I have so much appreciation for the way in which you share your knowledge about hiking. It is holistic and down to earth at the same time. You're quite unique in the way you encourage and help people in getting trained physically, while never losing track of the importance of mental health and personal growth either. That too, can save lives.
Another safety tip - write your emergency contacts details on the inside cover of your journal, and any important health details (existing conditions, daily medications, etc), and tell your hiking buddies where they are!
Yes! I take my tiny notebook and fountain pen on our backpacking trips. I write a bit each night. I also take some small pieces of watercolor paper, a handful of watercolor pencils, and a waterbrush. I find that taking a few minutes to sketch something I see sharpens my observation skills in general. I can take photographs, too, but I see and remember much more when I capture it with pencils. After each trip, I use washi tape to affix the sketches in the journal on the appropriate days. (I am not an artist. I learned the benefits of sketching from my nature study science class. It is not about creating a work of art but about the discipline of observing carefully. The sketches naturally improve over time.)
I love this. One of the biggest tricks I play on myself everyday is to think "Oh, I'll remember that, no sweat." A lot of time in everyday life I use an app on my phone, but I completely agree: when I'm out on a trail the last thing I want to do is to take out my phone. This is the same for my preference for paper maps too. I keep a small notepad, usually in my pack's waist pocket. I hadn't considered the usefulness of journaling in a medical situation, so I really appreciate you talking about it in your vid. Thank you for all the great content.
I'm journaling on trail but more visual. I'm sketching out a little trail map with all sorts of short informations/waymarks, where I found water, met people, took a break, found something nice or terrible things, where the trail was dangerous,... I love the mindset & health category and will add this to my journals as well. Thank you. PS: And yes, I just commented on a 2 year old video. 😂 But it's still good.
I’m glad someone has said this. I keep my journal on me everyday and I learned something from this that I can implement daily. Secondly when I take people camping for their first time I do have them put together a good kit first but I always suggest bringing a pen&pad so they can jot down things that they wish they had, or things they brought and didn’t need. Love that it keeps us off the phone. Thanks man.
Yeah I did a bit of a hunt around RU-vid and couldn't see much else on this topic and i think it's hugely important so I'm glad people are already doing it!
I agree, journaling is a great thing to do on a trek. I started writing a journal not for hikes, but as a general travel diary. When my travelstyle switched from year-long roadtrips to short & tough stints in the mountains, I just kept to it. I think about it as a wonderful way of documenting the emotions I feel when trekking. And it's a lot to write down, actually. Often it takes me longer than an hour. I go into great detail about the landscape around me, because I want to be able to return to that place in the future just by reading my notes. And it works for me. When reading my old texts, I really get to feel like I did when I wrote it down. Being able to do that, and to sort my thoughts and emotions on the trail, is an extremely valuable thing to me. Losing my journal would be a hard blow. I'd much rather lose my tent! For me, a journal written in the moment and backed up by pictures and videos is the best way to relieve moments in my life. I don't care that it adds a good 200g to my pack. I'd carry it anywhere. By the way, it makes me happy to see that you're also into journaling! Couldn't agree more with everything you said. Keep it up! =)
I was recently going through my gear and found my North Country Trail (USA) journal from September, 2001. I was on the trail on 9/11, and it was amazing to see my journal notes from that day. I didn't learn about what happened until days after when I came off the trail. Quite emotional to read my notes from that day.
I hand wrote a journal on the PCT for the first half and switched to a phone app for the second half. I prefer the phone app. I wrote much more on my phone as it was quicker for me to type on my phone than hand writing and I didn’t have to carry a notebook and pen around anymore.
I kept a journal on my trek in 2015. I would write out a brief on directions for the day, then fill out interesting things at each leg. At the end of the day I would do a proper journal entry and publish it on my WordPress blog. It really helped my navigation of the route and the recording of some great memories
Absolutely yes to journaling while traveling. My problem would be to limit myself to one paragraph only 😊 - my entries are usually several pages long, a mix of mostly memories of the day, some helpful facts, some observations and reflections. Thanks for another great video!
On a trip, tourist not hiking or trekking, I also can’t keep myself from writing several pages. So then I stop doing it at all, because there are so many things to do on a trip, including sleep. I end up doing catchup writing for several days at a time. So far all in the memories category, plus restaurant meals. But we plan on doing more hiking, so collecting stats for future planning is a good idea.
Love your channel. I hike for not only the physical benefits, but also the meditative benefits. Currently off trail bc of knee injury on the appalachian trail after 700 miles. Your stuff is right up my alley, in every way. Thanks!
Hi Chase, I did the HRP over 9 weeks back in 2003 and I just love looking back at the journals I kept at that time; it was such a life affirming experience and those journals are so precious to me! Last week I did the Cleveland Way in the UK - my first sizable through-hike since having a hip replacement operation last November. Once again I kept a journal and I know that I will enjoy looking back at that in the future. This is a great video Chase - an unusual subject but a valuable recommendation. Well done!
3 года назад
Original and insightful, again. I really like how your channel is a balanced mix of nature & mountains, excercise and interesting takes on things (like the piece on dopamine fasting). Keep it up, you deserve multiple times the subs you have man.
I like your journaling format, especially the categories. Thanks for sharing! I like to reflect on my day using the acronym GROW: 1 thing I'm (G)rateful for, 1thing I (R)egret, 1 (O)opportunity I see, & 1 thing that I am in (W)onder about. It's so simple, but really helps me be grateful, and gratitude changes everything!
I journaled during my 4 year trip around the world. It's interesting reading it again all those years later. One forgets certain details and the journal is a good reminder. It helped me also identifying my slides (!!!) When I got back home after all those years.
Yes, journaling enhances that visceral connection with nature.....your organized example is most appreciated, esp the health/safety aspects. You inspired me to add a section on wildlife encounters.....need those for my memoirs :)
I don't go anywhere without a journal, and your tips are incredibly useful to add to my hiking journal! Thanks for this video! I also add a tiny waterbrush and a very small watercolor kit to do a bit of sketching at the end of a long day on the trail...
I always take a journal of some sort with me when hiking or traveling. It's a combination of thoughts, feelings, experiences, impressions after meditation, and sketches/doodles. It's a great tool to have; nice to see someone talking about how useful it can be.
I hadn't been journaling at all on my trips but after taking a Wilderness First Aid class, I will definitely start. I think I'll try to journal my experiences as well. Will be great to look back in 20+ years and have a full picture of thoughts/feelings
I was on a trip where someone was killed. He fell into a moulin. After 2 weeks of searching, his body was never found. One of the things in the rescue effort that was done was a person became the scribe. This person's job was to observe and record everything they could. What actions people did and what people said. They had someone help them with observing and recording the events so they could keep up with what's going on. They didn't help with any of the rescue efforts. This became their job in the rescue. This was done not to get anybody in trouble but to make sure that everything that is done is recorded because so much is going on at that time and people are under severe stress. Stuff will be forgotten. So the scribes job is to get it down the best they can. I always carry some paper and a couple of pens.
As someone new to backpacking, I bought a lightweight journal to keep track of thoughts about technical aspects of my day (gear, setup, navigation, etc.), but these are some other great thoughts. Never hurts to find ways to be even more meditative in the outdoors.
I have been using a journal since the late 90s! But mostly to keep track of the climb's itinerary, supplies and expenses. The life saving segment is honestly something new for my journal. Very helpful addition! Brilliant share. Thank you and safe trails!
I’ve never used one, but I know they have the waterproof journals, as well. I’m not sure but maybe field notes is waterproof. Either way, this is a great idea! I’ve had a hard time implementing journaling into my daily life, but certainly, journaling while camping and on hikes, is a good idea!
Thanks for sharing your note taking - lots of great information, including the tips on safety. I journal almost everyday, but it is just basic life stuff. Planning a week at Yosemite in late September 2021 and you've inspired me to pack a small field notes journal in my backpack to record the memories. Thank you.
Another great vid, I agree that a journal is a “must have” on a trip. Last year I did exactly what you did, including the miles and elevation. I had a rough start, including losing my phone in the car that dropped me on trail! But, I had paper maps and a GPS device and recorded my progress, even making up miles day by day due to rough terrain on day one. Thanks for your thoughtful insights, I can say it works for me!
Another great video, thanks! If I could add one suggestion to the FA portion when treating someone: add a column to measure capillary refill time. Press on the end of the finger for about 5 seconds and then count how long it takes for the blood to come back - or for the capillaries to refill. (you'll see the nail go from white to pink again). Do it every minute. If the amount of time to refill steadily increases and the time takes longer than 3 seconds, that's considered abnormal and a potential sign of shock. You can't diagnose shock off that test alone (or at all if you're neither trained nor certified) but the rescuing EMTs should be happy to see that you've measured and recorded it.
I always keep a small notebook in my first aid kit, along with a pencil. On the first page I write my name, blood-type, meds, and emergency contacts in case someone finds me and I'm unconscious or can't speak for some reason.
The more I watch the more impressive you become Chase! For this one, personally, I'm a phone/video guy, it can act as a journal and video dictation with the pics. . digital notes are great for cut and pasting a "day's" format fo the next day. . . to each his own, yours is safer without the battery dependence. . . .Brother, maybe it's just a long life of experience doing extreme sports, I roll way more casually, that said I do my homework for technical routes but generally only do 1-3 day trips and get to keep my focus on the now, beauty, sights, sounds, sky and my inner self, cheese but true . . AND variables affecting my safety for the day down to the moment. There is a lot I'd like to share with you, especially realizing you have a rock climbing background. . . while strength training is huge, quality and efficiency of movement, balance. . .is paramount as well and very gratifying to implement. Gliding over rough terrain is SWEET! I'd love to guide you on some video techniques as well. You are doing a great job and a true renaissance man, your knowledge of is amazing, your humility is inspiring. I'd love to help you if I can, would be very cool to host you here in Colorado and produce some intense stuff revealing the true nature of the things we do. I did this non technical route last week, ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-A-4PyHDamCU.html My planning really shows through, LOL I'm hoping to do some epic scrambling/soloing in New Zealand next winter as well. . . your fan, Karl
Thanks for this great video! This summer I will have my first trip which I will do just by myself. Although, I will not be totally out in no-man's land, but instead go from mountain lodge to mountain lodge, this video gave me some more good thoughts on what to journal. I already got a journal and wrote down every days' planed trip, and also different options in case the weather is turning bad. And yes, it is so much better do it in a small journal than doing it on your phone. It saves battery life and I want to minimize using my phone as little as possible on my trip. We need that in our busy world.
Thanks for the video Chase. I’ve been journaling on and off for a couple of years and treated myself to a new notebook and pen for my recent Overland Track adventure. I find that the tactile aspect of putting pen to paper every day really helps cement the experience. As well as recording my day to day travels I also kept note of what gear worked for me and what didn’t - both to help myself and potentially to help others. 5 weeks on I’m still trying to find time and motivation to transfer it into a blog. Will check out the app as I’m always looking to improve on my journaling habits.
On trips I take notes mostly for memories, I should try some of the other things you said. In daily life I tried for a time to keep a journal but I forgot for multiple days and then gave up. Gonna try again today :). Great video as always, see you in the next one.
Awesome advice as usual. My family and I just got back from a 3 day trip to Yosemite. Got our wilderness permit and covered like 25 miles. It was awesome. Mistakes made, some gear regrets but it was all worth it.
Amazing advice. I’ve been carrying a small journal on all my trips for years, super helpful. Also, I love your channel, I just found it and subscribed!
Great video thanks, but unfortunately never get around to writing any notes, or stretching, I’m on holiday! Always regret it afterwards trying to remember which hills and routes we have climbed.
I’ve tried this several times with a paper journal. It seems that the more I fail, the harder it is to try again. The only time I did succeed was with a journaling app on my phone (DayOne). I think it’s because it felt more like a post, since I added photos and details that could also be copied quickly for sending to family/friends later and posting on social media. That said, I am going to try again with the paper, since I do believe it has the potential to be more beneficial mentally and emotionally than a proxy for our digital worlds.
I've just started using tarpaulins more, which means I need to know some good reliable knots which I am not very familiar with. But fortunately they are clearly demonstrated in my notebook. :) I'm not much of a writer, just a bit of a poet and information recorder, so I'll never be filling up all those pages - which means I'll always have emergency fire starting fuel available. ;)
Have always kept a pencil and piece of paper in my basic first aid kit. Another reason for pen/pencil and paper is for communication with an injured, possibly unconscious hiker. If there are only two of you and one must leave to get assistance/cell signal, you can leave a note for the injured hiker or others that may find them. Hope this never happens to anyone, but always best to hope for the best but plan for the worst.
This is very valuable advice, thanks! I regularly take a pen and journal with me on al treks, but my first aid kit doesn't contain writing material. I'll add it to the kit immediately.
