Jamal, you may not be the fastest hiker, but you are an explorer at heart. It's all about the journey and not the destination so much. I really appreciate that you take us on all these little side trips and that we get to explore along with you. Don't ever change!
Thanks! And yeah... I'm fairly content with my skills/approach to hiking -- I just wanted to reiterate to those possibly beginning that one doesn't have to hike fast (or have the best gear) to have an enjoyable experience. Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞✌
Your travels are awesome man, I’m surprised there are not more views but it also makes it seem like a small family of people who are in the know about your channel, it’s inspiring that you can balance your work life and your passions. Thanks for all of the videos over the years! Let’s Go
Thanks -- that's very appreciated. I realize my content really is a niche of a niche (thru hiking, in Utah)... and I'm even seasonal at that which limits my reach even more! I've mentioned it before that I started doing this just to share my adventures with friends and family -- so I'm fairly happy that I've found an additional small audience who likes to watch/listen to me ramble about. Thanks for being a part of that "family". Cheers! 🌞✌
Thanks for taking us along on another great hike Jamal! The flowers and the no-see-ums were spectacular in Arches NP when we were there in mid-June of 2023. We've been camping there for decades, and have never seen such flowers, but the biting midges made us miserable. I remember hiking at the bottom of Salt Valley and looking up and seeing the underside of my hat-brim was *covered* with them. We put on our mesh hats, which helped a little, and we had a screen-in shade shelter in camp, but we were still bitten up pretty badly. No bug spray, including DEET, made a dent in the thick clouds of the little monsters that followed us everywhere. (I believe it's the females that bite because they need blood for protein for their eggs.) The only thing that helped was burning those mosquito coils. Unfortunately we only had a couple of them left over in our gear from the previous year, and there wasn't a coil to be found anywhere in Moab - the stores were all sold out. By our sixth night in camp, my husband was bitten really badly in a ring all around his head just below his hatband. His skin had a slight reaction and was swollen, and nothing would stop the terrible itching. ("Call me Pumpkin Head," he said.) He developed a low-grade fever. We treated it with ice packs followed by a lot of liquid Vitamin E and he was OK. You probably didn't have those options. :-) I can only imagine how miserable you must have been! The next day we asked the guys at Gearheads in Moab about the no-see-ums. They said the same conditions that resulted in the spectacular flower bloom - the years-long drought broken by a snowy, wet winter - also resulted in an explosion in the no-see-um population. There's probably a lesson there somewhere. After we got home I ordered a case of the mosquito coils from Amazon...
That's interesting to hear that they were bad elsewhere in Utah as well. Luckily I got away from them soon after this bad stretch. They were miserable, but... the flowers were amazing so if it has to go hand in hand... I guess I would (reluctantly) accept it. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. Cheers! ✌🌞✌
Dude, you literally walked across the state of Utah, from Nevada to Colorado. I think you've earned the status of "great hiker".. haha. I think most of the folks here probably appreciate that you aren't making clickbait thumbnails and doing mindless gear reviews also. (It's helpful to hear 👎 about the solar panels though; I've always been on the fence about them)
Haha -- thanks! Yeah, it's funny I'm fairly content with my skills and approach, but there are times the competitive former athlete in me gets jealous of seeing trip reports of thru hikers consistently doing 20-30 miles a day. RE: solar panels I've written about them on various forums, but I really should make my own blog post some day to share my findings. I don't think I'll ever NOT take one, just because I like to have some backup in case I have issues with a powerbank -- but in reality it's hard to make it work. Thanks again for watching and the comment. 🌞✌
I am loving this series so much! These extended videos, with your personal clips really helps what it is to be alone in this rough terrain, but so beautiful with all these flowers. Thanks so much to prepare them and share your personal emotions. Keep hiking and you might become a good hiker...!!! ;) Really, do you have any doubts about your amazing journey and accomplishment! You inspire many of us to explore at our own pace this incredible region. Keep doing it, please!!!
Thanks so much. There's always room for improvement and sometimes I'm jealous of those doing "big miles", but yeah for the most part I'm very content with my skills and approach to hiking. I mainly just wanted to re-iterate that it's definitely possible to get out and enjoy backpacking w/o being an "athlete" or having all the latest/greatest gear. I appreciate you for watching and the comment. 🌞✌
Definitely -- this was a was a somewhat tough stretch with all the added complications. The flowers definitely made that first stretch much more enjoyable. Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞✌
As always you are the best hiker and video maker of southern Utah. As you make your loop you should be coming on the east side of Kodachrome Basin State Park and Grosvenor Arch, if I have bearings correct.
Thanks so much, and... your bearings are correct. Though in the next episode I decide to make a change to my course and head north a bit before getting to Grosvenor. Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞✌
You are amazing to trek all that country. And you do it and provide great conversation along the way. I think of you as we travel to Escalante next week. We are meeting our friends who live in Boulder to then explore Cedar Breaks. A new adventure for us. I seen a lot of Escalante, but you takes us to new places. 😀😀😀😀😀👍👍👍👍👍
I've hiked across 50 Mile and got off in Steer Canyon and then down the Grand Bench Neck. It was a great hike. Also hiked down Last Chance. Actually hauled my bighorn ram down it in a pack frame in a rain storm at 3 am. Good times I will never forget. Last Chance is special to me for that experience.
Very cool. I thought about going up that way on a previous hike. How rough was it? I think Kelsey talks about an old/dilapidated stock trail there -- did you see it? It's strange -- I've never "loved" Last Chance, but I'll admit there is something special about it. Maybe because it's just so remote, wide open, and rarely visited. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. 🌞👍
@@Acrossutah Yeah, there is an old stock trail that goes right up through the talus in Steer Canyon. There's also some really cool spring ponds right at the base of the cliffs that have toads in them the likes of which I've never seen elsewhere. Then below the springs on the bench level, there's the old Rock Creek air strip road that skirts the head of Rock Creek and goes by a huge boulder that has indigenous rock art hand prints on it. Very cool stuff.
@@Acrossutah I don't know if you've heard this but at the very end of the Croton Road where it crosses Little Valley Gorge, there's an old rancher camp there. The rancher was named Mary. She had the grazing permits for the 50 mile bench and she ran about 50 head of cattle in that area. She eventually got the nickname "Bloody Mary" because two of her husbands went missing out there on the range. They never found the bodies, but it's rumored she dumped her dead husbands in the slot canyon in Little Valley. Eventually, her cows got away and have interbred up on the 50 for several generations now. I have a couple buddies who go down there every year and try to find and kill those cows for the BLM. They are some weird looking cows since they have run wild now for so long. I've been all around Little Valley and glassed down into it from the Grand Bench Neck, but I have never actually hiked up the bottom. And I have never heard of anyone else doing it either. There's one spot that looks dang near bottomless! Very cool area.
Wow -- I'd never heard that, what an great story. I've been interested in exploring the Little Valley area and slots for a while and this just makes it even more intriguing. Thanks for sharing that and your experiences in Steer Canyon. 👍
Man, can't tell you how much I love your videos. It's such an unagitated style, it really calms me down while watching. And of course not to forget this absolutely incredible landscape. I've been to Coyote Gulch and Lower Death Hollow and it blew my mind away. Sad, that you had to experience so many gear failures. Especially the air mattress. That must be the biggest pain in the ass. Nevertheless, happy hiking and keep on filming for us 😀
Thanks -- I really appreciate that! I realize that this episode got a little "complainy" -- but with less spectacular scenery along this stretch I took the opportunity to talk more and catch up on all the gear issues I'd been having. Hopefully that'll be balanced by the "highs" of the next episode. 👍 Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞
Great points about not needing perfect gear. I started backpacking (too many years ago to admit) with really crappy, heavy stuff. Jeans and a flannel shirt, big leather waffle stompers (heel blisters like you wouldn't believe), too many clothes, sleeping bags that were huge, heavy and left me cold. The old Whisperlite stoves that made a gigantic mess, or the Coleman ones that created fireballs. But I'm still hiking! a little smarter now.... What makes your videos some of the best ones out there on RU-vid is that your focus is NOT on big miles, or on endless gear reviews, but on nature itself. Small critters, plants, views from different angles, evening light, etc. And your camera is 90% on nature, where some RU-vidrs are 90% on themselves. It is interesting though to see you fumble a bit on this hike - the lack of sleep really impacts judgement, memory, organization. Could even be dangerous for someone with less experience.
Thanks! Yeah -- I've definitely went through those growing pains as well (evidenced by looking at some of my early videos!) Truth is I'm fairly content with my approach now, but just wanted to reiterate the idea to newcomers that one doesn't have to be an "athlete" or have the best gear in order truly enjoy a backpacking trip. Re: fumbling on this hike -- that is definitely true, and yet in many ways this was one of my favorite hikes. I think it helped that I had an open-ended permit without any true deadlines to hit. And since I had plenty of food at my cache sites, I was able to just roll with the punches and enjoy the hike w/o stressing too much about getting back on schedule. Thanks again for watching and the comment. 🌞✌
Very glad to hear that... even if you've said it before! 😉👍 I'm still not sure which I enjoyed making more -- the episodes like this year or the true daily VLOG like 2022. TBD what I'll try next, but either way glad to knw there's an audience for the longer format. Cheers! ✌
@@AcrossutahI’m pretty sure your next project will be worth watching.😉 I’m heading out on the Colorado Trail next week so I’ll need to catch up when I finish in August. Cheers and best wishes!✌️
You are a great hiker in my opinion. Expensive gear isnt always the best choice but everything is expensive now. Seems like the new gear items are not testing positive for you. The bandana finally got away... Nooo! Where is the water coming from at those water spickets? Gnats are one of the main reasons along with the heat that I don't like hiking in the summer here in Virginia. Thanks for another great VLOG.
Thanks! Yeah, I cut some additional thoughts from that speech, but hopefully the gist is still there. Some expensive gear is really good, but IMHO paying a lot to save a little (weight) doesn't always add up to me. Yes, I had a pretty bad run with all the new-to-me gear on this trip (the backpack was the only item that I really liked. Tent was OK, but I still preferred the older model.) Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌
YES! Thanks for making my day as I'm glad that at least one person got that reference! 🤣 I actually cut those two moments together even though in reality they were almost a day apart. And upon further review I realize I didn't quite nail the quote -- but it was close. There are actually a few Seinfeld quotes throughout my videos even though I know most people won't get them. Not that there's anything wrong with that. 😉 Thanks for watching! ✌
Another awesome video! I am not a ultra light hiker. I also like bringing some luxury items along. A lot of the hiking channels recommend lighter(and more expensive gear). What I don't like is that some of them get a percentage of an item that they recommend. That is the same as getting commission so of course they are going to recommend something, or give it a great review because a company will keep sending them free products to review.
I hear ya! I'm a fairly small channel and I get tons of offers for free gear IF I'd be willing to do a "video review". It's definitely deceptive when it's not clear that one is sponsored in this way. What's funny is many of the offers I get are completely random and not related to my videos at all (ie beach umbrellas, bluetooth speakers, etc.) 🤣 Thanks for watching and the comment! ✌
Someone, someday, may find your bandanna, in a similar way you've found party balloons; I found one in Happy Canyon UT in May 2023. No Gnats then. And the eventual finder of your bandanna may cuss you for "abandoning" trash in the wilderness! Thanks for the update; always welcome.
Funny -- very true, but now I think it's odd that I've never found a bandanna (have found a few hats though.) Thanks again for watching and the comment. 🌞✌
Enjoyed your gear commentary! I'm a 50 something lady who's been backpacking on and off since 20 something, and I consider myself a bit of a gear head. Like yourself, I appreciate a more relaxed approach to a trip. How much do you see when you're watching the tops of your boots all the time? Six years ago a few of us gals got together to do a small trip. Of the six of us, I was the only one with any backpacking experience. I gave them all a long list of items and tips for the first trip (and earned the trail name of Pack Master as a result LOL). We have done a backpack trip every year since and it has been interesting to see everyone evolve and personalize their gear. And quality ain't what it used to be. I compare 10-20 year old gear that I have to the newer stuff from the same manufacturer, and the new stuff is rarely better. So, like yourself, I am loathe to swap in new gear unless I absolutely have to. Anyway, loving the trip and traveling off road Utah vicariously through you. Hope to get back down there soon. Appreciate all your hard work so much!
Thanks! And that's a great story -- thanks for sharing your experience Pack Master! 😉 I was a bit hesitant about my message in this episode as I didn't want to argue AGAINST good/expensive gear, I just wanted to share that it's not mandatory for one to get started. That might seem obvious, but when my first-time backpacker friends joined me last fall they had a bunch of questions and I realized how intimidating it must be to get started. Thanks again for watching and the comment! ✌
Haha -- not sure if that's 100% true, but THANKS! It really does boil down to what one's own priorities are -- and I do like to take my time and notice the details. I often wonder how much I'd miss if I tried to do a "fast hike". TBD. Cheers! 🌞✌
Despite problems with some gear and the gnats and deer flies, hiking comes down to putting one foot in front of the other and that you do very well and that in my book makes you an excellent hiker.
Thanks! And to clarify... I'm fairly content with my own skill level, I just wanted to re-iterate that one doesn't have to be "great" or buy all the "best" gear in order to get out there and have an enjoyable experience. Thanks again for "following along". 🌞✌
are a great hiker and explorer. Thanks for taking us places I am sure I will not get to in my lifetime. Utah is one of my favorite places to backpack. But I am a backpacker that does not stay out as long as you do! Just wondering when will just give in and move to Utah?
Thanks! Glad you enjoy "following along". Re: moving to Utah -- not sure. 😬 With family there and my many visits per year I kinda feel like a part-time resident. Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞✌
Jamal, im sorry to say, its probably a combination of things like 1) lack of a decent nights sleep and 2) your age 😢 I'm in a similar state, poor sleep pattern and age. Early remission from prostate cancer and being eighty. Still hiking/climbing but much steadier.
Yeah -- you could be right as much as I hate to admit age could be affecting me. Good for you for battling through tough times and continuing to hike and climb. Cheers to keeping it up! 🌞👍
katadyn gravity feed filters are heavier but we've been very happy/ our first one did slow down a lot after a couple years but the newer one seems better. definitely don't worry about the bag failing, very well made... / well at least you got to see the flowers/ so frustrating i know how it feels to leave stuff behind... awesome episode that was really cool seeing the slot from above/ comedy we did a hike down to Sipapu Bridge in Natural Bridges and Roxana said she was waiting for you to show up in the canyon hahaha, looked like your kind of area but i bet a little too hot for your type of hike, July it was around 95 hahaha...
Platypus did replace the bag, but I fear it might end up the same way. I've just learned to not count on it for my carry capacity. I actually do like the hot weather, but... Natural Bridges in July might even be too warm for me! 😉 Thanks again for watching and the comment. ✌
@@Acrossutah i agree you may have the same problem again...i dont like the seams on those platypus bags, the kataydyn doesnt have that issue... 95 was nice in bridges but it did make the hike a little tougher haha
Recently I managed to destroy my feet with blisters on a longer hike, so I'm definitely not a great hiker. I've since wicking socks worn underneath cotton socks works well at prevention. I have much to learn....hope it doesn't kill me first, lol.
That's great. I tried them out and they didn't really work for me. I have some neoprene socks that I'll use on occasion if I know I'll be hiking in a lot of water. I'm lucky though, for some reason as I've gotten older I rarely ever get blisters anymore. Keep hiking and learning -- sure it won't kill ya. 😉 Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. ✌
Well I don’t think it was ‘too complainy’ and yes, one doesn’t need the newest most expensive items to be comfortable. I’m still using my sleeping pad from the 1980s or maybe 90s - been so long I forget exactly how old it is.
Glad to hear that -- I had reservations re: this video being too negative, but by this point in the hike I'd built up some angst re: my gear and bugs I guess! 😬 That's a really great return on investment for your pad! I'm all for using gear as long as possible if it still works. Thanks for watching. 🌞✌
Yeah -- that was part of a longer speech in which I talked through some examples, but cut most of it out as I thought it was too long. I talked about trekking pole tents and how they just don't work for me -- despite being broadly loved by most thru hikers. I also talked about Dyneema -- an amazing fabric for gear, but for many hikers it's hard to justify the cost to save some ounces of weight. Another topic -- my JetBoil which I know was originally more expensive and is still heaver than other stove kits, but... it's worked for me for 15+ years and I don't feel the need to swap it out yet. Ultimately I was just hoping to reiterate the "Hike Your Own Hike" mantra and that ideally one should not be weighed down too much by gear choices. Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌
Yeah -- it was not fun. It's funny, I was able to take naps during the day on the hard ground OK, but at night in the tent it was miserable. Got a new pad and a better patch kit now though! 🌞✌
May I off some friendly advice? Don't leave your pack unattended. Or at least take your food bag with you. Animals will smell food in the pack and chew holes to get inside. Also, open all zippers and pockets; that lets them in the front door so they (in theory) won't chew thru to get in.
Always open to friendly advice, but... in this case I think that's somewhat a myth -- at least in remote southern Utah and especially for the daytime. I've heard stories of problems like that from popular spots (eg campsites in the Grand Canyon, near Angels Landing, etc.), but in 15+ years of hiking I've never had a problem and I do leave my pack unattended rather frequently for hours at a time. I've even had the debate re: my bagged caches being doomed to an animal attack, but again it's never happened to me. I admit that there are many variables at play though, so it might just be WHAT I pack (ie limited scents) and WHERE I leave it that contributes to my success. All that same... Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌
Yeah, I definitely had some bad luck with a bunch of my new gear. Much of the complaining kinda unfairly got "piled on" to this episode though because the scenery wasn't as amazing along this stretch and thus I spent more time talking to the camera about other stuff. Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞✌
