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MountainsCallingMe
United States
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 4 ธ.ค. 2007
Join me for tips, gear reviews and stunning vistas.
Half Dome Cables in 8K 360°
This was my 9th time on the Half Dome cables on May 25th 2024. Please LIKE & SUBSCRIBE! 👉 Check my channel for more Yosemite videos. 💙🏞️
มุมมอง: 636
วีดีโอ
Van Tour - Alaska 8,000 mile road trip
มุมมอง 5812 หลายเดือนก่อน
Take a tour through my DIY camper van while I am on an 8,000 mile road trip to visit all 8 Alaska National Parks! If you have any questions, drop me a comment and I will answer. 👍 There are a few other videos on my channel which cover the van - th-cam.com/video/pUkPqGHhkhQ/w-d-xo.html - Van Tour 1.0 - my 1st YT vid! th-cam.com/video/HNKKpZDUtnk/w-d-xo.html - Internet Setup - Has changed a littl...
Solo Backpacking Yosemite in a Snow Storm
มุมมอง 8893 หลายเดือนก่อน
Watch my trip from May 2024. As I was solo there is minimal speaking. You will hear all the outdoor sounds as I hike from Happy Isles along The Mist Trail and John Muir Trail to my campsite overlooking Little Yosemite Valley and the east side of Half Dome. I was prepared for weather and knew it was going to be raining or snowing at my planned tent site around 7,000 feet. It rained for about 1 h...
THE Ultimate Winter Tent - SlingFin WindSaber
มุมมอง 2.7K9 หลายเดือนก่อน
I have been using the SlingFin WindSaber tent for about 1 year. In this video I walk through key features and my likes dislikes. ~ If you enjoyed this video please hit the LIKE & SUBSCRIBE buttons. The WindSaber tent is an excellent choice for winter backpacking and camping in windy conditions where blowing snow, sand or dust is a concern. Great for snow camping, sandy area camping, desert camp...
SlingFin Crossbow 2 - Two Year Review
มุมมอง 4.3K11 หลายเดือนก่อน
I have been using the SlingFin Crossbow 2 tent for two years. In this video I walk through key features and I share likes dislikes. ~ If you enjoyed this video please LIKE & SUBSCRIBE. The Crossbow 2 tent is an excellent choice for winter backpacking and camping in windy conditions where blowing sand or dust is a concern. Great for snow camping, beach camping, desert camping or wind. For refere...
What's in My Yosemite Backpack?
มุมมอง 4.5Kปีที่แล้ว
On trail walk-thru of all the backpacking gear I have been using this summer. Hear what is new and what is failing! This year has been amazing conditions in Yosemite. Yosemite is my favorite backpacking destination followed by Kings Canyon, Sequoia and the surrounding national forests & wilderness areas of the High Sierra. The gear shown in this video is what I have been using since start of su...
Dog Rescue Made Easy 🐶 Fido Pro Airlift Sling
มุมมอง 1.7Kปีที่แล้ว
Take your dog on adventures with confidence. The Fido Pro Airlift Rescue Sling is a game-changer when it comes to emergency situations involving dogs. Whether it's during hiking accidents, unforeseen circumstances or unsafe situations this sling will help you easily carry your dog to safety. fidoprotection.com/products/fido-pro-airlift-emergency-dog-harness #dogs #hiking #rescuedog
Half Dome Cables: Full Climb in 4K 360°
มุมมอง 2.1Kปีที่แล้ว
Climbing and descending the Half Dome cables in Yosemite National Park - full video 360 degree cam! The hike is both dangerous and breathtaking. Watch me go up and down the cables! This was on 7/9/23. Shot with Insta360 X3. To see the raw 360 footage that you can move to whatever angle you want - check out these videos: UP the cables th-cam.com/video/_kJbTXBD5QU/w-d-xo.html | DOWN the cables th...
360 POV Half Dome Cables Descent [RAW FOOTAGE]
มุมมอง 82ปีที่แล้ว
360 degree video of descending the Half Dome cables in Yosemite National Park. Watch me go down the cables! This was on 7/9/23. Shot with Insta360 X3. Check out these videos: UP cables - th-cam.com/video/_kJbTXBD5QU/w-d-xo.html Captioned Music - th-cam.com/video/HBFb93ke60E/w-d-xo.html
360 POV Half Dome Cables Ascent [RAW FOOTAGE]
มุมมอง 102ปีที่แล้ว
360 degree video of climbing the Half Dome cables in Yosemite National Park. Watch me go up the cables! This was on 7/9/23. Shot with Insta360 X3. Check out these videos: DOWN cables - th-cam.com/video/jI72Bo6vbuc/w-d-xo.html Captioned Music - th-cam.com/video/HBFb93ke60E/w-d-xo.html
Make your Starlink Dishy FLAT 📡 👉⏥ Super Easy!
มุมมอง 2.5Kปีที่แล้ว
Watch my flat mount conversion process using Starmount Systems flat mount. 3 Pro Tips 💪 1. Sand extra, otherwise it wont fit flush inside the case and you will need to sand more. 2. Have compressed air to blow away all the little white bits and wear n95. 3. Don't put on too much glue inside around the port or the dish wont fit flush. And put some glue around the outside port for extra waterproo...
Backpacking Yosemite Falls Trail in Bad Weather 🌧️❄️🥶
มุมมอง 373ปีที่แล้ว
Early May 2023 felt like straight up winter! Temps below 20F and and strong steady wind, combined with off and on rain, snow and hail. I was glad I had my Slingfin Crossbow 4-season tent, but wished I had brought a warmer quilt. My 20F Enlightened Equipment quilt was beyond its limits. All that said, I still had an amazing time. This was my 25th visit to Yosemite and my 1st time hiking to the t...
Backpacking Gear: 4 Wins ✅ and 4 Fails ❌
มุมมอง 1.2Kปีที่แล้ว
I recently got back from two weekends of early season backpacking in Yosemite. In this video learn what worked well and what did not. The first weekend I hiked along the Pohono Trail from Tunnel View to Stanford Point. This weekend I tried cowboy camping for the first time and learned a lot! I will be doing that more as conditions allow. The second weekend I hiked up the Yosemite Falls Trail an...
Pinnacles National Park: The Best Hiking Trails
มุมมอง 274ปีที่แล้ว
Pinnacles National Park: The Best Hiking Trails
Solo camping on the Beach ⛺️ Monterey Bay California
มุมมอง 462ปีที่แล้ว
Solo camping on the Beach ⛺️ Monterey Bay California
Six Tent Mods for Zpacks Duplex + Triplex ⛺️
มุมมอง 8Kปีที่แล้ว
Six Tent Mods for Zpacks Duplex Triplex ⛺️
Henry Coe State Park Backpacking + Tent Visitors ⛺
มุมมอง 944ปีที่แล้ว
Henry Coe State Park Backpacking Tent Visitors ⛺
Register and insure a converted cargo van
มุมมอง 2.4Kปีที่แล้ว
Register and insure a converted cargo van
Tent line setup for improved storm worthiness
มุมมอง 1.7Kปีที่แล้ว
Tent line setup for improved storm worthiness
Best Backpacking Backpack Ever? | Zpacks Arc Zip Ultra
มุมมอง 6Kปีที่แล้ว
Best Backpacking Backpack Ever? | Zpacks Arc Zip Ultra
The Secret to Getting National Park Reservations
มุมมอง 11Kปีที่แล้ว
The Secret to Getting National Park Reservations
Smart Van Tour under 5 min - 5G+Starlink Alexa-Enabled RAM Promaster Camper Van
มุมมอง 567ปีที่แล้ว
Smart Van Tour under 5 min - 5G Starlink Alexa-Enabled RAM Promaster Camper Van
Van Tour - 5G+Starlink Alexa-Enabled RAM Promaster Camper Van
มุมมอง 27Kปีที่แล้ว
Van Tour - 5G Starlink Alexa-Enabled RAM Promaster Camper Van
Great mods. I really like the zipper line to pull the mesh inward a bit. I replaced the fabric toggle and loop with Zpacks magnet toggle and it’s so much easier to close especially when your hands are cold. That is a 4g increase per toggle. I replaced the 2mm line with 1.3mm line and saved about 1.2 ounces also.
The magnet setup is definitely better than the classic toggle. I wish all of my toggles were magnet-based. The 1.3mm line should be fine. I do end up having to replace 1 or 2 of my guy lines per year due to the lines getting cut up from attaching to sharp rocks in the Sierra. Ive never had one actually fail in the field, but a few have been visually looking pretty close to failure. I'd imagine that the 1.3mm line is just not going to last as long before needing replacement. But if you rarely attach to sharp rocks then its not really a concern. Or if you carry 1.3mm line for a clothes-line like me, then you could just swap a line in the field if that ever happened. :) Happy trails. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for a great video. I thought the build had to be done by a licensed van converter? If it was a self build what did you put down for labor cost per hour?? Thanks!!
I created a spreadsheet where I captured all the parts cost and then took an hourly rate and multiolied it by how many hours I spent. I sent that file to them as my evidence. You can also get your DIY build appraised. The first option was much easier to get done quickly and get covered for my investment cost.
Thompson Michelle Moore Donna Lewis Michael
What is the piece of fabric you are using to kneel and put your pack on. This may seems like a odd questions, but I am looking for a waterproof ultralight small blanket/piece of fabric to put my stuff without it getting dirty or wet! Thanks!
That is a Zpacks Rain Kilt. Its a great multifunction piece of gear. I do not carry rain pants because they are a hassle and make me sweat/wet out from inside. The kilt is much easier to take on and off quickly without even removint my pack! It also doubles as a ground sheet for standing or sitting on as well as a pack cover, small tarp, etc. Highly recommended! When i bought it they offered 2 sizes. I got the bigger option because it is geometrically rectangular which is more useful.
I don't know. I've had ticks on me so many times I couldn't possibly count. A couple months ago, went backpacking/camping, when I got home after a couple days found 12 ticks on me. My wife was a little grossed out, but it all worked out. No illness, none of that. And I live and camp in the Rocky Mountains.
12 ticks is A LOT! Yikes! I have been using permethryn spray on all my clothes since this and havent seen any ticks. I would have serious anxiety if I had 12 on me! Wow! Thx for watching
I've had mine for almost 3yrs now, I still love it. I also have the Portal 1 which is just as great.
Awesome! Thx for watching 🫡🙂
you may have mentioned this.. but is there a benefit to having the big zip external pocket on the back vs a mesh pocket? Or vice versa? Which do you prefer?
I have always preferred the zip pocket vs mesh to keep the contents of that back pocket protected. Also nothing can fall out. The zip pocket is not perfectly waterproof but does give protection from elements.
Great review. Was wondering if you think two people and a 50lb dog could comfortably fit in this tent? Thanks
Thx for watching! I think it would be a tight fit with the addition of the dog. Id want a Portal 3 for that.
I came across this video last year in 2023, shared the video link with my friends, and we were able to camp together on a long weekend. Weve been using this site ever since!! TYSM for all the tips!!
That is awesome! I continue to use this as well. Most recently I camped 3 nights at Brooks Camp in Katmai in July during peak bear watching season using reservations obtained via this method. :)
Thank you for the tip but much more information is needed. I subscribed to notifications from Campflare. Even if I click on a notification as soon as it pops up, I feel I have no chance of being able to register. Before clicking on the notification I have to take a second or two to memorize which campsite is available. Once I click on it, it goes to the recreation.gov site, then I have to choose the correct campground and search for the campsite. By the time I find it, someone else has reserved it. Am I doing something wrong? Is there a faster way to snap up the reservation? I realize that there are probably hundreds of others trying to get it at the same time.
Another great video. 👌🏻
Appreciate that!
Sweet set up Bro
Thank you! :D
This looks crazy
Heck yea! It is an incredible experience! 🤩🏞️
Considering crossbow or windsaber for artic summer backpacking and alpine climbing use. See you reviewed both, thx. How much more bomber did you find windsaber? Windsaber has 7" less length, which is crucial for my long bag, but that vertical wall from extra pole probably negates a lot of difference?
For me the loss of length isnt an issue. The Windsaber is definitely more bomber with the addition of the extra cross pole, smaller vestibules and slightly more aerodynamic shape. That extra cross pole really gives you more interior space which you can sit up in and not be touching the ceiling. For me that added "usable" interior space more than makes up for any loss of length. The doors on the Windsaber you have the option of opening for full mesh. For times when you want airflow, the windsaber has more mesh for better airflow. There are only a few situations where I would reach for the Crossbow instead of the Windsaber. If I didnt already own the Crossbow when the Windsaber came out I woulda just went straight with the Windsaber. A key selling point of the Crossbow is the flexibility to swap out the full wall body with a mess inner body. If you want to have a single system for all weather / all seasons then the Crossbow plus the mesh inner could be that. I just did 8 days backpacking in the arctic circle this summer and these tents would be overkill for what I experienced in Gates of the Arctic. The Crossbow with the mesh inner body would be the best fit for arctic summer. Otherwise you run the risk of overheating regularly. Especially if there is low wind and your tent is not in a shaded area. You will want the added airflow. If you have your heart set on a single tent setup then the Windsaber would be a better choice due to better airflow. It also will fit in more places easier with a slightly smaller pitch footprint with the vestibules staked out. Hope this helps! thanks for watching
I have the olive drab DCF 57L arc zip. It's 10-12 years old and still my number one choice for high sierra backpacking. I switched from a comfortable Osprey Atmos 58L just to try a DCF pack and never went back. Also switched to a DCF tent with similar results. I live about ten miles from Nisene Marks State Park and hike there regularly. Maybe I'll see you there sometime. Thank you for a brief and informative review.
Thanks for watching! Maybe I will see you around Nisene! 👋
@@MountainsCallingMe I'm going to do the 15 mile version of the West Ridge Loop on Monday, the 12th.
Heading up in 1 week. Can't wait! Great Video.
Have fun! Thanks for watching.
Of my opinion, i would suggest, to you people, i need statistics, height, weight and ability, bich bich and moan
Good video ..and the topic was right on point for me ..I have a 2000 GMC Savana cutaway that is killing me on California insurance requirements ..I’ll install a bed structure ..and outfit a microwave and fridge (I had planned on doing that anyway ..) hoping to get this reregistered before the end of the year ..the dmv reclassification seems like it will be pretty straightforward ..this whole thing aggravates me though ..damn this state ..always looking for ways to screw their citizens ..
Dealing with the DMV is somehow always a pain! Thanks for watching 🫡
Halfway your video I got a notif for an opening at Glacier Basin at RMNP from campflare - AMAZING hack! thanks so much!
Awesome! It works!! ✅️✅️✅️ thx for watching 🫡
Thank you for sharing this video. What camera mount did you use?
For this video I was using an Oben CTT-1000 tripod in the side pocket of my backpack. The insta360 selfie stick was extended off of that through some lines which crisscross along the side of the pack and a carabiner attacked to the pole as well. This works pretty well. The tripod is light, but heavy enough to provide enough weight to keep it firmly held to the pack. Thanks for watching!
Way to hard to pick just one!!!!! Each holds something so unique and special!!!!!
There are a lot of great ones. There are also a few not great ones. For me it is an easy choice. My #1 is Yosemite!
Finishing up most of these mods right now. I hit the JMT next week beginning the 24th. These tent mods will be particularly helpful. Thanks again!!!!
Awesome! Have fun on the JMT! I used this tent on my 2017 NOBO
@@MountainsCallingMe I'm SOBO from Lyell Canyon. I take my Duplex on every trip and these mods are a welcome upgrade. Keep up the good work!!
Thank you so much! You’ve saved my life 😊😅
Awesome! It saves my life too! I am at Brooks Camp in Katmai and snagged 3 nts at the campground using this!
Nice video.
Many many thanks
you could make a white noise sound out of the river running
Yes! I love those parts of this video!
you definitely made the best van for traveling and being prepared!!
I think so too! Remember when I brought it home? Or before that when I said I wanted to get a van and travel around to all the national parks! Follow your dream!
just as scary watching 🫣🫣
Lol. Its not scarry after the 5th or so time. Its more of a physical challenge than a mental one now.
Great to see a 360 camera being put to use! Cool video! I recently started YouTubing and its a lot of fun with a 360 cam.
Thanks! I have been using it alot during my 2 month Alaska National Park adventure! In addition to video, it also takes great photos on the 10ft stick that look like drone shots! Thanks for watching! 🫡
Randomly came across this video. I've been nerding out on maps/pictures of gates of the arctic. I bet it was suuuch a badass trip
YES! It was amazing!! I just managed to get my pix and videos posted after sorting thru 1,200 I took during the trip. I also posted a "play by play" of the 8 days in the same post. Check it out on my public facebook page! 👉 facebook.com/share/p/PZNNYPQ1TMSjAScf/?mibextid=qi2Omg
Lots of prep!
YES! I'm not sure if you would like it or not... Zero trails. Slogging through poor footing and spongy tundra. Wet feet 100% of the time! Hiking in the rain. Setting up and taking down camp in the rain. Eating in the rain. Going number 2 in the rain! And....the....WIND. Soo many places to explore, but I am already thinking about how great it would be to go back for 11 days and explore more of the higher elevation valleys. It is an incredible place and I only explored ~65miles of the 12,000+ square miles!! Gates of the Arctic!!!! 💙🏞️
@@MountainsCallingMe can’t wait for the video footage! I think I would like to be where it is more dry! Lol
What do you think of my gear? Is there anything you have questions about? Drop a comment!
Thank-you!
You're welcome! Thanks for watching 🫡
Oh wow, so basically it was you whom designed the offset duo
LOL. Pretty much! 😃 thanks for watching 🫡
can you please tell us how wide the inside space is? the tent is square? not a trapezoid? do two insulation mats that are 65 cm wide, fit inside?
The floor dimensions are 85" x 51" (head) / 42" (foot) (216cm x 129cm / 107cm). The head-end is slightly wider than the foot end. It is not a rectangle, more of a trapezoid... Two "wide" sized inflatable sleeping pads will fit! Thanks for watching! 🫡
Great info. Having an ex U-Haul 28' box I'm experiencing same problems times 3. Even commercial EZ Pass reserve dollars goes from 25 to 600. Cutting my commercial insurance by half, plus added roadside assistance and the reduced stress which is priceless.
Thanks for watching! 🫡
When filming yourself, are you using the Insta360 with tracking turned on and mounted to a tripod so it follows you?
For this I was using a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 mounted on a full size tripod. The Osmo Pocket has a 1" PTZ lens and a face tracking feature. It works great! The picture quality is better than what my phone gets and it automatically pairs with the wireless mic I was wearing. I would love to take that into the backcountry but it seems a little fragile. When I go to Lake Clark + Katmai I am gonna for sure bring the Insta360 Flow smartphone stablizer so I can get good video of the bears at Brooks Camp! 🐻 😃
Man, you really have ALL the tech toys. I’d be lost with all that gadgetry! Lol. It really is amazing that you’re able to juggle the demands of traveling & backpacking all while working and still managing to put out quality content.
Thanks!!
Love the van! We definitely have to meet up and camp sometime soon!
Thanks Sam! I would like that! I will be busy with this trip and then wisconsin n back after, but I am open October and beyond! 🤩 🚐 🏞️
Any questions? What do you like or hate about the van? Could you see yourself living out of this for several months or full time?
Why do you have two Starlink dishes? Are both of them active?
I got the gen 2 in august 2022 before my CA to Maine and back roadie. It was worked well so far. Knowing that I would need to rely on Starlink more heavily on this trip and my worry that might not perform or stop working during some critical juncture lead me to get the gen 3 and get it mounted up there within the weeks leading up to this trip. I have a roadie to Wisconsin after this trip which I will keep both active for, but after that I will be pausing the service on the gen 2 - while leaving it in place for future use and the ability to reactivate service. It is definitely expensive to keep both active every month in perpetuity. My wife and I also talk about moving into the van fulltime and if we did that I'd probably just keep both active all the time. My bandwidth needs are HIGH! :D I dont keep them both powered on all the time - because in areas with cellular my setup usually is fast enough and consumes way less power. The gen 3 does perform better with slightly more field of view and more power it gets better upload speed. Driving through Canada there were some places where the single gen 2 starlink would be "flaky" (because of satellites moving or whatever) so I turn on the gen 3 and the router bonds those together to keep my zoom sessions from dropping. And other times where I am doing large 19GB uploads I turn both on. It all depends on the location and situation of what I am doing at the moment. Thanks for the question and for watching! 🙏
Thank you so much, I’m planning a last minute trip to Yosemite with my friend and this will come in really handy
Great!! I used it most recently to obtain 3 consecutive nights at the Brooks Camp campground in Katamai in mid-July, peak bear watching season! It has a lottery which I missed and so I used this and got my 3 nites via 3 seperate notifications in early may! Enjoy Yosemite! Its my favorite national park! 💙🏞
@@MountainsCallingMe Thank you so much, I can't wait! We're also going to Kings Canyon and Sequoia
I do have the cups and the carbon fiber poles but I was only using the one tie out point. I like the way you did yours and I will give it a try. I will also add that shock cord you used to pull the doors up a bit. I did purchase that little mesh bag from Zpacks that you string across the inside. It works but I think just a piece of cord would work just as well. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. Take care
Awesome! Thanks for watching! 🫡😃
why do you have to put the starlink up to use it, can it not stay up there the whole time?
Some people do that. I believe that is unsafe. The only thing holding it into the post is a chinsy metal clip. Since I made this vid in Feb 2023, in June 23 I cut the back off the starlink and mounted it flat within the Starmount enclosure. I also added a 2nd gen3 starlink and flat mounted it too. I have 2 flat mounted starlinks! I am currently in the Yukon Territory and its working great up here. I am on my way to Alaska and will be posting an updated van tour with all my changes I have made to the van in the last 1.5yrs. Thanks for watching! 😃
Great review, thank you! Your video filled in all the details not captured in print reviews so I appreciate your thoroughness. I'm strongly leaning towards the Portal 2 for an upcoming trip to Iceland. I've seen too many videos and heard too many stories about high winds and torrential rain to trust my old, barely waterproof Big Agnes JackRabbit.
Glad it was helpful! I went to Iceland in 2019 and used a different tent. (Big Agnes Copper Spur Expedition). The stories of wind are true. The Portal 2 will stand up well in the winds! Take a peak at my channel at "the guyline video" for additional tips on how I rig my guylines on the Portal 2. Happy trails ⛺️ 🫡
Looking for alternatives to my msr collection and now am just learning about sling gear today
Cool. Thanks for watching! 🫡
Awesome vid. I'm sure you are on Yosemite Trailz, thats where I originally saw your pics and asked about your location. I was there, approximately the same location the weekend before you and wish it snowed on us. See you out there.
Cool! Yes, I posted pix from this trip on Yosemite Trailz. Thanks for watching! 😃 🫡
nope, but I will enjoy it through your video😱
@alyssaborowski thanks for watching! 🥶🤠
randomly came here! great video. keep up the good work
Thanks, will do!
I can almost feel the fresh mountain air just by watching this. Amazing job on showcasing the beauty of nature! Outstanding work
Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it 😀
No, that looks pretty 🥶 cold! But beautiful!
It was. I only had cold feelings in my hands a few times when they were wet. Making hot coffee and holding the nalgene in my hands really helps!