Information in the recording (which is broken into four parts) comes through two individuals:

TheOldGuy (a YouTube name) has hiked into Neels Gap, GA, on the Appalachian Trail and is trying to lighten his load by getting a gear shake-down.  He decides to take a video recording of the shake-down.  For most of the recording, he is behind the camera asking questions.

Ryan Davis has completed thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail and is using his experience to sort through TheOldGuy’s pack and suggest lighter weight options item-by-item.  He is employed by Mountain Crossings - an outfitter in Neels Gap, GA, that is right on the AT and is the first outfitter a northbound thru-hiker encounters after 30 trail miles.  The workers at the outfitter see hundreds of northbound thru-hikers each spring and are known in the trail community for their experience in shaking down packs.

Both parties in the recording provide genuine insights.  To those that are new to long-distance backpacking, Ryan will provide a great deal of gear information and TheOldGuy will provide comfort and confidence.  My further critique is posted below the videos.  Enjoy:

***Total viewing time – 21 minutes 44 seconds***

I agree with a great deal of Ryan’s advising. Three things I would like to add:

• When discussing the alcohol stove, Ryan mentions that the product HEET (alcohol stove fuel) is available at automotive stores.  I’ve also been able to find HEET in most convenience stores.

• I would ditch the poop trowel and suggest the use of a foot or stick.

• I disagree with carrying 100% store-bought freeze-dried meals such as Mountain House Brand on a long-distance backpacking trip.  Purchasing these meals and putting them in maildrops costs extra money and weight.  The trash is heavy.  To see backpacking food resources I like, click here.

>>>>>>

I’ve now set-up a YouTube Channel to share my recordings and link to others’ recordings that I find valuable as a long-distance backpacker.  Here’s the link.

>>>>>>

Did this blog post help you in any way?  What did you think about the recommended gear in the video?  Was TheOldGuy’s gear similar to your gear in any way?  Please leave comments below.

Have a good day,
Squirrel Meat

U.S. Long-Distance Trails Page on Wikipedia

How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time.

Its important to have short-term goals when pursuing a big goal.  On the AT, I focused on getting to the next town or shelter.  When times were tough, I focused on getting to the next water source or road crossing.  Since the trail, I’ve found this to be one of the best lessons I learned in that experience.

The video’s below include interviews about their experiences.  Thanks for your town time, hikers!

• realization of overpacking / decision to cut weight on a micro-level
• the push to stay positive with tough terrain and failing gear
• connection with nature’s simplicity
• importance of food
• requirement of mental toughness
• deepening of connection with self

I was impressed at the filmmaker’s ability to capture a full trail experience in less than one hour of film.  Of six trail documentaries I’ve seen, I’d recommend this one to beginners.  To view in high quality, purchase the film here.  If you are willing to watch in low quality, watch for free below:

The titanium spork is a lightweight, durable tool that has many uses on the trail.  Its thin-but-strong design makes it ideal for scraping precious calories off the bottom of a cookpot, cutting cheese, or breaking into tough plastic wrappers.  Also, there is a very slim chance that a titanium utensil will break, which saves the hiker from looking for a replacement in town.

If my spork could speak, would it thank me for its travels? Only if my appreciation for its purpose is reciprocated.  May your titanium spork experiences be as positive as mine.

A big thanks to everyone who’s left feedback on the blog and Facebook Page!

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Teresa “Dicentra” Black has posted over 150 backpacking recipes at OnePanWonders.com.  I was impressed at how the author put together tasty meals using ingredients that could be found at a typical large grocery store.  This is important for the long-distance backpacker who has decided to resupply in town without using mail drops (which can be simpler in many situations).

In many recipes, small amounts of several spices were added.  It’s important to use seasoning during long trips to keep meals appetizing, but I recommend keeping only two or three flavorings at a time (hot sauce packets, blended seasoning powder, dried herbs) and then switching those out when you come across new flavors that seem tasty.  Your tastes will change on a long-distance hike as your body changes.

To find out more about the site author read an interview with her at EasyBackpackingTips.com.

>>>>My favorites at One Pan Wonders:

Breakfast - Chocolate Banana Oatmeal

Lunch - Hula Wraps

Dinner- Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

Stay posted - one other trail food resource to come.

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Know of another good backpacking food resource?  Please share with our community by leaving it in a comment to this post.

Squirrel Meat’s List of Trail Food Characteristics:

The best trail food is:  lightweight, high in calories, nutritious, compact, packable, appetizing, and requires little energy to prepare.

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***Bonus Resource*** I just ran into this nice overview of backpacking food on the Wikipedia backpacking page (scroll down to the food section).

Symptom:  panic, propensity to make poor decisions

Cure:  Avoid high places, water, metal and tall objects.  If you’re on the ridge, get off.  If you’re exposed, seek cover and blend in.  See more at this lightening safety page by John on the Backpacking with Dave site.

Symptom: overpacking

Cure: The basic human needs are water, food, and shelter. Got those covered?  You may forget something that brings discomfort. You’ll either turn back, pick one up the next time you’re in town, or decide that you really don’t need it.

Symptom:  waking at every sound

Cure:  Time will prove that animal encounters in the night are rare. That sound you heard was probably just a chipmunk.

In the interview, we discuss Susan’s backpacking career and review the content of her book.  For more information about the Camino de Santiago and Susan, visit her website at www.backpack45.com.

In the interview, David gives descriptions of his experience on the Appalachian Trail and the PacifiCrest Trail and provides valuable health advice to anyone attempting a long hike.  He also explains why he chooses to travel at the rate he does.  After the interview, I’ll review some of the interesting points that David brings up about long-distance foot travel.

<<<Photo by JB Benna of www.JourneyFilm.com>>>