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Jeff Fowler
США
Добавлен 5 окт 2013
Welcome! I’m a passionate backpacker based in the Southeast United States. My adventures frequently take me to the breathtaking Pisgah National Forest and surrounding areas in North Carolina, where I embark on multi-day backpacking trips. I also love exploring sections of the Appalachian Trail across Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and New Hampshire.
I capture these incredible journeys on video to share with you all. This channel is a space for fellow hiking enthusiasts to exchange experiences, advice, and tips. Your comments and insights are always welcome - let’s learn and grow together as a community.
Thank you for visiting my channel. I hope you enjoy the adventures as much as I do. Happy hiking!
Disclosure: if you buy something through product “links” in video descriptions, I may get a small share of the sale. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You don’t pay anything extra by using these “links”.
I capture these incredible journeys on video to share with you all. This channel is a space for fellow hiking enthusiasts to exchange experiences, advice, and tips. Your comments and insights are always welcome - let’s learn and grow together as a community.
Thank you for visiting my channel. I hope you enjoy the adventures as much as I do. Happy hiking!
Disclosure: if you buy something through product “links” in video descriptions, I may get a small share of the sale. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You don’t pay anything extra by using these “links”.
Why Go Backpacking? | My 5 Motivating Reasons
Backpacking can be hard, so why do it? In this video, I'll share five reasons why I go backpacking. Whether you're new to backpacking or an experienced hiker, these reasons might inspire you or resonate with your own experiences. Discover the unique moments, sense of accomplishment, strong connections, health benefits, and opportunities for sharing that make backpacking truly special. I'm Jeff, and I make videos about backpacking topics and my adventures. If you enjoy them, please subscribe so you don't miss out!
Visit Mike’s channel for more of our adventures together: @MikesBackcountryChronicles
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:55 Reason 1 - Discovery
02:54 Reason 2 - Accomplishment
04:55 Rea...
Visit Mike’s channel for more of our adventures together: @MikesBackcountryChronicles
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:55 Reason 1 - Discovery
02:54 Reason 2 - Accomplishment
04:55 Rea...
Просмотров: 593
Видео
Backpacking the Roan Highlands - 3 Days in a Hiker’s Paradise
Просмотров 16614 дней назад
Join us on a scenic backpacking trip through the Roan Highlands in Tennessee. After we enjoyed a comfortable stay at Mountain Harbour Bed and Breakfast we hopped on the Appalachian Trail at Hughes Gap. Our journey took us through lush landscapes, rocky terrains, and blooming rhododendrons. We visited landmarks like Roan High Knob Shelter, Carvers Gap, and the historic Cloudland Hotel site. Desp...
Conquer Cold Mountain Summit: A Journey on the Art Loeb Trail
Просмотров 106Месяц назад
Join us on an exhilarating journey through the stunning Shining Rock Wilderness as we tackle the Cold Mountain summit by way of the Art Loeb Trail! We start our adventure on the Art Loeb Spur Trail, hike up to Black Balsam Knob, and make our way to the Cold Mountain Summit. Despite unpredictable mountain weather, we push through rain, wind, and breathtaking vistas. Discover the beauty of Shinin...
Lightweight Backpacking Gear Loadout Without Sacrificing Comfort
Просмотров 6 тыс.4 месяца назад
In this video I show you what I pack for a typical three night backpacking trip. I also share a few concepts that influence my packing decisions. Packing light doesn't mean you have to sacrifice comfort. Learn how to strike a balance between packing what you need and packing way too much. Knowing what to pack can mean the difference between an amazing outdoor adventure and a disappointing or di...
Don’t Buy A Pack Cover to Keep Gear Dry - Try This Instead
Просмотров 1,6 тыс.4 месяца назад
Have you ever found yourself caught in a sudden rainstorm while hiking? In this video, I share my experiences and tips for keeping your backpacking gear dry on the trail, especially in unpredictable mountain weather. Learn why I no longer rely on pack covers and instead utilize a simple, cost-effective method to ensure vital backpacking gear stays dry during unexpected downpours. Join me as I r...
Don’t Make These 3 Beginner Backpacking Mistakes
Просмотров 3,2 тыс.5 месяцев назад
When I first delved into backpacking, I made some crucial mistakes that significantly impacted my trip. In this video, I share these experiences to help you steer clear of the same pitfalls on your outdoor adventures. Here is a brief overview: Overpacking Woes: Avoid the agony of overpacking. Learn to refine your gear list over time and resist the urge to carry unnecessary items. The Forgotten ...
The Hunt for the Elusive Ponies: An Appalachian Trail Adventure
Просмотров 2125 месяцев назад
🏞️ Join us on a backpacking journey through the Grayson Highlands/Mount Rogers area in Virginia! In this vlog, we explore the stunning landscapes, encounter unexpected wildlife, and share the joy of connecting with nature. 🌲 🐴 One of the highlights of our trip is the presence of adorable ponies roaming freely in the area. Watch as we venture off the beaten path, opting for the Virginia Highland...
Bear Canister Mastery: 7 Expert Tips For Backpackers
Просмотров 6 тыс.5 месяцев назад
Get mastery over your bear canister! 🎒 Learn seven expert tips to elevate your use of bear canisters. From efficient packing to clever hacks, these expert insights will help you get the most out of your bear canister. 🚀 #BearCanisters #BackcountryTips #outdoorskills Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:47 Tip 1: Repackaging 01:30 Tip 2: Meal Planning 02:15 Tip 3: Odor Control 02:53 Tip 4: Stash Upsi...
Why I Never Hang a Bear Bag and What I Do Instead
Просмотров 141 тыс.11 месяцев назад
On my backpacking trips I stopped hanging a bear bag to protect my food from bears. In this video I share what I do instead and why I think it is so much better. Additionally, I recount two bear encounters that I had in the backcountry that influenced my decision. There are three things that I love about using bear canisters, and I share the reasons why. I also mention two things that I don’t l...
Best & Worst of the Art Loeb Trail: A 30 Mile Adventure!
Просмотров 30411 месяцев назад
Join us as we embark on a two night backpacking trip on the Art Loeb Trail, a 30.1 mile journey through Pisgah National Forest and Shining Rock Wilderness, NC. This trail has a reputation for its pointless ups and downs, or PUDs as they're called. Yes, the trail presents some challenges. However, along the way we enjoy breathtaking vistas, lush forests and some unexpected surprises. We are also...
Durston X-Mid Tent in the Wind - Tips for a Secure Pitch
Просмотров 12 тыс.11 месяцев назад
Durston X-Mid Tent in the Wind - Tips for a Secure Pitch
Hiking the Appalachian Trail in the Roan Highlands
Просмотров 643Год назад
Hiking the Appalachian Trail in the Roan Highlands
Art Loeb Trail - Black Balsam Knob & Pilot Mountain Hike
Просмотров 1642 года назад
Art Loeb Trail - Black Balsam Knob & Pilot Mountain Hike
Challenging but Rewarding - Appalachian Trail Hughes Gap to Carvers Gap to Route 19-E
Просмотров 2962 года назад
Challenging but Rewarding - Appalachian Trail Hughes Gap to Carvers Gap to Route 19-E
Cold Mountain Hike via Art Loeb Trail & Ivestor Gap Trail
Просмотров 1 тыс.2 года назад
Cold Mountain Hike via Art Loeb Trail & Ivestor Gap Trail
Broken Top & Green Lakes Hike Near Three Sisters Oregon
Просмотров 1382 года назад
Broken Top & Green Lakes Hike Near Three Sisters Oregon
Hiking Appalachian Trail, VA Highlands & Crest Trail Loop
Просмотров 1352 года назад
Hiking Appalachian Trail, VA Highlands & Crest Trail Loop
Hiking Mt Rogers, Appalachian Trail & Crest Trail Loop
Просмотров 2443 года назад
Hiking Mt Rogers, Appalachian Trail & Crest Trail Loop
I totally agree.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video ☺️
They are crazy inefficient to pack. Large, hard and round doesn't work well in a backpack.
Thanks for sharing your experience! Yeah, they can be a challenge, and require a little creative packing. I experienced this with my larger canister while trying to get it to fit in my ULA Circuit Ultra pack. When it was inside it pressed on the center of my back and this was pretty uncomfortable. When I strapped it to the top with the special Y strap accessory, it was top-heavy and unstable. In fact, when removing the pack from my back it slipped out entirely crashing to the floor. Even so, I bring a bear canister on every trip since I am pretty much always in bear country. But I’ve learned which packs work with which canisters and plan accordingly.
Carry only salt and water in bear country.
Interesting 🤔
@@jfowler In bear country "Please don''t feed the hikers."
Nice update! Are you interested in reviewing our 6-in-1 drinking water tester? It can test bacteria, virus, microplastic, heavy metal, and weed kiiler., etc! We're sure that you'll love it.
Thanks so much for your interest in my channel! Water quality is such an important consideration! No doubt you would agree, that any device that measures the safety of drinking water must be rigorously tested. Are your devices certified under NSF Protocol P524, NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 and/or NSF/ANSI/CAN 50?
I had a bear in front of me climb up and chew the branch off to get to the bag.
Wow! 😮 That’s not the first time I’ve heard a story like that. Bears are smart and determined! Stay safe out there ☺️
Planning this hike in September. How many miles did you do per day? How many total?
It’s a great hike! This trip was in 2019 and it was my first time hiking this section. The entire length from Hughes Gap to Route 19-E is around 20 miles. We didn't divide it up very evenly, though. We camped at Overmountain camping area the first night which was probably 9 miles in. The second night was on top of Hump Mountain at around 15 miles. I posted videos of this same route from May, 2023 and June, 2024. You can find them here: ruclips.net/video/c_ILYXM-OOc/видео.html and ruclips.net/video/X9JQbZB2iuY/видео.html
I would love to see a multi-episode breakdown of how you plan your trips, gear, food, clothes...etc
Thanks for the idea! 😎
You talked about health but just the physical side of it. I'd add mental health also. For me a walk in nature can really boost my mood. There's just something about connecting with nature that makes me feel good.
Excellent point. That’s so true! Thanks for mentioning it. I think most would agree that nature is therapeutic.
See what I pack for a typical multi-day hike 👉 ruclips.net/video/_IZqF5ely-o/видео.html
I love this video! I have never seen anyone do a video like this over the years. You are dead on with these reasons. Pole incident is pretty funny!
Thanks so much! I’m really glad you liked it. Yeah, I think Mike found it pretty amusing 😂😂
I was tenting up on Tray Mountain on the AT a couple of weeks ago when a surprise thunderstorm rolled in about 8 pm. We hunkered down for the night in 30 mph winds, pouring rain, and thunder. About midnight, the rain and wind seemed to let up, though the thunder was all around us. We emerged from our tents to find fog (we thought) so dense we could see 3 feet in front of us. Then is dawned on us - this wasn't fog - it was the cloud - all around us - and was still raining from that cloud onto the valleys below. For the next 3 hours - we were camping in a cloud. The things you can't plan that happen on trail are glorious and unique. This is why I backpack.
So true!! Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Sounds like that was really amazing 🤩
Great video! Enjoyed your perspective on the "pole incident" since I'd already heard it from this side. 😂😂😂
Thanks! Um…yeah, there are many “pole incidents” 😂😂
What does your warm weather sleep gear consist of
Good question! A 40F quilt, silk/cotton liner, inflatable sleeping pad and a compressible pillow. I’ll usually start the night with the liner alone and then pull the quilt over me if I feel a chill.
I really enjoyed hearing your perspective on hiking and I suspect many other hikers can relate to everything you said. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.
You are so welcome! Thanks for all your support. I really appreciate it 😃
Agree 100%
What park did you encounter these bears?
The first encounter was near Sam’s Knob and Black Balsam Knob and the second was near Shining Rock Mountain in Shining Rock Wilderness. These areas are inside Pisgah National Forest, NC.
Excellent post. IMHO the bulk of a bear can is the only real drawback. Your advice about using the can to pack other items as one's food supply dwindles through the trip is brilliant and becomes a feature instead of a drawback. Would like to add a thought - once you pack non-food items in your can never re-pack these items outside of the can. These items will become saturated with food scent. Additionally pack your food trash in a scent-free bag before packing in the can so you don't possibly contaminate fresh food. The can starts out as a bulky drag but becomes more useful as the days pass. Thanks again for this great post!
Great points! It’s definitely important to be hyper-aware of items that carry a scent and to handle them carefully. It’s so easy to forget and contaminate all of your gear. Thanks so much for sharing! 😄
That was another great trip! Appreciated the umbrella lunch conversation. 😂 Looking forward to more adventures soon.
Yes, it was! Glad we could get out there again. Thanks for all your help with the video 😎
What beautiful scenery! I hike vicariously through you I DONT need a knee sleeve 😁
Glad you enjoyed the views! Knee is feeling better, thanks 😂
Entirely validating and thanks for the storm pitch, that confirms what I thought.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent advice. Thank you!
Absolutely! Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for sharing. I’ve lived in Texas all my life, never really thought of bears. Not until my parents bought land in the mountains of Colorado. We go up there to camp every yr. Thats when I had to think of bears. I didn’t know anything. This is helpful.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. It’s amazing how the bear population has really grown. 😮
That was one sleepy mouse later that night…
😂
View last year’s hike in the Roan Highlands here 👉 ruclips.net/video/c_ILYXM-OOc/видео.html
I like the added Mike parts. It add a lot to your videos👌🏻 keep the videos coming 💕
Thanks! Mike always adds something special 😂
@@jfowler I think he’d call it humor 😉
@@jfowlerI am not sure how I feel about that comment 😂
bears not only associate hanging bags with food, they also associate those big white square things in kitchens with holding food...speaking from experience in my cottage country...
It amazes me how intelligent they are! 😮
Loved the musical editing !
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 😄
Beautiful trip! Definitely was hard going up Cold Mountain, but it was worth it! Looking forward to our next adventure!
Yes it was! Me too! See you Thursday at 7:30AM 😎
Best one so far…and that’s saying a LOT!
Thanks so, so much! And it means a lot coming from you 🥲
Stunning views and the editing of the video is awesome!
Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed it 😄
Gorgeous views! Beautifully edited !
Thank you very much!
Appears to have been a nice adventure. What’s the brand of that Sun hoodie you’re sportin’
Thanks! It was a great trip. The hoodie is made by Free Fly. It’s their Shade Hoodie made from bamboo viscose. It’s really comfortable and provides a lot of sun protection. We’ll see how well it holds up. Already see a little pilling where my sternum strap rubs, but not too bad. 😎
Here is another trip to Cold Mountain we did three years earlier 👉 ruclips.net/video/HcibHV1ghcA/видео.html
Some of the smellies such as sun screen, soap and lip balm that I have been using on my body, how does that not attract bears at night?
You’re probably right. No doubt those could make them curious. I would hope that some of the other “human” smells would serve as a deterrent. Always good to be careful with any scented products, though.
Great video, made me laugh as I was that guy 20 years ago with the gigantic rucksack full up with gear I never needed or used. It took an epic fail and an injury to make me re-think my approach to long range hiking. The first thing I did was to get a smaller pack which makes you be more ruthless about the choices you make. The game changer for me was purchasing a dehydration machine and a vacuum sealer. Now I create my own meals to take. Even a vacuum sealer on its own is great because you can take food from the bulky packaging and seal it into smaller and lighter bags which means you can take a little more food. The biggest pack I have now is a 48litre.
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. That’s a smart way to force yourself to pack less-use a smaller pack 😄 I like your food strategy. It has the added advantage of allowing you to choose from a wide range of healthy food options. I find that commercially prepared meals often contain ingredients that I prefer not to eat, or just way too much salt. Thanks for the tips!
Use a waterproof liner and then put your pack cover on when you have a storm. Can't get on in time OK but plan on both. don't have a soaked everything not in waterproof bags that will get really nasty and maybe moldy if can't thoroughly dry them in time.
Thanks for the tips! Having both would especially be good if backpacking the PNW and other damp and rainy areas. 👍
The beauty of Hump Mountain is that no matter which direction you come from, you have to work to earn that gorgeous view.
For sure! And it is indeed gorgeous up there 🤩
One of the best hiking videos I’ve seen. For those who are unable to hike-like myself-it offers a rare glimpse of some of the friends and foes you might run across in the wild. A great video with wonderful editing! Beautiful sights and sounds of nature.
Wow, thanks! So glad you enjoyed it!
Gorgeous sights! I’m so glad you saw the ponys. I loved the music and editing. Great video !
I loved the video!
Excellent video for campers!
Promoting a product without turning your video into an advertisement for a specific manufacturer. The wellbeing of the wildlife and your fellow hikers seems to be your motivation. Well done, Sir!
Thanks so much! It sounds like you are concerned about the safety of fellow hikers and wildlife as well. I really appreciate it when people like yourself are responsible and conscientious when enjoying the outdoors. Stay safe out there ☺️
Very valuable advice for every level of campers. Well done!
Nice
I carry 14 stakes even though it really only requires 4. 6 Zpacks Super Sonics like you have in the video, which go on each corner and the doors and are always used. And then 8 Titanium shepherd hooks, which I normally use for my groundsheet and door mat, but in a storm I use for the two peak guy outs, one on each flap, and two on the broad sides.
Thanks for the tips. You’re well prepared! Carrying extra stakes is a totally worthwhile weight penalty for the benefits they provide. Carrying a little extra tent cord is a great idea, too. It comes in handy when it’s impossible to drive a stake in the ground and using a rock or another heavy object is the only way to secure a corner or guyline.
I've never encountered bears at a Hilton.
It wasn’t a Hilton, but this past October a bear broke into the kitchen of the St. Regis Aspen Resort in Colorado and attacked a security guard.
Hanging bear bags is difficult. It's hard to find a tree branch that has the right distances from the trunk and the ground.
So true!
Definitely concur. Nearly all of my backpacking is in bear country so canisters are an automatic for any trip. The weight is the biggest dislike - I can make due with the size.
Based on your username it sounds like you might be in the southeast, too. Yeah, I agree. It’s the weight, but that’s a small sacrifice compared to the safety and convenience. Stay safe out there 😄