Gear hikers ditch after 30 miles on the Appalachian Trail (Mountain Crossings @ Neel Gap) 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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'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.

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.

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.

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

Skip intro to 3:14

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

Thanks. I appreciate your experience.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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 :)

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

Happy Easter! Well done video. Good Advice!

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!

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.

I absolutely love these videos. Having said this. I'm 60 years old. My first night hike was all night in the southern Sierra Madre mountains in central Mexico, 1979. From El Crucero to Talpa. No water, no light, no food. I know, dumb. I don't recommend it. One of my friend's mother. Did the PCT in the early 80's. No cell phones, ultra light, gps. Only map, compass and guts. I think people should take advantage of the wonderful technology that we have. I do. I'm what some would call a section hiker. All in the SoCal area except for the grand canyon, Sedona and a very small part in the South mountains of Virginia. There is something about short hikes with no trail or vanishing trails than a structured long trail. What are your thoughts on that? Thank you.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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. 🤗

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

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

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.

Well done as always! Happy Easter 🙏🏼🙏🏼

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!!

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

Thanks again for your great information 😊😊😊

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.

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.

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.

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.

never thought about my filter freezing. good tip.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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...

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

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.

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.

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

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 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?

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.

Wow! He nailed it!

For me silk undergarments are a must including liner socks. Less chafing and fewer blisters.

*LOVE THE T-SHIRT!!!*

Regarding bear spray, lots of people drop it when they leave the trail because you can't take it with you on the plane (not even in checked luggage) which might give the impression it's unnecessary.

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

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.

we were going north on AT from springer... a few days in we found all kinds of gear and food; expensive sweaters and other clothes, all sorts of can foods. these were shoved under rocks and in branches. later on around Blood mountain we found a hiker that was using old military gear. I suspect he was the one lighting his load. He just up and decided to start hiking. his tennis shoes told his story. he told us he hiked one day and rested the next. later we noticed two men that also didn't need to be on trail. one was a lawyer the other IRS agent both aged 55. these guys were confused as to which was to go and asked us (experienced hiker scouts) where water was on the trail. we met them at wa-lasi-ya center grabing all kinds of food; those cans may have been theirs. told them to get a topo map and mark all water points on the trail and boil it before drinking.

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!!!

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.

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

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.

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

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).

One thing about that mosquito repellant that I found interesting is that I brought some and tho I forgot to use it, my friends did. At the end of our trip we stayed at a cabin. Though my friend and I shared the same queen bed, she didn’t get but by bed bugs and I had them all over me. My other friend in the other bed with her dog got no bites. I was the only one who didn’t use the mosquito repellant. It’s all natural and works for more than mosquitos. Just sayin

I love your videos! Always interesting and informative. I would love to see a video on managing hayfever on the AT. I suffer with severe hayfever which just took me off a trail early in the UK, and this is one of the things which is stopping me from attempting an AT thru-hike: how bad are the pollen levels and is it possible to manage hayfever on a thru hike?

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

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

Informative and beneficial video

Some items I dropped over time...big knife and a small hand saw. Less clothing. Solar chergrer...we take anker now like you but are never on trail more than 4-5 days at once

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

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✌️

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

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

Amicalola falls is doing shake downs at the visitor center. That may be why less shake downs.

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.

this video is perfect timing. heading out to the AT on may 18th. im hyped