"For Ohio, this was a backpacking Oasis"......Amen! Only another midwesterner can understand and appreciate this, kinda like you guys talked about in episode 1. Fields and woods , while beautiful, leave us longing for more diverse landscapes! Great job fellas, your videos are not so much how to hike like a lot of the other outdoor videos on here, but touch more on why we hike.
For sure! The woods sort of feel like home, but sometimes we want to get away from home. It's cool to see other midwesterners who understand that. Thanks so much! Glad you liked it! --Andrew
Tôi rất thích các chàng trai trẻ cùng sở thích khám phá thiên nhiên, nhìn các bạn cùng ăn, cùng ngủ rất thân tình. Mong rằng các bạn vẫn giữ niềm vui chung như thế mãi. Nhìn các bạn tôi nhớ thời trẻ của mình lắm cũng thích đi vào rừng nhưng điều kiện của tôi thời xưa thiếu thốn và bệnh sốt rét vì là rừng rậm nhiệt đới nên vất vả hơn nhiều. Chúc các bạn thỏa đam mê và cho nhiều clip mới, tôi xem không bỏ clip nào. Nhưng khi các bạn đi riêng lẻ tôi không còn hào hứng để xem và cũng hơi buồn. Thanks các chàng trai. I love you !
Wow cotton blue jeans! I bet you didn't wear those a whole lot longer on the trail, well I know you didn't because I've watched your video since then... Just going back through your old videos and watching them all.
I decided to go back and rewatch all the full episodes. I really hope you do a 10 year gear review, both backpacking and camera equipment :) Thank you for existing!
That is so awesome how y'all pick up other peoples trash. Sad y'all have to pick it up, but very thankful y'all feel so passionate enough about nature to always take care of it!
+Ginnie Potts Thanks so much! Yeah, it always sucks finding a firepit with a bunch of beer cans and bottles or whatever else left in it, but ah well! Thanks so much for watching :) Cheers! -Andrew
I watch you guys all the time by pointing out all the stuff is so fanastic your knowledge is amazing I love that stuff there is so much to see and realize what’s out on your walks
Hey guys, there's only a few channels for whom I will let the ads run all the way through...yours is one of them... this is the third full length hike I've watched and I have to tell you how much I enjoyed them all... I've been dealing with some health issues but am hoping to have a pack strapped to my back next summer and be hiking and camping somewhere on Bear mountain in new York...I have your inspiration to motivate me, and I thank you for that...
jelloman42 Man, thanks so much for that. What a compliment! Really glad you like the videos. Looks like a beautiful place. I hope you get to get out there, and get better soon! --Andrew
I’ve been a fan for a few months now and you can tell this is one of your older videos. The overall production quality of your show has improved a lot.
hello. I'm from central Ohio, as well. I want to tell you three, Bryan, (I'm not certain, but I think I spotted Bryan at COSI 1-8-17, I think in the planetarium) Andrew, and Robby, that I very much enjoy your videos. Touching areas that I've backpacked through, and areas that I'm planning to go through. At present, I'm watching your Zaleski forest hike, and had a chuckle to know you had gotten sidetracked as well! I've been there several times, and still get sidetracked! The voice over interjections are very descriptive and eloquent. I enjoy how Andrew shares his knowledge of the vegetation, uses and edibles. I basically solo backpack, as well as bikepack (distance bicycle camping), kayak/camping, but also enjoy my greater adventures for my adventure team, where we've hiked the Tetons, Yellowstone, Glacier, Buckeye Trail section from Logan to Burr Oak Lake, and then Baxter State Park/Mt Katadyn in Maine 3 times, and Mt Washington. I would strongly suggest that you three consider Katadyn. I'm 61 years old, and think that what you three are doing are building fantastic memories for yourselves, never to be forgotten, and always desired to be relived and retold. I don't need to tell you three to enjoy life, but I will! Enjoy it, always, and always live it until you can't! yours in the outdoors, Joe Nungesser
Joe, thank you so much! Glad you've gotten something out of the videos. I definitely agree, these are great memories for us that we can look back on. And bikepacking is not something I've heard of before but that sounds really cool. I'm going to have to look that up! -Robby
AdventureArchives it definitely broadens your horizons of adventure. I did a circuit ride of Lake Superior in 13 days. stealth camping along the way. I carried my 17 pounds of gear on my carbon bike. Keep those vids coming.
It is refreshing to see a new generation enjoying nature they way I have. I love your philosophy on life. If you ever want to come to North Central PA and hike the canyon let me know.
D Dean Carroll although they did not camp at a designated campsite. Silly boys that they are, they couldn't even make it to the first campsite only 1.7 miles in. We usually begin our treks at Zaleski around midnight and never have any problems making it to the first campsite. The maps provided by the forest service are more than adequate. So there foes another one of their excuses. They have excuses in all of their videos.
Great video guys! One thing I have really enjoyed when I started backpacking every other weekend is dehydrating everything I can from cooked noodles, vegetables, fruits, meats, starches, and sauces. Cuts the weight and the shelf life is amazing. I like ramen in a pinch but udon noodles are my favorite. Nothing like real food on the trail!
Oh yeah, I really want to do that. I haven't gotten around to buying a dehydrator, but I would love to. We're going winter camping, so I may wait till after that when having nonperishable food becomes important again. I think Robby's mom has one and he on occasion dehydrates beef and stuff. I met some ultralighters in the Smokies once who shared some rehydrated lentil soup and it was incredible. Oh man, why have I not thought to bring udon?? Udon is probably my favorite noodle. --Andrew
Andrew, Udon is the best! The number one best selling dehydrator on amazon is under $50. To get away from typical trail food. I have started hitting Asian and Indian food markets for quality dried foods. For asian meals udon, dried seaweed, miso, dried fish flake, and tofu. Then for Indian instant rice or naan, instant (tandoori, masala, vindaloo)sauce mix, and some packaged protein. Use tofu, chickpeas, lentils, or chicken. Powdered milk and lemon juice can be used as a sub for yogurt. For vegetables I just dehydrate what about to go bad and throw it in the meals for some extra nutrients.
Great video guys. Well being a middle aged man I look back on the things I did with my friends and family, such as hiking and camping. Wile you guys are having fun you are also building memories that will last a lifetime. The world needs more people like you guys. Thanks for sharing you hike.
Tony schillig Thank you so much for the high praise! Do you still do any hiking and camping? And yeah, I think some of my best memories are from camping trips like these. Thanks again for watching. Cheers! --Andrew
Double checking the apparently extinguished fire someone had used on path to make Sure its extinguished great move. Especially since Lightening and terrible fire has ravaged North and West in our USA, this year, 2023.
You know why I know you guys are good film makers? Because I had a big smile on my face when Bryan showed up, like I was looking forward to seeing him! Well, there a other reasons too. Great job…Was that Bear Creek Cheesy Potato soup I saw by the campfire? Love that stuff! Great job guys. ATB…Tim
"I'm a professional Asian" hahaha Andrew you crack me up dude. Love your work, guys. I stumbled on your channel by accident but seem to be addicted. I think the best parts of your vids are when you all are just hanging out, around a fire or taking in scenery, and start talking; there's no b.s. going on, just real talk. I love it.
Haha, thank you so much! Glad you've been enjoying the videos :) Yeah, those are definitely our favorite moments while out camping as well - just sitting by the fire after a long day and relaxing. Thanks for watching! -Andrew
Awesome camera work, really beautiful background music. you guys are sure pro quality. This 74 year old gal ranks your work number one in hiking and backpacking videos. It is so nice to hear articulate and intelligent narration and interesting info. Finally, thank you for a steady camera. Keep up the good work and sharing your adventures.
Louie Wood, Jr Thank you so much! Sorry to hear about your uncle. There must be so many memories and feelings associated with that place for you. Nature is the best place to reflect on life and remember people, I think. Let us how it goes if you head back there. Thank you for watching! -Andrew
haha I can see why, it's pretty tasty. It's got quite a notorious reputation, but I wanted to finally try it for myself. I think I had heard it's pretty popular in Japan too. --Andrew
This is my favorite place to hike. The view you see at 21:30 is by far the best available on the entire trail. If you happen to get the North Loop done some day, there is a plantation long since abandoned that is pretty neat to see. The sign marking it is about all that's left.
Wow, that's really interesting. I also wish we had checked out that huge stone stove thingie. Guess we'll have to go back at some point and check out both. -Robby
If you do, I'd be happy to go with you and pick up some knowledge! A few day's notice would be all I need. Hope that doesn't come off as weird or anything.
This was a joy to watch. Great music, editing, a bit of whimsy, all of it. The friendship the three of you share really comes across in your films. Also, Halo 2.
Haha, I see that you play Battlefield too! We are long time Halo and Battlefield players (well, long time for Halo anyway) Good to see a fellow player! Oh, you might enjoy our Halo videos too actually, here's one: ruclips.net/video/IDgUU7PiMnI/видео.html -Robby
The group I play with got started with Halo 2 and we are still together to this day. We are really looking forward to the Anniversary Halo 2 as well as Destiny. Anyways, I am still looking for pork wool. The last time I was at our Asian market I forgot to ask.
Cool, we are all playing the Destiny beta on PS4 right now. Great, great stuff. We'll all have to play somehow when it comes out. The Halo collection is totally up our alley too, but gonna have to get Xboxes for that one. -Robby
Again very impressed with the quality. Excellent job on the shot framings and the soundtrack.. I also wish I had better plant knowledge. Makes me want to brush up on it Bravo gentlemen. Not many channels can hold my attention for a full 30+ video. I look forward to the next one.
Thanks a lot! I'm really happy to hear you watched the whole thing. If I may shamelessly plug ourselves, here are a couple of videos we made on plant ID, haha. How to Identify Trees in the Winter Identifying Edible and Other Native Wildflowers --Andrew
Wow guys! Great job! I can tell you are all getting into the swing of it now. The music and audio editing was awesome this time around and we actually got to see Bryan and hear his thoughts. Everything looks awesome and I can't wait for more episodes! Keep up the great work! PS: I really can't express how awesome the camera/video editing is in these videos. You guys are very talented. The original music is equally good!
Love Zaleski. In case you're not familiar with it... don't count on water there other than the pumps at the camp sites during summer/fall. Those streams are not year round.
Glen Bland Thanks for watching! Yeah, we filmed that in March when all the snow was melting, and even then the streams were barely flowing. Which I guess is why they have to have the pumps, haha. The water from those pumps taste pretty good, actually. --Andrew
Yeah that water from the pumps is surprisingly good! Although I guess in summer any water tastes good haha. Although I'd have to be near death to pump from that pond before camp D lol.
Your short travel distances are certainly offset by the excellent video quality. Thanks for demonstrating above-and-beyond hiking ethics by picking up other people's crap. You guys are the sh*t!
Nate Buker Yeah! I'm always a little embarassed by our hike distances :p, but it usually takes us twice as long to hike a mile than normal due to the filming we do! Additionally, we sometimes try to end our hikes a little early so we have plenty of light left to film at our campsite. It's a trade off :)~Bryan
Autumn - I can't directly respond to your comment for some reason, but thank you! Robby and I backpacked near the Elkmont campground at campsites 27 and 28. I've also been to campsite 36 in the northeast part of the park, and hiked a pretty big loop along the appalachian trail. Got to see the overlook tower at Mount Cammerer which was absolutely beautiful, and there was an incredible watering hole you could jump into from the cliffs on Big Creek Trail. I also did a solo trip camping at campsite 12, 13, then 12 again (from Forge Creek Road near cade's cove). The bald up there was incredible, and there were wild blueberries. I originally planned on doing a longer trip, but cut it short (I tell a bit of a story about this in episode 2 actually, haha). How about you? Do you live near the park? Cheers! -Andrew
Seems like you guys are close-ish to PA. There is a trail in southwest PA called the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail which runs along the ridge of the Appalachian mountains. It's 70 miles from start to finish and really has some great views and nice overlooks, a few of which are just off the trail in Forbes State Forest, like Beams Rock (on the trail) and Wolf's Rock (about 30 minutes off). It also partially runs along the Youghiogheny River which runs north from WV and MD into Pittsburgh.
+Nick Biss Oh Wow! I've never heard of that trail. I'm also pretty sure the rest of the team hasn't either. We're located in the central Columbus area so that wouldn't be too far of a trip for us. We'll definitely check it out and give you a shout out if we ever end up in that area. Thanks for the suggestion! - Thomas
You guys are awesome! I've been watching your videos since episode 1. It reminds me of being outdoors whenever I can't be. Great tips and outdoors knowledge. The production quality keeps getting better and better. It looks like its made for network tv!
Thanks so much! That is high praise. Also, part of our hope in making these was to make something we would want to watch whenever we were itching to get outdoors but couldn't, so I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it in that way too
Just getting into backpacking and Im from Northwest Ohio. I have 4 boys 16,12,12,3 years old. Id like to backpack and plant the seed in them. Realistically only one or two of the older ones will join me. Looking for advice for overnight trips in and around Ohio. I really don’t want to camp around a lot of others...prefer some seclusion if possible. Any advice? Hope to eventually hear out West too. My wife and I hiked below the rim in Grand Canyon and I was hooked. Thx guys! Such great videos. I watch during my lunch hour to relax before starting to see patients again at 1pm.
Hiking around with a GLASS jar of sauerkraut in your pack? You got guts! Seriously though, awesome videos guys! Thanks so much for sharing your adventures!!!
Enjoyed this video very much although I had to watch it piecemeal over the last two days. Watching that very last scene of you driving away from Zaleski in the car reminded me of the times I have done the same on various campouts and how sometimes once I was back on the road I felt a little disoriented going back into "civilization." I suppose it is something of a testament to the power of nature that can so engulf all your senses that you completely forget about the world you had just left behind for a day or two.
Definitely can be a disorienting feeling going back to civilized living, haha. Yeah, getting into nature is such a great way to purify yourself and just feel refreshed. Cheers!
I'm going up to great smoky mountains national park Saturday with my 5 year old girl. I was looking for videos to showcase the terrain as this is a hiking trip, just for the day. I watched your smoky mountains video and have been watching you guys all day. I sure wish I could do what you guys do. I live in sw Florida and hiking in preserves is a lot of flat wetland and short boardwalk paths through mangrove. thanks so much for doing these videos and please keep it up!
Robby even takes a jar of sauerkraut when backpacking? If anyone reads this comment check out Robby's Daily Vlogs. Very good daily vlogs. He loves his sauerkraut! Thanks guys it's been a long time since I watched this video. Bob
You guy's are going to have to try some of Rob's pickled bologna on a open fire, with the pickle juice as a dipper! lol... Again ya'll making me hungry, lol.. Andrew, love the unisock! Smart using the radio's too. Bryan, I feel ya on having to work thing bud...
+hoobilly 65 I am excited to try it! Hopefully we'll get to soon. Haha, watching other people eat always makes me hungry too. Thanks for the comment! -Andrew
Have been watching your videos and they are great. This is exactly how I'd like to camp and hike. Am going to keep watching till the last vid. Keep it up!
Yew Seng Cheong Thanks much! Really glad you like them. When we first started camping, we were just kind of doing car/tent camping and not backpacking as much. But all of those experiences really helped us learn how.Thanks again for watching all of the videos, haha. It means a lot to us!
Here in Singapore, we don't much opportunity to be in nature. But I'd love to clock more time in nature. And if I do get a chance to, this is how I'd like to do it.
My first trip to Zaleski SF was in 1966, I don't recall the hiking trails, don't think they were there back then. Great hunting spot there and Wayne NF !
Francis Thompson Wow, does it seem like it's changed much besides the trails? We saw some deer while we were in Zaleski actually, but I don't think we got a good shot of them. We're hoping to go do an episode in Wayne NF sometime soon! -Andrew
You guys do such a nice job. Thank you for taking me back to my old stomping grounds in Ohio! While I love my new home in the wild foothills of western Maine, I still have a soft spot in my heart for the ol' buckeye state. If you have any plans of coming up here we would be glad to introduce you to our infamous AT. Thanks again for the wonderful videos!
Scott Dunbar Thanks so much for watching! Oh man, I bet it's beautiful up there - do you get to visit Arcadia NP often? And yeah, I used to have a sorta disdain for Ohio (and I think a lot of people get bored of it who live here, understandably so), but I've definitely grown a soft spot in my heart for it as well. Glad we could let you relive some good times! And yes, we would definitely love to go up to Maine some time and meet up! We'll let you know if we get more solid plans about that - but feel free to shoot us a message too if you'd like to check in. --Andrew
While we have spent some time on the coast, including Acadia, my wife and I have become enthralled with the immense wilderness and thousands of miles of challenging trails here in the western foothills. Please look us up if you have any plans of heading up here. Thanks again for all of your superb videos.
Love what you guys do! And I always think about all the extra miles you put in for filming purposes! Love the knowledge and style that each of you offer a different piece! Solid group of friends with great bonds to nature and each other!
This whole video is just amazing, from both a quality and content perspective. The only thing I can think of which might've been nice to add would have been a mention of the interesting things to see on the Zaleski trail, such as the Indian Burial Mound, or the lost village underneath the lake, just that kinda historical stuff. That being said, I really loved the content, especially explanation of local flora--that was really interesting! I thoroughly enjoyed this, and am looking forward to more! Thanks for putting so much effort into this production.
It really is our pleasure to make these, but thank you! Really glad you enjoyed it. I don't know why we didn't check all those places out. We have to do some more thorough research on the locations so we don't miss things like that in the future. We didn't even film that huge stone furnace thing. Not sure what we were thinking! Anyway thanks for watching and stay tuned :) -Robby
AdventureArchives Just got back from a trip there the other week, and I just wanted to add a comment about the water. I think the main reason why the rangers bring in water at the campsites is to discourage people from drinking the water there, because mining activity has leached heavy metals and sulfuric acid rock drainage into the streams around the area.
0SUMatthew That makes a lot of sense. I guess it's in the Vinton Furnace area where they did lots of mining and metalwork. Good to know - thanks! --Andrew
Zaleski is one of the places we considered hiking last year. May still do that in the future. We ended up hiking in Wayne National Forest instead. I was wondering if you guys had ever hiked there. We ended up getting rained on and had a tree fall very near us. We decided to hike out in the very early hours of the morning. I hope to get in another trip soon. Thanks for sharing your trip at Zaleski. Now I have a better feel for what it is like.
+Jeremy Buchanan Hi Jeremy! We've actually thought about going to Wayne National Forest quite a few times but we haven't found the time yet. It's only a few miles away from where I went to school (Ohio U) but I never made it out there. If you end up going before us, shoot us a message and let us know if you find any good trails! -- Thomas
We did get to hike a few miles at Wayne National Forest, on our trip and slept through part of the night, before the storms forced us out. On the trip was myself 44 at the time, my 18 yr. old son, my brother 39 and his 3 oldest sons (7, 9, and 11) and our dad 65. We did have quite and adventure. I recommend hiking and camping there.
+Jeremy Buchanan Wow, glad the tree didn't fall on anybody Good to know your family is safe. What time of year was that? We were actually just talking recently and thinking of filming a winter camping trip there. -Andrew
This is an amazing video! Thank you so much for making this. I watched the whole thing. I can tell you guys placed a considerable amount of time getting these shots and it really pays off. I also really appreciate the mixture of shot styles included. The dialogue is very fun. I have lived near this area for a couple of years and have visited Zaleski myself. I love to hike but have never backpacked. I am thinking about making Zaleski my first backpacking trip. Watching this video has amped up my excitement.
Just discovered you guys! Working my way through your videos. Man, you guys must carry about 10lbs just in food containers! That jar of 'kraut looked yummy but HEAVY! Great vids so far.
Hahah, definitely a good additional amount of weight with the sauerkraut. So glad you're enjoying the videos, and thank you so much for watching! Cheers :) -Andrew
Really enjoyed this. I plan on backpacking Zaleski sometime this summer. Glad to see you guys enjoying some Spam. It's basically pork shoulder (unless you got the turkey stuff).
Thanks, glad you liked the video! Let us know how your trip goes once you get out there :) And yeah, Spam gets way too bad of a reputation. Cheers! -Andrew
Just got to watching this episode and I loved it! Have you guys ever thought of going a bit farther north in Minnesota? I ask because that is where I live and I would love to see you guys do en episode there! I also really liked the links in the video to what you were talking about and other ideas. I especially liked the "how to" on the uni-sock! overall great job! Can't wait for the next one!
We've definitely thought of that! We're hoping that we'll have more time to go to places further away. I was hoping we could do a canoeing episode sometime, and the Boundary Waters area looked really cool. Do you have any place you'd suggest? Thanks a lot! Glad you liked the how to video too! --Andrew
The BWCA has been my favorite spot to camp so far! The sites could be much more developed than what has been shown on your episodes so far. Either way I would love to see a canoeing episode especially one based so close to home for me!
Thank you for the great video. I hiked there a few times in the late 90s and this is great motivation to go back now that I'm getting back into backpacking. I'm going to watch all your videos when I have the time. Since you were there Zaleski has a new trail head with plenty of parking since the old one floods easily. They expanded the trail a little bit too. If you ever go back, and not in the spring, you need to check out the Moonville tunnel, its pretty neat.
Good to know! I went to school in Athens and I always heard about the Moonville tunnel. Fact of the matter is, Andrew and I are some of the biggest wimps out there and knowing we were near a "haunted" tunnel would definitely spook us! Thanks for the great tip though! -Thomas
Love this. Especially the plant id!! I want to take my son backpacking/camping... We are from Florida and have done AT hiking and of course blackwater national forest ... Is zaleski and Wayne the only good hikes for primitive off trail camping like this, in OH? I'd like some beautiful scenes incorporated like waterfalls etc ... This old hollow trail looks like it may be the way to go. Looking at going this July. Also y'all carry some mighty heavy food around!😂 Awesome video
+Jessica Knickelbine Thank you so much! Glad you liked the video :) Another good area in Wayne NF to check out would be the Wildcat Hollow for backpacking. Also, Shawnee State Forest has backpacking trails as well: forestry.ohiodnr.gov/portals/forestry/pdfs/SF/shawnee_backpack.pdf Some of the Ohio State Parks (Burr Oak, Caesar Creek, East Fork, and Tar Hollow) have backpacking trails as well, though I don't know much about them off the top of my head. Here's some more information: parks.ohiodnr.gov/backpacking Hope this helps! Thanks again for watching!! Yeah, we gotta have our pickled cabbage, haha. Cheers :) -Andrew
I just solo hiked that same loop a few weeks ago, and had a really good time. I am planning on doing the middle loop soon too. Your video was very well made and was entertaining and informational. It was neat to see your perspective of what I just experienced. If you ever hike the rest of that forest please video that too.
Awesome! I've heard the north was more rugged, is that what you felt? Howd the trip go? We'll be sure to do another episode of hte rest of the forest some time. Thanks for watching! --Andrew
AdventureArchives I have not done the middle or upper loops yet. I will in Sept. The only thing rugged on the bottom loop was the hills, but i pushed through them. If the upper loops are more rugged I would welcome the challenge. I will check back in with you guys when I complete the rest of Zaleski. Thanks again for your input >>>>>>>>>Chris
Rob Marley Oops, I misread, haha. Yeah, that is what I've heard of the other loop. I agree - more rugged is more interesting! Looking forward to hearing about your trip. --Andrew
Thank you! Glad you liked it. Haha, and that makes me feel better. I was starting to worry that I was just inept at using a map. Thanks again for watching!
Its a lot more remote when you hike the north loop of Zaleski, When I was there last time I woke up to howling coyotes, Another good place to visit is the Moonville Haunted Train tunnel nearby
Rich Moeckel That's what I've heard - I'd love to check out the northern part some time. That sounds pretty amazing though. Gotta love the sound of coyotes. You know, I'd heard of that tunnel and have been wanting to check it out. We were actually thinking of doing a side video there some weekend soon. Thanks for watching! --Andrew
Another awesome place to hike is the Red River Gorge in the Daniel Boone National Forest. I am from Southwest Ohio and its not a bad drive down there. Take Care
AdventureArchives If you go to the Moonville Tunnel, there is a pioneer cemetery near by. I tried to find it but couldn't. However, recently I have noticed it is pin pointed on Google Maps. It might be something to try and find if you're very adventurous. The tunnel is awesome, and has a great ghost story. :)
Stephanie Eaton Can't respond directly to your other comments for some reason, so I'll respond here. Thanks a bunch for watching! Glad you enjoy the videos. If you end up taking that backpacking trip, let us know how it goes - Zaleski seems like a good place to start out. We definitely want to check out Moonville tunnel eventually, so that's good to know. Maybe we'll even try going at night. Hopefully the footage we take won't be turned into a found footage horror movie! As for that plant you were asking about: I was actually wondering what those were too, and recently found out. It's a club moss. That one specifically is Lycopodium complanatum. We've shot some other club mosses (there some others shown in the most recent episode I believe), and we talk about them a bit in the upcoming episode that we're working on. Hope this helps, and thanks again for watching! --Andrew
Rich Moeckel Oh yeah, we're definitely going to Red River Gorge soon. We've actually gotten lots of comments recommending that place, and a lot of people I know have been down there to climb/camp. Hopefully we'll get to go there at least by early May. Until then, we're editing the next ep that we've already filmed. Thanks again for watching! --Andrew
Nice work! I'm really enjoying the videos. But just a heads up on cooking in tin cans. As I understand it, most tin cans are plastic lined. Some still with BPA.
Good to know! We'll have to double check for next time. These are our earlier videos, and we usually stick to our cookware, but it is tempting sometimes to just throw a can on there to heat it up a bit. Cheers! -Andrew
Great video! At 15:13 I prefer the name Rattlesnake Orchid because it is actually not a Plantain (Plantago). It is Goodyera and is in the Orchid family.
Hey, guys, thanks for posting this video. My buddy and I hiked this trail in late September 2014. I recognized a few of the locations in your video and it brought back some good memories. Also, I just wanted to let you know that I literally laughed out loud at about 5:40 in to the video because my buddy and I had the same problem as you (in the same exact location), in attempting to interpret those maps and align our current position on some of the trails with their corresponding points on the map. Thanks for sharing.
great lakes backpacker Haha - that's good to know we weren't the only ones who couldn't figure out the map! Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it. How was hiking through here in September? This one was filmed early March
AdventureArchives It was nice. The colors were just starting to change, but had a way to go before peak. The weather was still quite warm and all the campsites were very, very dusty...which, I guess, is better than mud! Your videos are very nicely done. Do you guys do video production for a living, or is this just a hobby that you've really excelled at? Keep up the great videos!
Great Lakes Backpacker I guess we never responded to this, but Robby does free lance video work, but Bryan and I don't do any video production for a living. It's mostly just a hobby- we really wanted to create an enjoyable camping show for everyone who, like us, were feeling to cooped up inside. The fall trip sounds great. I've heard it there isn't much flowing water in the fall, so I guess that explains the dust, haha. --Andrew
Best backpacking video of zaleski forest. Thank you! I'm making a trip from Florida to do this hike. Did you guys stop and see the moonville tunnel , i didnt see it in your video.
Came here after catching the 2021 return to Zaleski. Cool to see the ways the channel has grown, but also what's remained constant
"For Ohio, this was a backpacking Oasis"......Amen! Only another midwesterner can understand and appreciate this, kinda like you guys talked about in episode 1. Fields and woods , while beautiful, leave us longing for more diverse landscapes!
Great job fellas, your videos are not so much how to hike like a lot of the other outdoor videos on here, but touch more on why we hike.
For sure! The woods sort of feel like home, but sometimes we want to get away from home. It's cool to see other midwesterners who understand that. Thanks so much! Glad you liked it! --Andrew
It reminds me of being outdoors whenever I can't be. Great tips and outdoors knowledge.
I'm just here so I can compare to the 2021 Zaleski video. How your videos have improved over the years is incredible.
Tôi rất thích các chàng trai trẻ cùng sở thích khám phá thiên nhiên, nhìn các bạn cùng ăn, cùng ngủ rất thân tình. Mong rằng các bạn vẫn giữ niềm vui chung như thế mãi. Nhìn các bạn tôi nhớ thời trẻ của mình lắm cũng thích đi vào rừng nhưng điều kiện của tôi thời xưa thiếu thốn và bệnh sốt rét vì là rừng rậm nhiệt đới nên vất vả hơn nhiều. Chúc các bạn thỏa đam mê và cho nhiều clip mới, tôi xem không bỏ clip nào. Nhưng khi các bạn đi riêng lẻ tôi không còn hào hứng để xem và cũng hơi buồn. Thanks các chàng trai. I love you !
Lol. I have Property in that forest and that's my bushcraft spot. Neat to see it on RUclips
Thank you for allowing me to tag along. BE SAFE! HAVE FUN! SMILE! GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS! ENJOYED!
So glad you enjoyed the video, and thank you for watching! Cheers!! -Andrew
Thanks for cleaning up that trash left over from that camp fire hope every one watching will learn from this
Wow cotton blue jeans! I bet you didn't wear those a whole lot longer on the trail, well I know you didn't because I've watched your video since then... Just going back through your old videos and watching them all.
you guys are babies in these old episodes!
I decided to go back and rewatch all the full episodes.
I really hope you do a 10 year gear review, both backpacking and camera equipment :)
Thank you for existing!
That is so awesome how y'all pick up other peoples trash. Sad y'all have to pick it up, but very thankful y'all feel so passionate enough about nature to always take care of it!
+Ginnie Potts Thanks so much! Yeah, it always sucks finding a firepit with a bunch of beer cans and bottles or whatever else left in it, but ah well! Thanks so much for watching :) Cheers! -Andrew
The prelude of the current episode at the end of 2020! Who would have thought it back then!
I watch you guys all the time by pointing out all the stuff is so fanastic your knowledge is amazing I love that stuff there is so much to see and realize what’s out on your walks
I usually don't see people doing hikes in ohio...thank you for exposing Ohio's beauty.
Love these solo hikes ... we ear Brian’s voice a lot!!!! Lol!!!
Hey guys, there's only a few channels for whom I will let the ads run all the way through...yours is one of them...
this is the third full length hike I've watched and I have to tell you how much I enjoyed them all...
I've been dealing with some health issues but am hoping to have a pack strapped to my back next summer and be hiking and camping somewhere on Bear mountain in new York...I have your inspiration to motivate me, and I thank you for that...
jelloman42 Man, thanks so much for that. What a compliment! Really glad you like the videos.
Looks like a beautiful place. I hope you get to get out there, and get better soon! --Andrew
Packing for a trip to Zaleski and watching for the second time. As a Columbus native Zaleski is my favorite quick get away destination
Hope your trip went well! It's definitely a great place to get away too. So glad we have places like that nearby. Cheers! -Andrew
I like the ground level dolly shots. Bring those back Robbie!
Love this. I've done the south loop as a day hike a couple times and can't wait to go back and camp there.
Awesome. 😀👌👍
:D
I’ve been a fan for a few months now and you can tell this is one of your older videos. The overall production quality of your show has improved a lot.
hello. I'm from central Ohio, as well. I want to tell you three, Bryan, (I'm not certain, but I think I spotted Bryan at COSI 1-8-17, I think in the planetarium) Andrew, and Robby, that I very much enjoy your videos. Touching areas that I've backpacked through, and areas that I'm planning to go through. At present, I'm watching your Zaleski forest hike, and had a chuckle to know you had gotten sidetracked as well! I've been there several times, and still get sidetracked!
The voice over interjections are very descriptive and eloquent. I enjoy how Andrew shares his knowledge of the vegetation, uses and edibles.
I basically solo backpack, as well as bikepack (distance bicycle camping), kayak/camping, but also enjoy my greater adventures for my adventure team, where we've hiked the Tetons, Yellowstone, Glacier, Buckeye Trail section from Logan to Burr Oak Lake, and then Baxter State Park/Mt Katadyn in Maine 3 times, and Mt Washington. I would strongly suggest that you three consider Katadyn. I'm 61 years old, and think that what you three are doing are building fantastic memories for yourselves, never to be forgotten, and always desired to be relived and retold.
I don't need to tell you three to enjoy life, but I will! Enjoy it, always, and always live it until you can't!
yours in the outdoors,
Joe Nungesser
Joe, thank you so much! Glad you've gotten something out of the videos. I definitely agree, these are great memories for us that we can look back on. And bikepacking is not something I've heard of before but that sounds really cool. I'm going to have to look that up! -Robby
AdventureArchives it definitely broadens your horizons of adventure. I did a circuit ride of Lake Superior in 13 days. stealth camping along the way. I carried my 17 pounds of gear on my carbon bike.
Keep those vids coming.
It is refreshing to see a new generation enjoying nature they way I have. I love your philosophy on life. If you ever want to come to North Central PA and hike the canyon let me know.
Spring peepers aren't deafening...they're joyous. Especially after an Ohio winter.
Bruce Hodson I would have to agree with you, personally. I think Robby meant deafening in a pleasant way I guess? haha --Andrew
Fantastic video/documentary fellas, very high quality.
TheOgieone Thanks! Make sure to check out our other episodes if you haven't!
Great video! Thanks
Thanks for watching!!
I love you guys...especially when you're cleaning up a thoughtless camper's mess.
D Dean Carroll Thank you, and thanks for watching! :)
D Dean Carroll although they did not camp at a designated campsite. Silly boys that they are, they couldn't even make it to the first campsite only 1.7 miles in. We usually begin our treks at Zaleski around midnight and never have any problems making it to the first campsite. The maps provided by the forest service are more than adequate. So there foes another one of their excuses. They have excuses in all of their videos.
Great video guys! One thing I have really enjoyed when I started backpacking every other weekend is dehydrating everything I can from cooked noodles, vegetables, fruits, meats, starches, and sauces. Cuts the weight and the shelf life is amazing. I like ramen in a pinch but udon noodles are my favorite. Nothing like real food on the trail!
Oh yeah, I really want to do that. I haven't gotten around to buying a dehydrator, but I would love to. We're going winter camping, so I may wait till after that when having nonperishable food becomes important again. I think Robby's mom has one and he on occasion dehydrates beef and stuff. I met some ultralighters in the Smokies once who shared some rehydrated lentil soup and it was incredible.
Oh man, why have I not thought to bring udon?? Udon is probably my favorite noodle. --Andrew
Andrew,
Udon is the best! The number one best selling dehydrator on amazon is under $50. To get away from typical trail food. I have started hitting Asian and Indian food markets for quality dried foods. For asian meals udon, dried seaweed, miso, dried fish flake, and tofu. Then for Indian instant rice or naan, instant (tandoori, masala, vindaloo)sauce mix, and some packaged protein. Use tofu, chickpeas, lentils, or chicken. Powdered milk and lemon juice can be used as a sub for yogurt. For vegetables I just dehydrate what about to go bad and throw it in the meals for some extra nutrients.
Great video guys. Well being a middle aged man I look back on the things I did with my friends and family, such as hiking and camping. Wile you guys are having fun you are also building memories that will last a lifetime. The world needs more people like you guys. Thanks for sharing you hike.
Tony schillig Thank you so much for the high praise! Do you still do any hiking and camping? And yeah, I think some of my best memories are from camping trips like these. Thanks again for watching. Cheers! --Andrew
Double checking the apparently extinguished fire someone had used on path to make Sure its extinguished great move. Especially since Lightening and terrible fire has ravaged North and West in our USA, this year, 2023.
thanks for sharing this adventure
Thank you very much!
"I've always wondered what canned compressed processed meat tasted like." Hysterical.😎
You know why I know you guys are good film makers? Because I had a big smile on my face when Bryan showed up, like I was looking forward to seeing him! Well, there a other reasons too. Great job…Was that Bear Creek Cheesy Potato soup I saw by the campfire? Love that stuff! Great job guys. ATB…Tim
Hahah yes it was Bear Creek Cheesy Potato! I like it a lot too!
-Bryan
AdventureArchives Hey! Bryan!! Great to see you! haha! Cheers…Tim
another awesome episode loved it thanks
Great video good times
Ah. the exciting arrival of your boon companion :) Glad you found each other!
you four have come so far. This was the first video that I watched of you 4 years ago. Been watching ever since
"I'm a professional Asian" hahaha Andrew you crack me up dude. Love your work, guys. I stumbled on your channel by accident but seem to be addicted. I think the best parts of your vids are when you all are just hanging out, around a fire or taking in scenery, and start talking; there's no b.s. going on, just real talk. I love it.
Haha, thank you so much! Glad you've been enjoying the videos :) Yeah, those are definitely our favorite moments while out camping as well - just sitting by the fire after a long day and relaxing. Thanks for watching! -Andrew
Jeans and tennis shoes for pity sake,,! Love the progress you guys have made ❤
Awesome camera work, really beautiful background music. you guys are sure pro quality. This 74 year old gal ranks your work number one in hiking and backpacking videos. It is so nice to hear articulate and intelligent narration and interesting info. Finally, thank you for a steady camera. Keep up the good work and sharing your adventures.
+Jay Robb Thanks so much for the kind words!!
great video. i backpacked here a few times in the 90s as a teenager with my now passed away uncle georg. i wish to go back someday. i subscribed.
Louie Wood, Jr Thank you so much! Sorry to hear about your uncle. There must be so many memories and feelings associated with that place for you. Nature is the best place to reflect on life and remember people, I think. Let us how it goes if you head back there. Thank you for watching! -Andrew
Idk why but the walkie talkie scene was suspenseful lol
+PLySocialMedia Haha good to know! It was an exciting moment for us at the time :) Thank you for watching! -Andrew
Man, in Hawaii, Spam is practically a staple in the average diet.
haha I can see why, it's pretty tasty. It's got quite a notorious reputation, but I wanted to finally try it for myself. I think I had heard it's pretty popular in Japan too. --Andrew
This is my favorite place to hike. The view you see at 21:30 is by far the best available on the entire trail. If you happen to get the North Loop done some day, there is a plantation long since abandoned that is pretty neat to see. The sign marking it is about all that's left.
Wow, that's really interesting. I also wish we had checked out that huge stone stove thingie. Guess we'll have to go back at some point and check out both. -Robby
If you do, I'd be happy to go with you and pick up some knowledge! A few day's notice would be all I need. Hope that doesn't come off as weird or anything.
Bill Speer For sure! We'll let you know if we head to that area again! -Andrew
Awesome video guys. Very informative. I plan on going there with my son in August
ty
This was a joy to watch. Great music, editing, a bit of whimsy, all of it. The friendship the three of you share really comes across in your films.
Also, Halo 2.
Haha, I see that you play Battlefield too! We are long time Halo and Battlefield players (well, long time for Halo anyway) Good to see a fellow player! Oh, you might enjoy our Halo videos too actually, here's one: ruclips.net/video/IDgUU7PiMnI/видео.html
-Robby
The group I play with got started with Halo 2 and we are still together to this day. We are really looking forward to the Anniversary Halo 2 as well as Destiny. Anyways, I am still looking for pork wool. The last time I was at our Asian market I forgot to ask.
Cool, we are all playing the Destiny beta on PS4 right now. Great, great stuff. We'll all have to play somehow when it comes out. The Halo collection is totally up our alley too, but gonna have to get Xboxes for that one. -Robby
Yeah, I got into Xbox strictly for Halo and I have been there ever since.
Again very impressed with the quality. Excellent job on the shot framings and the soundtrack..
I also wish I had better plant knowledge. Makes me want to brush up on it
Bravo gentlemen. Not many channels can hold my attention for a full 30+ video. I look forward to the next one.
Thanks a lot! I'm really happy to hear you watched the whole thing.
If I may shamelessly plug ourselves, here are a couple of videos we made on plant ID, haha.
How to Identify Trees in the Winter
Identifying Edible and Other Native Wildflowers
--Andrew
I enjoyed this video boys good work
Great video..as always...thank you...going to Zaleski this weekend!
Wow guys! Great job! I can tell you are all getting into the swing of it now. The music and audio editing was awesome this time around and we actually got to see Bryan and hear his thoughts. Everything looks awesome and I can't wait for more episodes! Keep up the great work!
PS: I really can't express how awesome the camera/video editing is in these videos. You guys are very talented. The original music is equally good!
Thank you so much!! Glad you liked it. It means a lot -Andrew
Love Zaleski. In case you're not familiar with it... don't count on water there other than the pumps at the camp sites during summer/fall. Those streams are not year round.
Glen Bland Thanks for watching! Yeah, we filmed that in March when all the snow was melting, and even then the streams were barely flowing. Which I guess is why they have to have the pumps, haha. The water from those pumps taste pretty good, actually. --Andrew
Yeah that water from the pumps is surprisingly good! Although I guess in summer any water tastes good haha. Although I'd have to be near death to pump from that pond before camp D lol.
Goin back to Zaleski tomorrow.... sunny and 75 this weekend!
Matt Foulk Sounds so good, have a great trip man!
Your short travel distances are certainly offset by the excellent video quality. Thanks for demonstrating above-and-beyond hiking ethics by picking up other people's crap. You guys are the sh*t!
Nate Buker Yeah! I'm always a little embarassed by our hike distances :p, but it usually takes us twice as long to hike a mile than normal due to the filming we do! Additionally, we sometimes try to end our hikes a little early so we have plenty of light left to film at our campsite. It's a trade off :)~Bryan
Autumn - I can't directly respond to your comment for some reason, but thank you! Robby and I backpacked near the Elkmont campground at campsites 27 and 28. I've also been to campsite 36 in the northeast part of the park, and hiked a pretty big loop along the appalachian trail. Got to see the overlook tower at Mount Cammerer which was absolutely beautiful, and there was an incredible watering hole you could jump into from the cliffs on Big Creek Trail. I also did a solo trip camping at campsite 12, 13, then 12 again (from Forge Creek Road near cade's cove). The bald up there was incredible, and there were wild blueberries. I originally planned on doing a longer trip, but cut it short (I tell a bit of a story about this in episode 2 actually, haha).
How about you? Do you live near the park? Cheers! -Andrew
Seems like you guys are close-ish to PA. There is a trail in southwest PA called the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail which runs along the ridge of the Appalachian mountains. It's 70 miles from start to finish and really has some great views and nice overlooks, a few of which are just off the trail in Forbes State Forest, like Beams Rock (on the trail) and Wolf's Rock (about 30 minutes off). It also partially runs along the Youghiogheny River which runs north from WV and MD into Pittsburgh.
+Nick Biss Oh Wow! I've never heard of that trail. I'm also pretty sure the rest of the team hasn't either. We're located in the central Columbus area so that wouldn't be too far of a trip for us. We'll definitely check it out and give you a shout out if we ever end up in that area. Thanks for the suggestion! - Thomas
You guys are awesome! I've been watching your videos since episode 1. It reminds me of being outdoors whenever I can't be. Great tips and outdoors knowledge. The production quality keeps getting better and better. It looks like its made for network tv!
Thanks so much! That is high praise. Also, part of our hope in making these was to make something we would want to watch whenever we were itching to get outdoors but couldn't, so I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it in that way too
Just getting into backpacking and Im from Northwest Ohio. I have 4 boys 16,12,12,3 years old. Id like to backpack and plant the seed in them. Realistically only one or two of the older ones will join me. Looking for advice for overnight trips in and around Ohio. I really don’t want to camp around a lot of others...prefer some seclusion if possible. Any advice? Hope to eventually hear out West too. My wife and I hiked below the rim in Grand Canyon and I was hooked. Thx guys! Such great videos. I watch during my lunch hour to relax before starting to see patients again at 1pm.
Did you know Oak Openings metropark in northwest Ohio has a 16 mile backpack trail with two campgrounds? May be a good starter trip for you.
Very nicely put together video, I am a little surprised at your heavy food selections though
Haha yeah not sure why we don't even attempt to lighten our food load. -Robby
I'm really enjoying your guys video's... well except for the cold kimchi... lol Keep making them, I'm a fan.
Ah man, cold kimchi is the only way to eat it! Well, actually I'll eat it in any way, but it's soooo good. -Robby
@36.00 i felt like i was playing ff15 again. Nice job on the video! Found it while researching a trip to Zaleski.
Haha, we always referred to FF15 as "Adventure Archives: The Game"
Hiking around with a GLASS jar of sauerkraut in your pack? You got guts! Seriously though, awesome videos guys! Thanks so much for sharing your adventures!!!
Haha, yeah, ironically I need it to keep those very guts healthy. -Robby
Thank you so much for sharing in them with us! Glad you liked it! -Andrew
I love how Bryan is hiking and camping in a Halo 2 jacket.
great video guys your a huge inspiration to me and my hiking endeavors
+Victor Estrada So awesome to hear that! I am itching to go on another adventure too
Great video as always, guys! Keep it up.
Thank you for watching!
(re)watching this (and the other "old" AA vids) in 2017, in an attempt to shorten time while waiting for a new episode :-)
good video fellas. I've been deer hunting in zalaski a few times hunting is good but scenery is spectacular!
Thank you so much! Definitely a great place to escape to, especially if you're not trying to drive too far away. Thanks for watching! -Andrew
Enjoyed this video very much although I had to watch it piecemeal over the last two days. Watching that very last scene of you driving away from Zaleski in the car reminded me of the times I have done the same on various campouts and how sometimes once I was back on the road I felt a little disoriented going back into "civilization." I suppose it is something of a testament to the power of nature that can so engulf all your senses that you completely forget about the world you had just left behind for a day or two.
Definitely can be a disorienting feeling going back to civilized living, haha. Yeah, getting into nature is such a great way to purify yourself and just feel refreshed. Cheers!
I'm going up to great smoky mountains national park Saturday with my 5 year old girl. I was looking for videos to showcase the terrain as this is a hiking trip, just for the day. I watched your smoky mountains video and have been watching you guys all day. I sure wish I could do what you guys do. I live in sw Florida and hiking in preserves is a lot of flat wetland and short boardwalk paths through mangrove. thanks so much for doing these videos and please keep it up!
+Bryan Formica Hey man, have a great trip and thanks for the kind words! Try and get out there as often as you can! :)
Robby even takes a jar of sauerkraut when backpacking? If anyone reads this comment check out Robby's Daily Vlogs. Very good daily vlogs. He loves his sauerkraut! Thanks guys it's been a long time since I watched this video. Bob
+uptrail71 Thank you! And yup, haha, that sauerkraut and him are inseparable. Thanks again for watching :) -Andrew
You guy's are going to have to try some of Rob's pickled bologna on a open fire, with the pickle juice as a dipper! lol... Again ya'll making me hungry, lol.. Andrew, love the unisock! Smart using the radio's too. Bryan, I feel ya on having to work thing bud...
+hoobilly 65 I am excited to try it! Hopefully we'll get to soon. Haha, watching other people eat always makes me hungry too. Thanks for the comment! -Andrew
Have been watching your videos and they are great. This is exactly how I'd like to camp and hike. Am going to keep watching till the last vid. Keep it up!
Yew Seng Cheong Thanks much! Really glad you like them. When we first started camping, we were just kind of doing car/tent camping and not backpacking as much. But all of those experiences really helped us learn how.Thanks again for watching all of the videos, haha. It means a lot to us!
Here in Singapore, we don't much opportunity to be in nature. But I'd love to clock more time in nature. And if I do get a chance to, this is how I'd like to do it.
And until I can, videos keep me going! And I learn so much too. Looking forward to season 2!
My first trip to Zaleski SF was in 1966, I don't recall the hiking trails, don't think they were there back then. Great hunting spot there and Wayne NF !
Francis Thompson Wow, does it seem like it's changed much besides the trails? We saw some deer while we were in Zaleski actually, but I don't think we got a good shot of them. We're hoping to go do an episode in Wayne NF sometime soon! -Andrew
You guys do such a nice job. Thank you for taking me back to my old stomping grounds in
Ohio! While I love my new home in the wild foothills of western Maine, I still have a soft spot
in my heart for the ol' buckeye state. If you have any plans of coming up here we would be
glad to introduce you to our infamous AT. Thanks again for the wonderful videos!
Scott Dunbar Thanks so much for watching! Oh man, I bet it's beautiful up there - do you get to visit Arcadia NP often? And yeah, I used to have a sorta disdain for Ohio (and I think a lot of people get bored of it who live here, understandably so), but I've definitely grown a soft spot in my heart for it as well. Glad we could let you relive some good times!
And yes, we would definitely love to go up to Maine some time and meet up! We'll let you know if we get more solid plans about that - but feel free to shoot us a message too if you'd like to check in. --Andrew
While we have spent some time on the coast, including Acadia, my wife and I
have become enthralled with the immense wilderness and thousands of miles
of challenging trails here in the western foothills. Please look us up if you have
any plans of heading up here. Thanks again for all of your superb videos.
Scott Dunbar We definitely will! Thanks again.
That was definitely some professional asian ramen slurping!
That's how you gotta do it!
Absolutely, my Mom taught me that if you weren't slurpin', you're doing it wrong! LOL ..
You love that unisock 😂, so glad I have discovered you guys wonderful videos 😁
Love what you guys do! And I always think about all the extra miles you put in for filming purposes! Love the knowledge and style that each of you offer a different piece! Solid group of friends with great bonds to nature and each other!
This whole video is just amazing, from both a quality and content perspective. The only thing I can think of which might've been nice to add would have been a mention of the interesting things to see on the Zaleski trail, such as the Indian Burial Mound, or the lost village underneath the lake, just that kinda historical stuff. That being said, I really loved the content, especially explanation of local flora--that was really interesting!
I thoroughly enjoyed this, and am looking forward to more! Thanks for putting so much effort into this production.
It really is our pleasure to make these, but thank you! Really glad you enjoyed it. I don't know why we didn't check all those places out. We have to do some more thorough research on the locations so we don't miss things like that in the future. We didn't even film that huge stone furnace thing. Not sure what we were thinking! Anyway thanks for watching and stay tuned :) -Robby
AdventureArchives Just got back from a trip there the other week, and I just wanted to add a comment about the water. I think the main reason why the rangers bring in water at the campsites is to discourage people from drinking the water there, because mining activity has leached heavy metals and sulfuric acid rock drainage into the streams around the area.
0SUMatthew That makes a lot of sense. I guess it's in the Vinton Furnace area where they did lots of mining and metalwork. Good to know - thanks! --Andrew
thanks guys
Zaleski is one of the places we considered hiking last year. May still do that in the future. We ended up hiking in Wayne National Forest instead. I was wondering if you guys had ever hiked there. We ended up getting rained on and had a tree fall very near us. We decided to hike out in the very early hours of the morning. I hope to get in another trip soon. Thanks for sharing your trip at Zaleski. Now I have a better feel for what it is like.
+Jeremy Buchanan Hi Jeremy! We've actually thought about going to Wayne National Forest quite a few times but we haven't found the time yet. It's only a few miles away from where I went to school (Ohio U) but I never made it out there. If you end up going before us, shoot us a message and let us know if you find any good trails! -- Thomas
We did get to hike a few miles at Wayne National Forest, on our trip and slept through part of the night, before the storms forced us out. On the trip was myself 44 at the time, my 18 yr. old son, my brother 39 and his 3 oldest sons (7, 9, and 11) and our dad 65. We did have quite and adventure. I recommend hiking and camping there.
+Jeremy Buchanan Wow, glad the tree didn't fall on anybody Good to know your family is safe. What time of year was that? We were actually just talking recently and thinking of filming a winter camping trip there. -Andrew
I believe it was around August of 2014. We are glad the tree didn't fall us as well. I would love to go back there on a winter trip.
+Jeremy Buchanan I'd love to go there in the winter as well. This trip was actually early march, but there were still those frozen waterfalls.
This is an amazing video! Thank you so much for making this. I watched the whole thing. I can tell you guys placed a considerable amount of time getting these shots and it really pays off. I also really appreciate the mixture of shot styles included. The dialogue is very fun.
I have lived near this area for a couple of years and have visited Zaleski myself. I love to hike but have never backpacked. I am thinking about making Zaleski my first backpacking trip. Watching this video has amped up my excitement.
Just discovered you guys! Working my way through your videos. Man, you guys must carry about 10lbs just in food containers! That jar of 'kraut looked yummy but HEAVY! Great vids so far.
Hahah, definitely a good additional amount of weight with the sauerkraut. So glad you're enjoying the videos, and thank you so much for watching! Cheers :) -Andrew
Really enjoyed this. I plan on backpacking Zaleski sometime this summer. Glad to see you guys enjoying some Spam. It's basically pork shoulder (unless you got the turkey stuff).
Thanks, glad you liked the video! Let us know how your trip goes once you get out there :) And yeah, Spam gets way too bad of a reputation. Cheers! -Andrew
I was just there last week!
First videos of yours that I watched and enjoyed it. I'm thinking of a trip to Zaleski and all your information helped.
Just got to watching this episode and I loved it! Have you guys ever thought of going a bit farther north in Minnesota? I ask because that is where I live and I would love to see you guys do en episode there! I also really liked the links in the video to what you were talking about and other ideas. I especially liked the "how to" on the uni-sock! overall great job! Can't wait for the next one!
We've definitely thought of that! We're hoping that we'll have more time to go to places further away. I was hoping we could do a canoeing episode sometime, and the Boundary Waters area looked really cool. Do you have any place you'd suggest?
Thanks a lot! Glad you liked the how to video too! --Andrew
The BWCA has been my favorite spot to camp so far! The sites could be much more developed than what has been shown on your episodes so far. Either way I would love to see a canoeing episode especially one based so close to home for me!
Thank you for the great video. I hiked there a few times in the late 90s and this is great motivation to go back now that I'm getting back into backpacking. I'm going to watch all your videos when I have the time. Since you were there Zaleski has a new trail head with plenty of parking since the old one floods easily. They expanded the trail a little bit too. If you ever go back, and not in the spring, you need to check out the Moonville tunnel, its pretty neat.
Good to know! I went to school in Athens and I always heard about the Moonville tunnel. Fact of the matter is, Andrew and I are some of the biggest wimps out there and knowing we were near a "haunted" tunnel would definitely spook us! Thanks for the great tip though! -Thomas
really i happened to stumble on this video. Great work, you sold me, I'm a subscriber!
Oh my goodness man, watch our latest episode! This garbage is not worthy of being viewed by such an outstanding individual as yourself haha
Love this. Especially the plant id!! I want to take my son backpacking/camping... We are from Florida and have done AT hiking and of course blackwater national forest ... Is zaleski and Wayne the only good hikes for primitive off trail camping like this, in OH? I'd like some beautiful scenes incorporated like waterfalls etc ... This old hollow trail looks like it may be the way to go. Looking at going this July.
Also y'all carry some mighty heavy food around!😂
Awesome video
+Jessica Knickelbine Thank you so much! Glad you liked the video :) Another good area in Wayne NF to check out would be the Wildcat Hollow for backpacking. Also, Shawnee State Forest has backpacking trails as well: forestry.ohiodnr.gov/portals/forestry/pdfs/SF/shawnee_backpack.pdf Some of the Ohio State Parks (Burr Oak, Caesar Creek, East Fork, and Tar Hollow) have backpacking trails as well, though I don't know much about them off the top of my head. Here's some more information: parks.ohiodnr.gov/backpacking
Hope this helps! Thanks again for watching!! Yeah, we gotta have our pickled cabbage, haha. Cheers :) -Andrew
Re-watching this video all I can think about is ALL THE CANNED FOOD! And a GLASS JAR OF KRAUT?!?! My, how you guys have grown as backpackers...
I just solo hiked that same loop a few weeks ago, and had a really good time. I am planning on doing the middle loop soon too. Your video was very well made and was entertaining and informational. It was neat to see your perspective of what I just experienced. If you ever hike the rest of that forest please video that too.
Awesome! I've heard the north was more rugged, is that what you felt? Howd the trip go? We'll be sure to do another episode of hte rest of the forest some time. Thanks for watching! --Andrew
AdventureArchives I have not done the middle or upper loops yet. I will in Sept. The only thing rugged on the bottom loop was the hills, but i pushed through them. If the upper loops are more rugged I would welcome the challenge. I will check back in with you guys when I complete the rest of Zaleski. Thanks again for your input >>>>>>>>>Chris
Rob Marley Oops, I misread, haha. Yeah, that is what I've heard of the other loop. I agree - more rugged is more interesting! Looking forward to hearing about your trip. --Andrew
That was excellent. Great editing and a great journey. I recently hiked Zaleski and had issues with the map too. It's awful haha.
Thank you! Glad you liked it. Haha, and that makes me feel better. I was starting to worry that I was just inept at using a map. Thanks again for watching!
Its a lot more remote when you hike the north loop of Zaleski, When I was there last time I woke up to howling coyotes, Another good place to visit is the Moonville Haunted Train tunnel nearby
Rich Moeckel That's what I've heard - I'd love to check out the northern part some time. That sounds pretty amazing though. Gotta love the sound of coyotes. You know, I'd heard of that tunnel and have been wanting to check it out. We were actually thinking of doing a side video there some weekend soon. Thanks for watching! --Andrew
Another awesome place to hike is the Red River Gorge in the Daniel Boone National Forest. I am from Southwest Ohio and its not a bad drive down there. Take Care
AdventureArchives If you go to the Moonville Tunnel, there is a pioneer cemetery near by. I tried to find it but couldn't. However, recently I have noticed it is pin pointed on Google Maps. It might be something to try and find if you're very adventurous.
The tunnel is awesome, and has a great ghost story. :)
Stephanie Eaton Can't respond directly to your other comments for some reason, so I'll respond here. Thanks a bunch for watching! Glad you enjoy the videos. If you end up taking that backpacking trip, let us know how it goes - Zaleski seems like a good place to start out.
We definitely want to check out Moonville tunnel eventually, so that's good to know. Maybe we'll even try going at night. Hopefully the footage we take won't be turned into a found footage horror movie!
As for that plant you were asking about: I was actually wondering what those were too, and recently found out. It's a club moss. That one specifically is Lycopodium complanatum. We've shot some other club mosses (there some others shown in the most recent episode I believe), and we talk about them a bit in the upcoming episode that we're working on.
Hope this helps, and thanks again for watching! --Andrew
Rich Moeckel Oh yeah, we're definitely going to Red River Gorge soon. We've actually gotten lots of comments recommending that place, and a lot of people I know have been down there to climb/camp. Hopefully we'll get to go there at least by early May. Until then, we're editing the next ep that we've already filmed. Thanks again for watching! --Andrew
Love to see you spread your passion of the outdoors and that you create your own music in the videos...much talent! Where's your next trip for 2016?
I grew up in Zaleski. :)
+David Lane It's a beautiful place to grow up in! I imagine you went hiking there often? Thank you for watching! -Andrew
I went back a couple years ago and day hiked the "front loop". Pleasant. Keep going guys!
Nice work! I'm really enjoying the videos. But just a heads up on cooking in tin cans. As I understand it, most tin cans are plastic lined. Some still with BPA.
Good to know! We'll have to double check for next time. These are our earlier videos, and we usually stick to our cookware, but it is tempting sometimes to just throw a can on there to heat it up a bit. Cheers! -Andrew
Great video! At 15:13 I prefer the name Rattlesnake Orchid because it is actually not a Plantain (Plantago). It is Goodyera and is in the Orchid family.
Ahh, that's a much better name for it. Common names can be so misleading sometimes, haha. Thanks for watching! Cheers :) -Andrew
Specially pressed American meat, lol. I love it.
Hey, guys, thanks for posting this video. My buddy and I hiked this trail in late September 2014. I recognized a few of the locations in your video and it brought back some good memories. Also, I just wanted to let you know that I literally laughed out loud at about 5:40 in to the video because my buddy and I had the same problem as you (in the same exact location), in attempting to interpret those maps and align our current position on some of the trails with their corresponding points on the map. Thanks for sharing.
great lakes backpacker Haha - that's good to know we weren't the only ones who couldn't figure out the map! Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it. How was hiking through here in September? This one was filmed early March
AdventureArchives
It was nice. The colors were just starting to change, but had a way to go before peak. The weather was still quite warm and all the campsites were very, very dusty...which, I guess, is better than mud! Your videos are very nicely done. Do you guys do video production for a living, or is this just a hobby that you've really excelled at? Keep up the great videos!
Great Lakes Backpacker I guess we never responded to this, but Robby does free lance video work, but Bryan and I don't do any video production for a living. It's mostly just a hobby- we really wanted to create an enjoyable camping show for everyone who, like us, were feeling to cooped up inside.
The fall trip sounds great. I've heard it there isn't much flowing water in the fall, so I guess that explains the dust, haha. --Andrew
Best backpacking video of zaleski forest. Thank you! I'm making a trip from Florida to do this hike. Did you guys stop and see the moonville tunnel , i didnt see it in your video.
+Alex Calabro I don't think we did, either didn't plan to, or didn't have the time :( Thanks for your kind words though!