1 cotton clothing 2 large first aid kits 3 bear spray 4 soap/shampoo/deodorant 5 electronics (extra camera, ect) 6 big/bulky/heavy sleeping bags 7 water bottles (nalgene, ect) 8 too much food Most common items added/replaced: 1 sleeping pads 2 shoes 3 synthetic clothing 4 Sawyer water filters 5 rain jacket (dependant on weather)

What a difference 50 year makes! Listening to you describe the equipment available to today's hiker is just amazing. Almost makes me jealous! My buddy Denny and I did the trail back in '72. Synthetics were not really a thing back then so we had a lot of wool and very little cotton. Boots were made by Vasque, all leather, steel shanks and Vibram soles with lots of bite. Our sleeping bags were down filled and we carried Insolite sleeping pads. We sewed our backpacks from kits from Frostline and our aluminum frames were from our Boy Scout days. Trail side stores catering to hikers were virtually non-existent; Denny was our logistics guy and mailed freeze dried food, socks and other 'stuff' to US Post Offices located strategically along the trail. "General Delivery - Hold For Arrival", wrote that address a few times. We each had a wristwatch and older Ziess-Ikon 35mm SLR's, a few rolls of Kodachrome and a two cell flashlight. A package of Moleskin, some gauze, a bottle of iodine and a few band-aids were our first aid kit, we both had extensive first aid training and figured we cold improvise whatever else we might need. A poncho, a cotton duck hat (before Tilley was a thing), a nylon tarp for shelter, a small gas burner for heating water and a couple of 1 qt. poly water bottles finished out our kits. The boots, wool socks, cargo shorts, a long sleeved wool shirt and a bandana around the head was the daily uniform. No electronics, no phones, no music, no LED lights, none of the newer Gortex products. Just a couple of buddies taking a 2,000 mile walk in the woods, looking for the next white blaze. Denny, who went on to become a well respected Forest Ranger, insisted that we spend at least one day each week working with the local trail groups doing something to improve the trail; we were definitely the better for it. In those months we solved all the world's problems, argued over nothing and built a friendship which has lasted a lifetime. It was a grand time and something I would encourage everyone to experience, if only for a few days.

After years of backwoods/off trail hiking, I finally shed my good luck 60lb boat anchor. It completely changed my outdoor experience in an infinite amount of ways. Thank u Dr. Phil.

Great video with 100% solid advice. The only thing I have to add is about the rain gear. A lot of new hikers don't know that you are absolutely going to get wet no matter what you do. Even the best rain jacket is going to wet out after a certain amount of time. And if you wear the rain jacket and keep the rain off in humid conditions, you're going to get wet from sweat instead. So it's really just a choice of getting wet from rain or sweat. I recommend a rain jacket with pit zips which will help you stay drier. Also take a small travel-sized Johnson's baby powder and some kind of camp towel.

Thanks for the "dont let your water-filter freeze" tip. It's obvious now that you mentioned it but it hadn't occurred to me. Worth a million bucks!

Anti diarreah medication should be in any first aid kit. Not being able to keep hydrated will stop you from hiking.

Skip intro to 3:14

Agree with all of this. One luxury item that I often bring is a small platypus bladder filled with a nice single malt scotch. A li'l' nip every once in a while does the body and spirit so much good.

I've been Backpacking in New Hampshire for over 40 years. I learned by trial and error what to bring and what not to bring. The time of year and length of the trip weigh heavily in what to bring. a light tent, bag, and the right selection of clothes is paramount. Had some very funny times on the trail too - putting some rocks in my friends pack at various times.

Pretty good! The only thing I don’t necessarily agree with is the shoe size bit. I wore Altra Lone peak 3.5 trail runners and did not up size them at all for my thru hike. I did not notice any swelling or growing of my feet the entire 874 miles that I hiked (ended early because of an injury not related to my shoes). In fact, I think I might have been at a greater risk of tripping over rocks and roots if I had up sized. I’m just saying that tip might not apply to everyone and maybe detrimental to some.

I through hiked in the late 1980's and used Vietnam era military surplus. No such thing as a water filter, just iodine tablets, military poncho, mess kit and a metal framed back pack. no carbon fiber pole, led head lights and the like. No gps or phone, map and compass. You guys have it easy now with technology.

It's been a long time since I have hiked ( mid 90's) , someday wish to get back on the trail, I used to do section hikes on the AT, and, I remember that one item people brought way to much of, was Gorp, you would see hikers dropping that stuff off all over. Gorp is one of those things that hikers figure, they will be munching while they hike, well after a few days your sick of it. number one thing I hungered for, was things that were salty, one would bring clif bars and stuff to snack on, but sweets for energy is all fine and dandy, but I had too few things that were salty, as for rain gear, when I went on my first hikes I had some, but I sweated so much hiking in them ( even though it was 40s out) I just stopped using them, the important thing was to get out of wet things and into something dry and warm as soon as I reached camp/lean to. As for the soap, I had that same camp soap, and frankly I am one that always tried to keep clean, yes I know most people just forget about it and go all "natural aroma" not for me, I just did not want to stink. that soap is super concentrated, cheap, and good for everything, I shampooed my hair, washed underwear, washed eating utensils cleaned whatever with it, and yes I shaved lol. No smart phones back in those days, used to carry a big old 30mm camera, hikers today are blessed, that a smart phone, has a camera, internet (when accessible), and music, music and camera were two separate items back then.

For me it was my generator. I mean it had wheels but turns out that the trail has tree and roots all over the foot path. Also appearantly Pack animals are ill advised on the AT. I told them it was a service bear.

Pretty good info here. When I did it I had no food drops and was glad I didn't. Before you start you have no idea what you are really going to want to eat. If you're still on the trail after a month or so you will eat anything in sight. You will splurge every so often and carry heavy food out of town and not care as much about weight. I can remember taking a 3 lb. loaf of bread out of town and was glad I did. And so were the people that camped with me that night. I carried baking potato's back on the trail at times. Cans of salmon. Once you get in real LDH shape you don't worry quite as much about the weight you're carrying. There are no real rules of hiking when it comes to LDH. People hike the trail every which way. Don't become a purist. It's not as much fun.

I must say that I LOVE the blazes on the trees in the back. Nice touch!

Idk if they are still around but I have been using the same Kelty sleeping bag for 20 years. It spent the last 6-10 years traveling and camping for paintball. The bag spent its first years on the Appalachian. Still intact, still warm, nothing has really worn out on it. When it is too warm to sleep in it, its a great pillow/ body padding.

Sam is a very dope dude respect to him. I went on a little 4 day backpacking trip from the start of the AT at springer mountain to Unicoi gap. When I got to neels gap my phone charger was broken and my phone was dead, but he charged it up for me, gave me a new iPhone charger and a little battery pack for the rest of my hike all for free. Gave me good advice on what I was going to be expecting the next couple days. Definitely one of my favorite stops on the early part of the AT

For what it’s worth, I listened to the whole intro and found it both useful and enjoyable.

have found all kinds of gear shoved under rocks up to Blood Mountain. Some items were cashmere sweaters expensive stoves canned food.... army gear.

When I did Colorado Outward Bound in 1976, we learned that Cotton Kills. We used wool.

OMG shorten up your intros please. 3 1/2 minutes into the video I still haven’t heard even 1 item of ditched gear!

Outstanding and informative.Thanks. The hand-washing in the plastic bag is brill.

Informative. I would still carry & use Insect Repellant vs Patches as I know three friends who have come down with Lyme Disease. Two have permanent neurological issues. I HATE Deet... but it works!

Go in at about 3:20 if all you want to see is the seven items. Up to then it's advertising and rambling.

Re: bladders, for me, if it's not handy I don't drink enough. With a bladder and a tube, water is right there. No reaching, no drinking through a ridiculous Sawyer filter. I stash it in my back mesh pocket and it works. Keep a 700 ml SMart bottle for electrolyte mix. I think this is a personal thing, Sure, it's a couple of oz more but overall, I'm light.

Thank you for videos like this. I know My sleeping bag is too heavy and there is going to be some opportunity for me to figure things out but very helpful overall. I don't mind the extra time at the beginning. Too many folks in a rush. Can't imagine enjoying nature in a rush. Thank you for taking the time to be informative.

Platypus water bladders. Lightest bladder/water carrier I’ve found. I have a few that are several years old. Flat and foldable when empty.

Video needs a word shake-down. Cut the first 4 minutes entirely.

Another great video - tons of useful information!! Thanks for all you do!!

I'm a bit late to the party but I was just at Mt Crossing and stayed in the hostel...great outfitter, hostel was basic but clean and warm and the staff was great. Totally worth the stop! As for the list of unnecessary gear, you're spot on.

I've been reading comments saying this is '"too much information" KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!!! you guys are missing out!! Learn as much as you can so you can be the absolute most prepared you can be!!

I was off trail at NOC. 2 bears had been killed that day. I will keep my bear spray on me. You don't need it until you do. Also for females, bear spray is also for the 2 legged predators.

Thanks. I appreciate your experience.

Woo! I just got mine in the mail and it is true that Turbo setting is quite right

Another good video, Bigfoot! More good, useful information!

May you also have a blessed Easter. Good video. Heard the joke that so much stuff is left in Georgia hiker boxes that a person could just start the AT with an empty pack and pick up everything needed.

Look at the vid about your keto diet and now look at this vid, you look a LOT more healthy !! Well done man .. Well done .. Keep it up and just stay on it

Thank you so much...under 20 pounds...so accessible. Im at 18...with fuel...very accurate for realistic weights

Hello my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this very informative video. This is a wealth of great information. Take care out there and be safe. 🤗

Hey what a cool video very informative.Happy Easter.the almond butter was great I used it in my attempt at a Passover plate and Hagada hiker style travel.It was a cool night of remembering all my testimonies and learning how the Jewish celebrate Passover.Thanks for the other stuff to tested out the hat lawn mowing.it works great if there is not to much wind .it reminds me of you so much .lol my friend.

You have pointed many things out that I am glad to see that you've given people to consider. I will say that I always look at water as if I'm in a arid place, but if given a chance drink freely and then be very careful with water

I always enjoy picking up the things the hikers leave along the trail in the first week.

I worked with a wetlands consultant GPS-ing swamp features. Of course it was mosquito nightmare out there, but we never got bitten because he had the both of us load up on B complex vitamins before we went out the next day. What it does is turn your sweat into repellent. Tho it's unnerving to have mosquitoes buzz around the face, and you can feel their wings fanning and bumping into the skin, but they didn't land. The only caveat is if you have renal problems since any excess Vit B in the dose we swallowed is pee'd off using the kidneys once we hit max absorption. Other than that, I'm a convert to Vit B. When we ran out of vitamin B we used garlic tabs and that worked pretty well too though garlic has that classic residual odor and Vitamin B is metabolically useful, whereas garlic was more of an additive effect, tho both were harmless. We did not need both at the same time, so more isn't really better. The best method for us was taking it the day before (I took 2 softgels 3 X per day, or 6 total over 24 hours to load), and then just one in the morning of the trek for maintenance. I spent the summer in hip boots among swarms and was bitten MAYBE a couple times, but so few and so lightly, I didn't even think about them the rest of the day.

This seems like it would be very helpful for backpacking- I only hike near my house but if I ever venture further I will take your good advice!

I love hiking, I used to work in Banff in the summers, and hiked almost every day! (and some rock climbing) Now I'm older and crippled (nerve damage in my spine) I can barley walk 200 yards :( My plan is to save up for an old army jeep, and fix t up so I can explore off roading trails and maybe camp over some nights :)

always very informative your videos! I like them a lot 🤪

Happy Easter! Well done video. Good Advice!

Great video! Very informative. I just subscribed. Thanks for the tips😊

I agree with the soap and water. The friction of hand washing helps remove germs. Also hand sanitizer does not kill c diff, which if you got on trail would be rather shitty. Source: nursing student

Hadn't seen the new decor for your videos. Love the little trees with the white blazes! :)

Folks, please note that this list is AT specific. Bear spray is fine to ditch on the AT. For portions of the PCT and CDT, as well as many other mid and long trails in brown bear territory, I would personally recommend carrying it, as will most authorities.

He finally gets around to telling us the first item at 3:35. The dude is LONG WINDED

I brought bear spray knowing most people leave it in hiker boxes. It made me feel better having it on me. It’s not just for bears.

I carry a Klymit V pad and a cut down closed cell pad to go on the ground under my Klymit (under my torso). I also use it for a sit pad. I have a Mountain Smith synthetic bag rated at 20 degrees, but in the summer I just use a Arcturus Wool blanket or a ranger roll. I can always add a mylar blanket in there if I misjudge the temp.

I remember that you have a black diamond spot I have a lamp that you liked very much what made you change over to the NItecore 25?

Oh! I found them in the packaging yes this is a very light lamp

OOO! Excited to try those patches. My son gets horrible welts when he gets bitten. Always looking for new things to try for mosquitoes.

Well done as always! Happy Easter 🙏🏼🙏🏼

On my last trip I used everything but some extra food 😂 the things I wish I would have had were; a space blanket, a better 🪚 saw, a small fuel container 🫙 and a better power bank. Going to make some upgrades before my next trip and try to bring more minimal but better quality food.

After watching several of your videos, and this one twice , my base weight is now 16.5 pounds. Was 24 ! Very informative , and I always enjoy watching. Thanks , and happy hiking !!!

I highly recommend using a Nitecore 10,000. I get 2.6 charges on my iPhone 13 and it weighs about 5.3 oz. My Anker 20,000 was great but weights about 12 oz. It’s just to heavy. I totally agree with getting your shoes at least one size bigger than your normal shoe size. I learned this on the Long Trail in Vermont.

This is so helpful and I appreciate all the research involved.

I hiked SOBO in 04 with almost no backpacking experience, that was true for a number of folks that I hiked with. Most of those people finsined the trail very few got off. I truly feel that a SOBO hike is tourgher and attractes individuals with strong mental fortitude, figuring out what you should get rid of on your own after 100 miles with out some one helping you decide what you don't need. Plus a south bound hike is the way the ATC intended the trail to be hiked, look at any of the literature, clothing, or guid books and they all read AT Main to Georgia.

*LOVE THE T-SHIRT!!!*

I wear Salomon's at work and put them thru a lot. For my part they wear like a 10 but I wear a 9 1\2. I know they are expensive but I have foot pain and they give me a lot of support so that's why I wear them. Have not been hiking in a long time but see no reason they would not hold up on a tough trail.

Around forty years ago my older sister brought a HAIR DRIER camping in the woods! Haha

Thanks again for your great information 😊😊😊

never thought about my filter freezing. good tip.

Someone (trail angels/outfitters) should offer a "permethrin soak" for clothing items on the trail. A soak bucket, a squirt of permethrin concentrate and a gallon of water and, a clothes line. Socks, shorts, shirt, hat, sun gloves, gaiters and all your camp night wear. I think that the US military does not soak undergarments because if you have it on the outer clothes, bugs won't make it to the underwear (not because it's harmful).

Excellent video, very informative and I enjoyed the detailed format. 😊 New subscriber here. Much respect from NZ. ❤️🌳😁

Thanks for the tips and tricks. As a frequent visitor to BWCA (shout out to Enlighted Equipment, Winona MN) I am all about lightening my load when portaging. How many hikers are wearing New shoes breaking them in on trek - OMG talk about sore feet. Break them in, treat with MINK OIL, at least a week before.

Great vid! Some very good pointers. I am like you, I always carry a travel size deodorant. One other thing I carry, is a small soap bar that you can get from hotels. I stick it in a zip lock bag and use it to wash my hands. The weight is negligible and the benefits are obvious.

I couldn't quite grasp how to do light packing til I read Ray Jardine book and still couldn't fathom how to implement it so I did his first group trip in Oregon in 2002, he showed us his 8.5 lb base pack , no food no water. I now usual start with a 10 lb base because I don't know if I can ever be as good as Ray!! We also started our fires with a bow drill, loved that.

Wow! He nailed it!

Good to think about, but you never know until you go!

My no.1 gear dump? My mobile blacksmithing gear. Foolishly, I thought I could make a lot of trail friends by helping them fix their vintage, hipster iron and steel gear products. Boy, was I wrong. Not only did nobody seem to be using vintage gear made of iron or steel, but I have found that ever since I began regularly eating roasted garlic to ward off ticks and misquitos I have also been warding off potential trail friends. Man, I cannot believe I was stupid enough to pack a 15-pound anvil, a seven-pound hammer, and six-pound tongs. I will never make that mistake again. Live and learn, I guess. Live and learn...

Nice video thanks my friend from Minnesota has a cabin up by lake of the woods take care brother need some summer shandies them linies are tasty

Starts at 3:25.

Clicked on this because I wanted to know what a "gear hiker" is and why they are ditching the AT after 30 miles. Feeling dumb now 😆

Planned a Thru-Hike of the Superior Lake Trail starting June 18 in Duluth and back in Duluth for the Fireworks. Anything you could tell me about the trail that time of year would be helpful thanks.

Biggest problem with the store (when I hiked in 1998)was that the hostel’s plumbing pipes did not have insulation. So if there was even the slightest HINT of a chance that the weather would go below freezing- they would drain the pipes and close the hostel. Since so many people start early in the year... the bulk of the people who wanted a shower were very disappointed.

Man i would love to try to do this hike . My longest backpack camping was only 2 weeks with no resupply durring. So cool trail

I've never done much hiking camping mostly as a Boy Scout. Hiker stench we used to go to summer camp two weeks on a lake in Maine mosquitoes were so bad we use skunk oil to keep them off. The stuff was basically skunk oil with a few other ingredients but yeah nobody worried about stench we all smelled like we got skunked

Thanks for the excellent advice and suggestions. I was never interested in a through-hike, but have been spending time on the AT on and off for 50 years so far. One thing I almost never see addressed is that many people have problems wearing synthetics. Somewhere in the order of 7 to 15% of Americans develop skin problems and have to use a natural fiber as a base layer. I've been using a combination of silk, wool, and and lightweight cotton, and using good quality synthetics for middle and top layers for warmth and water repellent properties. Silk seems to wick the moisture away almost as good as a good "wicking" fiber, and in addition doesn't make me stink like synthetics, negating the need for deodorants. Also, I found that using a soap made with thinner oils such as Kirk's Castile rather than Dr. Bronner's helps prevent body odors. I guess we each need to try different things to find out what works. Keep on hicking!

Less shake downs because they watch your videos!!😉 always find your videos tremendously informative

Interesting. I've never done that kind of hiking before and I'm very unlikely to do it now (probably not a good idea for someone who uses a cane), but it's still very interesting. I'm not sure why this ended up on my recommendeds, but it's generally good info for ppl that are into hiking.

I found much value from your video. I. too am from MN and it's nice to see you look similar to my family. HAGS

My INCH bag kit came to 70 lbs so I had to reduce weight and volume. My clothing had been almost all cotton because that is what I owned. Now I have switched most of it to synthetics. This has saved a lot of weight and space. The synthetics are at least 75% lighter and take 75% of the room. Also my first aid kit is way too heavy so I will be doing a vid on lightening that too. I have already micro managed and reduced over 4 lbs just with that. My next steps will be a bit more expensive. Those include a lighter more compact tarp and tent. Those will save about another 3 lbs and reduce bulk by over 25%. Also because it is an INCH bag I had a lot of batteries but now have 2 small light weight solar chargers and am switching to all rechargeable batteries which means I don't need as many and they have a lot more longevity. Also because it is an INCH bag I carry almost 20 lbs of food. I probably won't reduce that, but have food that is nutritious, light weight, and a good variety. See my video on the food I carry. Thanks for all your videos.

Good video, very useful. But about the musquito patches: I suggest to do some research before buying. They seem to be citronella-based. There is not enough scientific evidence that citronella works. For DEET there is, but it has some disadvantages. There is a natural alternative: citriodiol (also known as PMD ( p-menthane 3,8-diol)). A 2006 study shows it is just as effective as DEET if used in the right quantities and relatively harmless. But don’t believe me, look it up yourself.

Very interesting video. Thanks! I’m really curious about the hand washing set up you mentioned. Can you talk a little more about that or show an example? I wear contacts and being able to wash my hands is important. Thanks!!!

I'm glad you mentioned that you carry soap. I'm surprised at how many hikers are not carrying soap. Seems that most are relying on hand sanitizer. With the current outbreak of Norovirus on the trail it is very important that you have the ability to wash your hands as hand sanitizer is not very effective with noro. I have shuttled a lot of sick hikers from the trail into Erwin this year dealing with an illness that may have been avoided with better hygiene. I even keep soap in the car as well as hand sanitizer while running shuttles due to the high number of sick hikers I encounter.

Great video! Even after forty years experience backpacking, I took notes! Thanks!

Great video bro!!🤘

Great video A lot of practical information still waiting for my shirt happy Easter to you and Miss Bigfoot

Wool and fleece....yikes! I'm itching just thinking about this! Wool will drive me crazy! Wool socks, wool shirts, wool pants! I'd be red as a strawberry in 5 seconds!

The most useless item I ever carried, and I’ve done the Annapurna trek, as well as backpacking most of Europe over 5 years I lived in England, was a headlamp in Alaska. I hiked Kesugi Ridge, and Eagle River to Girdwood and back. However, it was mid summer, and it was light 24 hours a day.

Sanitizer can also be used as an accelerant when starting camp fires

Fun fact about going number 2 , your own number 2 won't make you sick , but someone else's will 😅

Nice list. I'm going north to south only pa to nc. But I can't start till June probably.. snows here still in may.. it's my bucket list did 100 miles of the AT in pa with the boyscouts. Tough going 20 kids with way too much stuff lol wouldn't trade that for the world tho. I'm gonna rock my alice pack LBE and my bdus. See ya there

I met a hiker in mid Pa. Carried 3 pillows from the start . This was before the inflatables we're invented. He was considering dropping one✌️