Great video, at my age (over 60) I just "hike my own hike". If I want to stop after 20 minutes and take flora photos, or just sit on my butt, I do. I hike for enjoyment, not to impress. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season, maybe you'll get another Sierra Design tent.
Exactly like me. Because of that I do solo hikes like 99% of the time. And I'm loving it. Not many people (who don't hike) understand this, but fortunately my partner supports me, taking care of everything at home while I'm away in the wild :)
You covered a lot of good points about backpacking. I believe the major requirement is enjoying being outside. Basically John Doe siting in a recliner and watching his screen watches a video of a backpacker. It's all blue skies and Roses , blue birds singing in the background and his pack just floats along on his back. He thinks , he can do that , so can I. He gets all the gear ( without any planning ) and starts on a 2 week hike. Then he finds that the pack is actually a stone on his back , Buzzards replaced the blue Birds and clear skies became dark and stormy. Nothing like he expected and not what he thought it was like. He finds out the Roses have some thorns he did not know about. I always expect ( plan for ) the worst and accept ( enjoy ) the good when it's there. I know it will rain on me , it always does. Without the bad there is never any good , they complement each other.
@@jeremymolnar2114... Subscribed to Adventure Archives , thanks for the tip. As I said I know it will rain on me. A 12 day Everglades canoe trip with a buddy , each in our own canoes. It rained 11 and 1/2 of those days. This was in the 1st part of June and everyday of the rain was enjoyed and welcome. Yes , we were wet , the gear was wet , everything was wet and we never put on the raincoats. It was still raining on us as we loaded the canoes on the vehicles at Everglades City. Had a Blast on that trip.
Great response!! As a backpacker, you have to be willing to endure a certain level of discomfort. Each person has to decide for themselves where that threshold lies. That's when the real fun begins!!
I definitely think it's possible to go backpacking and have it be all rainbows and sunshine. You definitely can't go on a long distance adventure, and you'll miss out on the highs that come with the lows, but if you plan to go out for a few days during good summer weather, I don't see why there has to be a lot of thorns. I travel a lot, it's my passion. When I was in Japan I went to small towns, got a bit lost, and spent hours on trains. It wasn't luxury travel, but I would never say you have to travel like me to have a good experience. If you want to fly into Paris, share a cab to your hotel, see the sites, takes a cab back to the airport and go home, that can be a great vacation too. I think it's like what he said, you have to manage expectations, and not push people past what they're ready for or want just because you enjoy it. I guess if it's so extreme that the person hates dirt and bugs, sure, but I don't think that person is even trying to backpack.
Many good thoughts here and thanks for trudging through post-holing to make it! I think one of the most difficult aspects of hiking that is equally difficult to convey is the mental discipline to just keep moving, step by step, when you're miserable and everything hurts. And still finding joy in those moments, by being present and noticing the beauty surrounding you even then.
I am an avid day hiker but have yet to overnight, except for car camping. I love the experience of the different seasons out on the trail; rain, sun, wind, snow, ice , whatever. It is all part of being out in nature. Being prepared is the key.
I love videos like this! I have actually been planning a similar video for 2020 😅 I think it gives people a much more realistic view of backpacking. It is so much easier to share only the good side of backpacking or hiking, but that does then make it seem like there is ONLY a good side, which just isn't true. Thanks for this!
This is part of why I've posted some of my bad trips to YT as well as my great ones. If I want to inspire people to get on trail, I want them to see the bad days too so they can prepare.
Either you want to be out there or you don't. I love that simple, vivid living in awesome places. It motivates me to be prepared, to think ahead and to then enjoy the whole thing. There is a thrill I reckon in being safe, comfortable and happy without modern houses etc. I reckon it helps balance out how modern life is so easy, protected and predictable. So many commas lol.
Let the new person be involved in the day to day decision making on how much you want to travel, where the stops are going to happen and so. When people feel like they have some sort of control over what is happening their tolerance for suffering will increase (how much will depend upon the individual). Comfort and feeling involved and or in control is so vital to keep people motivated.
I really like what you said about making sure not to push others in your group too hard. When you focus on making sure the others are having a good time, they're way more likely to do it again. Something all hikers want, since it can be a big commitment for a lot of people. Great video as always dude.
Excellent points as always. Particularly the point about the little comfort items that are key to having a positive first experience in nature. Excellent video. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Number one issue in my book. You must sleep very well and warm. Otherwise camping is miserable. Second rule: go with someone who knows what they are doing and has plenty of experience. Basically, a personal guide. I have a high end buddy pac built out with all new state of the art gear, inventory list and recommendations. Result? No complaints.
Devin, great tips to help newcomers enjoy the activity. Last weekend in Bryce canyon I saw a guy with his comfort item, a caveman hand puppet. Funny to see but cool too. By the way, it was nice meeting you at the Highline premier. Maybe we will meet on the trail sometime. Have a good day.
Backpacking is an endurance training sport and you sleep at night in a tent or hammock ... and get up and do it again ...but you are in nature ..but also the elements !
Hiking, and particularly backpacking is a physical activity that not everybody enjoys. I would never invite someone Along on a backpacking trip unless they knew full well what they were going to be getting into. They would have to understand all the ins and outs, what the physical demands are, how the food and water situation works out, and how we would be sleeping. They would have to know upfront it is not like car camping. The last thing I would want is to get someone miles out into the forest only to realize that they are miserable, and or are not physically able to continue. That would be really bad for them, and horrible for me. I talked it up a lot too most all of my friends and family. Very few people ever show any interest in doing it with me. When someone does, I continue to talk with him about it to see if it's something they really want to do, or are they really just wanting a two hour Day hike. Personally I prefer solo hiking and backpacking. But if I go with someone it is because they understand all the ins and outs.
Having the right hiking buddy is so important when hiking. I'm blessed to have the best one. We work on each other's weaknesses and build one our strengths. Thank you again for great videos.
Help the first time back packer get into condition with some shorter day hikes wearing the pack increasing the weight incrementally. Keep the first time out in the wilds short---just a few days somewhere really beautiful with lots of non hiking time interwoven Give them guidance on what to take and what to leave, how to dress. My first real backpack was with a group of well experienced folk yet it was the trip from hell for me. They knew this was my first trip yet never corrected me or gave any guidance in what to bring. When I blacked out on the steep trail down to the creek side lunch spot (from low blood sugar and dehydration after not having access to food or drink for 7 hours while we searched in the heat for access to the trail head) they were going to leave me alone at the creek while they went on not knowing if I was ill, had heat exhaustion or what. However, I had recovered with water , food and the cool creek so I went on with them suffering the effects of wrong clothing, a too heavy pack, unnecessary gear and annoyed and cranky companions. Fortunately it was only for 3 days and the wilderness area, visited infrequently, stunningly beautiful made it worth while. I subsequently found a kind mentor and my next real back pack was solo 80 miles in the Grand Canyon. But that first trip could have really soured me on the whole business. I'm so glad it didn't.
Preach bro!! Preach that truth! Love the journey and it’s struggles. I sometimes think the struggles are part of the fun as long as the right Kit is there. Also stopper enjoy the natural comedy and you bring you on your videos. Merry Christmas brother!
Excellent advice. Go with realistic expectations. Have proper equipment for you to be safe and happy. Learn from others recommendations but choose wisely for you. Start easy work your way till you can't wait to have a challenge or two. I teach others how to adventure as well. Everyone is different. Damaged vertebrae and or other joints? I speak from experience, and I have the x-rays to prove them. You'll want to go as light as is REASONABLE. Sleep colder than others (Reduced circulation from diabetes or other health factors), don't let others tell you you're bringing too much. I live in Hawaii bought a 15 degree quilt for Christmas this year and have camped in thermals in the past. Of course I still dream of trekking where it snows (hint to the scouts I work with :-).
Great tips Devin. I took one guy backpacking on his first trip and he said “I never knew there was so much work in backpacking “ 😂😂😂. I took him car camping the next time 😂😂😂
Great video Devin! A week since the backcountry rangers have been in an area would be super recent in my experience! Seems like whenever I call the ranger offices with questions, they get out an old paper map and look off that to answer questions (I could do that myself). I DO need to lose weight in my pack, but not sure where to start. One thing that helped me SO much for the enjoyment of carrying my pack is to get strong. In the offseason, (and on season) I lift heavy weights. Squats, Deadlift, Bench, and Deadlifts. Once the snow melts, I load up my backpack with a few gallons of water for day hikes. If I wimp out, I can dump the water, or drink it. I agree with NOT pushing people too hard. It makes it so they don't have a good experience. I think a good opener hike to backpacking is to hike 2-5 miles at the most. And not super steep stuff either. Point out the simple things along the trail, and at camp. Morning dew on leaves is so cool. Look for animal tracks, peaks, saddles, landmarks. So much to appreciate when out in nature. It connects me to deity! Keep up the great work Devin! I am really digging your podcast too! Good content, and valuable info to boot. Hope you have a great Christmas season. Stay healthy, and enjoy time with your loved ones!
I made the mistake of overestimating someone's capability - we're both over 60, I hike a lot, and he ran a lot. He totally underestimated the effort it takes to hike the Long Trail and I totally overestimated what was reasonable to expect of him. Result: "I'm not cut out for this. I'll guess I'll stick to running." I feel bad because my misjudgment pretty much cut hiking off from this person's life, right on the first trip.
All very true. I would add "food" as a major item. My wife can not eat any of the bagged meals. No matter what we tried, calorie intake was a major problem. Find food options that make you happy on the trail.
@@CoolBreeze640 Doesn't like them. "Hate" might be a better word. We only found 'chili mac' from Mountain House; she enjoys that, but we're not eating chili mac every time we hike. Happy Trails CB640!
Hello my Outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this very informative video. You brought out some key points to being comfortable in the back country. All the best to you and your family. Remember, if the wife is happy, life is happy. 🤗
It's not a sport for everyone. Few are more challenging and then more rewarding. Get good instruction and good gear first, then if you're tough enough, have a blast.
Backpacking is a fine and pleasant misery. You either like it or you don't. If you like it nothing will stop you. It's not for everybody, but I like it.
Loved your video and your comments of wisdom I concur telling my kids it was only 1.5 km to camp when it was closer to 4 may have been a mistake. But they want to go again so maybe not!
Cache MACS thanks! The trip with my wife referenced in this video was 6-7 years ago. Fortunately Kings Peak last year was her big hiking goal for 2019 and she crushed it. Learned a new respect for backpacking.
Me and my girlfriends say it is like “child birth” ! Once you get done you forget all the bad and only think about the GREAT . We always grip but start planning the next one as soon as we finish!!
As a retired U.S. Marine, let's just say 'I hiked more in my life, than most wanna-be amateurs will ever walk in theirs'...but saying that, I tried hiking (amateur-type) after I got out of the Corps...and disliked it about as much as 'road marches'...but I realized quickly why I did, too. Hiking is like driving your grandma's car. You just don't do that to be doing it. It's not natural. It has no purpose, and to anyone not also 'driving granny's car around', yes you look about as ineptly stupid as you feel to them. Now, borrow granny's car to go to work, or go to school, or go shopping...and now, there's a reason you had to borrow her car. Now, you have a defense and a purpose in doing it. So, if I am hiking for a week to get to and from a remote hunting cabin...no problem. THERE is purpose. If I am hiking in somewhere for a couple of days to reach a remote lake for record fishing. Ok, gotchya. Makes sense. BUT...there is NO WAY IN HELL I am going to hike for 2 days on a circle or straight route, just to say that I WALKED FROM MAINE TO GEORGIA! We have cars, trains, buses, motorcycles and airplanes that SHORTEN the route and don't leave me with ticks, disease, aches and pains, not to mention the ever-looming threat of a new Jeffrey Dahmer deciding that MY TENT looks like the guy he should end-life on while sleeping! To any who say, 'but it's nature and it's good for you'...I offer up that if it weren't for the sake of 'new toys and gear', and I handed you a pack of matches, a pocketknife and a tarp, would you still be so eager to go out there 'for nature'? Nope...you wouldn't. In reality, for most, it's about the toys and the voyeurism...when in reality, it should be about the way to GET TO THE DESTINATION!
@@BackcountryExposure Mostly because I cannot do it. I wake up 1000 times per night and it is a waiting game till one time I wake up to a lighter sky and it is the sun, not the moon causing the light. But I still love it.
I kept hearing a squeaking sound and that’s when the guy came down on his bike. It’s kind of a random spot off trail where I go, but a bike trail cuts through there.
Who cares if more and more people hate backpacking? In the last decade, I have witnessed an influx of shitty, ignorant people hitting the trails, of epic proportions, because social media and outdoor gear companies made hiking and backpacking out to be this glorious fantasy world. It’s time for the pendulum to swing back. If you’re a hardcore, respectful, responsible backpacker, tell horror stories of trail life to discourage the wanna-be from venturing out and destroying the pristine beauty of the back country.
Great video, at my age (over 60) I just "hike my own hike". If I want to stop after 20 minutes and take flora photos, or just sit on my butt, I do. I hike for enjoyment, not to impress. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season, maybe you'll get another Sierra Design tent.
Great response!!
Thank you! Well said. Ha ha ha, I actually do have another one coming. 😬😁 gotta feed the addic.. I mean collection.
Exactly like me. Because of that I do solo hikes like 99% of the time. And I'm loving it. Not many people (who don't hike) understand this, but fortunately my partner supports me, taking care of everything at home while I'm away in the wild :)
You covered a lot of good points about backpacking. I believe the major requirement is enjoying being outside. Basically John Doe siting in a recliner and watching his screen watches a video of a backpacker. It's all blue skies and Roses , blue birds singing in the background and his pack just floats along on his back. He thinks , he can do that , so can I. He gets all the gear ( without any planning ) and starts on a 2 week hike. Then he finds that the pack is actually a stone on his back , Buzzards replaced the blue Birds and clear skies became dark and stormy. Nothing like he expected and not what he thought it was like. He finds out the Roses have some thorns he did not know about. I always expect ( plan for ) the worst and accept ( enjoy ) the good when it's there. I know it will rain on me , it always does. Without the bad there is never any good , they complement each other.
Watch Adventure Archives. Honestly if they don't get rained on I don't know if you can call it a true AA trip.
Well said!
@@jeremymolnar2114... Subscribed to Adventure Archives , thanks for the tip. As I said I know it will rain on me. A 12 day Everglades canoe trip with a buddy , each in our own canoes. It rained 11 and 1/2 of those days. This was in the 1st part of June and everyday of the rain was enjoyed and welcome. Yes , we were wet , the gear was wet , everything was wet and we never put on the raincoats. It was still raining on us as we loaded the canoes on the vehicles at Everglades City. Had a Blast on that trip.
Great response!! As a backpacker, you have to be willing to endure a certain level of discomfort. Each person has to decide for themselves where that threshold lies. That's when the real fun begins!!
I definitely think it's possible to go backpacking and have it be all rainbows and sunshine. You definitely can't go on a long distance adventure, and you'll miss out on the highs that come with the lows, but if you plan to go out for a few days during good summer weather, I don't see why there has to be a lot of thorns.
I travel a lot, it's my passion. When I was in Japan I went to small towns, got a bit lost, and spent hours on trains. It wasn't luxury travel, but I would never say you have to travel like me to have a good experience. If you want to fly into Paris, share a cab to your hotel, see the sites, takes a cab back to the airport and go home, that can be a great vacation too.
I think it's like what he said, you have to manage expectations, and not push people past what they're ready for or want just because you enjoy it. I guess if it's so extreme that the person hates dirt and bugs, sure, but I don't think that person is even trying to backpack.
Many good thoughts here and thanks for trudging through post-holing to make it! I think one of the most difficult aspects of hiking that is equally difficult to convey is the mental discipline to just keep moving, step by step, when you're miserable and everything hurts. And still finding joy in those moments, by being present and noticing the beauty surrounding you even then.
ShastaBubba Adventures the definition of type 2 fun!
I am an avid day hiker but have yet to overnight, except for car camping. I love the experience of the different seasons out on the trail; rain, sun, wind, snow, ice , whatever. It is all part of being out in nature. Being prepared is the key.
Bob G all of it adds to the experience! 👊🏻
I love videos like this! I have actually been planning a similar video for 2020 😅 I think it gives people a much more realistic view of backpacking. It is so much easier to share only the good side of backpacking or hiking, but that does then make it seem like there is ONLY a good side, which just isn't true. Thanks for this!
Roughing It With Ruth thank you!
This is part of why I've posted some of my bad trips to YT as well as my great ones. If I want to inspire people to get on trail, I want them to see the bad days too so they can prepare.
Goatlord Hiking can’t always be rainbows and butterflies. Ha ha. But it really is important.
Either you want to be out there or you don't. I love that simple, vivid living in awesome places. It motivates me to be prepared, to think ahead and to then enjoy the whole thing. There is a thrill I reckon in being safe, comfortable and happy without modern houses etc. I reckon it helps balance out how modern life is so easy, protected and predictable. So many commas lol.
Let the new person be involved in the day to day decision making on how much you want to travel, where the stops are going to happen and so. When people feel like they have some sort of control over what is happening their tolerance for suffering will increase (how much will depend upon the individual). Comfort and feeling involved and or in control is so vital to keep people motivated.
I really like what you said about making sure not to push others in your group too hard. When you focus on making sure the others are having a good time, they're way more likely to do it again. Something all hikers want, since it can be a big commitment for a lot of people. Great video as always dude.
Excellent points as always. Particularly the point about the little comfort items that are key to having a positive first experience in nature. Excellent video. Thank you for sharing this with us.
madhacker7 thank you!
Number one issue in my book. You must sleep very well and warm. Otherwise camping is miserable. Second rule: go with someone who knows what they are doing and has plenty of experience. Basically, a personal guide. I have a high end buddy pac built out with all new state of the art gear, inventory list and recommendations. Result? No complaints.
Devin, great tips to help newcomers enjoy the activity. Last weekend in Bryce canyon I saw a guy with his comfort item, a caveman hand puppet. Funny to see but cool too. By the way, it was nice meeting you at the Highline premier. Maybe we will meet on the trail sometime. Have a good day.
Backpacking is an endurance training sport and you sleep at night in a tent or hammock ... and get up and do it again ...but you are in nature ..but also the elements !
Hiking, and particularly backpacking is a physical activity that not everybody enjoys. I would never invite someone Along on a backpacking trip unless they knew full well what they were going to be getting into. They would have to understand all the ins and outs, what the physical demands are, how the food and water situation works out, and how we would be sleeping. They would have to know upfront it is not like car camping. The last thing I would want is to get someone miles out into the forest only to realize that they are miserable, and or are not physically able to continue. That would be really bad for them, and horrible for me.
I talked it up a lot too most all of my friends and family. Very few people ever show any interest in doing it with me. When someone does, I continue to talk with him about it to see if it's something they really want to do, or are they really just wanting a two hour Day hike.
Personally I prefer solo hiking and backpacking. But if I go with someone it is because they understand all the ins and outs.
Having the right hiking buddy is so important when hiking. I'm blessed to have the best one. We work on each other's weaknesses and build one our strengths. Thank you again for great videos.
Frankie Ren that’s awesome!
Help the first time back packer get into condition with some shorter day hikes wearing the pack increasing the weight incrementally. Keep the first time out in the wilds short---just a few days somewhere really beautiful with lots of non hiking time interwoven Give them guidance on what to take and what to leave, how to dress. My first real backpack was with a group of well experienced folk yet it was the trip from hell for me. They knew this was my first trip yet never corrected me or gave any guidance in what to bring. When I blacked out on the steep trail down to the creek side lunch spot (from low blood sugar and dehydration after not having access to food or drink for 7 hours while we searched in the heat for access to the trail head) they were going to leave me alone at the creek while they went on not knowing if I was ill, had heat exhaustion or what. However, I had recovered with water , food and the cool creek so I went on with them suffering the effects of wrong clothing, a too heavy pack, unnecessary gear and annoyed and cranky companions. Fortunately it was only for 3 days and the wilderness area, visited infrequently, stunningly beautiful made it worth while. I subsequently found a kind mentor and my next real back pack was solo 80 miles in the Grand Canyon. But that first trip could have really soured me on the whole business. I'm so glad it didn't.
That one part of your video with your wife reminded me of the area near Kamas Lake, UT that I backpacked in October.
Preach bro!! Preach that truth! Love the journey and it’s struggles. I sometimes think the struggles are part of the fun as long as the right Kit is there. Also stopper enjoy the natural comedy and you bring you on your videos. Merry Christmas brother!
Green Wooded Outdoors thank you! 🤜🏼🤛🏼 Merry Christmas!
Excellent advice. Go with realistic expectations. Have proper equipment for you to be safe and happy. Learn from others recommendations but choose wisely for you. Start easy work your way till you can't wait to have a challenge or two. I teach others how to adventure as well. Everyone is different. Damaged vertebrae and or other joints? I speak from experience, and I have the x-rays to prove them. You'll want to go as light as is REASONABLE. Sleep colder than others (Reduced circulation from diabetes or other health factors), don't let others tell you you're bringing too much. I live in Hawaii bought a 15 degree quilt for Christmas this year and have camped in thermals in the past. Of course I still dream of trekking where it snows (hint to the scouts I work with :-).
theslowwalker we all come from different experiences. Love this comment!
Great tips Devin. I took one guy backpacking on his first trip and he said “I never knew there was so much work in backpacking “ 😂😂😂. I took him car camping the next time 😂😂😂
Backpacking With Jason ha ha that’s awesome
Great video Devin! This is a great video for anyone who is thinking on going backpacking going to share this one for sure thanks man.
PNW Adventures And gear reviews thank you!
Great video Devin! A week since the backcountry rangers have been in an area would be super recent in my experience! Seems like whenever I call the ranger offices with questions, they get out an old paper map and look off that to answer questions (I could do that myself). I DO need to lose weight in my pack, but not sure where to start.
One thing that helped me SO much for the enjoyment of carrying my pack is to get strong. In the offseason, (and on season) I lift heavy weights. Squats, Deadlift, Bench, and Deadlifts. Once the snow melts, I load up my backpack with a few gallons of water for day hikes. If I wimp out, I can dump the water, or drink it.
I agree with NOT pushing people too hard. It makes it so they don't have a good experience. I think a good opener hike to backpacking is to hike 2-5 miles at the most. And not super steep stuff either. Point out the simple things along the trail, and at camp. Morning dew on leaves is so cool. Look for animal tracks, peaks, saddles, landmarks. So much to appreciate when out in nature. It connects me to deity!
Keep up the great work Devin! I am really digging your podcast too! Good content, and valuable info to boot.
Hope you have a great Christmas season. Stay healthy, and enjoy time with your loved ones!
Hunky MrB thank you for all the support! Incredibly appreciated. I need to be better about staying more active and taking better care of my body too.
Great advice, thanks. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
I made the mistake of overestimating someone's capability - we're both over 60, I hike a lot, and he ran a lot. He totally underestimated the effort it takes to hike the Long Trail and I totally overestimated what was reasonable to expect of him. Result: "I'm not cut out for this. I'll guess I'll stick to running." I feel bad because my misjudgment pretty much cut hiking off from this person's life, right on the first trip.
All very true. I would add "food" as a major item. My wife can not eat any of the bagged meals. No matter what we tried, calorie intake was a major problem. Find food options that make you happy on the trail.
Why can't she eat them?
@@CoolBreeze640 Doesn't like them. "Hate" might be a better word. We only found 'chili mac' from Mountain House; she enjoys that, but we're not eating chili mac every time we hike. Happy Trails CB640!
Hello my Outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this very informative video. You brought out some key points to being comfortable in the back country.
All the best to you and your family. Remember, if the wife is happy, life is happy. 🤗
Ronald Rose thank you! 👊🏻
It's not a sport for everyone. Few are more challenging and then more rewarding. Get good instruction and good gear first, then if you're tough enough, have a blast.
Backpacking is a fine and pleasant misery. You either like it or you don't. If you like it nothing will stop you. It's not for everybody, but I like it.
Loved your video and your comments of wisdom I concur telling my kids it was only 1.5 km to camp when it was closer to 4 may have been a mistake. But they want to go again so maybe not!
Enjoyed the video. The trail with your wife looked like King's Peak, I could understand it being a little to much. Lol
Cache MACS thanks! The trip with my wife referenced in this video was 6-7 years ago. Fortunately Kings Peak last year was her big hiking goal for 2019 and she crushed it. Learned a new respect for backpacking.
Devin, why in the hell do you listen to Dan Becker? He’s the only one I know that loves suffering.
Perry Kerr 🤔🤔🤔 am I missing something in your comment?
Backcountry Exposure , no, just being sarcastic. I love Dan, he always seems to be miserable but makes it seem like fun.
Great video
Hey looks like there is finally snow in Utah, when I get back ill be able to snowshoe white pine trail.
You covered this topic good!
Me and my girlfriends say it is like “child birth” ! Once you get done you forget all the bad and only think about the GREAT . We always grip but start planning the next one as soon as we finish!!
Ok, what is the right gear?
It's a crap ton of work haha. So worth it though.
As a retired U.S. Marine, let's just say 'I hiked more in my life, than most wanna-be amateurs will ever walk in theirs'...but saying that, I tried hiking (amateur-type) after I got out of the Corps...and disliked it about as much as 'road marches'...but I realized quickly why I did, too. Hiking is like driving your grandma's car. You just don't do that to be doing it. It's not natural. It has no purpose, and to anyone not also 'driving granny's car around', yes you look about as ineptly stupid as you feel to them. Now, borrow granny's car to go to work, or go to school, or go shopping...and now, there's a reason you had to borrow her car. Now, you have a defense and a purpose in doing it.
So, if I am hiking for a week to get to and from a remote hunting cabin...no problem. THERE is purpose. If I am hiking in somewhere for a couple of days to reach a remote lake for record fishing. Ok, gotchya. Makes sense. BUT...there is NO WAY IN HELL I am going to hike for 2 days on a circle or straight route, just to say that I WALKED FROM MAINE TO GEORGIA! We have cars, trains, buses, motorcycles and airplanes that SHORTEN the route and don't leave me with ticks, disease, aches and pains, not to mention the ever-looming threat of a new Jeffrey Dahmer deciding that MY TENT looks like the guy he should end-life on while sleeping! To any who say, 'but it's nature and it's good for you'...I offer up that if it weren't for the sake of 'new toys and gear', and I handed you a pack of matches, a pocketknife and a tarp, would you still be so eager to go out there 'for nature'? Nope...you wouldn't. In reality, for most, it's about the toys and the voyeurism...when in reality, it should be about the way to GET TO THE DESTINATION!
I love Backpacking...I just HATE sleeping in the backcountry.
SpaklesDr any particular reason?
@@BackcountryExposure Mostly because I cannot do it. I wake up 1000 times per night and it is a waiting game till one time I wake up to a lighter sky and it is the sun, not the moon causing the light. But I still love it.
@@SpaklesDr Melatonin might help you
Great video and good points... Don't you just hate talking to the camera and someone just shows up....LOL 😳🙄
I kept hearing a squeaking sound and that’s when the guy came down on his bike. It’s kind of a random spot off trail where I go, but a bike trail cuts through there.
👍 👍 👍
Trail Trash Outdoors thanks!
what is this? sesame street?
mr niceguy ?? Too many feel goods?
Who cares if more and more people hate backpacking? In the last decade, I have witnessed an influx of shitty, ignorant people hitting the trails, of epic proportions, because social media and outdoor gear companies made hiking and backpacking out to be this glorious fantasy world.
It’s time for the pendulum to swing back. If you’re a hardcore, respectful, responsible backpacker, tell horror stories of trail life to discourage the wanna-be from venturing out and destroying the pristine beauty of the back country.
Long winded.
Mark Cummings 🤷🏼♂️