Greetings from Central Oregon Cascades. Watching this one for second time. Getting ready for a trip to San Juans this July with my wife. I need to make sure she has a good time. I have enjoyed all of your videos and look forward to more in the future??
That's excellent news, I hope your San Juan trip went well and the weather cooperated. I'm on the east coast now and my kayaking trips are shorter and less interesting compared to my PNW trips so I haven't been inspired to post anything from them. The PNW is an incredible environment for kayak camping, between the huge lakes and thousands of miles of coastline, it's tough to think of a better stage for the kayak.
@@toddswitzer6799 Thank you for getting back to me. The PNW is a great place to paddle. The San Juan trip was great but still have not convinced my wife to become a sea kayaker, she likes canoeing lakes and rivers. We did have a little excitement when I hit a rock and high centered the kayak on last day. Just completed repairs yesterday and put a new sacrificial fiberglass keel strip on both my sea kayaks. Next summer a friend and I are looking into a week trip in BC.. Enjoy the east coast, I hear the north east coast has some great kayaking.
Thanks Matt. These videos should be out about 3 times per week. I'm editing them down, cutting out the bulk of the fluff, but I'll still end up with 20 of them to finish out this latest trip. Lots of bear footage coming up from this trip, and that's the hardest to edit.
Looking forward to it! We just did an expedition on the New River here in the southeast. I have been to Alaska many many times - from hunting to fishing, kayaking, hiking...I love watching the series as it takes me back again!
Looking forward to the vids. I was telling someone about your stay in that cabin while it rained and your kayak ended up on the porch due to rising waters. I see you are back, intact ...
Thanks David. This trip had some wild situations also. I never had the luck of finding a cabin on this trip so I had to just survive out there when it was raining for days on end. Hopefully this next set of videos capture all of this.
Will be very intresting to follow you on this trip Todd, have been waiting for your next alaska adventure! Very handy to be able to catch your food when out this long, saves alot of space in your kayak? Intresting to see what you will bring with you. When are you going? (thumbs up)
Thanks Magnus. I just got back. This trip was off the scale. I had near 2 dozen bear encounters and tons of wild experiences. I'll be posting up the videos soon.
Thanks. I learned my lesson from a trip to Alaska in 2013 that cheap or inferior gear causes nothing but problems. Once you're out there and relying on it everyday is the wrong time to find out it doesn't perform well.
There are options, but doing the research I didn't find any that I really liked. Tech is improving fast tho and I think I'll bring some communication device on the next trip. I cover a lot of bear encounters coming up, nothing I would ever use bear spray on. These are not grizzly bears and they are not use to seeing campers, so they can be manipulated and intimidated. I'll cover that too.
Just watched the packing vid and your methodology and thinking gels with mine. Looking forward to watching the series. Q. Assuming you don't live in the area, how did you get your yak to Ketchikan? Tia
Cheddar works well. A good brand like Tillamook is usually what I bring. If it's in the hull most days it stays cool, but sealing from away from air is the most important thing.
Todd, I looked around some of you videos to see if this was already asked but to save me the work, could you tell me what boat you paddle? LOVE your videos by the way!
love your video's ..though i'm wicked jealous i wish you a fantastic and safe trip and look forward to watching.......i was wondering are there any special permits you needed to procure in order to do that? and if so, what are the parameters for obtaining them? i'd love to do a similar yet shorter trip someday.
I tried solar panel in 2014, it was never sunny enough to produce much energy and I was always moving. The lead acid was a pain to haul but I never had a doubt about recharging my devices.
I tried solar on the last trip, it was a flop. At that latitude the sun is weak, and it rains over 50% of the time. When the sun is high in the sky I'm paddling and I don't have time to spread out a solar panel. It seems like a good idea but solar is impractical for something like these Alaska trips.
hey Todd what kind of camera exactly did you use in your last Alaska trip? your footage was crisp. I have a few knock off go pro that just produce crappy video. I need something that won't kill my wallet and has some kind of quality.
I've had good luck with Panasonic Lumix series of point and shoot cameras. My primary is the DMC-TS6, it's waterproof and takes the abuse of being inside my lifejacket 90% of the time. If you shop around you can find these for about $200, this camera shoots full HD (1080p). I brought the 4k Lumix DMC-ZS60 point and shoot on this trip, I found it on sale at Costco for $300. This one is not waterproof and I only take it out in good weather. The benefit is that it shoots 4k video (aka Ultra High Definition or 3840p) and it has a zoom that is the equivalent of an 1800mm lens in 4k video mode. When uploading to UA-cam everything gets converted to 1080p format at best, but if you have the 4k video to start with you'll have more post-processing options. One downside to point and shoots is the mic that picks up all the surrounding wind noises or your breathing. Eventually these built in microphones break or freeze up and this is usually the death of the camera. For the 3-weeks solo series all I had was the Lumix TS25 which is a 720p camera. Upgrade from the GoPro style cameras and you'll be amazed at the quality. If you just get one camera I'd suggest the DMC-TS6.
Todd Switzer I was thinking about getting the Fuji xp90 point and shoot. comes with tons of extras and seems to be equivalent to yours? its around 200 rugged waterproof camera
I'm back already. I set up the packing video with a scheduled upload date. I was gone for 3 weeks up there. Now I'm editing video - that's the tough part of this process as you know.
I know lots of people use those. My resistance is that there's no mystery in what's for the next meal. The fishing, berry hunting and cooking chores are, for me at least, some of the best parts of the trip.
lets have a friendly debate, everyone: canoe vs kayak? for an expedition like this, what do you think is better? I'll start it off and say a canoe, because you can carry more gear and I grew up paddling in a canoe. Keep replies and disagreements friendly and insult free
Given that you have been doing this so long, I am am sure you know what you are doing and you have everything, but personally it seems really unorganized and kinda chaotic. But then again it works for you.
So fun to watch thank you for all the time invested to show this. Too good.
Thanks. I still have about 10 more videos to upload, these ones will be deep into the Tongass Wilderness, so it gets even better.
The sealed battery is SUCH a good idea, thank you!
You are welcome. I've seen lithium batteries get wet and burn, not good at all.
Greetings from Central Oregon Cascades. Watching this one for second time. Getting ready for a trip to San Juans this July with my wife. I need to make sure she has a good time. I have enjoyed all of your videos and look forward to more in the future??
That's excellent news, I hope your San Juan trip went well and the weather cooperated. I'm on the east coast now and my kayaking trips are shorter and less interesting compared to my PNW trips so I haven't been inspired to post anything from them. The PNW is an incredible environment for kayak camping, between the huge lakes and thousands of miles of coastline, it's tough to think of a better stage for the kayak.
@@toddswitzer6799 Thank you for getting back to me. The PNW is a great place to paddle. The San Juan trip was great but still have not convinced my wife to become a sea kayaker, she likes canoeing lakes and rivers. We did have a little excitement when I hit a rock and high centered the kayak on last day. Just completed repairs yesterday and put a new sacrificial fiberglass keel strip on both my sea kayaks. Next summer a friend and I are looking into a week trip in BC.. Enjoy the east coast, I hear the north east coast has some great kayaking.
Great ! Looks like your ready ! Good luck,be safe, have fun ! Thanks for sharing. Peace
Thanks. First video is uploading now. check in the morning.
Safe travels Todd, can't wait to see your trip.
Thanks. Edits on the first video are done, it should upload tomorrow.
Looking forward to watching your adventures Todd.
Thanks Matt. These videos should be out about 3 times per week. I'm editing them down, cutting out the bulk of the fluff, but I'll still end up with 20 of them to finish out this latest trip. Lots of bear footage coming up from this trip, and that's the hardest to edit.
Thanks Todd, I'll use a few of your tips for my own BC adventure later this summer.
Give me a shout if you need anything.
I feel I should post what I pack to watch your videos! I get a lot out of them. Thanks so much. This is very informative. I don’t see toilet paper.
Kelp makes great toilet paper and it's easy on the environment also I've found out the hard way that toilet paper seldom stays dry on trips like this.
Looking forward to it! We just did an expedition on the New River here in the southeast. I have been to Alaska many many times - from hunting to fishing, kayaking, hiking...I love watching the series as it takes me back again!
I hope it takes you back, I've tried to shoot more first person video this time.
really glad you're heading out again - the last series was great
Thanks. I put a lot more effort into video this time and these should blow away the ones from 2013.
Looking forward to the videos to come. Safe travels.
Thanks. First video should upload by tomorrow. It was an awe inspiring trip.
Be safe...look forward to seeing and hearing from you when you return!
Thanks. My first video of the series will be up tomorrow, then 2 or 3 per week.
Welcome back! So excited to see the adventure when you start uploading it, really inspiring.
Thanks for the support. Great footage coming up. First upload will be tomorrow morning.
Looking forward to the trip Todd!!!! Be careful and have a great trip!!!!
Thanks.
Looking forward to the vids. I was telling someone about your stay in that cabin while it rained and your kayak ended up on the porch due to rising waters. I see you are back, intact ...
Thanks David. This trip had some wild situations also. I never had the luck of finding a cabin on this trip so I had to just survive out there when it was raining for days on end. Hopefully this next set of videos capture all of this.
looking forward to seeing the adventure
Check in the morning the first video should be up.
Nicely setup.food in yr own pkts.
Thanks a lot
Will be very intresting to follow you on this trip Todd, have been waiting for your next alaska adventure! Very handy to be able to catch your food when out this long, saves alot of space in your kayak? Intresting to see what you will bring with you. When are you going? (thumbs up)
Thanks Magnus. I just got back. This trip was off the scale. I had near 2 dozen bear encounters and tons of wild experiences. I'll be posting up the videos soon.
That sounds awesome man!
You be good to you out there.
You bet!
Really nice gear
Thanks. I learned my lesson from a trip to Alaska in 2013 that cheap or inferior gear causes nothing but problems. Once you're out there and relying on it everyday is the wrong time to find out it doesn't perform well.
Awwwww man I Cant wait to see the new footage bro!!
Uploading day 1 now
Great vid!
Thanks
Looks great. Should you carry a small epirb? Do you carry bear spray in the area?
There are options, but doing the research I didn't find any that I really liked. Tech is improving fast tho and I think I'll bring some communication device on the next trip. I cover a lot of bear encounters coming up, nothing I would ever use bear spray on. These are not grizzly bears and they are not use to seeing campers, so they can be manipulated and intimidated. I'll cover that too.
Just watched the packing vid and your methodology and thinking gels with mine. Looking forward to watching the series.
Q. Assuming you don't live in the area, how did you get your yak to Ketchikan? Tia
Ignore above question, got enough clues from subsequent videos to work it out, tx 👍
Love your adventures! What kind of cheese do you bring.. Just curious of the longevity of it. Thanks!
Cheddar works well. A good brand like Tillamook is usually what I bring. If it's in the hull most days it stays cool, but sealing from away from air is the most important thing.
Todd, I looked around some of you videos to see if this was already asked but to save me the work, could you tell me what boat you paddle? LOVE your videos by the way!
I made this video on the kayak setup. ua-cam.com/video/Nlah7S9qJz0/v-deo.html
love your video's ..though i'm wicked jealous i wish you a fantastic and safe trip and look forward to watching.......i was wondering are there any special permits you needed to procure in order to do that? and if so, what are the parameters for obtaining them? i'd love to do a similar yet shorter trip someday.
Nope. Alaska is still wide open to those who wish to explore it. No wonder the state slogan is: The Last Great Frontier.
excellent!! thanks..hope you have another amazing and safe time.
Need one of those Kokatat suits but to pricey for me. Could get out more on the yak with one those.
I agree they are pricey but when the water is 50 degrees it's almost mandatory equipment. I keep mine clean and dry until I need it again.
Why not have a 16w solar panel with a couple of decent battery banks...it’s the size of an iPad mini but folds out...
I tried solar panel in 2014, it was never sunny enough to produce much energy and I was always moving. The lead acid was a pain to haul but I never had a doubt about recharging my devices.
Todd have you ever used a solar charger to recharge batteries? That battery is really heavy to be cart around the wilderness...
I tried solar on the last trip, it was a flop. At that latitude the sun is weak, and it rains over 50% of the time. When the sun is high in the sky I'm paddling and I don't have time to spread out a solar panel. It seems like a good idea but solar is impractical for something like these Alaska trips.
hey Todd what kind of camera exactly did you use in your last Alaska trip? your footage was crisp. I have a few knock off go pro that just produce crappy video. I need something that won't kill my wallet and has some kind of quality.
I've had good luck with Panasonic Lumix series of point and shoot cameras. My primary is the DMC-TS6, it's waterproof and takes the abuse of being inside my lifejacket 90% of the time. If you shop around you can find these for about $200, this camera shoots full HD (1080p). I brought the 4k Lumix DMC-ZS60 point and shoot on this trip, I found it on sale at Costco for $300. This one is not waterproof and I only take it out in good weather. The benefit is that it shoots 4k video (aka Ultra High Definition or 3840p) and it has a zoom that is the equivalent of an 1800mm lens in 4k video mode. When uploading to UA-cam everything gets converted to 1080p format at best, but if you have the 4k video to start with you'll have more post-processing options. One downside to point and shoots is the mic that picks up all the surrounding wind noises or your breathing. Eventually these built in microphones break or freeze up and this is usually the death of the camera. For the 3-weeks solo series all I had was the Lumix TS25 which is a 720p camera. Upgrade from the GoPro style cameras and you'll be amazed at the quality. If you just get one camera I'd suggest the DMC-TS6.
Todd Switzer I was thinking about getting the Fuji xp90 point and shoot. comes with tons of extras and seems to be equivalent to yours? its around 200 rugged waterproof camera
That's another good one. For $200 it's a good choice.
Todd Switzer awesome thanks for the advice. When are you doing this trip?
I'm back already. I set up the packing video with a scheduled upload date. I was gone for 3 weeks up there. Now I'm editing video - that's the tough part of this process as you know.
nothing for protection?
Jedi mind control over the bears. I don't hurt them, they don't hurt me. Sounds weird but wait until the videos, I show it many times.
Todd Switzer o I know I watched your last vids AMD seen a bear in your face worrying about fishing over you being there lol great stuff
maybe use civil MRE for food could save you lot of hassle
I know lots of people use those. My resistance is that there's no mystery in what's for the next meal. The fishing, berry hunting and cooking chores are, for me at least, some of the best parts of the trip.
lets have a friendly debate, everyone: canoe vs kayak? for an expedition like this, what do you think is better? I'll start it off and say a canoe, because you can carry more gear and I grew up paddling in a canoe. Keep replies and disagreements friendly and insult free
I ran into some hardcore canoe folk on the west side of POW Island on this trip, and they had beer in their canoe. I was so jealous.
did you see any BigFoots ???? lol
Nope I wish I did. I had my 30x zoom ready most the time, a good video clip of the tall hairy one is worth a fortune.
Given that you have been doing this so long, I am am sure you know what you are doing and you have everything, but personally it seems really unorganized and kinda chaotic. But then again it works for you.
50 years of kayak fishing and camping for me so far, I guess I see a pile of gear and know exactly what I'll be using and what I won't need.