Big 3 Gear + 1 Bonus Item | Appalachian Trail Thru Hike 2023

Todays video is sponsored by the Ewoks of Southern Appalachia Foundation.

In this video I share my big 3 gear items (backpack, shelter, sleep system) and one additional big gear item.

For additional information and stats on bear canisters, check out the following resource:

Thanks for your continued support!

Instagram: @AppalachianAdventurista

[rachelstewart]

I am planning to take a bear canister in 2025 for the same reasons! I don’t want to mess with hanging a bear bag and I HATE sitting on the ground (I need just a little bit of lift). I just came across your videos and they are so reassuring. My projected base weight is similar and I’m also making use of a lot of gear I already have so this is really validating my choices. Thank you!

[Rabid.Turtles]

Wanted to chime in with a big Thank You! It is so apparent from all your videos how much you care and how many endless hours of research and reflection you've invested. You've inspired me to get back out there and enjoy the world at 2mph. Might take a few years to get gear together (for 2 people) and I'll be approaching level 70 but it's doable. The Bear Vault definitely qualifies as my luxury item. "Skippy" can enjoy someone else's peanut butter. As a note the last time through the High Peaks region NY there were actually several hung food bags that were shredded and empty.

[shananigans_outside]

It is so refreshing to see a real person planning a thru hike. Absolutely love that you are using items that you already have. It’s nice to not see the same old same old. Looking forward to your thru hike.

[kniferoomba]

You're the only person I'm following who's using a hammock! I'd love to see a video on how it's set up with the rain cover if you haven't made one already

[gaylewalker]

Love your attitude. Thank you for your info. Keep trekking. 😀

[samuelfox]

I don't thruhike but i have a Granite Gear Vapor Day that is 34L. Absolutely love it. Frameless and I've comfortably carried 30+ lbs, shorter distances obviously.

[Muggleborn_Adventures]

Looking forward to following your journey.

[SamTheHikingMan]

Great pack choice. Been rocking the crown 2 60 for years. The water proofing does wear out pretty fast though. Be warned. lol

[dougmiller]

If you have left over foam you could add wings for you shoulder to keep you warmer in your hammock... Don't let the groundlings get you down 😅

[parallax]

Great video! I'm thinking to follow suit myself and get a bear cannister. How did you end up landing on the 475? I'm torn between it and the 500

[alancolors]

Love the mix of practicality and frugality. Whatever works for you is whats best. Don't apologize to the weight snobs.

[push-onshikingadventures]

As an odds maker and jokester, funny or not, I'm setting the over/under on that bear canister to Winding Stair Gap going into Franklin.

[push-onshikingadventures]

I usually just used my food bag as a pillow on the AT... I'd tie up my trash in a plastic bag and set it a few feet away from everyone as a peace offering for the mice at shelters, but that is a nice stool....

[JM.]

With the increasing bear activity and other critters (a side effect of human density), I'm leaning toward the bear can too. I'm wondering if I could get by with a BV450 on the AT, since you can carry the first day's food (that will be consumed before going to bed) outside the bear can.

[kelbysappington]

Just found your channel, and I’m really enjoying your videos! Fellow hammocker here, looking forward to following your journey :) I’m just wondering, why do you use a pad over an under quilt? In my experience, the pad takes away from the comfort of a hammock. Not judging at all, since as you’ve mentioned, what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for someone else. Just curious!

[vshybeej]

I love the Bear Canister. I'm also taking one when I thru hike the AT!

[miken]

Put some reflector tape on your bear canister so you can find it at night when light reflects off it. Just so you know, there is a trick to hanging bear lines. I have a 45inch hiking stick I use as a catapult. I tie a loop on bear line that just fits over the end of stick, 8 inches down is rock bag, then rest of line. Create the catapult by swinging the stick and stopping just before the stick is straight up and rock bag will release off the stick. Catapult gives you more power and directional control.

[bronwenwiggin]

You just won me over to a bear canister! I hate trying to do a bear hang. It’s interesting that they’re now recommending the bear canisters now. I always wondered why they didn’t.

[patriciabarnhart]

Very thought through and informative. Looking forward to your journey!

[hanwagu]

looks like the Versalite, 2lbs, Rating 10F, field rating 10F. That green top, black bottom, black interior body, black interior hood, and green full collar color combo was available 2013/2014, or at least you can see that color combination in the November 13, 2013, Rock & Ice review of it.