TIME STAMPS! Things To Consider 00:18 Pack Volume 02:09 Pack Weight 04:03 Durability 04:35 Materials 05:30 Frames 06:31 Features 06:34 Ventilation 07:42 Access 08:44 Pockets 10:09 Brain 10:46 Hydration Reservoir 12:35 Gear Loops 12:59 Rain Cover 14:45 How to Find The Right Fit 17:39 How to Adjust Your Pack To Fit Perfectly 19:50 How to Pack Your Pack

Anyone else binge-watching Dixie and Darwin?

Hi! I love your videos! I am 14 and in 8th grade, but after high school i'm going to be taking a gap year and hiking the AT with one of my best friends! Your videos are very helpful! I am studying waaaay in advance lol

I started backpacking in the early 90s before UKposts, so there was a lot of trial and error to figure things out on my own. I used a Lowe-Alpine Ophir for about 15 years and I loved that pack and its features (mostly). I’m passing that down to my son and I got an Osprey Kestrel 48 3 months ago. I’ve put about 60 miles on it and I really like it too. I’ve just about decided that you can make just about any top brand work for you because they know what they’re doing with design. Just a matter of adjusting the fit to suit your personal preferences.

"Hey y'all! Dixie here!" Me: LIKE

One thing I find fascinating is this push in the community and the market for getting lighter and lighter in everything. While I love to take advantage of much of the lighter stuff, especially tents, I just don't understand the move to internal frame and synthetic packs. I've been hiking for more than twenty years with various forms of external framed waxed canvas rucksacks. They will survive just about anything you throw at them, they cost next to nothing, and even after 35km you barely notice it is there as long as it was packed and fitted well. Major benefit of the external frame is that it doesn't sit directly on your back meaning that in the warmer months you have better airflow and you don't end up soaked in stale sweat; and in colder months it doesn't compress the loft in your jacket so you have better insulation from the cold. Win-win. Just about everything else in the video I agree with fully. An ill fitting pack of any kind can be the difference between an enjoyable hike and a forced march.

I still backpack, but I hiked a section of the AT in the Green Mountains of Vermont back in the late 70's with my brother, my wife, sister-in-law, and a friend. Porcupines were the hardest wildlife problem, as they would climb anywhere to get food, and had a nasty habit of chewing through tires and rubber hoses in cars. In the 70's I had an aluminum frame pack, that was uncomfortable and tended to be top heavy no matter how it was loaded . Sonce the 70's I have backpacked from Tuolumne Meadows to the Yosemite valley floor as well as the reverse trail up to Half Dome, and portions of the Cloud's Rest Trail in Yosemite. The more recent soft, frameless packs are MUCH better. In general I pack it much as Dixie describes: less used and heavy things at the bottom, soft stuff against my back. Water, maps, food and lightest or frequently used items in the top or the side pockets. I use plastic zip lock bags to keep stuff that needs to stay dry. They are useful for trash too.

I LOVED this series and hope there is more in the future!!!

The only thing I would add is that external frame packs are awesome and you can get them cheap because of their age and just strap dry bags to the frame and make it lighter with more customisability

I love these videos and worked on adjusting my new pack while I was watching. When you have never done any backpacking before and have zero experience it’s like trying to put together a crib or an entertainment center! So many straps, but things are starting to make more sense. I get nervous about my first hike in May, but I’ll be with my cousin who is an experienced backpacker so I’m in good hands. Can’t wait! I’ve watched everything twice now. Thank you!

Love the honest, clear evaluation of pack weight versus comfort level and the trade-offs in any decision. 👍

You could review and sell anything. Great research and presentation. I’m old. I’ve used external, internal, and frameless packs over the decades. My fav is external. Second I keep coming back to my ALICE pack, both sizes. Yes I was in the military. Experience comes at a cost. What you exactly need for the particular trip, the bulk of that gear, etc, and the weight of those items, and the level of your physical conditioning of your neck, shoulders, back, core, legs, ankles, and feet are all major considerations. However, all of these things are also interrelated as to whether or not a pack is going to work for you. It’s not as simple as size and weight considerations. But that’s where most people start. Most people I’ve seen over the years buy to small of a pack and then try and to fit it all in. And since they can’t do that they leave something they actually need at home. I’m not an ounce counter but the frame helps me carry both light to heavy loads more comfortably. I’ve done parts of the AT. It’s awesome that you’ve completed the triple crown. I found the AT brutal on my ankles and knees with a heavy load. So ankle support and smarter lists of gear and food selection were essential for me. The less you carry trail runners may work, but a lot of that trail in Virginia is worn and rocky. Like most things in life it’s not whether you could do it, but should you have done it in the first place. I look for other less known trails, Forrest roads, and wilderness areas now. Not looking for distance but solitude. Luv your channel. Subd awhile back.

The backpack I use is a Kelty frame with a Sierra bag bought in 1965 I was 16. Now 2019 The same backpack still fits and works. this aluminum magnesium frame lighter then most plastic stuff out there.

Yay! Love these videos, so helpful thank you!

Wish I had a resource like this before I bought my first pack...

loved this series. i found deuter packs to be the most functional and comfort for me.

I am so grateful that you're doing this series! Thank you for keeping it simple and basic for those of us who are beginners. 😊

This is a great video-so much information! I'll definitely be referencing as prepare for backpacking.

i went through THREE other videos about this subject & you are the most informative. I been a subscriber so I hit the bell for ya!

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge for beginners. Loving this series💞

Thanks Dixie. I've caught a few of these recent ones and have enjoyed them. Having gotten in to quite a few hobbies over the years, I now have a rough plan: talk to people, watch some vids and do some googling. Then, wait. Read some forums and scan the online sales and auctions for a while. Don't, seriously, don't walk into a shop and buy stuff. Even if you're cashed-up. The stuff you learn by accident while doing this can be the best information you get. Then, mostly, you end up with suitable second hand gear and knowing how you will start with it. Hiking is different only in that it's just an extension of something we do every day. So it's easy to just start walking and add stuff over time. And a lot of that stuff added capability, optiosn and comfort to normal life. Actually, hiking could be the perfect hobby to try! Vids like this give a useful leg-up... wish you'd done this a few years ago!

Your videos are all great!!! Love them seriously. You're video's have made me do more research. I'm planning a big section hike soon because I cannot through I hike yet. Still want to go ultralight. Keep doing what you're doing!!

Excellent video Dixie thank you. I haven't really thought in the past much about having my heavy stuff in the middle of the pack so that's very helpful. I've always thought about having heavy items closest to my back but that's generally for when I'm carrying a lot of stuff or carrying a large pack with not much in it. In answer to your suggested comments - I have two packs and they each have their own purpose - I recently have been using a Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 which I intend to use on the PCT this year. But I also have an Osprey aura 65 which will be just right for when I eventually attempt the Australian Alps Walking Track - the AAWT is not a typical marked trail, requires a lot of bushwhacking over rugged terrain and I can expect to be carrying more weight between caches. Thanks for this excellent series - you are really pumping out these videos. There is no such thing as Dixie overload. 😁

Sister you’re speaking to me! I’ve been binge watching your videos and I’m in the market for a new pack. Gah so excited!!

Shopping for my first pack this has helped me immensely! Thank you again.

I’m new to backpacking. I’m finding your videos very helpful and informative. Thank you.

Thanks Dixie as always you provide good solid information and learning from you. Much appreciated!!

Another excellent video. I have the HMG Southwest on my wishlist. My wife has a heavier pack than she likes. The ULA Circuit at 40 oz with 65 liters (our next purchase) is a good example of having to fit your pack. The J frame that most men buy does not work for her. She enjoys the S frame. She would have never known if she didn't try it. I use the older osprey exos 48 for multi day hikes. When I weighed 204 lbs, the waist would always loosen and my shoulders would suffer. Now at 175 lbs, I don't have that problem. I followed you on your pct and cdt hikes. I follow a couple every year. Frozen with outdoor adventures just posted on one of his videos that his dyneema pac didn't hold up to the rain and everything got wet. Not sure what that's about.

Hey Dixie, Always helpful and super informative! Thanks! One point I think that tends to get overlooked when one moves into ultra-lite packs is the lack of padding between items inside your bag like cook pots, stove canisters ie. cookbags etc ... My first experience was an eye opener, I use to arrange cook gear towards the middle and lighter weight gear top and bottom, which always worked fine with my Osprey pack, but now with an Arch Haul pack I find I also need to save a few items such as a down vest, sweaters, my hooded puffy etc. to pad out between my back and the hard edge items inside. Thanks again Dixie!

Great informational series Dixie, thanks. Good luck and good hiking.

Best back to basics in backpacking series ever! Really appreciated!

I'm on my 4th backpack in 35 years of backpacking. The packs have evolved from 3/4 external to a monster Kelty external to a not too well built REI internal to my current pack which is a Gregory Baltoro 65. I'm not an ultra-light packer mainly because I'm carrying at least a full gallon of water for the desert hiking I primarily do. My backpacking activities mostly include section hiking, up to about 60 miles, and some two or three day overnight treks. One of the main reasons leading up to what I'm now using is the desire to have everything inside the pack. Only the trekking poles, when not being used, and water bottle are on the outside. Again, this is motivated by desert hiking where there are all kinds of vegetation and sharp rocks what will snag or rip whatever is exposed. My packing method is very similar to Dixie's. There are a few things I need to rethink after watching this video. Thanks, Dixie. None of us know everything and listening to someone experienced can help us to be better hikers.

You are so awesome for taking the time to teach what you have learned the hard way,plus you don't talk down to people...thanks.

Thanks! I' m going to get a pack soon. This was helpful.

Dixie, your channel is my favorite! Sooo much information. You cover everything one needs to know to get started with backpacking. Thank you so much! You are the rockstar of hiking and an inspiration! 💗

Thanks Dixie! This has been a great series!!

Yay! Glad to see this. I bought my 1st Altra shoes bc of you, & I love them. Thank you!

Manufacturers reputation and warranty are key considerations for backpacks. Last year Gregory replaced a pack I bought in 1988 when the padding disintegrated, no questions asked. They take "guaranteed for life" seriously.

this was fully packed with good info, thanks a lot for taking the time to do it

Again great video! Waiting o. My custom pack, should be soon. Let's go hike. I put my dirty wet tent on the outside, was taught 50 years ago scouting. I think perc Carrys his outside.

Great info. Thanks for sharing another great video. Keep up the great work. ATB : )

Thank you for the las two weeks of videos. They've been very helpful.

So many pearls of wisdom. I haven't backpacked in quite a few years, so good to have a refresher course :)

RE: Men wearing woman's packs I am a 5'6"' and 160 lbs guy The REI woman's small fits me like a glove, across three different packs It totally solved my fitting a good pack . RE: External frames It is worthwhile to check out external framed backpacks They have a much higher center of gravity therefore allow you to walk much more upright The back is much better ventilated and therefore cooler And very flexible how to pack, with tents and sleeping bags can be lashed to the outside They are not heavier than internal frames

I've most commonly heard the big front / back mesh pocket be called a "kangaroo pouch". I prefer to call it the "warranty buster".

Excellent and thorough video Dixie! Keep them coming.

No such thing as Dixie O.D.. I have a Osprey Aether 60. I love it, been using it for a year plus. The way I pack it is. Sleeping bag, woobie, food, cook kit, clothes, hammock.

Thanks Dixie! Just the video I was looking for!

Great video again! I still love my good old trusty golite jam pack. Had to do some repairs on it, but when I hike, it feels like a part of my body.

That was incredibly helpful

Hello Dixie, thank you for sharing another informative video. You always do a great job in presenting the information to the viewers. I make an effort to share your channel with others interested in hiking and backpacking. Always take care out there and have fun. 🤗

This really is an awesome series of videos!

Love these back to basic videos!!!

Loving your channel!

Love the series Dixie!

Love your videos, they are very informative, and you always seem to cover all the bases, usually I am just thinking but Dixie, what if this? And I no more than think it and you answer it! Lol Keep up the good work! Thanks

Great practical video!

Excellent information and very well presented and explained

Nice video, I use a old MacPac Cascade model that I've had nearly 20 years now...I used it for all my hikes including snow hikes and it is still the one for me. For packing it up it goes like this...In the bottom I have my sleeping bag, then my clothes in waterproof sack, then my food and cooking stuff. Towards the top I keep my Gore-Tex jacket with waterproof pants inside the pack. This stops it from being damaged when walking through the bush and I think that is more important than being able to get it quickly. Importantly I keep one litre of water next to my sleeping bag at the bottom and have another one towards the top just to spread out that weight. I also normally have another litre on my hip belt which is what I can drink while hiking (Without having to take my pack off) I don't use a internal water carrier (Hydration reservoir) early one when we started to do snow camps a mate had his tubing freeze up, so couldn't get a drink. That was reason enough for me to stay clear of them. It so interesting to see how you all do it over there, basically the same as we do it here in Australia but still a little different.

Another great video from Dixie! I'm ready to replace my Osprey Volt 60, and really thought I wanted the Osprey Atmos AG 50, then decided it was too heavy. Went to REI and tried the Atmos on anyway, fell head over heels in love! Now I don't care how much it weighs, I'm getting one.

Thanks for sharing 🌻

these new videos of yours are stellar.

I had quite a large pack in my past backpacking life. It was a Kelty Serac (70s model) that I used cross-country hitchhiking and off-trail hiking. I loved it and carried weights that seem a bit high these days 🤪 I suspect that I will still prefer a larger capacity pack when I buy new gear over the winter for a 2020 return to the backcountry.

I’m hiking the AT in 2022 and I’ve been binge watching all of your videos!! Thank you for all the advice :)

Dixie is a blessing. Having actual discussion with my son to thru hike the AT... a lifelong dream.

Thanks Dixie! I was just talking packs with the new scout families. Would love for them to see this. You do a far better job. I haven't found my favorite pack.

Just starting “serious backpacking” and am in the market for a good, 3-day backpack. So I just viewed this vid......Super-detailed, super informative and you answered all of my questions/concerns from A to Z, and then some! You will undoubtedly save me a lot of time and$$. You should open your own outdoors store? Dixie, you ROCK!! Thank you for all that you do! Happy Trails!

Due diligence, as always. Thanks for all you do!

Really helpful. Thanks.

No such thing as Dixie overload! Series information loaded with information and weekly videos are interesting ane entertaining. Thanks for all your work and sharing.

I have been using the ULA Circuit (65L) for the past three years. Pack weighs 2.5 pounds. The pluses of the pack are the many compression straps,durability, lightweight and how the pack carries the weight and is very comfortable. I use a heavy duty trash bag to line the inside of the pack to protect my gear from wet weather. I pack both my shelter and synthetic bag inside the pack. On multi day trips I will have my food bag either in the bottom of the pack or in the middle as it is the heaviest item. As the trip progresses the food bag moves to the top of the pack as it gets lighter and the tent/shelter move to the bottom of the pack. I went with a synthetic bag for the cost and the bag still works when wet.

Thank you for all your helpfull videos. You're a sweetheart, again thank you.

Yet another informative presentation! Male 6-1, 165ish. Typically a 3-4 day recreational hiker. I'm not a fan of the UL packs that are becoming popular. Totally agree with being open minded about pack options.. Was fitted for a replacement of my last pack in October. Old model is discontinued. Had the goldilocks experience with a few different men's packs. Having a comfortable waist meant the shoulder support was uncomfortable. Focusing on shoulders threw off posture by not fitting correctly at the waist. Had slack for adjustments, but something still seemed as if it was restrictive. Ended up with a Women's larger size Osprey Kyte 46L. Loaded it with gear and wandered around town. Made minor adjustments. Went grocery shopping to get it to full trail weight for the 1.5 miles home. Amazing difference compared to the old pack! The same model men's pack probably would have been ok? Maybe next time. Pretty sure the only visible way to differentiate gender designation of the pack is the color options of the fabric? All of the load lifters, frame components, and padding fit me perfectly. The super knowledgeable outfitter salesperson who offered me the suggestion is an avid hiker who has done the northern half of the AT and most of the 48 4,000ft. peaks in NH. Ironically, she uses the smaller men's pack (different brand/style) for the same comfort reasons. She is probably too tall for women's packs? If anybody out there is going to be living from their backpack for several months, should definitely invest the time and effort to find the right one for you. My bruised ego is now stuck with a dark purple 'girly' women's pack, but I'm sure my back will certainly thank me this summer. Haaa.

Another great video, as usual!

Thanks for the info. Binge watching your backlog. So. Much. Info.

Nice tips especially for beginners. I consider myself as a long time hiker but I'm still learning more things. Especially from your video, and it always made a good impact on my hike here in Podyjí National Park at South Moravia, Czech Republic and Thayatal National Park in Hardegg, Austria. Thank you and Keep it going😊

I've learned so much, Thx 😁😁😁😁😁 No overload here!!

Your videos are the best. Please promise us you will do one a day including weekends... I just moved to Zpacks Archaul from my REI 1970's vintage Expedition external frame pack with no padding on the hip belt. I can still feel the pain. Would usually carry in excess of 50 lbs. Never again. Archaul will do 40 lbs which in my book is at least 10 lbs more than you should be carrying these days. Jazzed for backpacking season to start here in WA! Thanks again for the great videos!

Thanks I enjoyed this video.

Always an excellent recap. Your advice and experience is invaluable. I would say the weight is now my number one concern. Favorite pack (at the moment) Zpacks Arc Haul. Still not ultralight enough to run the Arc Blast. Maybe someday.

Thanks. I needed this.

Great series Dixie! I had asked you in a q and a about a woman's pack because I found a great deal on a used one. I was able to try the Aura 50 on. It was a little too small for me sadly. Not cuz it was a women's, but because it was a small, not a medium like the ad said. I ended up finding a great deal on a new pack with great reviews on Amazon and in forums though. It will get here tomorrow and I'm so excited! Was really nervous about buying a pack without trying it on first, so fingerscrossed! I got a Granite Gear Crown VC 60. It's an older model, but I like the looks and specs. Only thing is it doesn't come with hip pockets so the DIY'er in me gets to make some lol

I love your channel. I learn so much from you. I am doing more and more backpacking. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.:)

Outstanding series! Clear and concise as usual, packed with information based on experience! Not possible to overdose on you. Like fine wine (or moonshine if you prefer) you continue to get better as time goes by. God bless!

A really useful video, thank you Dixie

I have a Gregory 65L. Little heavy compared but most comfortable pack ever.

I still have this huge Berghaus Atlas Cyclops II pack. Its a 100 liters. Bought it back in 1992. Before that I used a 70 liter Nomad pack that could not handle the weight of my equipment. There where only a few really large packs around and Berghous has always been a favorite of me. They are expensive, but the quility is second to none. They come in sizes so they fit better than the adjustable ones. After many years I start hiking again this year. I need some new equipment. The tent from 1988 was full of holes so that needed to be replaced. I do not have the financial resources to buy everything new, so the pack has to do for this years hikes. I replaced some buckles and carry spares. I fitted my pack with some reflective strips, a real must here in Europe where its a little more crowded. A large mesh pocket at the back for drying clothes while walking. Still working on how to fit solar panels (no need for them in the early 90's when smartphones where not around and photography was still analogue). My next pack will be smaller and lighter. I do miss things like pockets on the hip belt and breathing holes in the bands. An opening for a water hose. Mesh pockets. All those things that appeared after 1990. Thanks for all the video's. Makes me realise that I was carrying far to much weight around all those years.

👍 Lot of great tips for selecting your first backpack :)

Thanks for the excellent tips! Love the accent as well, quite pleasant.

I got a men's pack, the Gregory Stout 65. The reviews said it fit more like a women's pack, so I decided to give it a try. It fits beautifully, and I got it on sale in REI’s Garage because a newer version had just come out. Whenever we get my fiance a pack, we’ll have to get an ”indy” brand like Z-Packs so we can customize. He has a long torso and needs a larger hip belt. Any less expensive recommendations from the community are welcome!

thank you for all your "top notch" info. i retired my GoLight a while back when gossamer gear ran a sale. i now use the gg silver back. the internal frame stays terminate into pockets in the waist belt for great weight transfer and control while in difficult "bushwhacking". anywho... keep up the good work. for me you are like an antidepressant. thank you.

Packaholic here. Currently the Atom+ is working well. Prefer ultralight actually like the pack close to my back for balance. Also only buy packs with built in shoulder pockets. A Kumo Mariposa by GG would be awesome. I like the bottom pocket of Palante. Atom pack has bottom pocket. I like buying some used gear if available so I can try lots of things and then I resell as I figure out my needs, fit and features. I keep my Ohm as it is very durable and has wonderful hip belt pockets. Would love to See ULA make those built in stretchy shoulder pockets! Hint hint.

Excellent! Thank you!

The last time I went hiking the exterior frame was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Now things have changed so much, I don't think I could ever cHoose just one. I would like to hike again now that retirement is close, but I am more afraid of buying the wrong gear and that would cut my trip short.

Excellent video Dixie! (As usual). Speaking of packs I've been running a really trail 40 going on 2 years now. Excellent pack for dayhiking.

Thanks for the experiential insight. :)

great job!

Dixie Overdose?! Never!

Very instructive video , thanks Dixie! By the way it would be nice a video of world wide shipping webpages with nice discounts on gear and articles used on the trail

I lay on my back and enjoy these two particularly . They fire my dreams . I buy all books on PCT but now have started a practice run on the GR10 in the Pyrenees .