Went backpacking with a friend of mine for 2 days last week. Originally we had planned to camp on Grandfather Mountain but then Hurricane Helene devastated western NC. Awful stuff, I hope those communities can heal. We decided to still camp, bc we had delayed an earlier trip, but at a state forest near us since it didn’t require camping reservation or fees etc. Our state is in a drought and under a burn ban which included our gas stoves. So, I ended up cold soaking Knorr rice packs in a Talenti sorbet jar, eating bananas and beef jerky. We ended up doing a 11 mile loop with a designated campsite 4.5 miles in (they provided potable water in a tank and a privy so pretty luxurious). I brought a Gatorade bottle and ~1.75L in my hydration bladder. We were hammock camping which we’ve preferred since dealing with a muggy tent in the past. It was the cheaper and more modular option for us. My friend brought an underquilt, I didn’t. Weather didn’t drop below 50F and breeze was very light 1-2 mph. I brought warmer polartec base layers for sleep which ended up being enough for my quilt (rated 59F comfort / 32F transition). If it had gotten much colder I would’ve put my closed cell foam pad into my hammock. Our full 65L packs weighed in at 33lb & 36lb and afterwards we agreed it was a bit too much. To answer the end of the video question I wish I had brought some prescription medicine to alleviate some of my chronic stomach issues. I still got through it but I just couldn’t hold down much and was relying on electrolytes in my water and snacks to keep me energized and not cramping. We had mosquito nets for our hammocks but my friend didn’t have one for his head. We had gnats following us for miles and it was driving him slowly insane, meanwhile I had zoned them out and gotten in a groove. I like your esssentials lists and explanation, maybe you could do a top 5 of your favorite comfort items that you take backpacking? I know it would be a bit challenging to record and a lot edit but I’d also love to see a backpacking trip of yours!
Hell yeah man, couldn’t agree more!
Thanks for the support!
Went backpacking with a friend of mine for 2 days last week. Originally we had planned to camp on Grandfather Mountain but then Hurricane Helene devastated western NC. Awful stuff, I hope those communities can heal. We decided to still camp, bc we had delayed an earlier trip, but at a state forest near us since it didn’t require camping reservation or fees etc. Our state is in a drought and under a burn ban which included our gas stoves. So, I ended up cold soaking Knorr rice packs in a Talenti sorbet jar, eating bananas and beef jerky.
We ended up doing a 11 mile loop with a designated campsite 4.5 miles in (they provided potable water in a tank and a privy so pretty luxurious). I brought a Gatorade bottle and ~1.75L in my hydration bladder. We were hammock camping which we’ve preferred since dealing with a muggy tent in the past. It was the cheaper and more modular option for us. My friend brought an underquilt, I didn’t. Weather didn’t drop below 50F and breeze was very light 1-2 mph. I brought warmer polartec base layers for sleep which ended up being enough for my quilt (rated 59F comfort / 32F transition). If it had gotten much colder I would’ve put my closed cell foam pad into my hammock. Our full 65L packs weighed in at 33lb & 36lb and afterwards we agreed it was a bit too much.
To answer the end of the video question I wish I had brought some prescription medicine to alleviate some of my chronic stomach issues. I still got through it but I just couldn’t hold down much and was relying on electrolytes in my water and snacks to keep me energized and not cramping. We had mosquito nets for our hammocks but my friend didn’t have one for his head. We had gnats following us for miles and it was driving him slowly insane, meanwhile I had zoned them out and gotten in a groove.
I like your esssentials lists and explanation, maybe you could do a top 5 of your favorite comfort items that you take backpacking? I know it would be a bit challenging to record and a lot edit but I’d also love to see a backpacking trip of yours!
Thank you for the support! We have been hit here hard too in SC by Helene. Thanks for the feedback and I hope you enjoy the channel!