Gear Fixes and Local Hiking: Prepping for the Long Trail

I'm getting ready to hike the Long Trail in Vermont in just a few weeks. Part of my preparations include taking care of some gear fixes and local hiking to get in shape.

Take a look at some of the gear repairs and upgrades I'm taking care of before my end-to-end hike..

#joyfulrambler #backpacking #vermontlongtrail
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About Me:

Hi, I'm Joey - aka Moon Pie. In 2018 I set out to thru-hike the entire Appalachian Trail, hiking solo for 2200 miles from Georgia to Maine. This is my long-distance backpacking journey, with all its ups and downs.

Join me here for my favorite hikes, great backpacking gear picks, thru-hiking insights, and other cool stuff.

P.S. I named my channel Joyful Rambler because that's my state of mind when hiking. I hope you're joyful, too. Happy hiking!

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Thank you for your support!

[KuntryRD]

I started to use Lock Laces last year. I really like them. I can get my shoes nice and snug without any pressure points. Until I started to use those, I also used the lock lacing. I am glad that your knee is doing so well! Looking forward to how well you like the SMD tent. I have an older model Lunar solo that gets used once in a while. I am most generally a hammock hanger.

[tombrown]

You have finally arrived-YouTube is running ads before your posts!

[rebeccagregory]

I'm delighted you are considering the PCT. What a wonderful goal to work toward and look forward to. Also the information you share about products is so very helpful even to us car campers. Also, if you think kayaking will help you get in shape, or just for fun, let me know, I'd love to take you out for a paddle.

[clintwhite]

I hope the Hokas work out well for you. I have been using Hokas for the past several years for running and hiking/backpacking. I recently switched from the Stinson ATR to the Speedgoat for hiking. I liked the Stinsons, but they were a little too cushy for me. So far, after 75 miles of use, I’m very impressed with the Speedgoat. They are super comfortable and offer excellent traction even on wet, rocky terrain. I was particularly impressed with the shoe after completing two 25-mile day hikes in the Smokies and my feet felt great at the end of the day with no soreness or hot spots, which is AMAZING! However, they aren’t as breathable as other models and therefore take a long time to dry. On a recent hike my shoes were soaked during a couple of rain storms and they took a lot longer to dry than what I had experienced with the Stinson. Also, the Hokas do tend to run a little small. I wear a half size larger than what I normally wear. Furthermore, the width of the toe box varies between models. When I first switched to Hokas, I had to try on several models before I found one with a good fit.

[deborahs]

I followed you on your 2018 AT thru hike last year and am just catching up on some of your 2019 AT "fill-in" hikes. So good to see you out on the Trail and planning the Long Trail - will definitely follow you on that trek. I was interested to hear you have the PCT possibly on your horizon. I think you are hooked on the long distance hiking for sure! How does your family, especially husband, feel about having such a wanderer in their mists?! Love your gear reviews, too.

[selenajones]

Hey joyful, ,
gal here, ,,
Time is getting closer of me to leave to start the E C T, ,
by the time I get back up here to ga, , , hope you'll come& walk some with me & We can meet face to face, ,,I'm hoping to B at trail days this year on the east coast in May @ Damascus, , , , hope ta see Ya there

[valane]

Good gear reviews. Curious to see what pack you finally end up with. I also have a Granite Gear, but I have the one where the hip belt can be removed for different sizes. I have looked at the ZPack and ULA Equipment pack but that pack is about the same weight as my GG.
After watching youtube videos of this years PCT hikers that seems like a trail that I would like to do sections of. Have fun on the Long Trail. I have hiked the northern most 60 miles plus the 100 miles in the south. It is definitely a beautiful, but tough hike in spots...Winkle

[soylentgreen]

In another video you mentioned permetherin and treating your clothes every six weeks or so. Did u pack it in or was it readily available at local stops?

[stevenmpeter]

Have you tried Kennesaw Mountain? Great for elevation changes.