration when it comes to hiking/backpacking and it's something I'm just getting into but I find you have been a great resource for information, as well as entertainment! Something that has caught my attention/interest was the AT Passport and other similar items I've seen in where you can acquire stamps along your journey, etc... I was wondering if you have used anything like this, what your thoughts on it were (did you like/dislike it, do you recommend it, etc...) and if possible, if you can suggest the best way to go about it? It seems like items like these are somewhat hard to plan (just based on my observations) and I thought if there was a good way to go about completing/using these that you could help point me and anyone else that may be interested in the right direction, or just share any useful tips regarding the subject. I'm sure you get swamped with questions so I won't take it personally if ya don't get around to responding but I just wanna say thank you, in advance, either way! Take care of yourself and I always look forward to future uploads! ;)

You're videos are just the best Dixie!

My friends and I used to backpack annually for 5 days but that was 25 years ago. So I am experienced but still thought these were good questions.

Thanks for sharing

Excellent video as always. As far as TP goes folks can do a little research before leaving home. How many times a day do you use tp? How much tp do you use per event when you need a lot? How many days will you be on the trail? Calculate your projected need and bring just a bit more . . . just in case :0)

🧡 how you Keep it Real! We've learned so much....when will you start your own Guide business?

thanks for sharing these

With my arc haul, flying, I take off the vertical struts, netback and anything else might hook up somewhere, (or be grabbed and broken) and put them inside the pack. Trekking poles inside as well. Then tie it all together tight so nothing will trail and get caught in mechanisms. Doesn't take long it's all quick fit. Plus you have carry on to cover any surplus that has to come out. I have also taken off the belt as well, but practice that one first, you need strong hands and if you've already taken off the pockets and tied it all together I'm not sure it's worth the trouble.

Time Stamps! 01:12 Do You Keep All Your Food In Your Bear Can While You Hike? 02:44 How Do You Privately Change Clothes If You Use A Hammock? 03:55 Do Many Married Thru-hikers go Without Their Spouse? 05:13 Does The Eerie Feeling Of Being Outdoors Alone Fade? 07:05 How Do Ladies Not Pee On Their Boots When They Go Outside? 08:56 How Do You Pack For Plane Travel? 10:42 Should You Have An Ice Axe If You're Hiking With Microspikes? 11:59 How Much Toilet Paper is Too Much, And How Much Is Not Enough? 13:48 Can You Carry Bear Spray Across the US-Canada Border? 15:41 Thru-hiking With Prescribed Injections 18:29 Do You Build The Mile Markers In Your Videos, or Are They Already There? 19:22 Why Aren't Shelters Made of Tyvek?

I absolutely love the fact that you tell the truth great video👍👏

I have followed you pretty much real time since your approach hike to Springer Mountain. It has been four years to the month and you have really honed your video style and your straightforward relaxed delivery. It is a real pleasure to both watch and listen. I have been hoping that the Discovery Channel, or some similar outlet, would pick you up and promote your adventures. Please keep it up and thank you. P.S. - Your teeth are looking great since your braces announcement on March 3rd.

I fuckn love Dixie like whenever I have a question on my mind I find one of her videos suggested 👌🏼 I'm doing my 1st hike solo in a couple of days wish me luck.

you're soooo wonderful Dixie....thank you!

Love all your videos carrying a bear canister with me will be hitting the AT 4/23.

19:30 Tyvek isn't all that robust for use in things like tents. For starters, it has no ripstop weave, so once a tear starts, it's pretty easy for that rip to open up wide. Second, it is not all that abrasion resistant when compared to ripstop nylon or DCF. The surface fibers will abrade and come loose if you scape them and eventually that will lead to a hole. It's reasonably good to use for ground sheets because it's very cheap compared to waterproof nylon or DCF, and it's really easy to find replacement sheets in most towns (any big box home improvement store and many smaller hardware stores). Using it in a tent would just result in needing to replace the tent fairly often, which means paying for the labor that went into making it - not too mention every failure is a night or a few in a leaky tent.

LEARN AS YOU GO..........words of wisdom Dixie. PEACE

If you’re willing to carry it you can buy personal sharps boxes for your needles. My mom had to do daily injections at home and she had her own sharps container.

wow.. amazon and REI.. is the best place to start at for my new hobby.... thanks. mountain house is really lighter than the MRE.... thanks .. i am learning so much watching your posts... your are the best.

Thanks Dixie. Great video.

I used tyvek when I did roofing. It is strong, but its heavy and something sharp can rip through it like butter. In most cases it seems like a simple blue tarp would do better. Cant speak on it for backpacking related uses though. Maybe a tyvek poncho would be good lol.

Your videos are great for information ❤

Food in bearcan? Also think about the smell your food leaves in your pack. Animals may find that interesting enough to want to try and investegate. (And distroy all of your gear in the prosess) TP is also good for cleaning/driïng foodgear, starting a fire (with lampoil) and in firstaid

Hi Dixie! Ok, you have said that you use a short sleeping pad b/c you sleep with your legs on your pack but you've also said you are a side sleeper. I'm having trouble envisioning that... Do you take everything out of your pack every night so it's flat? Or is it half full (minus bag, pad, tent, of course) and bulky and your legs are more up in the air? But then how do you side sleep? Could you please elaborate or demonstrate? Sorry if this is in another video I haven't gotten to yet, still new here :)

Flying with backpacks: Duffel bags work well but i have also used a very large and thick trash bag to put the backpack in and some string to tie it up.

Bear Spray in Canada - there is always Canadian Tire. If you are flying or worried about carrying it across the boarder. They carry it and it as common as Walmart. I have driven into Canada on numerous occasions. No times did I have issue with having Bear Spray. I was asked by immigration officers going into Canada, more like ''You do have pepper spray? - right?" I kind of laughed and said "Oh yeah!"

I used a tarp made from Tyvek for a few years. I followed the Henry Shires Tarptent 2 man design. Mine included an integral floor from the same sheet of Tyvek using a fold on one side giving me waterproofness on that side. See www.backpacking.net/makegear/tarptent/index.html. It had all the issues others discussed: The floor eventually wore out since abrasion resistance is poor, tape could delaminate and come apart, and it sounded like a snare drum in the rain. It also would allow some water through in a hard rain. I would say it lasted for about 500 miles. Great DIY conversation piece, but not super functional. Use a Tarptent Notch now. Thanks Henry!

Great video - thanks! My "silly"/embarrassing question: What is the etiquette surrounding passing gas while in camp, when everyone's separated into their tents but can still hear - & maybe smell - most of what goes on in all the other tents? Do you say "excuse me" and risk waking anyone already asleep? Or do you just pretend it didn't happen (or that it happened in someone else's tent)?

Yep, made a tarp tent out of tyvek. Used it on the max patch to hot springs section. It was windy that night and so loud from the tyvek I did not sleep a wink. Everytime a small acorn or branch fell out of a tree it sounded like a dead man was coming down I had installed grommets and all Total fail, did keep me dry and AWAKE.

Thanks for all the hard work you do on your videos Dixie. I'm a vlogger myself and I have a question for you. How do you completely get rid of ambient background noise like wind in your talking head style videos? I see you're wearing a lav mic, is that all you need to do to cut out so much background noise?