First off, you are Number 1. I agree that once you get it dialed in, chasing the new trendy gear is not a priority anymore. For example, once you have a MH Breakfast Skillet there is no reason to explore other options. lol. I have loved your journey and how the channel has evolved over the years!
It’s all about doing what you love and sharing that passion with others. The inspiration is appreciated Chris, and the fact that you’re out there doing your thing… and “staying real about it” is refreshing. Keep doing your thing. we all appreciate you sharing these trips
I’ve been following you for 5 years and I enjoy your videos for the nature and hiking but more than anything it’s the laid back, light hearted, and chill vibe. 👍🏻
Gear or no gear, please keep 'em coming. As old as I am I am trying to use what I have an use it up. But still, now and then, I see something, you and other hikers I admire, and am really tempted. • But as you said in the text: "I would highly suggest giving yourself at least 48 hours before any purchase decision and asking yourself “Do I really need this?”. I hope more times than not, you find yourself saying “I Definitely do NOT need this”. And I have oodles and scads of stuff I don't need! • Sage Advice, and I thank you ever so much for it.
Trail videos will continue for sure. The one I mention in this video is done, should release in a couple of days. And its always good to really consider a purchase, give yourself time to realize you dont need it!
It’s like finding the right tool to do a task. You go on the journey of finding and testing tools. When you find the right tools, then you focus on the task. Tools are no longer the focus. I/we get. Thanks for sharing your journeys.
Good for you! It says a lot about who you are, You have a unique style, and a loyal group of followers. Thanks for doing great content without trying to get the most clicks and ad revenue!
Chris: I watch your videos primarily because you do more hiking videos versus gear videos and that’s mostly to learn from your experiences and how you deal with a situation when confronted with one more notably with the oh no one’s. Like I wasn’t expecting that so I’ll do this. Knowledge is power so I’ll be a sponge, keep on keeping on and thanks for sharing!
Way back when, I was watching the video of a kid setting up the Fly Creek UL2 in the Blue Hills. When I shared the video with my son he looked at me crosswise and said, "You know who that is don't you?" I have to admit you had changed a bit since the last time I had seen you. I've been watching ever since. It's incredible how you've grown as a videographer! It's been great to follow you on your journey. Keep hiking and keep taking us along with you.
I've put on a bit of weight and lost some hair since then haha I remember the first time I realized it was you leaving the comments and was like oh no way! Would be great to camp with you guys sometime. Even a small hike to campsite somewhere for the night
I thought about making some gear videos to try to boost my views and subscriber count, but making that type of content just doesn’t sound fun to me, so I totally feel you on not finding joy in that. Maybe I’ll make a couple, but I’m far more interested in documenting my experience on the trail. Keep up the good work, Chris! 🤙🏼 Btw that X-Mid is lookin good (love mine!) lol 😉
I’m happy that you made at least one gear video.. I stumbled on your channel because of an REI tent review a little over two years ago. I didn’t know they even made it and was just bored and curious. I saw that you had videos of the whites and I immediately subscribed. I don’t really care about gear reviews, but your videos are very interesting. You cover a lot of unique places, and you are gifted with a real eye for the camera. I can’t tell you the number of times when I have to pause the video just to soak in a shot. Follow your heart. I love what you are producing. Thank you!!
I’m not familiar with your gear videos but I do like the gear recap and trails map you’ve included on videos. Super helpful to know what things you’ve carried and what route you traveled after watching your trips.
Great upload bud. I think the most important thing is to shoot what you actually enjoy! However, I believe that whatever you film would be done professionally!
I recently bumped into that other video where your channel was singled out for not making anymore gear videos. I only bumped into one of your videos long time ago browsing backpacking trails. The fact that you are still out there making hiking videos over gears earns my admiration. I was introduced to backpacking in the 90’s and the my fiasco over gears have since died down. I appreciate people seeing through the material stuff and honing on inspiring other people with story telling or preparing their physical and mental skills instead. I appreciate there are still channels out there dedicated to their passions over algorithm.
I have been interested in backpacking for the past couple of years. There were a handful of creators who were filming their hikes and it was great. Seems most have moved toward gear reviews. And I’ve got the gear, just looking for places to go. So, I’ve become a lot more interested in the trails over the gear. Glad your interests have changed. New subscriber because of this video!
Totally understand man. I’m guilty of being stuck in the rabbit hole of gear ! Just love it. On the other hand, I have learned a lot from watching your gear reviews in the past. I do believe youtube is invaluable when it comes to getting your eyes on gear you might not even know exists. Keep doing what you want brother ! Peace ✌️
TH-cam is absolutely invaluable for research. The amount of videos I watched in my gear search was astronomical. It was quite helpful in finding the right stuff for me. I am glad to have made it to a point where I am pretty much square. My wallet is also happy about this lol
I think your wisdom about gear makes a lot of sense. I did my research initially to try to get a good gear system going, but now I only replace my gear if I have something that doesn't work for me. Even if I had unlimited money to buy all the gear I want, I still wouldn't want to buy a ton of gear because then the gear that doesn't get used just sits there and clutters everything up. Also I agree with your opinion that while gear is important, the most important thing it does is help you get to where you want to hike to comfortably. While I appreciated your gear videos for helping me make a few decisions (I completely stole your cooking setup!), I don't need gear videos as much anymore and I'm happy to see you getting out and enjoying the wilderness. Some of the specific routes you take are more of an inspiration for me at this point!
I could not agree with you more. As an older retired hiker I got all into gear for a bit, mainly to lighten my pack so I could enjoy hiking more. I got my base weight down to about eight pounds and it’s working well, so for the most part I am done for some time. Now it’s all about hiking and gear is something I don’t really think of that much, which is how it was back when I started decades ago. Take care and enjoy your hike.
I feel the same way. I made tons of gear videos in the past but my gear is dialed in now and I haven't really changed it much in the past three years. John from MI
Gear videos might get you more views, but your videos are like watching a friend on trail. It's nerdy but I have my AMC maps out when I watch your videos to follow along and maybe get ideas for trips. If you do anything off trail, I'd love to see where you are with red lining the Whites.
Same. Excellent post. Years of hiking and backpacking and I am getting dialed in. Deciding what to do with old gear is...interesting, but lots of repurposing. And learning what i can make with 1.99 freezer bags from Market Basket. Got coozies? Looking forward to seeing more of your videos.
I always enjoy your videos and style Chris! You make some really great enjoyable content, and the trail videos have helped me a lot in the Whites and for my AT prep.
Chris, this was so well said!! Example: my walk behind lawn mower finally died for the 5th time last September so I rolled that baby out to the street for the scrap folks or tinkerers and went and bought a brand new push mower. News flash!! They haven’t changed all that much in the 5 years before we bought the poopy one. I find it entertaining that there’s 20 some odd companies out there making the same tent. 2 person, two aluminum poles, mostly netting for the main canopy, just shy of 5 lbs and 2 vestibules. I think once you’re dialed in its time to actually start going to the gym like you did to get in shape and start enjoying the outdoors with what ya got! For me I’m a twig stove nut so i have 3 or four twig stoves, 2 of which were American made by American companies. I do know that a deep winter trip requires my msr international for the white gas as you need the white gas yo process snow. I’m not sure where to get the Coleman extreme gas canisters like the gentleman on the norwegian explorer channel. I guess you can use that fuel up around the arctic during winter so it sounds pretty fing badass! Basically, it’s probably time for all of us to put the phone and tv remote down and actually go …. outside… and recreate… instead of always just watching videos about it. I’m trying to do that with my work and home pressures but its possible. Good content Chris and I’m glad you put this up! Ciao! NQU
This is something that's been on my mind for a while. I don't really enjoy making gear videos, but I know those are the videos most people are looking for. I still dig new gear, and I enjoy taking new stuff out, but talking about it doesn't thrill me. I still make them because as you stated, they are helpful, and people find value in them. But it's struggle for me to get them made.
The thing is, with backpacking videos- what else is there to talk about? The only thing that evolves is gear. Sorry, but it’s rather boring watching other people hike unless it’s a collab or something or somewhere uniquely interesting.
I love a well produced trip video. Especially if the creator can make me feel like I'm there with them. I've planned trips around videos I've seen of places I've never been. But, like most things in life, TH-cam is subjective. What I enjoy and what you'll enjoy may be totally different, and that's totally fine. It would be boring if we all liked exactly the same stuff all the time. @@SophisticatedDogCat
Yes, gear videos get tons of traffic and I fully understand your point of view. I have one more gear video I want to make and after that I'll be done for some time to come. I thought after the AT I'd do a review on everything I used but I only did two before I lost interest in it. It felt like it was something everyone else had already done.
It totally makes sense on the gear stuff popping off. Most people come to see gear reviews and demos. Its a much smaller group who is genuinely interested in on trail type videos. As far as not wanting to make the final gear videos / everyone else has done it, you may be surprised to find you may add things to the subject others didnt. May be worth considering anyways!
Amazing to me that even a video “Not” about gear has double the views of your epic level Lonesome Kinsman Cannonball hike. Whatever, that’s the TH-cam algorithm. Been watching your channel a while now and although I have a decent budget, my gear spending is minimal. I’m in “the market” for hike ideas and less about gear ideas. Keep ‘em coming.
I am with you. My best performing videos, nothing like yours, I don't have the audience you have, are gear related. I put a video out in September of last year showing how to attach trekking poles to a back pack and that has gotten, 9,127 views and my next best performing video is a description of my Osprey 58 liter backpack and that has gotten 6,819 views and I put that out more than 2 years ago. Yes, they perform well view wise but like you, I don't find joy in making them. For me it's about the hike. I need to take a cue from you and put more space between my videos. I took the advice of the "experts" that said you need to publish "consistently" and I took that to mean weekly. Trying to find a hike that excites me on a weekly basis is a grind and I am finding that my videos show that. I recently saw a video from one of the popular TH-cam "experts" that told me you need to publish consistently and that person kind of change his definition of "consistent". It's no longer weekly. He said something that I have come to believe, my viewers are not waiting at 8:00 am every Saturday waiting for a new video from me so I don't need to feel pressured to get a video out. Have fun and document the fun. What has grown my channel recently are my shorts. I make a concerted effort at some point in my hike to make a short that I think my audience will appreciate and they really do. Keep up the good work. I've said this before, after just about every video, I find a new place to hike. P.S. I have reviewed pretty much all of the gear I have and I can't justify buying a new piece of gear just to review it.
I was pretty shocked how crazy the REI Flash tent review(s) I did went. Totally agree on the grind, the TH-cam algorithm does seem to favor consistency and lots of content which ultimately will just lead to burn out. I could make gear videos and such to appease the algorithm but I am quite content in the popularity of my channel as is. Just not something I am looking to do. I also started posting to shorts, and reels on instagram. I dont particularly care for it, but its pretty easy to make once I already edit the main video, so I am just going with it at this point. Do what works for you schedule wise, and go with it!
Once you get your gear dialed in there’s no reason to buy extra gear unless you lose it or is it gets damaged. But if some of the gear companies want to send you some gear to display and use that’s the option I would go right now.
Chris, man, i gotta say.... if you ever decide to look for a new career, i think you should look into voice acting. Your voice is just so calming and soothing. Sometimes Ill play your videos while im driving, put the phone face down in the passenger seat so its not a distraction, and just listen. Even after a rough day at work, I can be in a better headspace by the time i get home. I appreciate you!
I think there's also something to be said for the fact that gear has sort of gone "stale" the last few years. From like 2013 to 2018 or so there was cool new stuff coming out all the time. The DCF revolution was happening, new frameless packs coming out, new stoves, new trekking pole tents, new cottage vendors. The last couple years the most exciting thing that has happened is magnets for door tie backs. Yay?
Innovation, and I mean serious innovation hasn't really arrived lately in backpacking gear, apart from the Durston X-mid and Ultra-200 fabric for backpacks. I'm sure once there is a flood of innovation your interest will peak again.
I 100% feel the same way. If you're heart's not in it, what is even the point? I've been experimenting with reviews and how-tos, but I don't find it nearly as interesting as making hiking videos. You keep doing you!
That’s the reason I watch your videos, as opposed to other thru-hikers that I’ve unsubscribed from. After a thru-hike, their content usually just turns into talking about gear, or 5 things X, 10 reasons to Y. You are still hiking. If watching another hiker hike is second to hiking myself, then watching another hiker TALK about hiking is pretty far down the list lol. With that said, I did find your channel through the gear video you made about your BRS + Toaks kitchen setup 😁
Seems creators get used to the views gear videos bring which is a double edged sword. More views and more pressure to pump out more gear videos. Seems some even abandon backpacking all together due to this. Glad you are continuing with trip videos.
Ya chasing the algorithm just seems like it would lead to burn out very quickly. At least for me. I am quite content with the popularity of my channel. I feel next to 0 pressure to post anything or at any specific time. Sometimes TH-cam rewards that, often times not. It is what it is!
I've been looking for tips about backpacking, mainly for long trips and I've learned more from watching videos of people actually going on long hikes vs a video dedicated to "25 BEST Items For Hiking" or whatever. The clickbait is real out here lol.
Too many creators have videos about everything but actually showing the raw trip of them out in nature backpacking. It has become cookie cutter BS. No nature scenes, trail dynamics, beauty and struggle. Overly commercialized. You do you
Here’s the point I’m making. You are established . So tell people what you are using and why. Me if have spent thousands of $ on gear as you have to determine what works for you and why. Please share why.
You'd be surprised how many gear videos out there are nothing more than unboxings with no content other than "yeah this looks really good" without ever using it. Or ai generated videos. It's a mess atm
Make the videos you want, Chris. We'll watch either way.
First off, you are Number 1. I agree that once you get it dialed in, chasing the new trendy gear is not a priority anymore. For example, once you have a MH Breakfast Skillet there is no reason to explore other options. lol. I have loved your journey and how the channel has evolved over the years!
That breakfast skillet is very legit. Backpacker pantry seemed to have changed their pad thai recently. I am extremely displeased in this
It’s all about doing what you love and sharing that passion with others.
The inspiration is appreciated Chris, and the fact that you’re out there doing your thing… and “staying real about it” is refreshing.
Keep doing your thing. we all appreciate you sharing these trips
I’ve been following you for 5 years and I enjoy your videos for the nature and hiking but more than anything it’s the laid back, light hearted, and chill vibe. 👍🏻
Gear or no gear, please keep 'em coming. As old as I am I am trying to use what I have an use it up. But still, now and then, I see something, you and other hikers I admire, and am really tempted.
• But as you said in the text: "I would highly suggest giving yourself at least 48 hours before any purchase decision and asking yourself “Do I really need this?”. I hope more times than not, you find yourself saying “I Definitely do NOT need this”. And I have oodles and scads of stuff I don't need!
• Sage Advice, and I thank you ever so much for it.
Trail videos will continue for sure. The one I mention in this video is done, should release in a couple of days. And its always good to really consider a purchase, give yourself time to realize you dont need it!
It’s like finding the right tool to do a task. You go on the journey of finding and testing tools. When you find the right tools, then you focus on the task. Tools are no longer the focus. I/we get. Thanks for sharing your journeys.
Well said. That’s awesome to get to the point of being content with the gear you have!
100%. Once you have a kit that works for you, you can think about other things that are far more rewarding.
Like going out on hikes and use it.
I’m a day hiker exclusively and have dialed in what I want/need when I go out. So for me the current videos are fantastic. Love them. Thanks!
Good for you! It says a lot about who you are, You have a unique style, and a loyal group of followers. Thanks for doing great content without trying to get the most clicks and ad revenue!
I just found your channel. Watched a couple past videos and really enjoy your style. Stay safe out there. Just subscribed.
Chris: I watch your videos primarily because you do more hiking videos versus gear videos and that’s mostly to learn from your experiences and how you deal with a situation when confronted with one more notably with the oh no one’s. Like I wasn’t expecting that so I’ll do this. Knowledge is power so I’ll be a sponge, keep on keeping on and thanks for sharing!
I enjoy watching your content as is. It’s great. Keep ‘‘em coming.✌️
Way back when, I was watching the video of a kid setting up the Fly Creek UL2 in the Blue Hills. When I shared the video with my son he looked at me crosswise and said, "You know who that is don't you?" I have to admit you had changed a bit since the last time I had seen you. I've been watching ever since. It's incredible how you've grown as a videographer! It's been great to follow you on your journey. Keep hiking and keep taking us along with you.
I've put on a bit of weight and lost some hair since then haha I remember the first time I realized it was you leaving the comments and was like oh no way! Would be great to camp with you guys sometime. Even a small hike to campsite somewhere for the night
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors I know Mike has been talking about doing something soon, we’ll be in touch!
I thought about making some gear videos to try to boost my views and subscriber count, but making that type of content just doesn’t sound fun to me, so I totally feel you on not finding joy in that. Maybe I’ll make a couple, but I’m far more interested in documenting my experience on the trail.
Keep up the good work, Chris! 🤙🏼
Btw that X-Mid is lookin good (love mine!) lol 😉
This is one of the many reasons that I subscribed to your channel.
Never saw the old content, enjoy greatly what you are doing now. Hope you keep following your passions, and telling your stories.
Thats the plan! Appreciate you watching the new stuff!
I’m happy that you made at least one gear video.. I stumbled on your channel because of an REI tent review a little over two years ago. I didn’t know they even made it and was just bored and curious. I saw that you had videos of the whites and I immediately subscribed. I don’t really care about gear reviews, but your videos are very interesting. You cover a lot of unique places, and you are gifted with a real eye for the camera. I can’t tell you the number of times when I have to pause the video just to soak in a shot. Follow your heart. I love what you are producing. Thank you!!
I’m not familiar with your gear videos but I do like the gear recap and trails map you’ve included on videos. Super helpful to know what things you’ve carried and what route you traveled after watching your trips.
Great upload bud. I think the most important thing is to shoot what you actually enjoy! However, I believe that whatever you film would be done professionally!
I recently bumped into that other video where your channel was singled out for not making anymore gear videos. I only bumped into one of your videos long time ago browsing backpacking trails. The fact that you are still out there
making hiking videos over gears
earns my admiration. I was introduced to backpacking in the 90’s and the my fiasco over gears
have since died down. I appreciate people seeing through the material stuff and honing on inspiring other people with story telling or preparing their physical and mental skills instead. I appreciate there are still channels out there dedicated to their passions over algorithm.
I have been interested in backpacking for the past couple of years. There were a handful of creators who were filming their hikes and it was great. Seems most have moved toward gear reviews. And I’ve got the gear, just looking for places to go. So, I’ve become a lot more interested in the trails over the gear. Glad your interests have changed. New subscriber because of this video!
Totally understand man. I’m guilty of being stuck in the rabbit hole of gear ! Just love it. On the other hand, I have learned a lot from watching your gear reviews in the past. I do believe youtube is invaluable when it comes to getting your eyes on gear you might not even know exists. Keep doing what you want brother ! Peace ✌️
TH-cam is absolutely invaluable for research. The amount of videos I watched in my gear search was astronomical. It was quite helpful in finding the right stuff for me. I am glad to have made it to a point where I am pretty much square. My wallet is also happy about this lol
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors I hear you there !
Cool to see that you're doing what matters to you.
I think your wisdom about gear makes a lot of sense. I did my research initially to try to get a good gear system going, but now I only replace my gear if I have something that doesn't work for me. Even if I had unlimited money to buy all the gear I want, I still wouldn't want to buy a ton of gear because then the gear that doesn't get used just sits there and clutters everything up. Also I agree with your opinion that while gear is important, the most important thing it does is help you get to where you want to hike to comfortably. While I appreciated your gear videos for helping me make a few decisions (I completely stole your cooking setup!), I don't need gear videos as much anymore and I'm happy to see you getting out and enjoying the wilderness. Some of the specific routes you take are more of an inspiration for me at this point!
I could not agree with you more. As an older retired hiker I got all into gear for a bit, mainly to lighten my pack so I could enjoy hiking more. I got my base weight down to about eight pounds and it’s working well, so for the most part I am done for some time. Now it’s all about hiking and gear is something I don’t really think of that much, which is how it was back when I started decades ago. Take care and enjoy your hike.
I feel the same way. I made tons of gear videos in the past but my gear is dialed in now and I haven't really changed it much in the past three years. John from MI
Gear videos might get you more views, but your videos are like watching a friend on trail. It's nerdy but I have my AMC maps out when I watch your videos to follow along and maybe get ideas for trips. If you do anything off trail, I'd love to see where you are with red lining the Whites.
Id really like to start doing some bushwhack type stuff once I am done with it. Will definitely continue with the videos for that
Same. Excellent post. Years of hiking and backpacking and I am getting dialed in. Deciding what to do with old gear is...interesting, but lots of repurposing. And learning what i can make with 1.99 freezer bags from Market Basket. Got coozies? Looking forward to seeing more of your videos.
I always enjoy your videos and style Chris! You make some really great enjoyable content, and the trail videos have helped me a lot in the Whites and for my AT prep.
Buy quality, take care of it, and enjoy it! Frankly I love seeing old gear that still performs. If my gear could talk, the story it would tell!
Chris, this was so well said!! Example: my walk behind lawn mower finally died for the 5th time last September so I rolled that baby out to the street for the scrap folks or tinkerers and went and bought a brand new push mower. News flash!! They haven’t changed all that much in the 5 years before we bought the poopy one. I find it entertaining that there’s 20 some odd companies out there making the same tent. 2 person, two aluminum poles, mostly netting for the main canopy, just shy of 5 lbs and 2 vestibules. I think once you’re dialed in its time to actually start going to the gym like you did to get in shape and start enjoying the outdoors with what ya got! For me I’m a twig stove nut so i have 3 or four twig stoves, 2 of which were American made by American companies. I do know that a deep winter trip requires my msr international for the white gas as you need the white gas yo process snow. I’m not sure where to get the Coleman extreme gas canisters like the gentleman on the norwegian explorer channel. I guess you can use that fuel up around the arctic during winter so it sounds pretty fing badass! Basically, it’s probably time for all of us to put the phone and tv remote down and actually go …. outside… and recreate… instead of always just watching videos about it. I’m trying to do that with my work and home pressures but its possible.
Good content Chris and I’m glad you put this up!
Ciao!
NQU
This is so awesome!
You knew your CGO history well! haha
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors your videos have been super valuable to me! Thank you. I’m so glad that you are making what brings you joy!
Can totally relate to this. I feel the same way. Gear is a never ending trap
This is something that's been on my mind for a while. I don't really enjoy making gear videos, but I know those are the videos most people are looking for. I still dig new gear, and I enjoy taking new stuff out, but talking about it doesn't thrill me. I still make them because as you stated, they are helpful, and people find value in them. But it's struggle for me to get them made.
The thing is, with backpacking videos- what else is there to talk about? The only thing that evolves is gear. Sorry, but it’s rather boring watching other people hike unless it’s a collab or something or somewhere uniquely interesting.
I love a well produced trip video. Especially if the creator can make me feel like I'm there with them. I've planned trips around videos I've seen of places I've never been. But, like most things in life, TH-cam is subjective. What I enjoy and what you'll enjoy may be totally different, and that's totally fine. It would be boring if we all liked exactly the same stuff all the time. @@SophisticatedDogCat
@@LostAgainwithJim Doodoofart.
I think it's awesome that you're not promoting over consumption!! ❤️
Gear or no gear, i enjoy all your videos Chris. Thanks for sharing them with us 🙂🙂!!
Thanks Deb! I know you've been around for a bit here, always appreciate it!
Yes, gear videos get tons of traffic and I fully understand your point of view. I have one more gear video I want to make and after that I'll be done for some time to come. I thought after the AT I'd do a review on everything I used but I only did two before I lost interest in it. It felt like it was something everyone else had already done.
It totally makes sense on the gear stuff popping off. Most people come to see gear reviews and demos. Its a much smaller group who is genuinely interested in on trail type videos. As far as not wanting to make the final gear videos / everyone else has done it, you may be surprised to find you may add things to the subject others didnt. May be worth considering anyways!
Amazing to me that even a video “Not” about gear has double the views of your epic level Lonesome Kinsman Cannonball hike. Whatever, that’s the TH-cam algorithm. Been watching your channel a while now and although I have a decent budget, my gear spending is minimal. I’m in “the market” for hike ideas and less about gear ideas. Keep ‘em coming.
I was thinking along these same lines lately. I finally get my gear dialed in and then I cant use it because I gotta test new gear lol!
I am with you. My best performing videos, nothing like yours, I don't have the audience you have, are gear related. I put a video out in September of last year showing how to attach trekking poles to a back pack and that has gotten, 9,127 views and my next best performing video is a description of my Osprey 58 liter backpack and that has gotten 6,819 views and I put that out more than 2 years ago. Yes, they perform well view wise but like you, I don't find joy in making them. For me it's about the hike. I need to take a cue from you and put more space between my videos. I took the advice of the "experts" that said you need to publish "consistently" and I took that to mean weekly. Trying to find a hike that excites me on a weekly basis is a grind and I am finding that my videos show that. I recently saw a video from one of the popular TH-cam "experts" that told me you need to publish consistently and that person kind of change his definition of "consistent". It's no longer weekly. He said something that I have come to believe, my viewers are not waiting at 8:00 am every Saturday waiting for a new video from me so I don't need to feel pressured to get a video out. Have fun and document the fun. What has grown my channel recently are my shorts. I make a concerted effort at some point in my hike to make a short that I think my audience will appreciate and they really do.
Keep up the good work. I've said this before, after just about every video, I find a new place to hike.
P.S. I have reviewed pretty much all of the gear I have and I can't justify buying a new piece of gear just to review it.
I was pretty shocked how crazy the REI Flash tent review(s) I did went. Totally agree on the grind, the TH-cam algorithm does seem to favor consistency and lots of content which ultimately will just lead to burn out. I could make gear videos and such to appease the algorithm but I am quite content in the popularity of my channel as is. Just not something I am looking to do. I also started posting to shorts, and reels on instagram. I dont particularly care for it, but its pretty easy to make once I already edit the main video, so I am just going with it at this point.
Do what works for you schedule wise, and go with it!
Once you get your gear dialed in there’s no reason to buy extra gear unless you lose it or is it gets damaged. But if some of the gear companies want to send you some gear to display and use that’s the option I would go right now.
Chris, man, i gotta say.... if you ever decide to look for a new career, i think you should look into voice acting. Your voice is just so calming and soothing. Sometimes Ill play your videos while im driving, put the phone face down in the passenger seat so its not a distraction, and just listen. Even after a rough day at work, I can be in a better headspace by the time i get home. I appreciate you!
I'll have to keep an eye out for late night radio jobs haha
Protect Chris at all costs.
😂
Thanks. I'm so sick of gear videos and sad to see that some hiking youtube channels only make gear videos these days.
I think there's also something to be said for the fact that gear has sort of gone "stale" the last few years. From like 2013 to 2018 or so there was cool new stuff coming out all the time. The DCF revolution was happening, new frameless packs coming out, new stoves, new trekking pole tents, new cottage vendors. The last couple years the most exciting thing that has happened is magnets for door tie backs. Yay?
Innovation, and I mean serious innovation hasn't really arrived lately in backpacking gear, apart from the Durston X-mid and Ultra-200 fabric for backpacks. I'm sure once there is a flood of innovation your interest will peak again.
Two of those five purchases I mentioned were the xmid 1p and kakwa40. The only two things in recent history that have looked interesting to me.
I 100% feel the same way. If you're heart's not in it, what is even the point? I've been experimenting with reviews and how-tos, but I don't find it nearly as interesting as making hiking videos. You keep doing you!
i wondered why you stopped, i think i subscribed around your 1k, long before the AT
I very much remember you from the very early days, appreciate you still being here! haha
have been hiking last 18 years. bins off stuff. have my pack ready to go at all times. same items for past 5 years. tried and true.
I feel you. I watched all the big gear review channels. It's kind of turned into a big shill. I'd rather just go out and enjoy the wilderness.
That’s the reason I watch your videos, as opposed to other thru-hikers that I’ve unsubscribed from. After a thru-hike, their content usually just turns into talking about gear, or 5 things X, 10 reasons to Y. You are still hiking.
If watching another hiker hike is second to hiking myself, then watching another hiker TALK about hiking is pretty far down the list lol.
With that said, I did find your channel through the gear video you made about your BRS + Toaks kitchen setup 😁
Seems creators get used to the views gear videos bring which is a double edged sword. More views and more pressure to pump out more gear videos. Seems some even abandon backpacking all together due to this. Glad you are continuing with trip videos.
Ya chasing the algorithm just seems like it would lead to burn out very quickly. At least for me. I am quite content with the popularity of my channel. I feel next to 0 pressure to post anything or at any specific time. Sometimes TH-cam rewards that, often times not. It is what it is!
I like nature beautiful
but chris, don't you want to make a video ranking your gear according to texture
Make a video of what is your go to gear. I’m sure my gear list is the same as yours. But let people know what works for you and why.
I've been looking for tips about backpacking, mainly for long trips and I've learned more from watching videos of people actually going on long hikes vs a video dedicated to "25 BEST Items For Hiking" or whatever. The clickbait is real out here lol.
Too many creators have videos about everything but actually showing the raw trip of them out in nature backpacking. It has become cookie cutter BS. No nature scenes, trail dynamics, beauty and struggle. Overly commercialized. You do you
Here’s the point I’m making. You are established . So tell people what you are using and why. Me if have spent thousands of $ on gear as you have to determine what works for you and why. Please share why.
Brother, your not alone. But once you get your gear dowed down there is no reason to put out more content. Then it’s all about the trips.
You'd be surprised how many gear videos out there are nothing more than unboxings with no content other than "yeah this looks really good" without ever using it. Or ai generated videos. It's a mess atm
I’ll gear videos do is make you buy more gear. I have a basement full of gear. I hate gear videos.
If you don't review gear you never will be like danbecker or justin indoors!
Video your own video.