I'd like to hear advice on answering the call of Mother Nature in the middle of the night, it's dark out, etc. How far away from your tent do you go, or do you have a system to go while inside your tent and avoid going out in the cold, etc.
You sir, are an inspiration. I live out here in Riverside and I'll be turning 51 this year and was wondering if it was too late for me to get into backpacking. Well, now you have shown me that it is never too late and age is just a number (even though I still hurt myself without doing anything. HA!) I am already planning to hike the Trans Catalina Trail!!! Anyways, thanks for the motivation and God bless!
Great tips Rev. I’d like to add don’t setup your camp directly next to others when at all possible. Many people prefer some solitude. More than once I have people set their tent up a few feet from mine when there were plenty of options further away.
There are also people who will sit directly across from you and block your view so you have to stare at them the entire time- in a cafe when there’s twenty open tables. Some people are just dense like that. Always boggles my mind. My instinct is to spread out. But honestly some people seem to be the opposite - “Oh there’s already someone there so I need to be exactly there too” It’s sheep syndrome. There’s sheep and there’s wolves. I’m more of a lone wolf. I don’t want strangers right on top of me.
Here's some things I've learned years ago as a Boy Scout. If you see even a hint of a micro stream, set the tent up else where. on an overnight I woke up and between our sleeping bags (our old canvas tents didn't have floors) was a 2" wide stream of rain water). Be aware of the trees and wind, you don't want to have and dead or hanging branches fall on your the tent over the night if the wind picks up!
Rev, Great points for camp sites and others. My 90 years old mother in law watched your videos with us and said your advice is very practical and useful. She also reminded us to keep in mind of what you said and use it in our daily life. Thank you.
@@TheHikingRev Thank you for your remark. We will keep following your expertise which you learnt from trial and error. We look forward to your videos. We found them most informative and most enjoyable. Thank you.
I can confirm everything the Rev says in this video. Especially the part about not sleeping on impermeable surfaces. Once I found a beautiful flat patch of gravel among granite boulders. It didn't occur to me that the gravel had been washed into a depression in the solid granite. That's why it was so flat. Sure enough, when the storm hit, I was lying in a puddle. No real tent, just tarps, so no bathtub floor. You can imagine my distress. Now I know. But still, I'd revisit Dusy Basin in a heartbeat. Just not that particular spot.
Great information. Sometimes I forget some of these details. When it comes to look for a spot where the camper and he’s late at night and you’re tired, your body only ask for somewhere to lay down and sleep as soon as possible but it’s important to keep all this advice and high consideration if you want to have a good night sleep.. Thank you so much for sharing this video. God bless you.
Well done. Another reason not to be close to a water source: Animals like bears, skunks, racoons, etc come during the middle of the night to drink. A young lady saw a campfire ring next to a small stream and camped there (it was not a designated campsite just somebody who made it up) . It was a full moon and she heard a foot steps and noticed it was a bear next to her tent. She clapped her hands and yelled. The bear left the camps site but she didn't sleep a wink. My friend and I were above that campsite and didn't here anything.
I just discovered you and your videos.You are into two favorite things of mine....God and hiking. I've just watched a few of your videos so far, two of them about your heart attack. Glad you're recouped and on the trail again. I hope you get to do the AT. I have been on the AT from southern Pa. to Bearfence Mountain Hut in the Shenandoahs. I live close to many AT trailheads (I live in Central Maryland). I am 65; I haven't hiked for over a year (life happens) and haven't backpacked in over 10 years. I hope to get back to both, God willing. Thanks for sharing your adventures!
My favorite tip for finding good campsites is to avoid all the Guthook sites and go off trail as much as possible given your time and ability - learn to read topography and topo maps to find areas that won’t be too steep. I always think it’s best to camp in a spot far in the backcountry as long as you’re completely familiar with LNT. IF you aren’t, then PLEASE please please just camp at the already established sites!!!
Excellent video and topic! I don't do overnight hikes but do camp at Mt Rainier [in a campground] every Summer. My pet peeve is people that come in late, are loud and shine their lights [headlamp or flashlights] all around their campsite including in the direction of my tent when it's dark out which is bright and will startle me. There needs to be a camper code of courtesy! Screaming kids, or adults that are obnoxiously loud with music and/ or conversations is so rude. Campgrounds have a 10pm noise curfew but often it's ignored. I like the advice of having a level campsite [I've made the mistake of being at a slight angle which caused me to slide during the night]. Also, door direction is important. I try to arrange my tent so my "opening" is facing away from wind or people. Keep the informative and fun videos coming!
I always enjoy hearing your perspective Rev. l certainly agree with the Leave No Trace philosophy, but I love a campfire whenever possible and permitted. I think that’s okay . ?
@@TheHikingRev just finished the heart attack video. Glad you're okay. Had mine 11 years ago this month. Not a favorable hobby lol. I improved my health watching Dr Sten Ekberg's channel. Holistic Dr from Sweden now in Atlanta,GA. I plan to do at least 5 miles after my heart stops ;)
Greetings and salutations, great advice as always, my friend of the trail. I've slept in some campsites that others haven't followed your advice, I usually pack an extra trash bag for such instances. I don't camp in valleys or hill tops, even if the view is great and yeah, its gotta be flat. Peace and good tidings from the Conejo.
i have watched several of your videos. i loved your pct hike. my wife and i saw all the episodes. i have vicariously experienced the trail with you. thanks, greg
Great tips, thanks. I've also been soaked from camping too near a lake before. Won't do that again. I envy your camp spots in the woods. Here in SW CO, the amount of beetle kill makes it dangerous to camp near trees. Now it's best to climb on up above tree line to sleep. I haven't camped in the woods for years and miss staying in some of those beautiful old spots.
Another VERY informative video to make our backpacking more enjoyable!! You provided a number of little details that will help a hiker to have a good nights sleep! Don’t feel like “ The Lone Ranger” on setting up in a depression. I’ve got that t-shirt as well. Fortunately, I learned very quickly to never do that again! 😜 Well done Rev!
Oh man, campsites are always a dilemma for me. I want to follow the rules, yet some trails have established camp areas that are right after my entry point or to far for me to get to in one day. I like dispersed camping when possible.
What method do you use to wake up at 4am?. Do you set an alarm? What do you use for an alarm? Is there a method of waking up that doesn't disturb others? Thanks in advance!
Hello REV, glad your up and around. On your how to load your pack, and a few other videos, Do you eat cold food all the time? If you do eat a hot meal on the trail whats your favorite ?
Hey Bill. I’m not picky with my Trail food. I’ll eat anything that doesn’t eat me first. I’ll take a stove with me on short trips but on Thruhikes I like the idea of not having to carry a stove (weight) and not cooking (time/efficiency). My favorite hot meal is Knor Rice Side and Chicken pouches. I did not eat one Mountain House, etc. on my entire PCT Thruhike.
Durable surfaces - basically, campsites that can be restored to their original condition. Hard packed ground - avoid depressions of hard packed ground. Rain pooling as opposed to running off.
It’s Areas not Area’s, Campsites not Campsite’s etc. Areas is plural. Area’s means “belongs to an area” Sorry Rev but apostrophe abuse is my pet peeve.
@@TheHikingRev haha well - doesn’t diminish the quality of information dispensed! It’s just something I’ve seen increasing in prevalence in the last few years and it drives me nuts. I probably shouldn’t have paid so much attention in English class
I can’t believe Guthook changed their name to “Guthook… or, I mean, now I guess it’s FarOut” Since that’s basically what everyone calls it now. That was the stupidest branding move I can possibly imagine for them.
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I'd like to hear advice on answering the call of Mother Nature in the middle of the night, it's dark out, etc. How far away from your tent do you go, or do you have a system to go while inside your tent and avoid going out in the cold, etc.
Hey Mike. I used to go outside to answer mother nature‘s call but I made a video on my present solution.
ua-cam.com/video/t93uywsRozQ/v-deo.html
Spent 20 years as a park ranger and your advice is excellent. Thanks
Thanks Steve.
All great advice, Rev!
Thanks Kenneth. 😁❤️👍
Good advice.
Thanks Winston. 😁
You sir, are an inspiration. I live out here in Riverside and I'll be turning 51 this year and was wondering if it was too late for me to get into backpacking. Well, now you have shown me that it is never too late and age is just a number (even though I still hurt myself without doing anything. HA!) I am already planning to hike the Trans Catalina Trail!!! Anyways, thanks for the motivation and God bless!
You’re welcome Sean. The Trans Catalina is on my bucket list.
Great tips Rev. I’d like to add don’t setup your camp directly next to others when at all possible. Many people prefer some solitude. More than once I have people set their tent up a few feet from mine when there were plenty of options further away.
You’re not talking about our friend Marmalade are you?
@@TheHikingRev you are too sharp Rev.
There are also people who will sit directly across from you and block your view so you have to stare at them the entire time- in a cafe when there’s twenty open tables. Some people are just dense like that. Always boggles my mind. My instinct is to spread out. But honestly some people seem to be the opposite - “Oh there’s already someone there so I need to be exactly there too”
It’s sheep syndrome. There’s sheep and there’s wolves. I’m more of a lone wolf. I don’t want strangers right on top of me.
@@helpfulcommenter 100%.
@@TheHikingRev wait what? 😂😂😂
Here's some things I've learned years ago as a Boy Scout. If you see even a hint of a micro stream, set the tent up else where. on an overnight I woke up and between our sleeping bags (our old canvas tents didn't have floors) was a 2" wide stream of rain water). Be aware of the trees and wind, you don't want to have and dead or hanging branches fall on your the tent over the night if the wind picks up!
Thanks bobmatch. That is great advice. 😁👍❤️
Rev, Great points for camp sites and others. My 90 years old mother in law watched your videos with us and said your advice is very practical and useful. She also reminded us to keep in mind of what you said and use it in our daily life. Thank you.
Tell your mom in law, Thank you. That’s very kind of her.
@@TheHikingRev
Thank you for your remark. We will keep following your expertise which you learnt from trial and error. We look forward to your videos. We found them most informative and most enjoyable. Thank you.
Good info, Rev. For peace and quiet, and also for security reasons, I avoid camping close to road crossings.
Yes. That’s great advice. I missed that one.
Exactly! The deeper into the woods, the safer you are
I can confirm everything the Rev says in this video. Especially the part about not sleeping on impermeable surfaces. Once I found a beautiful flat patch of gravel among granite boulders. It didn't occur to me that the gravel had been washed into a depression in the solid granite. That's why it was so flat. Sure enough, when the storm hit, I was lying in a puddle. No real tent, just tarps, so no bathtub floor. You can imagine my distress.
Now I know. But still, I'd revisit Dusy Basin in a heartbeat. Just not that particular spot.
Thanks for your story Peggy. Hopefully others like myself will learn from your mishap.
Seen that mistake and tried to talk someone out of it one time. "But its perfectly flat? Why move?"
Great information. Sometimes I forget some of these details. When it comes to look for a spot where the camper and he’s late at night and you’re tired, your body only ask for somewhere to lay down and sleep as soon as possible but it’s important to keep all this advice and high consideration if you want to have a good night sleep.. Thank you so much for sharing this video. God bless you.
You’re quite welcome.
Hey Rev it is great to see you out hiking following the heart ♥️ attack. Here’ to your continued great health.
Thanks Mark.
Well done. Another reason not to be close to a water source: Animals like bears, skunks, racoons, etc come during the middle of the night to drink. A young lady saw a campfire ring next to a small stream and camped there (it was not a designated campsite just somebody who made it up) . It was a full moon and she heard a foot steps and noticed it was a bear next to her tent. She clapped her hands and yelled. The bear left the camps site but she didn't sleep a wink. My friend and I were above that campsite and didn't here anything.
Whoa. I miss that point. But you’re right we need to give space for animals to visit their water source.
Some really good advice Rev that can be used Worldwide. Appreciate the upload.
You’re quite welcome Chris.
I just discovered you and your videos.You are into two favorite things of mine....God and hiking. I've just watched a few of your videos so far, two of them about your heart attack. Glad you're recouped and on the trail again. I hope you get to do the AT. I have been on the AT from southern Pa. to Bearfence Mountain Hut in the Shenandoahs. I live close to many AT trailheads (I live in Central Maryland). I am 65; I haven't hiked for over a year (life happens) and haven't backpacked in over 10 years. I hope to get back to both, God willing. Thanks for sharing your adventures!
You’re welcome Annie. I’m going to do the Pinhoti Trail in April/May seeing if I want to try the AT. God and hiking…great combination!
This was wonderful and very informative! I will definitely try and use these principles on my next backpacking trip! Oh wait… see you Thursday! Haha
Thanks. Wait…what? 😂😂😂
Very nice classic Giants logo on jacket...Amen for thoughtful considered information.
Thank you William.
Thank you for the great tip. Be safe and God bless.
Thanks Russ.
My favorite tip for finding good campsites is to avoid all the Guthook sites and go off trail as much as possible given your time and ability - learn to read topography and topo maps to find areas that won’t be too steep. I always think it’s best to camp in a spot far in the backcountry as long as you’re completely familiar with LNT. IF you aren’t, then PLEASE please please just camp at the already established sites!!!
So true. The best camping is stealth camping.
@@TheHikingRev Now Rev, surely you're old enough to remember when it was just called "camping"
@@helpfulcommenter 😂
have to agree on all counts, old fashioned map reader here and still use them instead of my phone.
Great tips, Rev! I hadn't thought about avoiding hard packed sites that see a lot of traffic. I'll stick that one on my tool belt for sure. ⛺🔥
Thanks.
Excellent video and topic! I don't do overnight hikes but do camp at Mt Rainier [in a campground] every Summer. My pet peeve is people that come in late, are loud and shine their lights [headlamp or flashlights] all around their campsite including in the direction of my tent when it's dark out which is bright and will startle me. There needs to be a camper code of courtesy! Screaming kids, or adults that are obnoxiously loud with music and/ or conversations is so rude. Campgrounds have a 10pm noise curfew but often it's ignored. I like the advice of having a level campsite [I've made the mistake of being at a slight angle which caused me to slide during the night]. Also, door direction is important. I try to arrange my tent so my "opening" is facing away from wind or people. Keep the informative and fun videos coming!
Thanks Rebecca. Yes that is my pet peeve too.
You presented great suggestions to remember. Thanks. I enjoy all your videos, thanks for doing them.
You’re welcome Mark.
I always enjoy hearing your perspective Rev. l certainly agree with the Leave No Trace philosophy, but I love a campfire whenever possible and permitted. I think that’s okay . ?
Yes. As long as the fire is completely extinguished before you leave camp.
Thanks as always Rev !!!
You’re welcome Jason.
Just ran across your site about older hikers....thumbs up from an apprentice geezer from the hills of Tennessee ;)
Go Vols!
@@TheHikingRev just finished the heart attack video. Glad you're okay. Had mine 11 years ago this month. Not a favorable hobby lol. I improved my health watching Dr Sten Ekberg's channel. Holistic Dr from Sweden now in Atlanta,GA. I plan to do at least 5 miles after my heart stops ;)
Great info , Brother Mike!😀 Got to get u a New Baseball Sweat Shirt! Go Braves!
👎🏻
Greetings and salutations, great advice as always, my friend of the trail. I've slept in some campsites that others haven't followed your advice, I usually pack an extra trash bag for such instances. I don't camp in valleys or hill tops, even if the view is great and yeah, its gotta be flat. Peace and good tidings from the Conejo.
Hey Rabbit! Thanks my friend.
@@TheHikingRev Rabbit?
Conejo = Rabbit. 🤷🏼♂️
@@TheHikingRev LOL, thank you Rev, my mind's been elsewhere, sorry about that.
Thank you! Great tips!
You’re quite welcome.
Great video. And thanks for the information. Everyone cana benefit from a refresher course
Thanks. 👍
i have watched several of your videos. i loved your pct hike. my wife and i saw all the episodes. i have vicariously experienced the trail with you. thanks, greg
Great tips, thanks. I've also been soaked from camping too near a lake before. Won't do that again.
I envy your camp spots in the woods. Here in SW CO, the amount of beetle kill makes it dangerous to camp near trees. Now it's best to climb on up above tree line to sleep. I haven't camped in the woods for years and miss staying in some of those beautiful old spots.
It was hard to find forrest in the Desert section on the PCT.
@@TheHikingRev 😀
Well said!! Great advice! Thank you!
You’re welcome Mark.
Best tips and knowledge, 🙏🏻
I’m glad it was helpful. 😁
Quick question? Can you make a video about food storage on the trail? Is a Bear Canister better or should you hang your food?
Thank you Sean. That’s a great idea for a video.
Great advice.
Thanks Barbara.
Thanks for sharing your great tips and information. Big like and new subscribe from your friend here 👍
Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy the videos.
Thanks, Rev!
You’re welcome Paul.
Another reason to avoid camping in meadows is they are fragile (:. Love your videos thanks for doing them. They’ve inspired me to hit the trail.
Yes. Leave it better than you found it.
@@TheHikingRev indeed. It’s disheartening to see trash and toilet paper on the trail.
Another VERY informative video to make our backpacking more enjoyable!! You provided a number of little details that will help a hiker to have a good nights sleep! Don’t feel like “ The Lone Ranger” on setting up in a depression. I’ve got that t-shirt as well. Fortunately, I learned very quickly to never do that again! 😜 Well done Rev!
Yes…personal experience is the best teacher. Been there, done that.
Love all the great information. Thank you
You’re welcome Nancy. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Really enjoying your content. Thank you!
You’re welcome Tom.
Oh man, campsites are always a dilemma for me. I want to follow the rules, yet some trails have established camp areas that are right after my entry point or to far for me to get to in one day. I like dispersed camping when possible.
So do I.
What method do you use to wake up at 4am?. Do you set an alarm? What do you use for an alarm? Is there a method of waking up that doesn't disturb others? Thanks in advance!
When I did the PCT I used my cell phone as an alarm. I tried not to camp very near other hikers. Now I have a watch that vibrates for an alarm.
If you have an alarm on your watch, it allows you to completely shut off your phone at night and it's very unlikely to disturb others.
Hello REV, glad your up and around. On your how to load your pack, and a few other videos, Do you eat cold food all the time? If you do eat a hot meal on the trail whats your favorite ?
Hey Bill. I’m not picky with my Trail food. I’ll eat anything that doesn’t eat me first. I’ll take a stove with me on short trips but on Thruhikes I like the idea of not having to carry a stove (weight) and not cooking (time/efficiency). My favorite hot meal is Knor Rice Side and Chicken pouches. I did not eat one Mountain House, etc. on my entire PCT Thruhike.
@@TheHikingRev Thank You ,
Thanks Rev. You post some very good tips
Thanks Jackie Boy.
@@TheHikingRev you're welcome
Do you have any suggestions for online video editor?
@@hikingwithjackieboy I just use iMovie.
@@TheHikingRev thanks again
Hello Rev from Ohio. Love all your videos. Keep them coming
Hey Ohio! Thanks you Nancy.
Really liked the ideas of not cooking on the trail!
Try it. You may like it. It’s a lot easier. 😁
Thanks.
You’re quite welcome Mark.
Hey Rev! So happy I found your channel! If you are ever up in Washington give me a shout out and we can pound some dirt together!
Sounds good Gus. I’ll take you up on that.
Good one, Rev ! TICKS ?
Thanks. Yes. That’ll ruin your hike.
The tips “Use durable surfaces” and “avoid hard packed ground” are a little bit hard to disentangle
Durable surfaces - basically, campsites that can be restored to their original condition.
Hard packed ground - avoid depressions of hard packed ground. Rain pooling as opposed to running off.
Go Giants!
Let’s go Giants!
Go Dodgers!!!!
Hey Brett. Did you mean to say, “Go Giants!?” 😁
It’s Areas not Area’s, Campsites not Campsite’s etc.
Areas is plural.
Area’s means “belongs to an area”
Sorry Rev but apostrophe abuse is my pet peeve.
Man…I was hoping no one would notice. I knew I should have stayed awake during English class.
@@TheHikingRev haha well - doesn’t diminish the quality of information dispensed! It’s just something I’ve seen increasing in prevalence in the last few years and it drives me nuts. I probably shouldn’t have paid so much attention in English class
Looks like you are in nor cal
Yes. Wildcat Canyon in Richmond.
@@TheHikingRev The eastbay regional park system is amazing
I can’t believe Guthook changed their name to “Guthook… or, I mean, now I guess it’s FarOut”
Since that’s basically what everyone calls it now.
That was the stupidest branding move I can possibly imagine for them.
I totally agree. I’d like to meet the genius who came up with that move.