Lessons Beginner Hikers Learn The Hard Way

00:00 Hey Y'all
00:15 Light Source
01:36 All Trail Miles Are Not The Same
03:49 Weather
05:02 Make Self Care Accessible
06:16 Sleeping Bag Temps Are Not Created Equal
07:04 Carrying Too Much
08:21 Eat Before You're Hungry, Drink Before You're Thirsty
08:59 Set Up Shelter Properly
11:45 Scope Out Water Sources Before You Go
12:29 Always Check For Ticks

#hiking #backpacking #camping #beginners #gear

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[Reversion]

Good to see you making content again. Hope your family is doing well.

[amberbydreamsart]

I think it's honestly good to overpack in some areas your first trip; I have absolutely no problem with the fact that I overpacked 2-4 pounds of weighty warm clothes the first time I backpacked when looking at cold nights. Better that than go cold. I packed probably 3 days worth of extra food my first multi-night trip... better that than go hungry. The key for overpacking, I think, is to try and be as realistic as you can be while acknowledging things that you simply won't know until you get out there. I simply didn't know how much I would eat while hiking all day for several days, I also didn't know how many layers it would take to keep me warm at camp since I'd never hung around in camp or slept outside at those temperatures.

The way I kept myself from killing my back with the overpacking was taking it all slow. I never camped growing up so I knew I had a lot to learn. My first backpacking night was at a campsite a 2.5 mile hike from the parking lot, in a state park where I'd already hiked every inch of trail, on a summer night where it wouldn't get below 70 degrees at any point in time. The point of that trip was to prove to myself that I could set up a tent, cook my dinner, hang my food bag, and sleep in the woods all myself and to see how much the gear I'd gathered weight. After that, I was willing to go on a trip on a new trail, in colder weather, to slightly challenge my navigation and test how I slept in the cold. Then a three night trip to see how things went over a longer period. Don't underestimate the value of just taking a single night saturday-sunday trip out to test and learn, not every trip needs to be a weekslong dive into deep wilderness. A state park hike-in site a mile from the parking lot can still be beautiful and valuable.

[sarahdunstan]

So happy to see you back! I hope Bratcher is feeling better and that you are getting enough sleep!

[diannapedersen]

Absolutely a sleeping bag learning curve. Did not realize the temperature rating was for survival, froze my ass off the first night in 2 week night. I tested the bag before the trip, but not in the temperature I was about to hike in. Ended up using emergency blankets to help insulate the heat so I could finish my hike, but immediately bought a warmer sleeping bag and am sooo comfortable even though it’s a pound heavier.

[steventinling]

Over the last 5 years I have hiked sections (sometimes 200 mi/trip) of the PCT in relative comfort and safety because I was inspired by your experiences and because I followed your advice. Thanks you for all you do to make hiking better, safer, and more accessible for all of us.

[papajeff]

1. Carry a light source, other than your phone.
2. Not all trail miles are equal. Terrain differences dictate difficulty.
3. Check the weather forecast.
4. Keep healthcare gear handy, easy to access.
5. Temperature ratings are for survival, not comfort. Prepare for comfort.
6. Don’t carry too much gear. Don’t pack for fears. Needs are not the same as wants
7. Eat before you’re hungry. Drink before you’re thirsty.
8. ALWAYS take the time to insure your shelter is properly pitched, the site is properly chosen and PREpared.
9. Scope out water sources before you hike.
10. Check for ticks, one consistent time of everyday. Carry a mirror.

[francesprice]

Thank you for taking time to connect with and educate us from your own extensive experience, dear Dixie! My daughter and I learned so much from your earlier videos, and we are waiting for the opportunity to progress from day hikes to overnight camping.
I hope wee Bratcher's digestive issues are resolving so you all can get some much-needed rest! Keeping you three in my prayers. 💙👣❤

[airic]

A couple of extra things to always hike with. A fire source; particularly if there is any chance of colder weather. A couple of weatherproof matches or a small lighter weigh nothing and could easily save your life. Probably not under the absolute must, but a small knife and a bit of cord. Paracord has kind of become a thing, but to be honest unwaxed dental floss has way more uses. If you are a gram weenie, just break open the dental floss case and grab the spool. You can use dental floss for everything from a bit of quick mending to impromptu bushcraft.

[sirdrakeben]

Thank you for all your content, I watched you a lot in the past and now coming back to you in prep for a thru hike.

[gudgo]

I am preparing to do some backpacking again this spring at 64 years old with neuropathy of my feet. The last time I backpacked was when I was a Marine back in the 90s and I always took too much gear, but I had the body to do that back then!😂 I miss getting out in nature like I did back then, so I’m glad I came across your video.
I remember when I was a younger Marine, I got tired of humping the big heavy sleeping bag we were issued, so I went out and bought what I thought was a high speed light weight sleeping bag from a local retailer (at least that is what the salesperson told me). I bragged to the other guys about it. On the first night in the desert, the wind blasted us and we were cowboy camping. I nearly froze to death. I had to climb into one of the hum-vees in order to save my sorry self! All the other Marines were just fine, so to say I was embarrassed is an understatement.😂 Luckily there was a spare emergency sleeping bag in the back of one of the Hum-vees.
I don’t plan to hike to far. I just want to hike to one of the creeks here in Arkansas at a place called Eagle Loop, then make camp, take some pictures, eat and have a small camp fire, then head back when I had enough in the next day or so. Your video is helpful. Thanks😊

[matthewpittman]

Your tip about keeping your personal care supplies handy, reminded me of BoyScouts and one of my treks across Philmont. I carried my SAK one one side of my hiking shorts in the "patch pocket", and lip balm and sunscreen stick in the patch pocket on the other side. The latter made it much easier to apply during any quick breaks while on the trail, if i forgot before we started moving. I carried my personal first aid kit in one of the outside pockets on my pack, apart from my toiletries, which were buried inside.
Great to see another vid from you!

[rockytopwrangler]

.. Dixie, , It's good to see you again .... certainly hope that family life is filling your heart ... Stay Safe and God Bless ...

[janefreeman]

I hiked with a lovely man from France on the te araroa. He was wearing shorts and his skin was reacting to grasses. I suggested we stop so he could put on his wind pants. Imagine a French accent. " No it is boring to stop" Forevermore, for some reason stopping along the trail, I remember this.

[OriginalSpacewhale]

Thank you for everything, Dixie! I'm planning to hike the AT this year and have learned so much from your videos. Can't wait to learn more out on the trail!

[AuburnAlum]

I almost ended up past dark on the Pinhoti without my headlamp. Never again!!

[kiera_kayaks]

I just love you Dixie! My brother recently asked me what changed in mine and my niece's relationship.( I adopted her when she was nine. She's now 27) Simple backpacking. We have been backpacking at least twice a year for 4 years and I appreciate her for the human/adult she is. And she's just the best. Backpacking/ road tripping partner.

[paulrevere]

Lessons that hikers seem to take forever to learn:

- There is almost no such thung as a universal tip because things like location, weather, fitness level and divergent goals always matter.
- The wilderness does not care about your technology. Reliance on technology puts you in far greater danger than learning to live without it.

[christopherch]

1.7 / 2mph is my goto calculation for reaching next stops on trail.

[georgesouthwick]

Another example of the old adage, “it’s better to have it and not need it and not have it”.

[WaldregTheGreat]

1. I never do any walking without first applying beeswax to my inner thighs to ensure i don't chafe, and i always carry a tub of it wherever i walk
2. carry superglue and needle and thread to repair potential cuts
3. carry spare shoes for difficult terrain like Inov8 mudclaw for muddy trails