I can't really pinpoint why I love backpacking, it's a combination of feelings and experiences that somehow strike a chord with my soul- friendship, suffering, thrills, endless arduous hiking, beautiful but rugged landscapes, meteor showers and the milky way, the elation of a post-hike meal and hot shower... Then I return home and do laundry, dishes, and take out the trash (lol). No matter how much suckage there is, I somehow only remember the good parts, kind of like the wilderness has taken my brain hostage and I develop a form of Stockholm syndrome.
Thank you, Robbie for '86ing' that tent! I sent that one back for a return a few months ago... some of your complaints are valid, but actually finishing a tough slog, and then sharing some laughs about what you've experienced at the campfire with folks you've just met makes it all worthwhile. When I returned from hiking the Pictured Rocks Trail this summer I missed being there.
You talked about how navigating was much easier than you thought it would be - in general follow the trail as long ass you have selected the right trail etc. What has been a real game changer for myself and my backpacking buddy Elvis have been going cross country. Living in California with easy (relatively) access to the Sierras gives us many backpacking opportunities. We have been backpacking about the same time as Adventure Archives, nearly always following well established trails. Last summer, we decided to challenge ourselves on our annual10 day trip, with 7 days cross country - all reasonably doable, to areas still fairly well known (Bear Lakes, John Muir Wilderness). It was a total game changer and took our backpacking experience to a completely new level. At first we got horribly confused, climbed the wrong ridge etc but with GPS you can't go too badly wrong. However, we visited places of stunning beauty in complete solitude and finding our way there was so exhilarating. We felt just like those first intrepid explorers. This has opened up so many new possibilities in my favorite mountains and lakes. You should try it my friend.
My first impressions of hiking and backpacking was dreamy and adventurous. But I quickly learnt the reality of embracing the Suck that comes along while your out there in the wilderness. Thanks to you guys @AA I got into backpacking and completed my first multi day hike of the Overland Track in Tasmania, Australia 🇦🇺. It was the most challenging thing I have done in my life but I’m super stoked that I did it. There were moments along the track that I thoughts of of you guys from Adventure Archives. Thank you for inspiring people like me on the other side of the world!
For me I’m like Andrew. I’m fascinated by the diversity of plant life. Looking at the beauty in the ways life uses to get around. The views, fresh air and solitude (except a favored companion) and of course coffee outdoors keeps me going back for more. Cheers Robby. Enjoy your quality content sir. 📹🏕️
I like the feeling of being in nature and the sensation of accomplishment when I finish a trail. I write this as I scratch the bug bites from yesterday's hike in the woods of central Louisiana in August. Awesome!
after binge watching a lot of your videos on your private channel and on Adventure Archives, today I’ve bought my first hiking shoes and I’ve decided to finally hike in the swiss Alps (I was born and raised in Switzerland)
My backpacking memories are so dear to me. A friend and I did a semi-loop in the Marble Mountain Wilderness. We knew the first day would be a challenge, and we carried as much water as we could. By the afternoon we were down to little sips and a long way till the next possible water. We kept on going and it was getting dark. We had agreed that we should just make a dry camp and get some rest. My friend thought I was delirious when he heard me shout SNOW! Right in front of us was a shaded snow bank with a pool icy water before it. We drank our fill, slept well, and had a wonderful 5 days of hiking ahead.
The tangent about being able to workout and exercise whenever we want struck a chord with me cause it was said as if “we” all decided on this. But “we” all know we didn’t make up the rules. And instead, corporations and those at the top work us into the ground around the schedules that will make them more money. So yes, I very much agree on all of this, which is why we should have more free time like with a four day work week. But try convincing those at the top to allow that to happen so we can have more enriching lives cause that doesn’t help their bottom line. But excellent video as always, Robby!
I think backpacking brings me back again and again for the experiences you get in the midst of the suck and difficulty. That quiet moment of rest in the forest is worth so much less if you didn't work so hard for it. If I can just drive most of the way and hike out in a few minutes, it's fine but not nearly as memorable or enjoyable. To a great extent the challenge and discomfort is critical. Just me though. All of your points were good, as well.
Oh I totally agree with you on the being able to do what you want during the day. We live in Finland and we've stayed for 6 months in New Zealand. It was so nice working remotely and being able to stay out with the kids when the sun is up :)
I started as a kid because my dad was into it. So my image of backpacking was always a heavy framed pack and being able to be lost in my own mind for a week each summer with no one around. Then by 22, I stopped I hated the pack portage part. At 32, he dragged me up 2k feet in the eastern sierras soaking wet, it looked like Mordor And almost died. At 36 I just felt the call and that winter I came across your channel, Joe’s and My own frontier and I bought an Osprey pack and did 4 trips once summer came. Going into season 4 of it now and its just amazing, yet still those moments of pain.
Interesting how you speak about the discomforts and not thinking about them really before, while for me that's mostly what has kept me from going backpacking before. While I've done some hiking/mountain climbing before, I've never been on a multi-day trip. I wanna give it a try at some point though.
Hi Robby, Just wanted to thank you for your work. I'm a long time follower of Adventure Archives and just now discovered your channel. I must say I find your content quite relaxing and positive. :) I'm a geek so I'm always interested in your several computer setups and home / office organization and optimization setups. :) Thanks for that and keep up the great work.
4:38 It seems like that's what's happening right now with the covid quarantine. So many colleges and jobs have switched to working from home, sorta proves we never really needed to rush to work in the first place. (post internet)
So refreshing to hear about the small reality bites about backpacking, there's so much beauty in drinking a warm beverage at the top of a cold mountain - there should be poems about it. I've been watching for a couple years, and love this new format! BTW the thumbnail completely mislead me, I was expecting you at some point to talk about the hair change from long to short, talking about expectations man! Exercise: 9am, the best time after meditation.
In one of my recent trips, a particularly evocative moment was just how a particular ray of sun was at a particular angle and there were all these golden dancing dust particles, and I was at the right mood for it to strike, wasn't even a particularly scenic location. I think you can't really predict what you'll get out of being outdoors, but hiking and camping is you providing the substrate for those other things you can't control to work and to enable you to catch these moments when they are able to happen. Also, having grown up in a sweltering tropical country and being thence conditioned to associate the sight, sound and smell of rain with the lovely relief it brings, you shall probably have to fight me as one of the level bosses in your quest to end rain :P
Definitely is the feelings... my first trip I was completely unable to sit around camp because there were 5 million mosquitoes ready to suck every pint of my blood if I stopped moving. Spent most non-moving moments in my tent that trip. But the feeling was there, and I couldn't turn back.
Mosquitoes! Also there are so many more people now on Sierra Nevada trails than 30 years ago when I got started. Certainly that well earned burger, pizza, whatever after end day is epic. Oh, yes, that first beer too!
Robby, 1st I love these videos! 2nd, I just had an observation because I just watched the movie, but this these videos remind me of Matt Damon’s conversations with himself in the movie “The Martian”. Keep up the good brother!
Fun video! Expectations of the worst case scenario before I started backpacking: Being mauled by a bear and a mountain lion at the same time. Expectations of the worst case scenario after I started backpacking: Hiking with wet socks.
Oh. Also- a 20 minute 5k is definitely doable for you having seen your recent 1mi times. It's all pacing and pushing, just not completely overdoing it. Make sure you're doing an occasional 3mi run with a challenging pace and it'll be way easier still.
A 5K would be a great way to challenge yourself and build fitness for your Adventure Archives trips. My money is on you getting a sub 22 minute 5K this time out.
What! No rain? You don't like to sit by a window and read a book while listen to it? I love the feeling of solitude when I backpack, although right now, after more than 20 days lock up in my house there's nothing more that I want than a real person to hug. Hahahahaha I live in Beijing btw hahahaha
I can't really pinpoint why I love backpacking, it's a combination of feelings and experiences that somehow strike a chord with my soul- friendship, suffering, thrills, endless arduous hiking, beautiful but rugged landscapes, meteor showers and the milky way, the elation of a post-hike meal and hot shower... Then I return home and do laundry, dishes, and take out the trash (lol). No matter how much suckage there is, I somehow only remember the good parts, kind of like the wilderness has taken my brain hostage and I develop a form of Stockholm syndrome.
Thank you, Robbie for '86ing' that tent! I sent that one back for a return a few months ago... some of your complaints are valid, but actually finishing a tough slog, and then sharing some laughs about what you've experienced at the campfire with folks you've just met makes it all worthwhile. When I returned from hiking the Pictured Rocks Trail this summer I missed being there.
I can't tell you how many long hikes I've been on where I start to question if I REALLY enjoy hiking. Hahahaha
Your videos are awesome! Down to earth with informative narrative. No pretentious "selfies" or self serving comments. One of the best travel vloggers!
"People need to maintain their physical vehicle"
*Slides everywhere*
You are inspiration to the masses.
You talked about how navigating was much easier than you thought it would be - in general follow the trail as long ass you have selected the right trail etc. What has been a real game changer for myself and my backpacking buddy Elvis have been going cross country. Living in California with easy (relatively) access to the Sierras gives us many backpacking opportunities. We have been backpacking about the same time as Adventure Archives, nearly always following well established trails. Last summer, we decided to challenge ourselves on our annual10 day trip, with 7 days cross country - all reasonably doable, to areas still fairly well known (Bear Lakes, John Muir Wilderness). It was a total game changer and took our backpacking experience to a completely new level. At first we got horribly confused, climbed the wrong ridge etc but with GPS you can't go too badly wrong. However, we visited places of stunning beauty in complete solitude and finding our way there was so exhilarating. We felt just like those first intrepid explorers. This has opened up so many new possibilities in my favorite mountains and lakes. You should try it my friend.
My first impressions of hiking and backpacking was dreamy and adventurous. But I quickly learnt the reality of embracing the Suck that comes along while your out there in the wilderness. Thanks to you guys @AA I got into backpacking and completed my first multi day hike of the Overland Track in Tasmania, Australia 🇦🇺. It was the most challenging thing I have done in my life but I’m super stoked that I did it. There were moments along the track that I thoughts of of you guys from Adventure Archives. Thank you for inspiring people like me on the other side of the world!
For me I’m like Andrew. I’m fascinated by the diversity of plant life. Looking at the beauty in the ways life uses to get around. The views, fresh air and solitude (except a favored companion) and of course coffee outdoors keeps me going back for more. Cheers Robby. Enjoy your quality content sir. 📹🏕️
Excellent video Robby, love this format. And that "That's a nice looking bird" was hilarious 😆
I like the feeling of being in nature and the sensation of accomplishment when I finish a trail. I write this as I scratch the bug bites from yesterday's hike in the woods of central Louisiana in August. Awesome!
after binge watching a lot of your videos on your private channel and on Adventure Archives, today I’ve bought my first hiking shoes and I’ve decided to finally hike in the swiss Alps (I was born and raised in Switzerland)
My backpacking memories are so dear to me. A friend and I did a semi-loop in the Marble Mountain Wilderness. We knew the first day would be a challenge, and we carried as much water as we could. By the afternoon we were down to little sips and a long way till the next possible water. We kept on going and it was getting dark. We had agreed that we should just make a dry camp and get some rest. My friend thought I was delirious when he heard me shout SNOW! Right in front of us was a shaded snow bank with a pool icy water before it. We drank our fill, slept well, and had a wonderful 5 days of hiking ahead.
This format is amazing! You're really well-spoken and the way you present the topic at hand is better than many TV presenters.
The tangent about being able to workout and exercise whenever we want struck a chord with me cause it was said as if “we” all decided on this. But “we” all know we didn’t make up the rules. And instead, corporations and those at the top work us into the ground around the schedules that will make them more money.
So yes, I very much agree on all of this, which is why we should have more free time like with a four day work week. But try convincing those at the top to allow that to happen so we can have more enriching lives cause that doesn’t help their bottom line.
But excellent video as always, Robby!
I think backpacking brings me back again and again for the experiences you get in the midst of the suck and difficulty. That quiet moment of rest in the forest is worth so much less if you didn't work so hard for it. If I can just drive most of the way and hike out in a few minutes, it's fine but not nearly as memorable or enjoyable. To a great extent the challenge and discomfort is critical. Just me though. All of your points were good, as well.
Oh I totally agree with you on the being able to do what you want during the day. We live in Finland and we've stayed for 6 months in New Zealand. It was so nice working remotely and being able to stay out with the kids when the sun is up :)
I started as a kid because my dad was into it. So my image of backpacking was always a heavy framed pack and being able to be lost in my own mind for a week each summer with no one around. Then by 22, I stopped I hated the pack portage part. At 32, he dragged me up 2k feet in the eastern sierras soaking wet, it looked like Mordor And almost died. At 36 I just felt the call and that winter I came across your channel, Joe’s and My own frontier and I bought an Osprey pack and did 4 trips once summer came. Going into season 4 of it now and its just amazing, yet still those moments of pain.
Just started to binge watch all of your videos, I love them all!!!!
Interesting how you speak about the discomforts and not thinking about them really before, while for me that's mostly what has kept me from going backpacking before. While I've done some hiking/mountain climbing before, I've never been on a multi-day trip. I wanna give it a try at some point though.
Hi Robby, Just wanted to thank you for your work.
I'm a long time follower of Adventure Archives and just now discovered your channel.
I must say I find your content quite relaxing and positive. :)
I'm a geek so I'm always interested in your several computer setups and home / office organization and optimization setups. :)
Thanks for that and keep up the great work.
Definitely done the frozen bathroom huddle. Where was that canoe trip? It looks amazing.
4:38 It seems like that's what's happening right now with the covid quarantine. So many colleges and jobs have switched to working from home, sorta proves we never really needed to rush to work in the first place. (post internet)
Really loving the video essays Robby! Keep em coming! So thought provoking.Thank you :)
So refreshing to hear about the small reality bites about backpacking, there's so much beauty in drinking a warm beverage at the top of a cold mountain - there should be poems about it. I've been watching for a couple years, and love this new format! BTW the thumbnail completely mislead me, I was expecting you at some point to talk about the hair change from long to short, talking about expectations man! Exercise: 9am, the best time after meditation.
The misery is part of the fun for me. Not during it but once I am done and make it back, I loved it!
Hey brother, I'm feeling this new sense of energy in your videos lately...I'm diggin it. Keep up the great work!
Great video. It's exactly why I'm a weekend warrior only and have zero desire to do a long through hike.
Hiking & camping 🏕 in Nevada, Utah & Arizona in spring & fall is epic. Consider southern Nv, Ut & Arizona in the winter. Nice temps. 😊
Good stuff , everytime I Hike I’m glad I did ! It’s incredible out there so much to see
In one of my recent trips, a particularly evocative moment was just how a particular ray of sun was at a particular angle and there were all these golden dancing dust particles, and I was at the right mood for it to strike, wasn't even a particularly scenic location. I think you can't really predict what you'll get out of being outdoors, but hiking and camping is you providing the substrate for those other things you can't control to work and to enable you to catch these moments when they are able to happen.
Also, having grown up in a sweltering tropical country and being thence conditioned to associate the sight, sound and smell of rain with the lovely relief it brings, you shall probably have to fight me as one of the level bosses in your quest to end rain :P
Definitely is the feelings... my first trip I was completely unable to sit around camp because there were 5 million mosquitoes ready to suck every pint of my blood if I stopped moving. Spent most non-moving moments in my tent that trip. But the feeling was there, and I couldn't turn back.
I wish I had backpacked when I was younger
Oh well love your adventures
Love your moms teapots too!!
Such a high quality video! Keep it up robby!
Mosquitoes! Also there are so many more people now on Sierra Nevada trails than 30 years ago when I got started. Certainly that well earned burger, pizza, whatever after end day is epic. Oh, yes, that first beer too!
Robby, 1st I love these videos! 2nd, I just had an observation because I just watched the movie, but this these videos remind me of Matt Damon’s conversations with himself in the movie “The Martian”. Keep up the good brother!
Wow, I missed so many vlogs of yours. Gotta catch up! Time to binge AA on the weekend😁
Check to see if your local melee scene would like to take that CRT!
Fun video! Expectations of the worst case scenario before I started backpacking: Being mauled by a bear and a mountain lion at the same time. Expectations of the worst case scenario after I started backpacking: Hiking with wet socks.
Oh. Also- a 20 minute 5k is definitely doable for you having seen your recent 1mi times. It's all pacing and pushing, just not completely overdoing it. Make sure you're doing an occasional 3mi run with a challenging pace and it'll be way easier still.
“not the Swiss alps” haha
So I was watching a video about backpacking and then seemingly abducted into some quirky other world.
Great video! I really like the light brown shelving unit that’s attached to your wall. Can I ask where you got it from? 😁
Robby, AA has to talk to a reverse rain doctor before heading out to film an episode. 🌞👍
Where did you get those 'stroepwaffles'?😄
Dude you could crush a 5k! I bet you could go sub 20 easily. Of course, training is a must.
Bring back the loooonnggg mane 🖤🖤🖤
I’ll take the TV! Oh wait , I live in Nevada.😕
I knew it ! But what the frek I just looked and discovered I wasn’t subscribed! ?🧐. I was sure I was. How did I watch this video so quickly. 🕳🥩🧹
A 5K would be a great way to challenge yourself and build fitness for your Adventure Archives trips. My money is on you getting a sub 22 minute 5K this time out.
What! No rain? You don't like to sit by a window and read a book while listen to it?
I love the feeling of solitude when I backpack, although right now, after more than 20 days lock up in my house there's nothing more that I want than a real person to hug. Hahahahaha
I live in Beijing btw hahahaha
🤣you are a hoot!
When do I like to exercise? Never. I never "like" to exercise. When do I exercise? Every weekday at 4:25 AM before work.
The only downside I can see for me is the goddamn ticks
GAEMZZZZZZZ 💖💖💖
Backpacking is NOT for everyone. Thats why I do it.
Backacking=solitude:Exercise=morning b4 work
you need to make your own travel channel on you tube get sponsort by ........... ??
2nd comment