How to Plan Your Backpacking Trip From Start To Finish
video description
In conclusion, have a backup planned in case you encounter an unexpected situation like I did.
If you go, call Bart, he's friendly, knowledgeable and an all round great guy.
Date: 2020-08-18
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Comments and reviews: 9
Andy
Hey Dixie, I've been watching for a while and I'm working on things to get out and hike more and I've been loving it. I am making this comment just to suggest something. You have been putting out a ton of videos that are super informative and do a good job of presenting the reality of hiking, as well as perspectives to think about based on your experience. And all that is great, but I'd love to see some that show why people would want to hike. Like Top 5 views on the AT or My favorite hikes with some footage and details of where the hike is located. Maybe you have some, and maybe you know the more informational videos get better views, so I can understand that, but I thought it would be cool to see the fun a bit. Anyway, thanks for all your posts!
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Hey Dixie, I've been watching for a while and I'm working on things to get out and hike more and I've been loving it. I am making this comment just to suggest something. You have been putting out a ton of videos that are super informative and do a good job of presenting the reality of hiking, as well as perspectives to think about based on your experience. And all that is great, but I'd love to see some that show why people would want to hike. Like Top 5 views on the AT or My favorite hikes with some footage and details of where the hike is located. Maybe you have some, and maybe you know the more informational videos get better views, so I can understand that, but I thought it would be cool to see the fun a bit. Anyway, thanks for all your posts!
reply
Bob
A couple of things, 1) doesn't really matter how experienced you are, a list is always a good thing. You check what's in your pack each time, why not check your trip plan? 2) loop trips are also a good starter for newbies. Actually a friend of mine and I plan a loop trip when we go, twice a year in th WNC-Tenn-Virg areas. Both of us are experienced, SAR packers. 3) Just like boaters leave a float plan, leave a packplan WITH someone you trust. At home. I really enjoy your videos, they are always spot on, enjoyable to listen to and thorough! Thanks for promoting backpacking!
reply
A couple of things, 1) doesn't really matter how experienced you are, a list is always a good thing. You check what's in your pack each time, why not check your trip plan? 2) loop trips are also a good starter for newbies. Actually a friend of mine and I plan a loop trip when we go, twice a year in th WNC-Tenn-Virg areas. Both of us are experienced, SAR packers. 3) Just like boaters leave a float plan, leave a packplan WITH someone you trust. At home. I really enjoy your videos, they are always spot on, enjoyable to listen to and thorough! Thanks for promoting backpacking!
reply
Nick
The biggest mistake I've seen people doing their first trip is not knowing themselves and their equipment. I can't count the number of stories I've heard of people using gear for the first time and either freezing at night because they didn't know their bags lower limit, their stove had problems lighting, their pack cover didn't really water proof their pack because water had a way in via the area between it and your back, etc. The list is long. My suggestion is always take a shakedown hike first to get the kinks worked out of your equipment/knowledge.
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The biggest mistake I've seen people doing their first trip is not knowing themselves and their equipment. I can't count the number of stories I've heard of people using gear for the first time and either freezing at night because they didn't know their bags lower limit, their stove had problems lighting, their pack cover didn't really water proof their pack because water had a way in via the area between it and your back, etc. The list is long. My suggestion is always take a shakedown hike first to get the kinks worked out of your equipment/knowledge.
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hb8dinwa
Out and back routes are HIGHLY recommended until you are very familiar with your pacing and know how to use elevation maps, etc etc. Unless you have no deadline for finishing, an out and back route is pretty reliably going to take the same time each way (+/- some for weather, being tired, etc. If you hike out two days, you can pretty much guarantee you can make it back in two. Plus, I agree with Dixie - I've never done an out and back without finding a lot of new stuff to appreciate on the back leg.
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Out and back routes are HIGHLY recommended until you are very familiar with your pacing and know how to use elevation maps, etc etc. Unless you have no deadline for finishing, an out and back route is pretty reliably going to take the same time each way (+/- some for weather, being tired, etc. If you hike out two days, you can pretty much guarantee you can make it back in two. Plus, I agree with Dixie - I've never done an out and back without finding a lot of new stuff to appreciate on the back leg.
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Felipe
Very well made, as always, and informative video. I've hiked mile 109 (pct) to eagle rock up to mile 112. 5 in the snow and scorching summer heat. Then another time to mile 117 and so on as an example of my learning a trail. Done this on several trails. Agua tibia loop approximately 24 miles. No water anywhere except the beginning. You might not remember I emailed you about sweating while wearing a down puffy a couple of years ago. This was the trail. You give awesome advise. Thank you.
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Very well made, as always, and informative video. I've hiked mile 109 (pct) to eagle rock up to mile 112. 5 in the snow and scorching summer heat. Then another time to mile 117 and so on as an example of my learning a trail. Done this on several trails. Agua tibia loop approximately 24 miles. No water anywhere except the beginning. You might not remember I emailed you about sweating while wearing a down puffy a couple of years ago. This was the trail. You give awesome advise. Thank you.
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John
I much enjoy your videos, but I have a question which occurs to me often when viewing youtube content: Apart from the money you might make, what is your main motivation in making your videos? It's a relatively new art form and the spectrum of content producers is very broad. (I'll whisper that some producers are jerks) You, though, are earnest and serious and smart and well-spoken and I wonder what this medium does for you. Please share your thoughts if it seems reasonable.
Thanks!
reply
I much enjoy your videos, but I have a question which occurs to me often when viewing youtube content: Apart from the money you might make, what is your main motivation in making your videos? It's a relatively new art form and the spectrum of content producers is very broad. (I'll whisper that some producers are jerks) You, though, are earnest and serious and smart and well-spoken and I wonder what this medium does for you. Please share your thoughts if it seems reasonable.
Thanks!
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Nick
Dixie, you are the first person I've heard tell people to turn around and look back to see what the trail looks like traveling the opposite way. So so true. Its especially important every time you come to a decision point on a route. Always look back and get a mental or real picture of where you came from so you can make sure you go back the correct way.
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Dixie, you are the first person I've heard tell people to turn around and look back to see what the trail looks like traveling the opposite way. So so true. Its especially important every time you come to a decision point on a route. Always look back and get a mental or real picture of where you came from so you can make sure you go back the correct way.
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hb8dinwa
The best way to plan your first (few) backpacking trips is to find a friend or several who have plenty of experience and go with them for a few, helping them out with all the planning parts. I don't know too many packers who would mind showing the ropes to a beginner if you ask - especially if you're willing to pay for the gas and fees.
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The best way to plan your first (few) backpacking trips is to find a friend or several who have plenty of experience and go with them for a few, helping them out with all the planning parts. I don't know too many packers who would mind showing the ropes to a beginner if you ask - especially if you're willing to pay for the gas and fees.
reply
wayne
For new hikers try your trail menu and volumes for each meal at home first even using your cook or soak methods to see if you have to much or not enough food. Using your cook method will familiarize you with how fast or slow to cook your food and how much water you need for cooking besides drinking water is heavy to carry.
reply
For new hikers try your trail menu and volumes for each meal at home first even using your cook or soak methods to see if you have to much or not enough food. Using your cook method will familiarize you with how fast or slow to cook your food and how much water you need for cooking besides drinking water is heavy to carry.
reply
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