Taking My Friend On Her FIRST BACKPACKING TRIP! | Miranda in the Wild 

You did so well, Pam! It was great to see your pure joy on the trail 😊

Best episode yet!!! Loved it!! Very entertaining!! Pam should be a regular 😀!!

Nice 👍🏼!

Great video. I'm not a pro but a bigger hiker and I use hiking poles they seem to help me on inclines. Hope this helps.

@@bighappydecalifas me too!! They help with stability especially when my body starts to feel fatigued!!

Pus size AND tall!

Late to the party, but I have noticed that plus sized people are often in way better shape than skinny people. A new backpacker is going to struggle and it isn’t necessarily about the weight.

@@thisbeem2714 Welcome to the party lol! Thank you for sharing your thoughts :). I have a friend that is probably 100 lbs lighter than me and I can easily outrun her. While I don't glorify being overweight (I myself wish I could lose some weight), but people regularly underestimate and vilify overweight people as if we are incapable of doing anything beyond walking to the fridge from the couch.

@@eloisag4959 This is so true.

I agree and with you. I love being outdoors and I love that she included her friend. It encouraging and inspiring. Having someone on your side make a world of difference, especially when it’s your bestie

What a great video and definitely wonderful to see good friends having fun and you ladies rock. Well done.

It's really heart-warming and validating to see other plus sized women doing outdoorsy stuff :)

@@emilyholewka8784 what does “plus sized” mean?

@@Steve8624 if you watch the video, we can let Pam explain this quite common expression at 13:36.

I was just thinking the same thing. I started backpacking about 4 years ago, and finding clothes and equipment that fit me was difficult. But I also had an experienced friend who helped me get my trail legs, and now I'm hooked. I just wish places like REI and other sporting goods/sportswear companies would broaden their plus size options so that more of us can get on the trails with the proper gear.

And a friend who enjoys it and doesn't make you feel inadequate helps too.

@@JulieNapp Yes! I'm wondering if I should drive up to the Seattle store to see if they carry more options. The Portland store almost never has anything that would fit me, but to be fair, I've mostly been trying to find biking gear up to this point (ended up buying a men's rain jacket and rolling the sleeves up.)

@@JulieNapp yes! I’m planning my first backpacking trip and it’s so frustrating that these brands don’t carry my size! 😢

Poles help a lot too

Hello Sarah

@@johnsonlamore2890 hey Johnson, how are you? Hope your holding up well.

@@eryxstenovitch213 I’m doing fine thank you , hope you are safe from the virus?

I agree!!!!

I was literally about to comment this! :) I moved to Brazil right before Covid hit and ALL of the national parks etc were closed due to Covid :( I a m hella outta shape but really wanna get back into hiking and start exploring this beautiful country! :)

😅😂🤣 They really have us in mind.

We've all said something we regret when we're feeling wankered.

_whispers behind hand_ This is production's show, gosh darn.

I agree, take me everywhere 😂

PAM! PAM! PAM! WE WANT MORE PAM!!

Take Pam all of the places!!!

Love you & Pam

I beg for the sweet relief of death when I have to hike uphill

@@son473 😂😂 right? I’m in Pennsylvania so uphill here is up rocks uphill, just shy of certain death lol

So made that wish 2 weeks ago! Lmao!

Lmao 🤣

Me before I send it on some obstacle I have absolutely no business attempting

Hiked the Grand Canyon, and at one point hiking back up I did start crying from exhaustion.

Ditto! They have a special connection and it does come off very well in the video. ❤️👍🏼

Thank you so much!!

So true! When I was XL (now L) I had a VERY hard time finding pants for hiking. Then I found the exact ones Pam is wearing at REI 😍

@@pamlavallee9051Good for You! So worth it!

Yes!

My pleasure!!! Have so much fun!!

I agree, Pam seems really cool!

Yes please!

Yes!! We need more Pam in our lives, she’s great!

Love this video!! Love your friendship, and Pam is so great!!

Agree! Can this be a series please!?? 🥺

They don’t actually have plus sizes in stores. I needed gear for an upcoming trip and after seeing this video was so excited to shop in store. I waited to long and didn’t have what I needed. This video is misleading. Do better REI

Miranda had some poles available for me to try, but I made the choice not to. They didn’t feel super comfortable in my hands, and I was worried I’d feel more unsteady, because I’m pretty clumsy naturally and I like holding onto things. But, so many people have suggested poles so I probably should give them a fair shake!

@@pamlavallee9051 I felt the same way the first time I took poles, but I got used to them quickly and they really helped me. My kids enjoy them too, even though they are like mountain goats - it helps them be even faster. Smart, though, to not throw too many complications into the first trip!

I’m pretty sure I did actually make that joke 😂

Lmao!

@@pamlavallee9051 so glad you had the best guide, friend, mentor for your first trip. Looking forward to your hiking/camping journey. Possibly titled Pam's Adventures?

Thanks for watching and for sharing your experiences, Jill. Whatever pace works for you, is what works. Keep on enjoying the trail!

Walking poles are a great help, especially for up hill slogs, if you can find yourself a light, adjustable pair with neoprene handles, they'll help, and give you confidence :) Happy trails :)

@@angeladawn805 they’ve also saved me from quite a few falls.

@@angeladawn805 Thank you for sharing this advice. I used to be quite fit and grew up in the forest, but I was struck by a chronic illness over a decade ago. It's more under control now, but I'm in terrible shape in addition to being older and creakier, and without anyone to take me, I've been afraid to give it a go. Do you have any brand suggestions?

@@Tser as long as they have a rubber tip (so not to damage the track) and neoprene or Cork handles, and wrist loops, you can't go wrong (even a cheap KMart pair is better than nothing). I'm sure your REI store will be able to help (I'm in New Zealand, so we're not lucky to have all the choices big countries get!!). Personally, I wouldn't bother with anti-shock, as it makes it heavier. And be sure to use the wrist straps, as they kinda act as a Sling, so you don't grip so tightly, and the whole forearm does the work. Best of luck to you :)

Hello 👋

Hi Nicole

They don’t actually have plus sizes in stores. I needed gear for an upcoming trip and after seeing this video was so excited to shop in store. I waited to long and didn’t have what I needed. This video is misleading. Do better REI

Hello Donna

They don’t actually have plus sizes in stores. I needed gear for an upcoming trip and after seeing this video was so excited to shop in store. I waited to long and didn’t have what I needed. This video is misleading. Do better REI

I DIDNT KNOOOOOW

@@pamlavallee9051 haha

@@pamlavallee9051 Never buy Chili Mac unless you are eating at home lol.

@@howardguillory3811 I love Chili Mac on trail but I also like being “regular” lol nothing worse than not pooping for a day then having to hike

😂 chili Mac. Add some hot sauce and boom trail lava

get out there and do it. start small and work up. you'll love it!

Hello 👋

@Bill Sbac There were two whole floors they didn't even show. It's like being in a Costco. (Which also started in Seattle. Maybe there's a connection, like all the rain makes our stores grow bigger...)

Not only is that REI HUGE, we have several other good sized REIs in the greater Seattle area. It’s a great place for those of us who love the outdoors. 😁

have fun!!!!!

Ooooooo have a great time, one step at a time 🥰🥰

Hope you had a great time!!

He’s always been a force of chaos 😂

She is glowing 100% of the time 🥰 - Miranda

Right on, Daniel! Your Troops legacy lives on. 🌲

I noticed a lot of Eagle Scout projects on our journey!!

It was definitely a personal choice for me. Miranda did have some available for me to use, but I didn’t feel like I’d enjoy it or be able to keep my balance as well. I’m naturally pretty clumsy and I was worried I wouldn’t feel as steady with the poles. But maybe I’m wrong, and I should try it anyway on my next adventure!

@@pamlavallee9051 They definitely add stability. That's the reason I use them for winter hiking.

@@pamlavallee9051 Before I got mine I tripped a... not insignificant amount, but having the poles actually helped me be more diligent because I was keeping an eye out for the best places to hit with them. I was descending a moderate hill with just the wildest amount of huge knotty roots and where normally I'd struggle, it was a breeze.

Poles really do help your stability. When you feel like you want something to hold onto to pull yourself up the hill poles help with that. You push up using your arms and legs. Need something to lean on mid stride, poles. Going down hill helps brace your downward momentum. A difficult rock or tree branch to straddle, poles. Crossing a creek, you can test the path ahead with the poles before you use your feet. At first it was a bit awkward (I broke a bone in my foot as a kid and had to use crutches, crossed them in front of me and fell flat on my face, sooo) knowing my clutzyness I practiced walking on sidewalk to get my rhythm, (with backpack on) then grass, then on hills, then on a sandy lake beach which included rocks and branches to go over. There are great videos on utube that can guide you. Finally they do help my knees. You feel exhausted and wobbly during and after, but.....so proud of yourself because you did it. Your lungs are clear your mind is open to the beauty and the possibilities. The stresses of the trail are Not the ones at home. These are ones you conquer one foot in front of the other. What a great friend you have. There is scientific evidence," out in nature" helps our brains and our physical well-being. Good for you. Enjoy your new found life style.

PS I loved the tent shake 🕺dance. 😀 great way to get the dirt out.

Yes!! I bet I can get her back for a round 2 😊 - Miranda

Pam is cool!

That needs to be a T-shirt.

“Full finger or nothing!” Hahaha

@@pwhite32590 Im wondering how many people watched to the last sec to catch that. Now Im going to hear full finger or nothing gosh darn.

Hi Lori

Hi Nicole

This can't be true. I get called a wanker all the time and I haven't had a sip of alcohol!

Yep this Aussie thoroughly enjoyed that bit hahahhaa

Yup! That face Miranda pulled when Pam said "I wish to not die"? That was me. In Britain w*nkered also means drunk.

Such a Mood right?

Hello Stephanie

@@ItsAStephanieB how are you doing, hope you are safe from the virus?

@@ItsAStephanieB same here , where are you texting from?

Hello how are you doing my friend

Thank you for the kind words! Do you have any hiking plans in your future?

@@rei hoping to explore my local national parks soon before it gets too cold in the uk 😊

Hi how are you doing my friend

We'd have to agree! Thanks so much for watching, Charles. 😄

Nature is always showing us new views. We're sure you'll never run out of exciting sites to see! 😊 💚

Always take breaks!! As Miranda has told me, the activity IS backpacking. There’s no rush to get to camp, except to get camp set up before dark. Backpacking doesn’t have to be painful.

Same! Female friends sharing the outdoors is the best!!!

Hello how are you doing my friend

Hi Amy

I was incredibly nervous, but honestly this entire experience was so transformative for me as a plus size person. It was amazing to see what my larger body is capable of achieving!

Hi! Miranda did have poles available for me to try, but I chose not to. I was worried they’d affect my balance, I’m pretty klumsy. But maybe I was wrong, and I should give them a try on my next adventure!

@@pamlavallee9051 Yes, I'm sorry Pam, I read that after I wrote my comment. That's the beauty for the straps on trekking poles though, you can just let go of them when you need to use your hands. *I tend to leave them, and walking sticks, in the woods - never remembering them until they're way too far behind to go back for. So, again, yes give them a try - worst case scenario, you strap them to Miranda's pack when she's not looking :)

Did anyone else notice the background of the Kula cloth matched Pam's t-shirt? 👍

I’d never been to the PNW before this trip, and I was constantly amazed at how gorgeous the scenery is! Backpacking was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I’m so glad I did it. Having an amazing friend like Miranda definitely helped.

@@pamlavallee9051 I'm a little older, heavier (lots actually) and a wee bit slower than I used to be. That being said, I've also learned that its about the journey, the scenery and the friendships- NOT about how far you can go, how much you can carry or how many medallions are on your hiking staff. You got all that on your first trip!!! I wish you many happy trails and adventures, Pam!

@@scottm6927 exactly! Miranda and I kept saying through the trip that we weren’t in any rush to get anywhere, whether we made it there in 2 hours or 6 hours, the destination was the same, but it was far more enjoyable to go slow and just enjoy the journey!

Hello Liz

Hello 👋