How My Heart and My Baby Held Up Backpacking - What's Next? 

I know it's a bit nerve wracking, but don't forget that women carry babies all over the world in the harshest conditions, doing serious physical work, and still have healthy babies. You will be a great mom! Enjoy the journey.

Congratulations! Been watching you for YEARS and recommended your videos to our female Scout troops, you are an inspiration for the girls! Good luck on the baby journey; I just became a grandfather. My son, who watched your videos with me during his scout years just had a little boy.

Congratulations Dixie! I don’t know if it would help ease your concerns, but my ex-wife was about seven months pregnant one we did a short backing packing trip up on Mount Rainier. My son turned out fine, eventually graduating from Caltech and a PhD from Georgia Tech and outside of being quite a nerd is very normal.I wish you the best of everything with your baby and your life and your marriage.

Sweetie, there is nothing silly or ridiculous about worrying about the tiny, precious life inside you. But that baby is really well-cushioned, so your backpack belt will cause you discomfort long before it could annoy the wee one. I actually grew up with a heart murmur (mild birth defect), so although I never had a scare such as you had in August, I remember worrying what affect it would have on pregnancy. So your concerns are all normal and again, not silly at all, especially for a first-time mommy. I am thankful this hiking experience has been positive for you! Blessings! 💗💙

Blanket Forts! Oh that brings back memories.

Always trust your motherly instincts over everyone-even the doctor!!! Don’t ever minimize them. ❤

I found that snacking every couple of hours helped tremendously with my pregnancy sickness.

I am behind on your videos so I didn't know you were pregnant but the title of this video really stood out. CONGRATULATIONS! I am so happy for you! 🎉

Dixie first thanks for all you do in backpacking community. I am a hammock camper. I would recommend you got on Hammock Forums and see if there is a hammock hang going on anywhere near you. It would allow you to see many options on hammocks and most of the community would be glad to let you lay in it to see the difference in each one lay. If no hang near by you may find some folks near by that can help you dial in setting up your system. Hammocks do have more fiddle factor than a tent. Congratulations on the baby

I think the one main piece of advice I would give on hammocks is to get a long one. 11-12 feet. Width is not very important, but length is critical for comfort.

This is a new chapter in your life Dixie, and I/we thank you for taking us on this journey also. We all love you and thank you for taking us with you on all your trips, and look forward to this trip as well!

So exciting Dixie!!! I have been watching your videos since I was a teenager and I am now a mom to an almost 2 year old girl!!! I am so excited for you, I bet your little one is going to have a beautiful outdoorsy adventurous life with you as his/her momma! You'll have to become mama Dixie 🤣

The blanket fort is so appropriate! Hike 1 on the books for the kiddo.

You're so sweet for sharing this with us. Thank you!

Dixie, Superior Gear Hammock is what you want. I researched a lot prior to getting mine and this was the easiest lightest most versatile set up I could find. The built in under quilt is fantastic and their top quilts double as extra under quilts if you decide to backpack in the winter. The snap system lets you add or remove as much warmth as you want. Takes 5-10 minutes to set up the hammock itself. I sleep all night long, no pain, and wake up rested. Girl I have two and if you want to try it out before buying I'll mail you one to test out! I love my hammock system. Their tarp has the ability to close the doors fully so you have as much privacy as you want too. When the tensa trekking trees come back in stock, I'll never sleep on the ground again. Congratulations on your growing family!

this new step in your life will open a whole new group. backpacking for moms and kids

Omg, I'm stoked for you, Jessica/ Dixie! I did not know you were pregnant! I've been watching your videos for years now, and this makes me great joy for you :)

As a side/belly sleeper myself, I can tell you that sleeping in a hammock did not work at all for me. I got a Hennessy Expedition Zip which is a fantastic product and I was very excited to use it. I watched ALL the videos on it and hammock camping in general. I learned about laying at angle and I even purchased an under-quilt for it so that it wouldn't get cold at night. However, after a couple of sleepless trips, I got rid of it and went back to tent camping because I just could not get to sleep in it. I found that laying on my side was very uncomfortable in the hammock. I ended up tossing and turning all night long. I also suffer from sleep apnea but my attempts to use a CPAP failed just as badly as my attempts to sleep in a hammock so I opted to try a dental device that pushes out my bottom jaw to keep my airway open. It works most of the time as long as I don't roll onto my back... so again, back sleeping is out for me. I'm with Dan Becker on this one.... get a big cushy mattress and a side pillow.

Glad you’re taking good care of good care of yourself and your baby. I really hope you’re willing and able to do backpacking trips with the baby. 🌿

Dixie, I've followed your adventures for several years. And then life caught up with you, health-wise, and baby-wise. All of that will make you even 'wiser'. Was scary to learn of your heart condition, but I too have one and I can still backpack. Hang in there. Life for you has gone to the next level!

Congratulations on the heart being OK. It is great that you enjoyed yourself and the baby is just fine. I see anothr hiker going to come into this world.

Congratulations. Long time watcher. Wishing you well. I’m from Arkansas, beautiful part of the state. Morning sickness lasted 7 months for our first baby. My wife had none on the second baby.

Just be careful girl. You know what you can and cannot do. Good to see you back on the trail.....

You look great Dixie, congratulation on your pregnancy!

Great news on the pregnancy hike, I just wanted to add, that in the 1970s, at Mt Cook(Aoraki), I assisted a friend on a hike to Mueller Hut, and I am sure she was 6 months pregnant, and believe me this is 90% vertical, no problems, breathing, stepping, turning, all in its time. And, going down, rests I remember, but home to the village we did. Gorgeous birth by the way. All possible. Love you, Dixie............

Wow! I'm so happy for you and your husband! I'll be sending good thoughts your way Dixie! This is wonderful news!!!!

I did the West Highland Way last year. Did it with my wife who was not interested in heavy loads. They have a luggage transfer option that you can hire out. So if you need to really go light you can have things transferred from one place to another by these companies

Congratulations! Also been watching you for years and I’m so happy for you and your husband! 🎉❤

Congratulations on everything (the baby, your health, heart etc.) Suggestions on hammock stuff: -Warbonnet Eldorado with whoopie slings for suspension. (Use cotton drip lines to divert water from hammock ends) -1” tree straps tied in a marlin spike hitch using site found sticks -Warbonnet Wookie underquilt appropriate for the temperatures expected (least amount of hassle, hook it on and forget it) -top quilt of your choice for expected temperatures -tarp big enough to cover hammock with enough cordage to tie it down in the wind. Advice: 1. rig the foot end of hammock a little higher (10-15”) than head end. (More comfortable and reduces foot swelling because they’re slightly elevated) 2. Hammock ridge line should be fairly taut when you’re laying in it. 3. Learn a few knots (e.g. Truckers hitch, Taut line hitch etc.) 4. Go with an experienced hammock hanger so they can help you get the perfect hang for the best comfort. I just finished a 300 mile LASH on the AT. A perfect hammock setup is very comfortable. Good luck!

Congratulations on a successful hike! So happy all went well with no issues and you are finally able to get back to what you love.❤️

... Good to hear all is going well ... lifestyle changes are normal and to be expected ... Stay Safe ...

What a blessing. I am so happy for you. All my babies are grown, now I am enjoying my grandbabies. Wishing you all the best. 😊❤ CONGRATULATIONS ❤️

I had a spate of AFIB attacks back between 2011-2013, and never got them figured out, really, either - in fact the later ones might actually have been from the medication from the first! You never quite get over the nervousness that "something might happen", but it DOES get better. A lot better. I run most days of the week and have been on some short section hikes and no problems. I was right around your age when it happened to. I'm not sure I'll ever know what happened, and you might not either, but keep taking care of yourself and you'll likely be fine. Just make sure when you change cardiologists they understand it was an individual event and you aren't just constantly in AFIB. I've had real trouble getting some to understand it (especially the guy at the VA who basically doesn't listen to anything). One other thing that's fun: When the baby gets big enough to do this, sit your TV remote on your tummy when he/she is moving! My wife used to do this when she was pregnant and it was adorable to watch it jump around!

Glad it all worked out fine. Thanks for the update.

So happy for you! As ever, love seeing your videos!

Congrats Dixie! My wife and I just had our son last month. I hope for all the best for you and your family. As new parents there are a thousand things to learn and do, but if I could give you one piece of unsolicited advice; make sure you talk to your family / support staff and set some ground rules before your child is born, so you know what to expect (and so that they know what to expect). My fingers are crossed that you have an easy baby; colic isn’t fun. Cheers from Canada!

Hi Dixie, this is Mark. My current sleep system + shelter are a little over 4.5 lbs at 0 deg, a little under 4 lbs at 20 deg, and a little over 3 lbs at 40 deg with my current hammock setups, using down insulation, 1.2 oz/sq yd hammock fabric, and minimal Dyneema tarp. For reference, I am 145 lbs, 5'8" tall and slept warm at 28 deg with the 20 deg setup. I would expect you to multiply those by 1.2x to 1.3x to each of those, based on your need for synthetic insulation, cold sleeping, possibly back comfort while pregnant, and gear organization while hanging. Lots of great vendors, I'm only mentioning a couple and I'm sure I'm missing some great ones in the below. You do have to piecemeal the parts to make hammocking lightweight. My 2 cents: Hammock - Fabric weight and features will be trade-off's. Do you need a more firm lay while pregnant for back comfort? If so, then you might consider a heavier fabric than you would otherwise choose, maybe 1.6 oz/sq yd fabric. I think you will also need some gear organization for your electronics, and I assume you will want full body bug protection and not just upper half or open. My DWG (Dutch Ware Gear) 1.2 oz/sqyd halfzipped (fully covered non removable bug netting) weighs about 13 oz, plus 2 oz for a peak shelf at each end is comparible to the WBBB original with the side shelf. The WBBB original is 1 foot shorter, that may be slightly less comfortable for taller people. Dream Hammock and Simply Light Designs both make lightweight to order as well as DWG. They all have peak shelves/pockets and ridge line organizers that you would find great. Tarp - Dyneema and scant coverage are the ways to drop weight with the tarp. I chose a minimalist 5 oz tarp for backpacking, but will eventually add a sil-poly tarp with doors for use in campgrounds with kids etc for privacy. Anything will give better coverage than the MLD pro poncho you used in the Tetons. But you may want more than that. I would suggest a DWG or Hammock Gear (HG) dyneema hex for you at 5-7 oz unless you said you wanted full privacy, in which case I would make them in Camo and choose the winter versions with doors. But doors add weight. Quilts - Not sure what temperature range you are considering. You can make under quilt (UQ) lighter by shortening the length of the underquilt or making it diagonal. The Yeti you used for the Pinhoti did both in down, adding a good bit of learning curve discomfort into your review. I would still suggest to go that way, especially for synthetic insulation, and would suggest Simply Light Designs Trailwinder UQ for you. You can even buy expandable, snap on extra insulation so that you can vary its insulation qualities. TQ could be anybody's synthetic, maybe even combined with your puffy or your new hoodie for a dual purpose sleep system. Hammock specific TQ can be a little skinnier, but it doesn't save a huge amount of weight, and makes it harder to use if you are forced to go to ground. Suspension and rigging - 2-8 oz. Not as big a range, you may choose to simplify your life and add some weight. Definitely getting a good hang is a learning process. I'm happy with learning new things, I use very lightweight suspension and rigging. Wildcard - Hammock with built-in under quilt. People that have these love them. I don't see anything with synthetic at Superior Gear or at DWG. Just down. Sorry. But it totally solves the problem of eliminating UQ gaps with the hammock, which can give you cold spots at 28 deg. If I were you I would try to talk the SLD guy into a combined hammock/Trailwinder experiment...complete with snap on insulation adjustment...that would be awesome. I'm still in the learning phase regarding getting a good hang and getting the UQ to be gapless, but I'm not lookng back. This comes from someone that has no trouble sleeping on hard ground - why would I want to? Unless I'm on the southern half of the AZT or something - I do have planned ways to use my gear on the ground as a tarp camping setup when I hope to do the AZT, although I haven't tried it yet. Good Luck!

Congratulations!! So happy you and baby are doing well!!❤

The best way to be comfortable in a hammock is not to lay inline with it, but to lay diagonally. If you don't have a structural ridgeline, just tie your attachment straps high on the tree allowing the hammock to hang loose. It may look wrong but the extra slack in the hammock allows a diagonal lay, which is a flatter lay and not like a banana. And use an under quilt in cooler weather. Also, I know that you know about electrolyte imbalance while hiking, most hikers get cramps, but it can also cause heart palpitations or other disruptions of the electrical signals from the brain to the heart. Most supplements and foods may not have adequate magnesium in them for extreme electrolyte loss, and most forms of magnesium have poor absorption qualities or undesirable side effects. Most multi vitamins use magnesium oxide that is almost useless. Try to find magnesium glycinate and magnesium L-threonate and take while hiking or doing other long term strenuous activities. I take both daily. Also, if you eat a low salt diet, you may want to increase your salt intake while hiking, and unless you have tested high for potassium you may want to add that too. All three of these minerals are necessary electrolytes and work to balance one another. I also have been enjoying your videos for years, since about your day four of the AT.

Like so many others, I have been watching you for years, and am so happy about your recent nuptials, and pregnancy! I exercised (cardio and strength training) the entire time I was pregnant, and my son is now 29 y.o. and is about to go to business school in a few months! I was also a Post-Partum RN in NYC, so if you have any questions about life after he/she is born, let me know! Keep taking good care of your self, and continue moving in a way that is safe for you and the baby. It will benefit you both greatly!

You go! Congrats on the journey so far ❤

Hi Dixie! Glad you are doing well! I would love to hear more about how you backpack with a CPAP. Perhaps an episode on that for those of us trying to navigate that as well?

Thanks for the update. Love your videos and I feel like I know you and I'm glad to here everything went well.

@dixie there is almost nowhere for a hammock in the west highland way. Definitely tent country. Or B and B. It's often described as a hike from pub to pub!

WHW has been on my bucket list for years! I hope you have a great time!

so generous of you to share the baby pics!!!!

Congratulations Dixie! Another great adventure awaits ...

Congratulations on your pregnancy and on getting back on the trail! Wishing you all the best (and looking forward to your vids on how to backpack with a baby).

Little Mama! 🩵🩷 How exciting!! God be with you and your sweet family!

Dixie, I cannot say this enough, as a female backpacker who encourages my friends to try it out, I recommend your channel ALL THE TIME! 🩷🩷 It’s hard to find female creators in this space, and you are always fun, friendly, informative, and passionate. Congratulations on your bundle, and many cheers for your maternal instincts 😉

Glad everything is working out!

This is awesome to hear!! I’m so happy you’re back out there and feeling good. ❤

So happy you are back into nature. Looking forward to years of you n your family's adventures.

So glad you're doing well Jessica and were able to get in some hiking because we know how much you love it. Kicking into my "Mom" mode here - remember to relax. Cortisol travels to the baby, so remember to relax mentally, so your body and the baby will relax as well. Nausea - try The Ginger People Ginger Chews - Gin Gins, or a couple pieces of fresh or dried Ginger root in hot water for an herb tea. A teaspoon of Certified Manuka Honey with an MGO of at least 600+ can help too - just lick it off the spoon. You may have GERD developing from pregnancy. Take good care of yourself. It was good to see that lovely smiling face of yours today. Be well.

Congrats on the baby! War Eagle!!

So happy to hear about your pregnancy and glad you are able to get back out there and hike. I am so happy your recent trip went well. For pregnancy pillow the only thing I can suggest for hiking would maybe be a partially deflated inflatable camping pillow. You may need to include an elastic band around you and it to perhaps keep it in place and keep it from shifting during the night. I also experienced morning sickness anytime of day and for many many months. The best thing I could do was not eat traditional breakfast foods and eat more starches and less fats. I hope it passes quickly for you. I will continue to follow your journey and wish you the best of all possible worlds.

Good to see you back on trail and coping with life’s journey!

I luv my Hennessy Hammock which lets you sleep diagonal to the hammock ridge line, which lets you sleep on side or tummy…. You’ll luv it, especially being a side tummy sleeper.

Good to hear your update. You sound positive and optimistic. I’m glad things went well.

When I can't use my CPAP, I find that laying on my left side is best. I hope that you have good A/C when the weather gets hot. I have followed you since 2017 and you have always had motherly instincts. I'm glad that you're getting to be a Mom. Good Luck, Rick

It's a journey in itself being a parent - my little one is 8 now! So lovely to see your scan pictures. Best of luck with everything.

I love your honestly about everything you do. Bless you.

My wife battled hyperemesis the ENTIRE time for both our pregnancies, resulting in nine hospital stays for our firstborn. So, if you’re able to tolerate something akin to normal life this far along, be grateful! Praying for a successful pregnancy and good health!

Awesome stuff! Thanks for the updates.

Congratulations on the baby

Love my hummingbird hammock setup!

WHAT?!!?!? Congratulations! I've totally missed out on this news! Big big good luck, and happy backpacking you two!

Glad all is well!

So much “over worrying” with first kids, even before they’re born. It’s all normal. Take those extra dopplers and feel better about your worries. There will be many, many more so just smile and indulge them when you can. It’s important business after all. You’re at the start of the funnest, craziest, scariest, best ride I’ve ever known. Enjoy the experiences, listen to your heart, it’ll all be great.

Hi Dixie, my brother told me about your pregnancy a while ago. I'm so happy for you and your husband, oh that baby is going to have many adventures even before it's born. God bless you all.

Love your videos, and you are such an inspiration for other mothers to be! Stay safe and keep hiking! ❤️

Congratulations on being pregnant. I have not watched your video's in years since before Covid, but started hiking again myself after breaking my leg 4 years ago and needed to watch these video's again on getting my pack right. Your a trooper hiking with your baby, and will be a great mom, congrats on the Dad also, you both will enjoy your baby... mine is all grown up now so cherish all your new memories to come. I watched the Eclipse from Taylor park in St. Albans VT on the 8th.. it was spectacular.

Thanks so much for your inspiration, happy gestation! Your hubby is in for the run...

Awww just finding out you are pregnant and I am so thrilled for you! I saw that little baby hiker foot! I am so glad you are back on trail and what you so enjoy! Congrats on all!

Thanks for sharing the baby pics❤ love the tent set up

Congratulations I have the war bonnet xlc it is so comfortable the hammock has pull outs on each side to open up the hammock it has a shelf And you can and a under quilt protector and a winter cover as well I bought it all when I ordered mine and I bought the spreader bars it gives the super fly more room

Glad to hear all is well! West highland way is on my bucket list! Can’t wait to hear about it.

Congratulations, Dixe! Everything you want to know About hammocks talk to your friends at backpacking pod cast. If they don't know, they know who does.

I didn’t know you were expecting!? Yay!! Congratulations!

Hammock Advice: Dutchware Chameleon. I have 3 different set ups and love this one. I use my Hummingbird Pelican tarp because it is Sooooo light. I hope you love the hammock for pregnancy. ❤❤

Thank you for the report, Dixie. Love the blanket fort!!

So happy you're ok! My camping partner was struggling on some backpacking and bike riding trips...a few weeks after some EPIC hiking and riding that included the eclipse in 2017 he had a heart attack. The signs were there but being only 44 yrs old, he ignored it. He had multiple opportunities to die, luckily we weren't in the woods. Staying in shape can only help you and your baby! Can't wait to see your future videos.

Watched you for years and enjoy your content. Your abilities have evolved as with everyone and your content can evolve with us. Keep exploring!

You seem so happy. It’s good to see again.

Awww congratulations! ❤️❤️❤️

It’s been a minute since I’ve watched one of your vlog’s. First off, congrats on the pregnancy. How exciting👶 Also, early January I had an SVT heart issue at work and had to be transported to a hospital. No history of heart related problems. So far after having a monitor on my chest for two weeks and other tests, nothing abnormal. Chalking it up to too much caffeine energy drink and simultaneous excercise. A one off event at this point. Blessings to you!

Dixie,take care ,as I know ya wil . I ll pray you’re 40 week body building program goes well ,no problem’s.. You and your family ,present and future ,are top of my prayer list..👍🇺🇸😇

Try the Superior gear hammock with built in underquilt. It’s an awesome setup!

Since you are coming to Scotland you might want to check out DD Hammocks who are based in Edinburgh (they deliver world wide). They claim to make the lightest Hammock in the World at 350g i(12.5 Oz) ncluding suspension although I believe it is really very minimalist. They even do a child's size version for 5-10 Year olds which isn't so far away. I have one of their older hybrid 'Travel' hammocks that can be used as a hammock or converted into a sort of hooped bivi for when there are no trees. I've had it for years and it's pretty hard wearing. I got it second hand for 10GBP! Hope all is great on the WHW and remember the midgie repellant.

Congratulations to you and your husband. One of my most memorable life experiences was my first hiking trip on the AT with my adult children. Now my wife and I are grandparents and I look forward to taking my granddaughter on her first hike. I know you will find parenthood an exciting and rewarding journey.

I had a health incident last summer climbing a long hill. My stomach bombed, I got nauseated, then the chest pain started. I had to rest, drink, electrolytes and doritos over 30 minutes of resting. My hiking partner didn't allow me to lay down and collapse as I may not have woken up. I'm still wary of going alone on longer trips because of it. I've had a couple other hikes where I was sleep deprived and felt like death over the past couple of years. Getting sick or experiencing heart issues in the backwoods is no joke. I can totally relate to your medical fears. My advice: baby steps. 👶

congratulations!! you're going to be a great mom!!

I love it when the milk arrives.

Congratulations on your upcoming bundle of joy. 😊😊

Congratulations!

Congrats! ❤

How exciting!! I'm pregnant too!! I'm assuming once the baby is born, your content won't change too much, but I would love to see how you incorporate your new baby to this lifestyle ❤

Oh, yay! Another Dixie video! 🍿😁

So happy for you to be able to do what you love and this baby hiking in the belly already! ♥️ 🥾🥾 Very good tips for the pregnant hikers! Happy trails ♥️

It's great that both you and the " littleun" are good. It gives peace of mind, especially when you are so active. I've mentioned in a previous vid of yours that the Scottish Highlands in June there are billions of biting midges. In the UK where I'm from, a product that has been widely used is an Avon cosmetics called Skin so Soft.. You will also need a head net, otherwise life will be miserable. Best times to go Spring or Autumn. Sorry for this downer.