Backpacking Problems Everyone Deals With! And How to Fix Them
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- Опубліковано 13 лип 2024
- On a four day loop through Cirque of the Towers in the Wind River Range of Wyoming we deal with Mosquitos, Sunburn, Off trail hiking, and a broken foot.
Gear I took on this Trip:
Big Agnes Prospector 50: geni.us/vTEK
Zpacks Duplex: geni.us/OOhn
Nemo Tensor: geni.us/YUKk
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Nemo Fillo: geni.us/qubAN
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MSR Pocket Rocket: geni.us/miwAd
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ZOLEO Sat Com: geni.us/7usdChG
Lifestraw Peak Filter: geni.us/7A1Z1M
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Gear I took on this Trip:
Big Agnes Prospector 50: geni.us/KGGb4fe
Zpacks Duplex: geni.us/Agxnca
Nemo Tensor: geni.us/7zc0kJa
Zenbivy Light Bed: geni.us/ft1U
Nemo Fillo: geni.us/JGBYwtT
Toaks 650 ml Pot: geni.us/yMC4t
MSR Pocket Rocket: geni.us/raKi
Farpoint Alpha Cruiser: geni.us/EGWb9nd
ZOLEO Sat Com: geni.us/AOpo
Lifestraw Peak Filter: geni.us/DhDChx
It was truly an honor to meet you on the trail. This video made me tear up because it was my exact experience on this specific hike. Thanks for your advice and encouragement!
It was great to meet you. You and Michael were one of the highlights of my trip!
It was fun to meet you both too!!!
Great tips for demystifying the hike! One of the most powerful things I do that always catches other backpackers off guard is stopping every hour for a 10 minute breather regardless of progress. Once that watch timer goes off it’s a reminder to check in with myself, take electrolytes and snack, throw the pack and boots off or adjust gear, and make any foot repairs. Also, a quick 30-second rest after two or three steep switchbacks is super helpful for maintaining momentum, helps to slow the heart rate and keep legs fresh. Backpackers get lost in the push of getting from A to B, and many pride themselves in the accumulated suffering - not here, the little stops through the day really help get me to camp in better shape than if I mindlessly powered on. And hopefully, instead of crashing into sleep, I’m eager to make a fire and relax under the stars.
I got into backpacking after going through a mid life crisis a little over a year ago. Thru hiking looked so romantic. I was going to hike the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota for my first backpacking trip ever. But there were fires so I changed my plane ticket to hike The Colorado Trail. For a flatlanders first time in the mountains, with a heavy load, it was all work! There were beautiful moments of course. But it was terrifying. I had no idea what to expect and I was alone and 1200 miles from home. I was sore and tired and a little lonely, but I was amazed at nature and felt blessed that I was able. I'll never stop as long as my legs will carry me.
This made me smile... Well done, and now you know... You're made of sterner stuff!
@@ItsAStephanieB glad I could make you smile! I also found out I'm not a thru hiker! Lol. I'd rather just hike a long loop in a few days than to go through the resupply process.
@@natehoover5266 I'm envious. You guys have the best trails! And another biggie... It's safe enough to go out and do it alone if you wish to.
@@ItsAStephanieB where are you? You don't have good trails there? I don't think it's ever safe. Anything could happen but I do carry a satellite communicator. I just don't have anyone to go with.
@@natehoover5266 I live in South Africa., and you can't hike alone. Even if you have an emergency satellite backup. And it's the same deal for me. I don't have a Hiking partner.
You have two ways to look at it... one is an Army saying, "Embrace the SUCK". The other I've learned after 51 years (Since 1968) of backpacking, "It's an Adventure". You get to choose how you look at the trek. I just got back after 5 days of backpacking and fly-fishing in the Flattop Wilderness. Even though it rained half the trip, it was a wonderful time.
Holy shizz. A backpacking video about the reality of backpacking. Another solid video! HELLO DAN BECKCOUNTRY DO YOU HEAR US
🤣🤣🤣
No only you can.
Dan is a solid "gear" guy, and sticks with that. That's what he enjoys. Let Dan be Dan.
Just discovered this channel and I must say you are MASSIVELY underrated. With your videos and production level you're bound to rise to the top. I like to live vicariously through these videos and hoping soon I will be able to become a frequent backpacker myself. When that time comes I will still be here
This is one of my favorites that you've done for awhile (but you know I'm biased towards the "how to" videos.) But in particular the mental aspects aren't talked about enough, just as you said about mentality versus gear, etc. One of the things I strangely like most about my particular affliction of high-altitude mountaineering (not the local stuff, but the biggies in Alaska, South America, and Asia) is that once you get part way up the mountain you end up with a series of choices at each step: you must go up or you must go down, but you must act. If you don't, you literally will die. Now, that's pretty extreme, obviously, and I don't go above 20K feet every day, but it is one of the things that I love about it when I do go; not the potential bad consequences but the "training" it gives for the rest of my life to bias me towards action.
Nice. I’ve learned that I can get up or through about anything by taking those breaks you mention- to the next switchback, then breathe, to the next Shade spot, then breathe and drink, to the ridge, take a photo and eat, if hot, take my shoes off and take a real break. I’m 58, started at 54 and I am mostly amazed when finished, what I accomplished. I also learned that I prefer to hike solo or not with others who are younger and faster. I will always get there eventually.
My Husband (Hunt on The Trails) and I hiked the CT to celebrate our retirement last summer and I was definitely pushed to my mental and physical limits. I’m 57 years of age and can run 10k in an hour so that gives an indication of what I would call the minimum fitness needed for such a venture. I can’t even begin to imagine the mental challenges of being alone on the trail. Kudos to those who can make it solo.
My grandmother used to say to me (and the rest of the family) “don’t stop to look at your hill, Climb it.” No matter what obstacles (mental, physical,spiritual) looked daunting that was her advice. I say it to myself somewhere along every hike. 😊
I picked up that step-counting habit at some point, definitely something I find myself falling back into when it really gets tough to proceed. Always helps pass the time and restore morale if you don't have something else to rely on like music or an audiobook.
That was an amazingly beautiful and horrible week on trail! It hurt and was gorgeous. Sounds a bit like life now that I think of it.
Nice Kyle cameo. You break too many bones! 🤪
I came for the video and left with a life lesson. I love the way you told this story and I feel this message is a great way to think about any challenge we have in life. I love your channel. Thank you for doing what you do! You do it so well.
Glad you enjoyed it. This is one of my favorite videos.
best outdoors channel on youtube. honest, insightful, artful. bravo from montana!
I enjoy hearing someone talk about the intangibles - not the gear - but what can make a hike enjoyable even if there's an element of disappointment or misery involved. You're right. It's primarily mental outlook.
Great info! I just came back from a two part trek in RMNP. I found out I had covid half way through and the doc said best place for me was back on trail. Talk about "suck." It was definitely physically and mentally challenging to go on for four more days on my own with doubts, mosquitoes and lots of elevation. Part way through, a big bull elk actually ran me out of my campsite for a couple of hours and decided to taste my gear. That took my mind off covid, a torn meniscus and possible storms while going over a pass the next day. You nailed it when you said its a mental game. It turned out to be an amazing adventure. I guess they call it "type 2 fun." We can look back on it from the comfort of our own homes and wish we were right back out there!
Fantasy doctor
Frequent breaks to take in my surroundings is also my go-to strategy as well, especially later in the day as I start to really get fatigued. It's not a race; it's a journey.
Taking a break to video or take pictures to share later really helps me. The beauty around me and anticipating what is coming around the next corner keeps me going.
“If you believe you can do a particular hike, you probably can”. I needed to hear this today. I started hiking at age 57 last year, after a health crisis (although I was actually CURED, which is amazing). I like setting challenging goals for myself, and doing them solo. Three weeks from today, I will be tackling Twin Sisters Peak near Estes Park… seven miles in and out, to 11,400+ feet, half a mile of elevation gain. I’m a flatlander and mountains are a (wonderful) challenge. But I’ve been worrying I’m not in shape for such a tough-for-me hike. I just have to tell myself that I can do it if I believe I can do it!
Later on this summer, I’m doing my first small thru-hike, soloing the Centennial Trail in the Black Hills. Really looking forward to that. Looking forward to two weeks with no job, no internet, nothing to do but put one foot in front of the other.
This was a great video that everyone can relate to! I do the same kind of thing, breaking up a difficult section into smaller pieces; it helps a lot. Also, like you, enjoying the view and/or the small things like flowers and lizards really helps take the mind off the heat and mosquitos! Beautifully filmed and great editing. I liked this one a lot.
What a beautiful video. Loved the scenic shots near the end
That is life in general. Don't ever give up. Exactly on your dreams. 👍👍💯💯💯
This was great everyone that goes outdoors at all needs to see this. Mindset is everything, if you tell yourself this sucks it will, but if you tell yourself this is amazing and great is will always be.
I choose to embrace the suck. The best, most scenic secluded places are hard to get to. It's not for everyone, but those who know can relate. Most things that are worth doing, are hard to do
I agree, I found that if you do see someone they are exactly like you anyway.
Awesome video! I think everyone thinks backpacking is going to be Instagram or TikTok worthy, and it can be, but the reality is it is work. It is hard. Great advice on taking “bites” of the trail and managing the suckage.
I also wanted to say awesome words as you can apply it to hard times in life too. Great video!
Dude I would recognize you on trail! You are my favorite. Justin Outdoors gets a lot of credit for helping get me out on trail with his videos and reviews but you are a breath of fresh air in the backpacking community! Keep it up buddy!
Justin Outdoor is another fav of mine too!
@@ItsAStephanieB he was crucial for me getting into backpacking!
Great post my friend. Some Solid Tips !!! 🏃♂️
#TrueForAllOfLife not just backpacking. Wonderful video.
This discussion really shows itself if you lead kids (BSA / GSA) into the backcountry. Thanks for discussing this subject!!!!!
Came here for hiking tips; left with invaluable advice for life.
I'm a mountain biker not a backpacker but this advice still applies, a lot of it is good for life in general not just the outdoors. love this channel!
I wish I had seen this video before my first solo trip. I knew more about my gear than the actual experience of hiking. This is such a great video and is so similar to my first hike! Thank you so much!!!
‘It sucks’ - yes I’ve said that to myself a lot this summer. We’ve had intense mosquitoes here in Northern Finland and you cannot get away from them. I’ve hardly seen the outside world without looking through a net……never thought I’d be glad for Winter 🙈
Nice video. Your comment about hikes being mental is spot on. I'm 75 years old and still hike and backpack in wilderness areas - mostly going solo. There have been moments which, at the time, was unpleasant but hindsight shapes those moments into interesting memories. For example, once I got food poisoning (a story in itself). I never asked for help but other hikers who passed me must have informed the rangers ahead who sent word through hikers heading my way that if I make it to the Ranger station that they could get me off the trial. Two days later I made it to the Ranger station but did not stop. Two more days and I hiked out on my own to my car. I couldn't eat for the entire return hike. It took me a month to fully recover. However, I felt good in learning what my limits are. Physically I was drained and the hike was slow. But mentally I knew I wasn't going to die by continuing my hike. Conquer the mind and all will most likely go well.
Thanks again for this video.
I only clicked for the nostalgia of being back in the Winds and seeing those beautiful mountains again. 😍 The talking stuff was just bonus content. 😉
Counting steps helps so much when the hike starts to suck - I remember one time I was climbing up Gray Wolf in the Olympics. I hit my objective but I started to cramp up on the decent. This was before an infamous 1000 ft climb up a scree slope. After I reached the trail that would take me back into the forest, bugs started to swarm. The bug net made the hot day unbearable and every step hurt.. I started counting my steps to gauge my return distance and it helped get my mind off the pain.
Cool. I just received my kit to make my duplex free standing! I am so happy 😁
For me, one of the indicators of how much I'll enjoy a day's hike is how I've slept the night before. If I didn't get much sleep, the next day is likely to be mostly type 3 fun
Wow I just found a hidden gem. This video was awesome, amazing production value. It wasn't what I expected in the best way. Subscribed!
My husband and I are about to do our first thru hike and we are so nervous. This helped. Thank you!
Stopping for a minute every now and again is a big help for sure.
My brother and I were on a trip and I swear ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING went wrong, lol. Rain, Rolled ankles, slipped in a creek (soaked my bag) super strenuous trail, some of our food spilled in his bag, only brought one spork 😅. BUT we both decided to laugh at it and every time something else happened it just made it funnier and that kept our spirits high. We CHOSE to enjoy it and not "let the hike destroy our hike."
The strategy of counting steps when hiking gets difficult or frustrating is similar to what I have done in the past to manage symptoms of depression or anxiety. Simply counting continuously or repeating a phrase over and over gives your mind an easy, repetitive, mundane task to focus on instead of letting the negative self-talk dominate. It was quite a powerful technique for me.
That’s excellent advice about stopping to enjoy the flowers and the view. Also having intermediate stops along the way while counting to 75 steps. Thanks!
This looks like such beautiful country!
In the PNW, we often have many miles to get above treeline, where the fun starts.
Oh my word! You count steps, too!?! I thoughts this was some crazy beginner thing I did to get through a steep hike recently. Thank you so much for addressing the mental challenges of tough hikes. Keep on keeping it real.
Such great information. When I am on a hard stretch, especially long climbs, I'll look back and see what I have accomplished so far.... Digging your videos!
As always superbly done. My fiancé and I have been checking off 14ers this summer and last weekend kicked our butts. On the ride home we discussed this very topic and asked a lot of the same questions: “why are we even doing this?” You hit the nail on the head with this one.
Nice production quality! ... and solid advice.
Love the banter between you and Kyle 😂
Brilliantly put, so helpful !! Thank you. Scott , Somerset .UK
Planning a ‘25 PCT section trip from Kennedy Mdw S to Sonora, and have on-trail zero days baked into our itinerary just to soak in the beauty and not be exhausted the whole way. One of my biggest lessons learned is to enjoy less miles, rather than be miserable more miles.
Backpacking is 90% mental = 100% true. Everything in this video is so recognizable. A way I defeat a tough climb is by setting micro-goals; literally I tell myself to keep hiking for another 100ft or so and once I'm almost there I choose the next point on the trail 100'ish feet away. Or I reduce step size and increase frequency slightly and imagine I'm making music with my trekking poles and breathing/steps. They all combine into a rhythym and before I know I'm a mile further...
Awesome video! Really enjoy your work
Preparing myself for Iceland in two days, been freaking out a bit to be honest. This video is of great great help!!! Keep hiking mate!
It doesn't suck.... it's an epic adventure! That's the point of view that my hiking/camping buddy and I try to take when things don't go as planned. Great tips!
Great advice -- thanks! I'll be doing that very same Cirque hike in 2 weeks and am now prepared mentally for the extra time to find a good spot for a tent.
My main method to keep my spirits up during a tough hike is to make silly jokes to myself.
For example once on a hike towards the end I had no water left, my knees were hurting badly and I was just about done when I passed a signpost that said it was only two more hours to the end of the trail which was a godsend. But after 15mins i passed another sign that said two hours and half a hour later another one with the same thing written on it. That went on for about 4 or 5 signs in total.
So now when my spirits are low, I just tell myself to remember that it's only two more hours. Then I laugh at my own shitty joke and my spirits are lifted enough to carry on.
I like your channel and especially that it is not all about gear and reviews!
Such great advice! Hoping to do the Trans-Catalina Trail, Mt. Whitney, Half Dome and Grand Canyon Rim to Rim in 2024 so I'll keep these tips in mind. Thanks so much!
Overcoming exhaustion, pain and blisters are my fondest memories of hiking. It gave me the feeling everyday challenges are peanuts.
The mental game is key. I’ve done so many hard things (mostly military) but it was the foreknowledge that it would be hard that made it bearable. Shared discomfort also helps.
Great thoughts and always great production, thanks. Counting every little blessing and considering how good the accomplishment will feel may help too. So many will never know just because they won’t walk just a little further. 😎
Great inspirational video Steven!!! Keep up the good work...
Your friend from across the pond 👍
Im loving everything! Topic, editing and como. And yeah the winds are me up alive :)
This thumbnail was worthy of one of those epic paintings like ‘the wonderer above the sea of fog’
I really like your approach!
What you were saying about getting to the next stop. I,m here in the U.K. and i do a lot of hiking and camping in the Lake District which always involves some steep hiking. I had a mini Stroke a few months ago and tend to run out of steam quickly so i do exactly the same thing as your self.just hike to the next stop.It takes me a little longer but i get there.Love what you do and always find it interesting.All the best mate.😉👍
I’m recovering from tendon injuries all over my body from fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Seeing this video gave me hope that I can get back out there and still have a good trip.
Hey Thanks again appreciate all the videos and info love them
Good points. I also look up ahead on the trail and say, "you see that boulder? If I make it there, I can stop and celebrate"
I do the counting thing also, so helpful.
Great video as always!
Yes! I got 5 days out from a road crossing on the AT a few yrs back and hit the wall. Intuitively I began counting 50 steps at a time. I'd stop and stand still without removing my pack. I just waited for the next breeze and until my heart rate came down. Off I'd go again and again until I reached my next destination. It turned out that although I was pushing myself physically it was more of a mental challenge.
Excellent advice
Truly a timely video. Doing a 100 mi,e section hike. Trained up and then had a week off for vacation and was going to do some more hiking when I got home except its currently around 100 degrees outside so that went out window. First long hike. So its bound to have issues.
Stopping to smell the flowers should be mandatory in every hike
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Wish I'd seen this before I tapped out on the Colorado Trail in June.
i've never been backpacking really, but this video definitely makes me want to go
Haha. The video about how it sucks makes you want to go?
@@MyLifeOutdoors YUP! I like shooting film, I like to suffer apparently
First, thanks for the great tips about mindset. I've done some casual hiking and am slowly getting geared-up to be backpack camping ready, so every bit of wisdom is helpful! But, second, this video is darn near perfect: music, camera shots. I'm not sure the technical terms, but it seemed very well put together! Fist bump to the video editor!
43 year veteran here. Some people are afraid to go backpacking with me. But they are bigger, stronger, and probably in better cardio shape. I have asthma shoulder problems, even hiked with a hernia, (got that fixed in winter). I do not carry the most expensive gear aside from my Zamberlain boots. And getting past my prime. Well maybe that was 30 years ago. At 63 as much as it was at 21 with my first hike to Mt Whitney, it is mind over matter. What is is your heart. When you do something like climb Mt Whitney in one day while living at sea level, you learn anything is possible. Of course there are little things to learn 1) Take care of your feet!
Anybody still reading this should listen to this guy, pretty darn good info for a beginner and even intermediate. One video he showed ear plugs for sleeping, which I would never do in grizzly country, but then I do not go in groups. Very hard to find a UA-camr worse their salt if you want to go into a range like in this video. I take week long trips every year, and you better know what you are doing you can learn mistakes from others and avoid making them yourself. Some are wanting money or to become famous. But there are some to listen to.
Happy Trails
Really good advice, I have frequently got dead excited for a trip then crashed in the head when the size of it and the planning hit my brain. Then it can affect sleep and eating which can knock on the negativity. Remembering why you are there and having only a very rough or flexible plan without expectation can help keep your mind sound.
For example, what separates Special Forces and Elite units from the regulars is the mentality, they are never phased out by their situation, it's always forward thinking and realistic.
Good advice on counting steps and incremental successes along the way.
I really enjoyed the video. You made some good points that will help me on my future hikes.
Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I agree. I would add that being proud of doing something that is hard that few people do makes backpacking more satisfying.
I find taking pictures is the best way to cope with the suck. When looking back on them you remember the beauty and not the pain. It also provides a small distraction in the moment to take my mind off the suck
Thank you for this one Steven it really resonated with me
This content.....
Is.....
Fantastic!!!
Keep it coming!
This is a great life advice in general
I felt this video. Thanks
Great video! Really enjoyed and related to it.
Great tips!
Respect!! Whaaat!? Did the Cirque with a broken foot!!!!
Ohhh! At 4:50 it looks like you found the very rare Magenta Paintbrush flower!! Those are so beautiful!
First long hike I ever did was still one of the hardest. All steep uphill, with a pack far too heavy. I did it, because I didn't know any better. I just huffed and puffed for a long time, did a lot of pain, but never thought of quitting. It's funny because now, knowing other trail toughness, I would never dream o doing that hike again. I don't think I would be able to do it, if not for the fact that I already had, at most worst fitness and pack weight.
When I hike back to my condo from the market with backpack stuffed with groceries I feel the Brotherhood of fellow backpackers edging me on.
so true! great video
Man you just inspire me so much
I really like that idea of counting steps. I think an extension of this is the importance of cadence. I taught my son this when we did our first long bikepack ride. That it's about setting up a good, slow cadence and letting the gears do the work.
With walking it's the same but it's about the pace you are moving at, and if you count, you naturally fall into the cadence you need.
So it's important that while you are counting (at least early when you first start) that you are careful with the count cadence.....because that's how fast you'll move, and how much energy you'll use.