Thanks for posting this video! I think it is amazing that you guys just hiked through the section that I am about to be dropped off at tomorrow morning, heading north towards the Alabama state line as part of the Eastern Continental Trail. I have been watching your videos for a long time and purchased a Zpacks Sleeping Bag and stuff sacks for my journey. I stayed at the first shelter (pavilion) about a month ago and unfortunately the pass through the first water section just after Cobb Camp destroyed my feet so I decided to call that warm up trip short. I hope I can keep a positive mental attitude like you seem to do when you are hiking. Thanks for all the inspiration that led me to attempt such a monumental task. -Scott
Your videos are the reason why I've started my own TH-cam channel to produce Trail Videos and Gear Reviews. I happen to work at REI which is a fantastic place with some equally fantastic gear available. Thanks for the inspiration and happy hiking!
rei has heavy gear..not much for ultralight backpacking gear..no offense my friends work there too..and i have a membership..i dont buy backpacking gear from them though..there are lighter cheaper options..but ive bought clothes and sunglasses shoes etc..
Never thought you'd leave the ATL with North Georgia as our backyard..but sure seems like you have found the dream job! Going on my gut hunch, I bet there were a lot of tough sacrifices along the way and I wish you nothing but the best for the future. Keep doing what you love and I look forward to coming along on your next endeavors!
You missed the absolute most beautiful part of the trail.. Santa Rosa thru Eglin .. beautiful huge oaks, clear streams and rivers, lots of boardwalks. The very beginning at Pensacola beach is gorgeous but the huge oak forest and rivers of Crestview Florida thru Eglin is just bar none... absolutely beautiful.
Super excited to see you doing videos on the Florida trail! I live in Fort Lauderdale and am trying to get as much trail time in as I can before i hit the AT. I am going to walk the big cypress section this winter. Looking forward to seeing some of the gear you use and what you think of that section specifically (its a wet one). Thanks for the great content. Keep up the great work, it is highly appreciated.
@Will i want to say thanks for all of your uploads. thanks for taking use thru the east and the west. i am happy you have found a job at zpacks. being completely honest though no matter how honest you remain from now on ill always have to take your zpack recs with a grain of salt. just the nature of the beast.
Really glad you have enjoyed my videos. I will be doing much less recommending and centering more on the journeys and adventures that we at ZPacks will be embarking on like Patagonia, Himalayans, Catalina Island etc. My passion is for hiking and bringing those experiences to the masses and ZPacks is the best gear company out there in my opinion and I'm proud to be a member. Thanks for watching and happy hiking! ✌🏼️
+Will “Red Beard” Wood Great Vid, I have done the TCT on Catalina, my advice find some hills the climbing is brutal! I live in Orange County and have trips planed to go back before my JMT hike this summer. Happy trails!
I know what you are sawing about the ticks up there , Found a lot while Canoeing and Camping the Suwanee River. If there is a Tick withing 100 yards of me it will find me. Not only up there but anywhere here in Florida. Now I treat my clothing and the outside bottom of my tent ( or the Hammock for Mosquietos ) with the Sawyer Duranon Permethrin Insect Repellent.. It also kills Chiggers , Mites and Mosquitoes and one application lasts 6 weeks or three washing's. It only kills the bugs and does not harm warm blooded critters like us. Since I started using it I have not had any Tick problems. Backpacking , I spray the outside of my pack ( especially the hip belt ) sometimes it does sit on the ground or lean against a tree overnight.
+matanuska high I can not see any reason it would not work on the cuben fiber. If it does then you have the advantage. You might contact Sawyer ( email) and ask them , if anyone knows they would since it is there product.
I love the Florida Trail! I've done the North Ocala stretch - it's beautiful! Thanks for the videos - they make me want to get back out. I'd love more detail on your gear - 15lbs is awesome.
I'm afraid it will be some years before White Springs starts catering to hikers. It is primarily set up for the canoeing community. There are tons of trails here in FL, and just as many little rivers to explore, but the trails have a tendency to be of the shorter variety. Had no idea ZPacks was in Melbourne! Wish there were more sporting shops over here on the SW area of FL. Have to spend tons in gas to even go try on a pair of hiking shoes! LOL
Great video. That's awesome you are working for ZPacks now. Your videos are the reason I purchased my duplex tent, ZPacks sleeping bag and my Arc Haul pack for my PCT Section hiking last year. Love all my ZPacks gear, especially the Arc haul pack. Keep up the good work!
Good luck on your PCT section hike, I am confident that you will love all of your ZPacks gear! If you ever need anything on your hike or have any questions just let me know. Happy Hiking!
Great video Will! I will definitely have to check that part of the trail out. (After I am recovered from by heel spur and tendon surgery that I am getting next week.)
+Will “Red Beard” Wood cheers it was a bit of a risk, not many videos on youtube of that model, would be good if zpacks did one, but the design and fabrics all add up so i think it will be my main pack all year round :)
Cardio was obviously not a problem. But walking flat for 40 miles really strained the muscles on the top of my feet and actually inflamed a muscle around my right ankle.
I practice hike the Florida Crooms trails sections prior to section hiking the AT. Walking flat for that many miles does a number on your feet and hip flexors. I much prefer hiking in the mountains.
Hey Redbeard! I love the Florida Trail. I would regularly so sections of it when I lived down there. It gets joked on by hikers because it is so flat, but that trail presents its own set of challenges that you don't find on the other long trails. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Congrats on the job...I live in Atlantic beach, outside Jacksonville, Fl. I'm embarrassed to say I've never set foot on the FT. Paddled the Suwannee many times but always head up to the southern AT or FHT to hike. Hoping to do the Ocala NF section after hunting season in February. I've only had a few minor purchases from Zpacks and have been very pleased with there service. I've always loved my ula packs but will probably give zpacks a try down the road. Curious if the waist belt has been improved on the arc haul? A few months ago while doing the JMT I met a guy who had issues with waist belt. I'm sure Joe has since fixed the issue.
I have to say I'm loving Florida so far, so beautiful and different. However I am working with great people for a great company so I'm sure that helps! 😉
+Will “Red Beard” Wood PS loved your PCT videos - brought back so many memories for me in california! looking forward to checking out your AT stuff and other gear reviews too.
I'm catching up on your videos..good stuff. You mentioned that your feet were killing you, what kind of shoes were you wearing? I haven't had that problem on flat trails.
The pack is highly water resistant. It has a water proofing coating on the inside but I would imagine over time this would wear making the pack slightly less water proof. I personally wouldn't carry a pack cover with this backpack. I already put things I don't want to get wet in Dry Sacks so if a tiny bit of moisture got into my pack it wouldn't be a big deal for me.
Hi WIll, I am starting to bag a "peak a week" in preparation to hike the AT in 2017. Living in NH I hope to be well prepared for the trail. In doing so, I am taking video to document the experience and plan to continue doing so from the AT much, like you and others have done. My question to you is what type of camera do you use? I am looking for a new camera after smashing mine last weekend on some ice here in the White's last weekend. Any tips or suggestions you have are welcome... Thanks and I enjoy your videos a great deal.
Yeah thanks for all the vids. I just orederd a Camo Duplex but do you have any info on that one you said you were testing? Duplex Flex did you call it? Should cancel and wait for this Flex? 😕
I carried the smaller version the BV450 so I'm not sure about the 500. The 450 was great. I increased the Arc so that it would not touch my back. But I must say I hate carrying a bear vault period, I literally gave it away when I didn't need it anymore. So ridiculous no bears on this trail. Ha.
1 + for the East Coast=no bear can... How well do you think the 500 would fit in the 52 or 60L? and did the 450 hold the food you needed for the stretched through the Sierras? Thanks Will and congrats on the new position at Zpacks!!!
Outta breath with no ups or downs? How do I (a 50 Y/O female) sign up to test the Zpacks gear for review? I'm straight with getting ticks on me. I've only had one tick total on both AT and Florida scenic.
My wife (and I) love your videos. We were out for a day hike yesterday and she pulled this: th-cam.com/video/WA3ewMCRj9I/w-d-xo.html LOL Thanks for your vids! Hope to see more of your adventures in 2016!
Hey Will. I'd love to do a hike with ya on the FT. I need to test out my gear before I hit my AT thru hike in March. Any chance I could tag along with my Zpacks gear. Alan
I want to buy an arc haul but how did you get custom colors? I emailed zpacks and they let me know i couldnt do black dyneema woth the shoulder and belt strap orange dyneema:/
I'm slightly confused about what you are asking? We only offer the colors available on the website. We can't do belt straps one color and everything else something else. Waist belt will always be black
+Will “Red Beard” Wood I was looking to do everything black dyneema but the shoulder straps the orange dyneema. The orange, black and blue is offered but i was told its one color for the entire pack and straps. So im guessing orange shoulder straps isnt possible. Either way your pack looks awesome.
You're the master of hiking videos.
wow Florida sure looks unique. always dismissed it, but looks pretty even without any mountains
good to see you back out there Will
THAT'S SO FREAKING COOL!!!
Thanks for posting this video! I think it is amazing that you guys just hiked through the section that I am about to be dropped off at tomorrow morning, heading north towards the Alabama state line as part of the Eastern Continental Trail. I have been watching your videos for a long time and purchased a Zpacks Sleeping Bag and stuff sacks for my journey. I stayed at the first shelter (pavilion) about a month ago and unfortunately the pass through the first water section just after Cobb Camp destroyed my feet so I decided to call that warm up trip short. I hope I can keep a positive mental attitude like you seem to do when you are hiking. Thanks for all the inspiration that led me to attempt such a monumental task. -Scott
Never been to Flordia thanks for giving us a little peek into the natural side .
Thanks for adding some Florida Flavor, we don't have the beauty of the mountain hikes but it can be pretty cool none-the-less.
Your videos are the reason why I've started my own TH-cam channel to produce Trail Videos and Gear Reviews. I happen to work at REI which is a fantastic place with some equally fantastic gear available. Thanks for the inspiration and happy hiking!
rei has heavy gear..not much for ultralight backpacking gear..no offense my friends work there too..and i have a membership..i dont buy backpacking gear from them though..there are lighter cheaper options..but ive bought clothes and sunglasses shoes etc..
Never thought you'd leave the ATL with North Georgia as our backyard..but sure seems like you have found the dream job! Going on my gut hunch, I bet there were a lot of tough sacrifices along the way and I wish you nothing but the best for the future. Keep doing what you love and I look forward to coming along on your next endeavors!
beautiful terrain down there. I've never seen anything like it.
Palmettos and Pine, that's Florida! Grew up in Boynton Beach 60s & 70s had many a trip up 441 to the NC mountains before I95 & I75 built. Nice vid!
I didn't think there were many backpacking options in Florida, so thanks for teaching me something new about Florida.
Awesome trip Thanks for sharing!
very nice trail !!!
You missed the absolute most beautiful part of the trail.. Santa Rosa thru Eglin .. beautiful huge oaks, clear streams and rivers, lots of boardwalks. The very beginning at Pensacola beach is gorgeous but the huge oak forest and rivers of Crestview Florida thru Eglin is just bar none... absolutely beautiful.
Definitely get up to the Okefenokee when ya can. Did some camping and hiking there this passed weekend. Most wildlife I've ever seen.
awesome vids ...really cool!
My old stomping grounds. Went to forestry school right beside the National Forest long ago.
Great to see you out on the trail!
Very cool! Very different scenery!
Super excited to see you doing videos on the Florida trail! I live in Fort Lauderdale and am trying to get as much trail time in as I can before i hit the AT. I am going to walk the big cypress section this winter. Looking forward to seeing some of the gear you use and what you think of that section specifically (its a wet one). Thanks for the great content. Keep up the great work, it is highly appreciated.
@Will i want to say thanks for all of your uploads. thanks for taking use thru the east and the west. i am happy you have found a job at zpacks. being completely honest though no matter how honest you remain from now on ill always have to take your zpack recs with a grain of salt. just the nature of the beast.
Really glad you have enjoyed my videos. I will be doing much less recommending and centering more on the journeys and adventures that we at ZPacks will be embarking on like Patagonia, Himalayans, Catalina Island etc. My passion is for hiking and bringing those experiences to the masses and ZPacks is the best gear company out there in my opinion and I'm proud to be a member. Thanks for watching and happy hiking! ✌🏼️
+Will “Red Beard” Wood again im truly happy u got a job that runs sode by side with your passion. see u when u upload
+Will “Red Beard” Wood Great Vid, I have done the TCT on Catalina, my advice find some hills the climbing is brutal! I live in Orange County and have trips planed to go back before my JMT hike this summer. Happy trails!
Hello Will,
If you want to do a long beautiful hike like the "AT" or the "PCT"
I recommend hiking the "Lewis And Clark National Historic Trail"!
I know what you are sawing about the ticks up there , Found a lot while Canoeing and Camping the Suwanee River. If there is a Tick withing 100 yards of me it will find me. Not only up there but anywhere here in Florida.
Now I treat my clothing and the outside bottom of my tent ( or the Hammock for Mosquietos ) with the Sawyer Duranon Permethrin Insect Repellent.. It also kills Chiggers , Mites and Mosquitoes and one application lasts 6 weeks or three washing's. It only kills the bugs and does not harm warm blooded critters like us.
Since I started using it I have not had any Tick problems.
Backpacking , I spray the outside of my pack ( especially the hip belt ) sometimes it does sit on the ground or lean against a tree overnight.
do you think it wuld work with cuben fiber though? unlike silnylon cuben doesn't absorb any moisture..
+matanuska high
I can not see any reason it would not work on the cuben fiber. If it does then you have the advantage. You might contact Sawyer ( email) and ask them , if anyone knows they would since it is there product.
I love the Florida Trail! I've done the North Ocala stretch - it's beautiful! Thanks for the videos - they make me want to get back out. I'd love more detail on your gear - 15lbs is awesome.
Check the description of this video for my Base Weight Gear List.
I'm afraid it will be some years before White Springs starts catering to hikers. It is primarily set up for the canoeing community. There are tons of trails here in FL, and just as many little rivers to explore, but the trails have a tendency to be of the shorter variety.
Had no idea ZPacks was in Melbourne! Wish there were more sporting shops over here on the SW area of FL. Have to spend tons in gas to even go try on a pair of hiking shoes! LOL
Nice hike
Thanks for the info
I love my new arc haul so much I’m going to order a Nero this spring
Thx Will
Great video. That's awesome you are working for ZPacks now. Your videos are the reason I purchased my duplex tent, ZPacks sleeping bag and my Arc Haul pack for my PCT Section hiking last year. Love all my ZPacks gear, especially the Arc haul pack. Keep up the good work!
Good luck on your PCT section hike, I am confident that you will love all of your ZPacks gear! If you ever need anything on your hike or have any questions just let me know. Happy Hiking!
Great video Will! I will definitely have to check that part of the trail out. (After I am recovered from by heel spur and tendon surgery that I am getting next week.)
I grew up hiking, camping and hunting in the Osceola NF. I've been in upstate NY for so long it now looks strange to me. lol.
I live in Florida omg!!! I hope you have fun :-)
I just ordered an Arc Haul after watching this video :)
Great video! I imagine the Florida Trail is quite different from the PCT and the AT.
i have a ark haul on order to the uk at the moment, will do some reviews when it comes through :)
It's a great backpack for sure, probably my favorite now.
+Will “Red Beard” Wood cheers it was a bit of a risk, not many videos on youtube of that model, would be good if zpacks did one, but the design and fabrics all add up so i think it will be my main pack all year round :)
Embrace the slogging and head down to Big Cypress! Guaranteed you will a unique experience.
I had no idea that Florida has hiking trails like this. A little wet! lol Thanks for sharing this video. Thumbs Up! Bob
I learned something new about Florida ... thanks for the video, nice job!
I'm a little surprised Will was so worn out on that trip? the PCT was way harder...
Cardio was obviously not a problem. But walking flat for 40 miles really strained the muscles on the top of my feet and actually inflamed a muscle around my right ankle.
All good. Another cool video to the collection...
I practice hike the Florida Crooms trails sections prior to section hiking the AT. Walking flat for that many miles does a number on your feet and hip flexors. I much prefer hiking in the mountains.
I am from Melbourne Florida
FT looks awesome. Wondering if you're going to be posting a post gear video for your pct hike? It would help me a lot
Well done bro, thanks!!!
Hey Redbeard! I love the Florida Trail. I would regularly so sections of it when I lived down there. It gets joked on by hikers because it is so flat, but that trail presents its own set of challenges that you don't find on the other long trails. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
With all these water crossings, i would just wear chacos!
Nice video!
Congrats on the job...I live in Atlantic beach, outside Jacksonville, Fl. I'm embarrassed to say I've never set foot on the FT. Paddled the Suwannee many times but always head up to the southern AT or FHT to hike. Hoping to do the Ocala NF section after hunting season in February. I've only had a few minor purchases from Zpacks and have been very pleased with there service. I've always loved my ula packs but will probably give zpacks a try down the road. Curious if the waist belt has been improved on the arc haul? A few months ago while doing the JMT I met a guy who had issues with waist belt. I'm sure Joe has since fixed the issue.
what size and kind of pack do you use?awesome hike!
I grew up in Florida - and I know exactly what you are going though - UGH! LOL . I hope the water doesn't taste too much like gasoline and pesticides.
I have to say I'm loving Florida so far, so beautiful and different. However I am working with great people for a great company so I'm sure that helps! 😉
I'm glad you are happy! If you go to Sarasota - go check out Siesta Key Beach! Thats my home town favorite place. =)
+Will “Red Beard” Wood PS loved your PCT videos - brought back so many memories for me in california! looking forward to checking out your AT stuff and other gear reviews too.
+Minda Fraser glad you liked them! Cali is a fun place.
You guys need to get a contract with the military.
Were you ever worried about alligators while hiking through here?
I'm catching up on your videos..good stuff. You mentioned that your feet were killing you, what kind of shoes were you wearing? I haven't had that problem on flat trails.
Is the Dyneema waterproof like the Cuben fiber? Great vid!
The pack is highly water resistant. It has a water proofing coating on the inside but I would imagine over time this would wear making the pack slightly less water proof. I personally wouldn't carry a pack cover with this backpack. I already put things I don't want to get wet in Dry Sacks so if a tiny bit of moisture got into my pack it wouldn't be a big deal for me.
+Will “Red Beard” Wood
Thank you! I appreciate it. I love my Zpacks cuben gear, but haven't chosen a pack yet.
angel, you need to add "redbeard out" for possible searches cuz in our adventures shopping instead of Marco/Polo in the crowds we "Redbeard Out."
let me know when you come to okefenokee swamp.. I'm stationed 40 minutes away!
Hi WIll, I am starting to bag a "peak a week" in preparation to hike the AT in 2017. Living in NH I hope to be well prepared for the trail. In doing so, I am taking video to document the experience and plan to continue doing so from the AT much, like you and others have done.
My question to you is what type of camera do you use? I am looking for a new camera after smashing mine last weekend on some ice here in the White's last weekend. Any tips or suggestions you have are welcome... Thanks and I enjoy your videos a great deal.
Great video but I much prefer the mountains.
Yeah thanks for all the vids. I just orederd a Camo Duplex but do you have any info on that one you said you were testing? Duplex Flex did you call it? Should cancel and wait for this Flex? 😕
Knowing Florida I am surprised your car was still there.
How well did the arc blast carry the BV500 on the PCT?
I carried the smaller version the BV450 so I'm not sure about the 500. The 450 was great. I increased the Arc so that it would not touch my back. But I must say I hate carrying a bear vault period, I literally gave it away when I didn't need it anymore. So ridiculous no bears on this trail. Ha.
1 + for the East Coast=no bear can... How well do you think the 500 would fit in the 52 or 60L? and did the 450 hold the food you needed for the stretched through the Sierras? Thanks Will and congrats on the new position at Zpacks!!!
Do you hike with socks when you go through water like that, and just have a dry pair on hand?
Is there any way I can get a 50L with a zip top instead of the pull strings?
how were the misquitos? i currently live in FL and out in the woods they can get really bad.
No bugs at all on this hike.
You say our when talking about zpacks. Do you work for them or just sponsored?
They brought me on board, so yes I actually work for ZPacks now in Florida.
Congratulations then. I think we all wish we could hike our way into a job ;)
What month did you do that in?
I think it was February. I only hike Jan-March in Florida. Otherwise the bugs are too bad
Outta breath with no ups or downs? How do I (a 50 Y/O female) sign up to test the Zpacks gear for review? I'm straight with getting ticks on me. I've only had one tick total on both AT and Florida scenic.
+Mel Mon we don't offer gear for review. Happy Hiking.
My wife (and I) love your videos. We were out for a day hike yesterday and she pulled this: th-cam.com/video/WA3ewMCRj9I/w-d-xo.html LOL Thanks for your vids! Hope to see more of your adventures in 2016!
Which college on 441?
Georgia College & State University
Hiking in Florida in shorts and shoes is....I'll be nice and say "uneducated".
How to you edit your videos?
Do* not to
Also if it helps. I am using a go pro when I do videos. I can't find a easy way to edit them.
+B Mad I use iMovie.
Thanks brother.
Hey Will. I'd love to do a hike with ya on the FT. I need to test out my gear before I hit my AT thru hike in March. Any chance I could tag along with my Zpacks gear. Alan
I want to buy an arc haul but how did you get custom colors? I emailed zpacks and they let me know i couldnt do black dyneema woth the shoulder and belt strap orange dyneema:/
I'm slightly confused about what you are asking? We only offer the colors available on the website. We can't do belt straps one color and everything else something else. Waist belt will always be black
+Will “Red Beard” Wood I was looking to do everything black dyneema but the shoulder straps the orange dyneema. The orange, black and blue is offered but i was told its one color for the entire pack and straps. So im guessing orange shoulder straps isnt possible. Either way your pack looks awesome.