Special Announcement! Covid 19 and Corona Virus Update
Update: In March of 2020, because of the Covid-19 Corona Virus, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) recommended that anyone on the trail should get off the trail and anyone not yet started, should not start the trail to protect all the small towns near the trail. Because of this, I delayed my start until March of 2021. Now, in 2021, they are again recommending hikers to delay their hikes until 2022 and they are not handing out 2021 hang tags until the CDC declares the Pandemic over. Since there are now multiple vaccines being given and we know much more on how to deal with the virus (Ventilate, Wear a Mask, Keep a 6′ distance and wash your hands), I feel safe enough to start my thru hike in March of 2021. I continue to post new videos with thoughts and gear information prior to my start. Thank you for following me.
The strange and fortunate thing is that I was able to get a 2020 Appalachian Trail hang tag sent to me for my backpack in February 2020 prior to my hike. Little did I know how valuable my hang tag would become. I have been contacted to sell mine (no way) and the ATC announced they are not, I repeat, NOT giving out 2021 hang tags because they are again recommending hikers delay their hikes to 2022. That is not happening for me. I delayed an entire year due to the ATC recommendation in 2020 and I’m not delaying another year. For Pete’s Sake, I’m OLD now and will be older in 2022.
2021 is going to be “My Year” to hike the AT. I put my 2020 ATC reservation number on my 2020 tag AND added my 2021 ATC reservation number on my tag as well. I am hoping the ATC starts passing out 2021 hang tags by the time I get to Harpers Ferry. Hike on!
I delayed my 2020 thru-hike to 2021. I will begin my journey in March 2021. Stay tuned and please subscribe to my YouTube channel for future updates and videos of my hike. Here is a direct link to my channel.
Backpacking and Hiking Products I Recommend
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In preparation for thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, I have done extensive research on backpacking equipment that is reliable, lightweight or ultralight. Shown below are links to most of the equipment that I will be taking on my through hike. I have divided the products into the major categories that a hiker considers.
—Cooking—
MSR Pocket Rocket Stove:
Snow Peak Hot Lips, MGH-001, Set of Two, Silicon, Designed in The USA, Heat Protection, Lifetime Product Guarantee:
Optimus Titanium Long Spoon
EVERNEW Titanium Pasta Pot, Medium
—Sleep System—
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Ultralight Backpacking Air Mattress with new WingLock Valve (I use a Large but this link is for a Regular size)
Ursack Bear Container (I have black):
Note: Get the size that will fit your food
LOKSAK – OPSAK Reusable Storage Bags – 12″x20″, 2 Pack
by LOKSAK
Note: I put my food inside this bag; seal it and put it inside the Ursack Bear Container
Bodyglide Original Anti-Chafe Balm (2-Pack, 1.5-Ounce):
TheTentLab New Improved Deuce(R) Ultralight Backpacking Potty Trowel – Now in 3 Sizes (Green, 3):
Nalgene foldable Pee Bag 2.3 oz (Wide Mouth Cantene 48 oz.):
Yes, I said Pee bag. This bag is flexible and rolls up so you can put it in your external pack mesh pocket. I hate getting up in the night and this bag is large enough to use TWICE in the night without leaving your warm tent. Empty it in the morning and rinse it out.
—Hiking Clothing—
ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Sport Mesh 6” Boxer Brief,Large,Black:
Rymora Calf Compression Sleeves Men Women Shin Splints Running (Pair Black) (L):
After a day of hiking, i pull these on at night before going to bed. They help prevent cramps.
3 Pack Injinji Run Lightweight Mini-Crew Performance Sport Socks h (Black, Large):
Wear these under the Darn Tough compression socks to prevent blisters.
Darn Tough Trail Legs OTC Cushion with Compression Sock – Men’s Black Large:
Under Armour Men’s Tech 2.0 Short Sleeve T-Shirt, Black (001)/Graphite, X-Large:
Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Armour Compression Long Sleeve, Black (001)/Steel, X-Large Tall:
Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Armour Compression Long Sleeve, Black (001)/Steel, Large:
Xero Shoes for around camp:
I like the Z-Trail – Men – Black / Multi-Black-Men (12.2 oz) and wear them around camp to air out the feet.
—Hiking Gear—
REDCAMP Foam Hiking Seat Pad, 1/2/4PCS Foldable Z Ultralight Sitting Pad for Camping Backpacking
Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Cushion Insulated Sitting Pad, Limon/Silver
AceCamp 3940 Portable Lightweight Mini Waterproof Folding Mat, Foam Sitting Pad for Outdoor Activities, Foldable Kneeling and Seat Cushion for Comfort, Red 1.3 oz:
Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Repair Tape for Fabric and Vinyl, Black, 3” x 20” (2 pack):
Vlogging Microphone, Equipment & Misc: Lavalier Microphone and Lapel Microphone for iPhone, iPad, Android, and Other Smartphones – Easy Clip on Microphone Perfect for Recording a Podcast, Vlog, Interview, YouTube:
Pedco UltraPod Lightweight Camera Tripod:
Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale, Portable Handheld Baggage Scale for Travel, Suitcase Scale with Rubber Paint, Temperature Sensor, 110 Pounds, Battery Included:
GoPro Hero 9 Black Camera Kit
GoPro Hero 9 Media Mod Kit
Telesin GoPro Hero 9 battery charger with spare batteries
Cork Massage Ball: RAWLOGY Ultra-Firm Cork Massage Ball Set (Mini 1.9″) for Myofascial Release and Tension Relief || Made from Eco-Friendly Recycled Cork:
