You've learned some great lessons along the way! Thanks for being so honest with where you were last year and the fact that hiking can be boring sometimes. And the aches. I'm looking forward to your upcoming season. Thanks for taking us along!
Interesting tips. Regarding headphones, while it's understandable you want to break up the boredom, when you cover both ears you loose situational awareness. Might I suggest just covering one ear so you can hear and be aware of things around you. You totally need a liner, especially starting in Feb plus a liner helps keep your bag or quilt clean. An insulated air mattress helps as well. I know there are some who like foam or other types but a blow up insulated mattress and then place that onto of your poncho which is on top of your tent floor just adds protection.
I found the stone shelter colder than a tent. Yes. February is cold. Eat a hot meal before bed. Also scary when you hear a tree crack and fall while in your tent.
Great video! Taking all you've learned, you're going to crush it in 2023! I am adjusting my backpacking gear as I go, but I am willing to carry a little extra weight for sleeping well (bigger thicker pad) and for staying warm (day and night). I am doing my best to stay lighter, while not hating the journey. You've got this!
Great video and LOTS of great points! Not stretching was one of my downfalls as well. And the wind! Yes - it gave me so much anxiety at night. And, fleece liner for the win! Loved mine! And point 6 - absolutely! 👏🏻
Thanks for sharing that info, wind at night is scary! I've always said, if I'm not having fun, I'm not doing it. I've thought of thru hiking but I really love going out every weekend and section hiking, it keeps it exciting for me. I might attempt a thru in 2024. You never know.
Good luck on your 2023 attempt! We'd met on trail in the Smokies this year just after you got the warmer sleeping bag liner you mentioned. I recall you were very enthusiastic about it! I also had to get off in NH due to my knees and I absolutely don't regret making that decision. It would have been nice to have completed the trail (370 miles left), but I physically wasn't capable of doing so. Maybe in a year or two!
Hello! You're going back out there this coming year, aren't you? I think I heard you mention that in another video. I'll be at Springer around the beginning of March and then on to Maine. I'm a banjo player, and while I have diligently tried to strap a lightweight banjo (there is no such thing, by the way) to my pack, it's just too heavy and awkward, so I'll be taking my fiddle along. Yep.
U should never sleep In your puffy and all your cloths.. I do not know why backpackers do this , when u do this u start to sweat which makes u colder in the middle of the night or putting your head in your sleeping bag... You have to give your body and sleeping bag time to do what it does ..your body radiates Heat, your sleeping bag will hold the heat in.... if u wear all that your body will think it's to hot and your body's natural defense against heat is to sweat..
🥶*Cold, sleeping bag needs to be Zero Degrees rated. Fleece liner will help. (She started in February) 🚶♀️Stretch, always be stretching to avoid injuries. 🥱*Boredom. It's not always fun 😔 🌬️*Wind, check for widow makers (dead trees that will fall) ☀️*Sunburn happens. You might need sunscreen. 😨*Don't be afraid to quit.
