Well done as always Evan. Good hike and great topic. Max Patch is a place we need to see. Sleeping alone on the woods is a subject people want to hear.
Thanks for your nice comment! Max Patch was great. I feel sorry for the thru-hikers who pass and find themselves in the clouds and never get to see the view . . .
Greetings to you Evan from up in Canada eh! Thank you for subscribing to my channel. I am looking forward to gleaning from you as much as I possibly can during your 2018 A.T. thru-hike, and also for the pure enjoyment and enriching value that all of your expertise will offer. I'm really getting stoked up for my thru-hike of the A.T. in 2019 and certainly have a lot to learn - since I haven't backpacked since my old high school days! I plan to retire on July 1st 2018 and head out from Amicalola Falls State Park late February of 2019! All the best to you! Lamplighter 2019 out! 😉
Ive never had an issue with sleeping in the woods but i also always sleep in a tent or a hammock. I made the same mistake with trying a new shoe, also Merrels, and got blisters on day 1 and had nothing else to change into. That was a rough trip. Great video, thanks for sharing
Awesome! I took my first steps on the AT the summer of 2017. Went on 4 trips and enjoyed every one of them! Needless to say, but I am hooked! I started backpacking later in life, at around 43. But watching you do what you do, at about my age, gives me a lot of hope! My kids are still young, but I am planning to hike roughly 20-30 days each year until I finish the thing. Good luck on your preparations and on the big journey. Hope all goes well...and I cannot wait to watch as you share the adventure!
I've said this before and I'll say it again, You are the man! I can't wait to watch your AT thru hike. Personally I'm more afraid of wild hogs than bears. I don't know why but they scare me
Funny, I just had a conversation about that with the guys I met at Phil's Gap. The conclusion was that the wild hogs are much worse than bears. I was bluff-charged by a wild hog in the Smokies. It didn't make me happy . . .
Despite their destruction to land and crops, they are irrationally aggressive. I think the black bear will naturally protect their cubs otherwise they seem ok with running off mostly.
part time hiker. me too. had a boar come up to my rather big camp fire one night. stayed awhile, just like we were singing camp fire songs. made me nervous. especially since i had no plotts (dogs) or gun at the time. RUDESWINE
Good one, Evan! Taking a deep breath and thinking logically really helps with fear. I've also found that soft foam ear plugs really help at night, especially when you first start out. The soft foam ones dampen the sound just enough to filter out the low rustling without blocking something big or loud. :-) And I heartily agree with cooking between camps and taking the time to hang food (or using a ursack). So many people end up slacking on it, and mice can be worse than bears on your food. lol
Yes, I use soft foam earplugs. People who are worried about nighttime animals, though, would find it hard to put them in! I bought an Ursack Minor after mice climbed down the bear pulley and got into my food bag at campsite 37 in the Smokies (Lower Walnut Bottom). Supposedly the mice at that specific campsite have learned over the generations how to climb the bear pulleys and jump from the lines to the backpacks. I think a ranger told me that. They ate enough trail mix overnight to kill a small-sized human, lol.
No toe-stubbing problem. The soles are thicker than my shoe and my toes sit pretty far back from the edge, so it's almost impossible to stub my toe. Sticks are a greater concern--the ones that you typically kick or get hung up on sometimes and that rip the fabric on your shoes. I just watched where I was stepping. And because the sandals are wrapped around my ankles with a lot of support, they actually feel more sturdy and stable than shoes. Not trying to change your mind! But for anyone who is interested, I showed how the Luna Mono Gordo 2.0's attached to my feet in my recent "Running Vlog" video . . . Thanks for stopping by, Tim!
Another great video and on one of my favorite sections. I am considering doing a tarp but not sure about critters climbing in bed with me and the skeeters. Picked up a Bivy but man was it a steamy, soggy experience! You should consider doing the Art Loeb out and back as a trainer, perhaps the Foothills Trail when they get the blowdown cleared. Thanks again, peace!
Thanks for those tips. It was a great section. I really like the tarp-bivy set-up but I can understand why others would hate it. Usually I don't even have to zip the bivy up, but sometimes I have to remove ants that are crawling on me. That would drive some people completely nuts. My bivy is by Mountain Laurel Designs and I've never had a problem with condensation on the inside or even the outside . . .
Thanks Steve. I find the iPhone is most difficult on sunny days. I have to film early in the morning or the evening. But on this trip it was usually cloudy, which made it easier. I missed my PowerShot G7X but I'm trying to get my pack weight down . . .
Hey, I stumbled across your videos and have watched a few. I like your even keeled style and appreciate the comments and insight throughout your hikes. Keep up the good work. Take care.
Evan, this is probably one of your best videos. I loved the way you started it. Almost reminded me of survivor man. Great tips on bears at the end too.
I have never had fear of sleeping in the woods. I have taken Boy Scouts out for their first time and have had the young Scout react on all points of the spectrum. That is a very small parking spot at the ranger station, Everytime I have been there , no ranger. There are horse trails not far from there and the one Cammermer trail is used by horses so watch your step. I think Max patch is one of the top 5 on the whole AT. Thanks for posting. By the way Davenport Gap will soon be my back yard.
I saw some rangers but they were in and out, doing something in their truck. I asked one of them where the trailhead was. Davenport Gap as your backyard--awesome!!
Great video! My stepson and I started at the Big Creek Ranger station and took the Chestnut Branch Trail to the AT and did a loop Southbound to Low Gap and back. The Chestnut Branch trail liked to have killed us! We were carrying 30 lbs. each and it was tough for 2 newbies! New Subscriber here! Will be following on the AT thru hike!
I have been wanting to go to Hot Springs. We go to Maggie Valley a good bit and I keep telling the wife we should go explore around Hot Springs. ON a side note, I like how you have your videos laid out. Very interesting. I got to catch up on some of them.
Great video and I like the format. Excellent trip also. I remember the video about the Merrell shoes. We commented about that a little because I too have had many blisters and lost 3 toenails wearing them. I haven't had as much as a hot spot since I changed brands. 12.5 lb is pretty nice for a long distance hike. Sounds like you have it dialed in pretty good.
Thanks Tony! Yeah, I still have those Merrell shoes but I don't wear them much--and certainly not for long distances! That trip in the Merrells is hard for me to forget. Painful! Thanks for your comment, as always . . . Really appreciate it.
Taking alcohol for courage, lol. That's exactly what I did my first solo,except I drank to much courage and acted like a wild man in the woods, but I was never scared so good advice. Evan I think in a way hiking the Benton Mackaye trail is more impressive, you where alone practically the entire hike.
Nice! That was great. I sleep in the woods alone a lot in a hammock. However, I think only once on the ground without a tent..... I was in college... it wasn't planned (or remembered)...enough said about that I guess. Does your bivy have a screen window on it anywhere? Can you see out of it when it's all the way zipped up? Oh yeah.... did you mention water??? I don't recall you saying anything about that, but I saw you got the power food... FRITOS!!! Nice job Evan!!!!!!
I always enjoy your comments Chris! The bivy has a screen window on it. I can see out of it when it's zipped. Some people wouldn't like it touching their faces, but there is a way you can rig it up so that the front of the bivy is tied high if you have a tent or tarp ceiling to tie it to. I don't bother. I'm usually sleeping on my side anyway. Yes, Fritos. A good choice. I didn't mention water. There was plenty of water and I only had to carry it in a few places. Otherwise I drink when I come to a stream but don't bother to carry any if there is another stream coming up. (I had an app that showed the water sources on this section.)
I was one of the guys at the gap where you camped below us. Good conversation. Even though I am starting my AT Thru in Feb you might still pass me somewhere out there next year.
That's awesome that you looked me up, thanks! Great time that night by the fire. Thanks again. Good luck on the AT! I really doubt I'll be passing you up though . . .
Now I know what that sound was. It was another hiker in the neighboring camp area under a tarp eating Fritos out of a bag and I thought I was about to die 😉😁
Looked like a good shake down trip over a beautiful area. Too bad Max Patch was fogged on coming back but it did look mysterious. I got the iPhone 7 plus for the video stabilization. Can't say if it does anything for coloring but I've been happy with it. All the NZ vids on my channel were filmed with it. Did you try to edit and upload a video from Hot Springs? :) I've used LumaFusion for my last couple vids. Getting the hang of it. Still nailing down my workflow.
Hey, I was thinking about you when I was night hiking -- the way you have night-hiked alone in the Smokies. I love LumaFusion. It does about everything I want to do. I edited this video at night in camp but finished it up when I got home. I couldn't do anything in Hot Springs -- not a hint of service there, which might be what you're referring to . . . I'm thinking about getting a 7 if the price drops. I use FilmicPro, which has stabilization built in (supposedly). Another option is not to film while I walk. There is also the possibility that my phone wasn't connected tightly to my trekking pole. Lots of things for me to think about! .... I'll check out your NZ vids . . .
Do you still take your sketchbook with you? I just started doing some sketching recently and took a little inspiration from your older videos. You should do a video specifically about drawing.
I took a sketchbook on this trip and drew one of the shelters but I wasn't happy with the finished result. I have regretfully concluded (I think) that having my sketchbook with me is a distraction on hikes when I'm trying to make a video. The video-making takes a lot of time and if I have extra time to sketch, I'm better off just getting off my feet and closing my eyes. I tend to push myself in far too many ways. So I don't think I'll take a sketchbook with me on the AT. Still up in the air, I guess. But when I'm not backpacking I still sketch all the time. I put the ones that I'm happy with on Instagram. Thanks for your comment and good luck with your sketching!
Fun video. I'm glad you got out to Max Patch, one of the best balds in the state. But where were all the people lol? There were at least 100 when I hiked across it in February.
Lovely walk......long way! Longest Ive done is 45 miles in one day....took about 12 hours. Its a local walk called the Lyke Wake Walk. But no sleeping in the woods was required :-))
Thanks Ruth! By the way, I did a video about my first aid kit but I didn't like the finished result and didn't post it. But I still might get to it. I know Scott Taylor did his. I enjoyed his video with his talk about splinting broken legs and carrying a needle suitable for doing stitches. I told him great, just don't come near me if I'm injured!!
Had to laugh at the whiskey as a training aid. The one sound I fear the most when sleeping out is a tree falling. A couple three days ago I walked down to our creek land and searched along the creek and river for a good spot to pitch my tarp. Never did find one, so I ended up sleeping in a little clearing for parking near our old camp. Just after 9 o'clock a huge tree came down along the river. {I heard the splash} I know it only takes a few seconds for one to fall, but it seems like forever. Dogs {and people} are the only animals that scare me in the woods. Every once in a while I do hear a new bird sound. It can be unnerving when you don't know what it is.
I agree about people. I try to camp away from parking lots and roads. I've still had people in my camp at night after dark: two kids lost in the woods, and a group of fishermen. I did not like those encounters when they started with flashlights in the woods headed my way. As for trees, branches are my new worry. Even if the trees look okay, I can't see the branches on the top . . .
Enjoyed the video. Looks like you're already in great trail shape if you can push 20's three days in a row. On my last two trips to the Cohuttas, I've seen two copperheads and a rattlesnake. Do you ever worry about those coming to cuddle up with you at night?
I've seen some copperheads and one rattlesnake on my recent hikes, plus plenty of other snakes -- but no, I don't worry about it. I don't believe a snake would want to mess with a sleeping human, not on purpose anyway. So I don't camp near piles of rocks. Other than that, I don't worry about it . . .
loving the scenery. You REally know how to make a film Sir.. ive slept outside since i was little, but did have to re adjust to the desert and mtns in the west with the bears and snakes and scorpions...getting used to the little sounds is a good point....you are so skilled at narrating, you keep it really interesting the whole way through.. Thanks for helping other folks get outside for the night. excellent bear advice.
Wow nice comment! Really appreciate it. I always worry about you when I show my face, lol! I was just reading your comment to Going Rogue (I think that's the channel) about video styles. I'll always try to keep in mind that you and so many others want to see the trail. We've had this same conversation before, of course--just wanted to let you know I didn't forget!
im in your head!! hahaha .. Man you are one guy who really knows how to give the right mix of face and trail, and your narrating is so over the top good .. i have a hard time complaining at you anymore.. You and Tim Watson ill mention also are .. like ?real actors?.. i dont know how to put it correctly but you guys have a real TV personality... Glad you saw that on going rogue, i saw your comment too, glad you are encouraging her.. i was impressed with her as well, im looking forward to her trip... i leave this "more nature less face" comment all over the place, literally hundreds..... i think as more and more people get smart tvs it will matter more.. currently tons of people are watching on their phones where the scenery might not matter quite as much but it will change.. have a great day!
Yes, you're definitely right about the TV and the big screen/small screen issue. Tim is very good. I've gotten a little more comfortable with narration over the last few years but I still feel very out of place. Making TH-cam videos requires you to make a sort of character for yourself. In real life, I'm a much more quiet person. I'd rather listen than talk in most cases--I'm definitely more introverted than extroverted.
Do you hang up your food in a bear bag on the Appalachian trail? Here in Québec, we really have to, on any trail. I'm not afraid of bear, but I need my food!
Very good practice hike and some great tips! I'm looking forward to your AT hike. Will you do another practice hike before the AT Thru-Hike or will you just work on conditioning and shorter practice hikes?
I don't know if I'll take any other week-long hikes--not sure if I'll have time, although I'd like to. But I run every day (or every other day if I'm doing really high mileage) and I might incorporate more hills or a pack. Something I'm thinking about for sure . . .
Great video. Max Patch is my favorite place on the AT so far. I spent a night on the bald alone. It was an amazing night. If you ever make it further south and want to hike, I'd love to share the trail with you.
I am. Fatigue also helps with sleeping in the woods lol Currently thinking about doing a series on the Foothills Trail in South Carolina. I've hiked it before, but I figured I might as well make a series out of it.
Another great video, thanks. Quick question: The last few hikes I have been on I have cramped, mainly when I got to the campsite. I know I am not "fueling" enough while hiking. What do you eat and drink while hiking? Do you put electrolyte tablets in your drink? I've tried to remind myself to drink every hour but sometimes on a rocky climb to an overlook its inconvenient. It was easier in my road-race days when there were water stops! Thanks for any advice.
I am not a reliable resource to answer this question -- I have cramps too pretty often, that is, "charley horses" in my legs that can only be managed by shifting positions quickly. Not much on this last hike, but often on long mileage hikes over many days. Maybe they would be worse if I didn't do the following -- I use "Succeed" electrolyte tablets according to the recommended does. I keep them with my water. I drink way more water than I feel like drinking and force myself to stop and drink water. If I'm peeing pretty often, I feel like I'm drinking enough. That's all I've got in the way of tips!
Used to be sun worshippers?....Everyone in the UK worships the sun it's so rare ;) Great tips and a beautifully edited film, loved the documentary style start :)
Love the guitar work! I am already looking forward to your thru-hike. You mentioned a couple videos back that you were working on editing on your phone. I read the description and saw that you did edit this on your phone. How do you like the app that you're using? Have you tried iMovie on your phone? Great stuff!
Thanks for the comment! I've tried iMovie but it didn't do a few things I wanted it to do. However, that was two years ago so I might not have the most up-to-date version. I love the app I'm using now, LumaFusion. But it costs some money though, not sure how much I paid.
I spend at least two nights a week at my camp, a paracord and tarp arrangement by a pond. When I'm at home and the walls don't breath in and out, and there isn't thousands of frogs croaking, it feels funny to me. I've heard just about all the night sounds, but once in a while I still hear something that is off putting. To me the scariest animal in the woods is the human one. That said, I do worry about blowdowns on windy nights. It's hard to sleep when the wind is kicking up.
I agree with you about humans! I've said that once in some other video I made when I came across some just-opened food in the woods (or seemed that way, and I felt like I was being watched) -- I'd take a regular bear over a non-backpacking human who's wandered into the woods any day. Thanks for commenting! (I don't like frogs, by the way -- way too noisy!)
Thanks for the comment! Good luck on your thru-hike. I'm starting later than you, mid to late April. Are you documenting your hike on social media in any way--trail journal, blog, instagram, TH-cam, anything like that?
Tammy McDowell Thanks for that! Are you asking about my sleeping bag or backpack? Sleeping bag: a 40 degree quilt from Feathered Friends. Backpack: ZPacks Arc Blast.
great video..i live in the Nashville area as well..from southern Illinois ..i hope to start the AT in late feb or early march. when is your start date?
I admire you sir. I don't know if I could do this. I would have to have my gun for sure. I would be like a big easy marshmallow for a Bear! Absolutely beautiful their. I would of liked to hear some night sounds like being their in the night listening to the darkness noises. Spooky..... I deer hunt alone but I don't want to hunt in the evening alone far from the road. It;s the fear of being lost. Great video on an even better subject that got my attention 100%. Thanks.
"A big easy marshmallow" -- that's funny! But I doubt they'd find you so tasty. I really should have recorded some night sounds. That's a great idea -- although I must say, I was pretty exhausted at night from the hiking. (That's a tip I forgot -- if you want to fall asleep in the woods easily, hike 20 miles first, lol!). I agree that the thought of getting lost is pretty terrible. I've been lost a few times and it's hard not to completely panic and being so unhinged that it's even harder to get back on track. Thanks for watching and commenting!
my daddy told me the things that might eat you wouldnt make any noise, but that the smallest bird or squirrel could sound like they were 300 pounds. i found that after the second night i am too tired to care what eats me.
All true! Thanks for checking in and leaving a comment. That is definitely a good tip for sleeping in the woods -- walk until you're exhausted first . . .
A couple years back in Yellowstone I was camping in the bottomlands of Gneiss Creek and had a brown bear lick the side of my tent, he then dug out my fire pit and rolled around all over my food prep area. I'll admit, that situation was terrifying and kept me up all night. I'll also admit that ever since then I've had a bit of paranoia when sleeping in bear country. -SMC
I went on my first solo overnighter last weekend and you're right, birds make really crazy sounds at night. I heard a couple of birds making mating calls and a couple hours later I heard what sounded like a bird get attacked, not really sure though. Overall it was a good solo overnighter, I conquered my fears and I can't wait to do it again. I've been section hiking the Cumberland Trail. Have you thought about hiking any of it to help get you ready for the AT next year?
Oh wow, I haven't heard an owl on a trail yet, not what I heard but that one does sound very similar to a monkey, such a beautiful creature. I'm in Chattanooga so I've been hiking the southern parts of the CT. So far I've hiked all of the Three Gorges segment, and part of the Tennessee River Gorge segment. I'm heading out this weekend to knock out the North Chickamauga segment and finish up the Laurel Snow segment. My goal over the next year is to complete the 210+ miles of the Cumberland Trail then I might do large sections of the Benton Mackaye trail or what I'd love to do is thru hike(with a small t) the Benton Mackaye trail like you did.
"with a small t" -- hah, I remember that! You live in a good area for hiking. You can also go northwest a bit to Sewanee and hike in South Cumberland State Park -- the Fiery Gizzard, Savage Gulf, etc. But the hikes you're doing sound pretty cool! I need to find out more about the Cumberland Trail . . .
Fiery Gizzard and Savage Gulf are both on my radar soon, that and trails at Fall Creek Falls. I have a few videos up of some of the CT I've done. th-cam.com/play/PLo08PO2jQ40koXEylcHBnLplifgilr4X0.html There is tons of info about the CT on this website www.cumberlandtrail.org/ and I normally watch the section videos from this youtube channel th-cam.com/users/dldintnfeed
Just a note about your bear prevention. You said don't camp at established campsites. Just noting to please only follow that rule where "legal". There are parts of the Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah and NJ (all three places that have the highest bear population on the AT) that you "must only" camp at shelters or established sites, please follow the rules for each area.
hm, rationalising fear away it's good.. ..i mostly always manage it. Sometimes.. ..noises get to me.. ..and if I cant see, i start thinking.... Bah. ear buds yeah. ipod. all helps.. ..not finding a good place before dark is the worst. I hate that!
Probably the most discombobulating experience I ever had sleeping in the woods was in the Cohutta Wilderness. I was sleeping in a hammock and was jarred awake in the wee morning hours by what sounded like a woman being murdered just a few feet away. The blood-curdling scream caused me to jump like I'd been kicked. I shined my light around, saw nothing, and went back to sleep. My research revealed that it was either a fox or a mountain lion. They were likely responding to my loud snoring.
Yikes. I heard a scream like that when I was on the Sheltowee Trace recently. I was already awake though and the sound quickly moved away from me. Didn't know what it was. A fox sounds like the likely culprit . . .
Hi , You really do a good job filming. Hope to see you on the trail 2018.. my name is Papa G. I am going to start in February, looks like you will pass me ...
⛰🍁👣 Evan thx for the Sub, I was glued to this video❗️ I’m fearful sleeping in the woods at ngt❗️or I think I am ⁉️ when I take my daughters, my head is on a swivel 24/7 and I not sure if it’s (my fear) or my fear for them⁉️anyway....I need some practice❗️to see⁉️ great stuff❗️ 👣🍁⛰
No permits required where I was. If I had camped in the Smokies, I would have had to camp at an established campsite with a permit, but I didn't camp in the Smokies (by which I mean the Great Smoky Mountains Nat'l Park.) I don't worry about snakes or spiders. Snakes aren't interested, in my opinion (although I wouldn't camp near a pile of rocks, just to avoid a misunderstanding with a snake). Spiders I brush away with my hand if I see or feel them. Of course, I have a bivy sack which can be zipped up all the way around me (with a mesh screen for my face), which would keep any spiders from getting in. I don't usually zip it unless the mosquitoes are bothering me. Not for everyone, certainly . . .
I don't think it's a smart idea to go by yourself but that's just my thinking and I also would always take a gun I'd rather be safe than sorry but every each of us to our own that's what you like then that's what you like
Thanks for the comment -- appreciate it. I know a lot of people like to have a gun. As for being alone, I carry a Spot device with me so that I can call for help via satellite if I break my leg or something. Hopefully it works. People say it does . . .
i'm laughing at you ! shake down hike my behind. you hike enough, that a shake down hike is a joke. i'll be watching you, and cheering for you. please dont get yourself hurt. watch that step. i'll be doing that BMT/AT loop thing. cause, back yard ! and time.
Well done as always Evan. Good hike and great topic. Max Patch is a place we need to see. Sleeping alone on the woods is a subject people want to hear.
Thanks for your nice comment! Max Patch was great. I feel sorry for the thru-hikers who pass and find themselves in the clouds and never get to see the view . . .
Awesome video and great tips on sleeping alone in the woods Evan!
Thanks, appreciate it! Thanks for watching and commenting (as always!)
Lots of people out there.....me included.....envy you mister!.....Gracias!
Greetings to you Evan from up in Canada eh! Thank you for subscribing to my channel. I am looking forward to gleaning from you as much as I possibly can during your 2018 A.T. thru-hike, and also for the pure enjoyment and enriching value that all of your expertise will offer. I'm really getting stoked up for my thru-hike of the A.T. in 2019 and certainly have a lot to learn - since I haven't backpacked since my old high school days! I plan to retire on July 1st 2018 and head out from Amicalola Falls State Park late February of 2019! All the best to you! Lamplighter 2019 out! 😉
Thanks for the comment! You're getting started early with your preparation -- which is great! Good luck. I'll be keeping up on your videos too . . .
Ive never had an issue with sleeping in the woods but i also always sleep in a tent or a hammock. I made the same mistake with trying a new shoe, also Merrels, and got blisters on day 1 and had nothing else to change into. That was a rough trip. Great video, thanks for sharing
I don't know what it is with Merrels. People either love them or get their feet torn up . . . Thanks for commenting.
Beautiful flora and fauna! Great cinematography....thanks for sharing.
You're welcome--thanks for watching and commenting!
Awesome! I took my first steps on the AT the summer of 2017. Went on 4 trips and enjoyed every one of them! Needless to say, but I am hooked! I started backpacking later in life, at around 43. But watching you do what you do, at about my age, gives me a lot of hope! My kids are still young, but I am planning to hike roughly 20-30 days each year until I finish the thing. Good luck on your preparations and on the big journey. Hope all goes well...and I cannot wait to watch as you share the adventure!
That's really nice of you to comment! Thanks for the encouragement and good luck on your own AT goals . . .
I've said this before and I'll say it again, You are the man! I can't wait to watch your AT thru hike. Personally I'm more afraid of wild hogs than bears. I don't know why but they scare me
Because hogs are irrational douche-bags...
Funny, I just had a conversation about that with the guys I met at Phil's Gap. The conclusion was that the wild hogs are much worse than bears. I was bluff-charged by a wild hog in the Smokies. It didn't make me happy . . .
Despite their destruction to land and crops, they are irrationally aggressive. I think the black bear will naturally protect their cubs otherwise they seem ok with running off mostly.
part time hiker. me too. had a boar come up to my rather big camp fire one night. stayed awhile, just like we were singing camp fire songs. made me nervous. especially since i had no plotts (dogs) or gun at the time. RUDESWINE
Good video and some good points on sleeping in the woods. Thanks for sharing. Take care, Al
You're welcome, thanks for watching and commenting!
Good one, Evan! Taking a deep breath and thinking logically really helps with fear. I've also found that soft foam ear plugs really help at night, especially when you first start out. The soft foam ones dampen the sound just enough to filter out the low rustling without blocking something big or loud. :-) And I heartily agree with cooking between camps and taking the time to hang food (or using a ursack). So many people end up slacking on it, and mice can be worse than bears on your food. lol
Yes, I use soft foam earplugs. People who are worried about nighttime animals, though, would find it hard to put them in! I bought an Ursack Minor after mice climbed down the bear pulley and got into my food bag at campsite 37 in the Smokies (Lower Walnut Bottom). Supposedly the mice at that specific campsite have learned over the generations how to climb the bear pulleys and jump from the lines to the backpacks. I think a ranger told me that. They ate enough trail mix overnight to kill a small-sized human, lol.
haha
Awesome! I'm shocked at the sandals too. I stub my toes too many times to give that a try. Nice shakedown and a Max Patch is gorgeous indeed.
No toe-stubbing problem. The soles are thicker than my shoe and my toes sit pretty far back from the edge, so it's almost impossible to stub my toe. Sticks are a greater concern--the ones that you typically kick or get hung up on sometimes and that rip the fabric on your shoes. I just watched where I was stepping. And because the sandals are wrapped around my ankles with a lot of support, they actually feel more sturdy and stable than shoes. Not trying to change your mind! But for anyone who is interested, I showed how the Luna Mono Gordo 2.0's attached to my feet in my recent "Running Vlog" video . . . Thanks for stopping by, Tim!
Evan, thanks for another great video, always enjoy them, now you have 80 miles out of the way of your thru hike, best to you,,, Mike
Thanks Mike! I'll be doing that 80 miles again. I'm pretty month a purist when it comes to thru-hiking, I think!
Another great video and on one of my favorite sections. I am considering doing a tarp but not sure about critters climbing in bed with me and the skeeters. Picked up a Bivy but man was it a steamy, soggy experience! You should consider doing the Art Loeb out and back as a trainer, perhaps the Foothills Trail when they get the blowdown cleared. Thanks again, peace!
Thanks for those tips. It was a great section. I really like the tarp-bivy set-up but I can understand why others would hate it. Usually I don't even have to zip the bivy up, but sometimes I have to remove ants that are crawling on me. That would drive some people completely nuts. My bivy is by Mountain Laurel Designs and I've never had a problem with condensation on the inside or even the outside . . .
Enjoyed the video Evan. I was surprised to see the sandals. Shooting with the iPhone looked good to me.
Thanks Steve. I find the iPhone is most difficult on sunny days. I have to film early in the morning or the evening. But on this trip it was usually cloudy, which made it easier. I missed my PowerShot G7X but I'm trying to get my pack weight down . . .
Excellent. Great video as always. Can't wait to see you conquer the full AT.
Thanks Tuba!
Hey, I stumbled across your videos and have watched a few. I like your even keeled style and appreciate the comments and insight throughout your hikes. Keep up the good work. Take care.
Fishwater Thanks for taking the time to comment. That’s very nice of you to say.
Evan, this is probably one of your best videos. I loved the way you started it. Almost reminded me of survivor man. Great tips on bears at the end too.
Thanks Scott! You told me about that show and I watched a few episodes and have probably been influenced by it -- so thanks for the tip!
I have never had fear of sleeping in the woods. I have taken Boy Scouts out for their first time and have had the young Scout react on all points of the spectrum. That is a very small parking spot at the ranger station, Everytime I have been there , no ranger. There are horse trails not far from there and the one Cammermer trail is used by horses so watch your step.
I think Max patch is one of the top 5 on the whole AT.
Thanks for posting. By the way Davenport Gap will soon be my back yard.
I saw some rangers but they were in and out, doing something in their truck. I asked one of them where the trailhead was. Davenport Gap as your backyard--awesome!!
Great video! My stepson and I started at the Big Creek Ranger station and took the Chestnut Branch Trail to the AT and did a loop Southbound to Low Gap and back. The Chestnut Branch trail liked to have killed us! We were carrying 30 lbs. each and it was tough for 2 newbies! New Subscriber here! Will be following on the AT thru hike!
Thanks for subbing, appreciate it. Yes, the Chestnut Branch Trail has some elevation to it!
Very good video Evan! Good advise and great footage! Cheers, Marc
Thanks Marc, appreciate it!
I have been wanting to go to Hot Springs. We go to Maggie Valley a good bit and I keep telling the wife we should go explore around Hot Springs. ON a side note, I like how you have your videos laid out. Very interesting. I got to catch up on some of them.
Hey, thanks for the comment! Appreciate it. (I thought I already replied, but I guess I didn't. I've been out hiking again and I'm a little behind.)
Great video and I like the format. Excellent trip also. I remember the video about the Merrell shoes. We commented about that a little because I too have had many blisters and lost 3 toenails wearing them. I haven't had as much as a hot spot since I changed brands. 12.5 lb is pretty nice for a long distance hike. Sounds like you have it dialed in pretty good.
Thanks Tony! Yeah, I still have those Merrell shoes but I don't wear them much--and certainly not for long distances! That trip in the Merrells is hard for me to forget. Painful! Thanks for your comment, as always . . . Really appreciate it.
Taking alcohol for courage, lol. That's exactly what I did my first solo,except I drank to much courage and acted like a wild man in the woods, but I was never scared so good advice. Evan I think in a way hiking the Benton Mackaye trail is more impressive, you where alone practically the entire hike.
Yes. I was alone on the Sheltowee Trace too. I'm pretty used to sleeping alone in the woods now . . .
Nice! That was great. I sleep in the woods alone a lot in a hammock. However, I think only once on the ground without a tent..... I was in college... it wasn't planned (or remembered)...enough said about that I guess. Does your bivy have a screen window on it anywhere? Can you see out of it when it's all the way zipped up? Oh yeah.... did you mention water??? I don't recall you saying anything about that, but I saw you got the power food... FRITOS!!! Nice job Evan!!!!!!
I always enjoy your comments Chris! The bivy has a screen window on it. I can see out of it when it's zipped. Some people wouldn't like it touching their faces, but there is a way you can rig it up so that the front of the bivy is tied high if you have a tent or tarp ceiling to tie it to. I don't bother. I'm usually sleeping on my side anyway. Yes, Fritos. A good choice. I didn't mention water. There was plenty of water and I only had to carry it in a few places. Otherwise I drink when I come to a stream but don't bother to carry any if there is another stream coming up. (I had an app that showed the water sources on this section.)
Good video and you gave some gr8 advice. We will be following your A.T. journey.
Awesome, that's great! Thanks a lot for stopping by. Maybe I'll see you sometime out at Radnor Lake!
Evan's Backpacking Videos a strong possibility. ☺
I was one of the guys at the gap where you camped below us. Good conversation. Even though I am starting my AT Thru in Feb you might still pass me somewhere out there next year.
That's awesome that you looked me up, thanks! Great time that night by the fire. Thanks again. Good luck on the AT! I really doubt I'll be passing you up though . . .
Now I know what that sound was. It was another hiker in the neighboring camp area under a tarp eating Fritos out of a bag and I thought I was about to die 😉😁
Looked like a good shake down trip over a beautiful area. Too bad Max Patch was fogged on coming back but it did look mysterious.
I got the iPhone 7 plus for the video stabilization. Can't say if it does anything for coloring but I've been happy with it. All the NZ vids on my channel were filmed with it.
Did you try to edit and upload a video from Hot Springs? :)
I've used LumaFusion for my last couple vids. Getting the hang of it. Still nailing down my workflow.
Hey, I was thinking about you when I was night hiking -- the way you have night-hiked alone in the Smokies. I love LumaFusion. It does about everything I want to do. I edited this video at night in camp but finished it up when I got home. I couldn't do anything in Hot Springs -- not a hint of service there, which might be what you're referring to . . . I'm thinking about getting a 7 if the price drops. I use FilmicPro, which has stabilization built in (supposedly). Another option is not to film while I walk. There is also the possibility that my phone wasn't connected tightly to my trekking pole. Lots of things for me to think about! .... I'll check out your NZ vids . . .
Do you still take your sketchbook with you? I just started doing some sketching recently and took a little inspiration from your older videos. You should do a video specifically about drawing.
I took a sketchbook on this trip and drew one of the shelters but I wasn't happy with the finished result. I have regretfully concluded (I think) that having my sketchbook with me is a distraction on hikes when I'm trying to make a video. The video-making takes a lot of time and if I have extra time to sketch, I'm better off just getting off my feet and closing my eyes. I tend to push myself in far too many ways. So I don't think I'll take a sketchbook with me on the AT. Still up in the air, I guess. But when I'm not backpacking I still sketch all the time. I put the ones that I'm happy with on Instagram. Thanks for your comment and good luck with your sketching!
Happy trails on the AT! Glad to see you're getting to do it! :)
Thanks, appreciate it!
Fun video. I'm glad you got out to Max Patch, one of the best balds in the state. But where were all the people lol? There were at least 100 when I hiked across it in February.
First time across it was the middle of the week; second time, bad weather. There were a couple small groups up there. Not 100 people though!
Lucky
Lovely walk......long way!
Longest Ive done is 45 miles in one day....took about 12 hours.
Its a local walk called the Lyke Wake Walk.
But no sleeping in the woods was required :-))
45 miles in a day . . . that's a long hike!
Great Video Evan you give some sound advice on this one, Thanks
Thanks!
What a helpful video!
Wow, no sleeping pad and hiking in sandals! You've gone full-on minimalist now :D Can't wait for the AT thru hike!
Thanks Ruth! By the way, I did a video about my first aid kit but I didn't like the finished result and didn't post it. But I still might get to it. I know Scott Taylor did his. I enjoyed his video with his talk about splinting broken legs and carrying a needle suitable for doing stitches. I told him great, just don't come near me if I'm injured!!
Bwahahahahahahahahaha! I've got to go watch Scott's video again now :D
Had to laugh at the whiskey as a training aid. The one sound I fear the most when sleeping out is a tree falling. A couple three days ago I walked down to our creek land and searched along the creek and river for a good spot to pitch my tarp. Never did find one, so I ended up sleeping in a little clearing for parking near our old camp. Just after 9 o'clock a huge tree came down along the river. {I heard the splash} I know it only takes a few seconds for one to fall, but it seems like forever.
Dogs {and people} are the only animals that scare me in the woods. Every once in a while I do hear a new bird sound. It can be unnerving when you don't know what it is.
I agree about people. I try to camp away from parking lots and roads. I've still had people in my camp at night after dark: two kids lost in the woods, and a group of fishermen. I did not like those encounters when they started with flashlights in the woods headed my way. As for trees, branches are my new worry. Even if the trees look okay, I can't see the branches on the top . . .
You`re a kick!! Enjoyed your video, and will try to keep it in mind as I adjust to sleeping in the woods. Iceager
Thanks for watching and commenting -- appreciate it!
Cool!! I believe I'm Subscriber 2000!!! Thanks for having me! Looking forward to catching up!
Hah, that's awesome! Ding ding ding! Glad you are number 2000 too. I think Carolina Chris Outdoors pointed me in your direction . . .
Enjoyed the video. Looks like you're already in great trail shape if you can push 20's three days in a row. On my last two trips to the Cohuttas, I've seen two copperheads and a rattlesnake. Do you ever worry about those coming to cuddle up with you at night?
I've seen some copperheads and one rattlesnake on my recent hikes, plus plenty of other snakes -- but no, I don't worry about it. I don't believe a snake would want to mess with a sleeping human, not on purpose anyway. So I don't camp near piles of rocks. Other than that, I don't worry about it . . .
I really enjoy your videos. Wildlife never bothered me people on the other hand are a bit different.
I totally agree with that! I try not to camp anywhere near roads or anywhere with easy access by a vehicle . . . for that reason . . .
loving the scenery. You REally know how to make a film Sir.. ive slept outside since i was little, but did have to re adjust to the desert and mtns in the west with the bears and snakes and scorpions...getting used to the little sounds is a good point....you are so skilled at narrating, you keep it really interesting the whole way through.. Thanks for helping other folks get outside for the night. excellent bear advice.
Wow nice comment! Really appreciate it. I always worry about you when I show my face, lol! I was just reading your comment to Going Rogue (I think that's the channel) about video styles. I'll always try to keep in mind that you and so many others want to see the trail. We've had this same conversation before, of course--just wanted to let you know I didn't forget!
im in your head!! hahaha .. Man you are one guy who really knows how to give the right mix of face and trail, and your narrating is so over the top good .. i have a hard time complaining at you anymore.. You and Tim Watson ill mention also are .. like ?real actors?.. i dont know how to put it correctly but you guys have a real TV personality... Glad you saw that on going rogue, i saw your comment too, glad you are encouraging her.. i was impressed with her as well, im looking forward to her trip... i leave this "more nature less face" comment all over the place, literally hundreds..... i think as more and more people get smart tvs it will matter more.. currently tons of people are watching on their phones where the scenery might not matter quite as much but it will change.. have a great day!
Yes, you're definitely right about the TV and the big screen/small screen issue. Tim is very good. I've gotten a little more comfortable with narration over the last few years but I still feel very out of place. Making TH-cam videos requires you to make a sort of character for yourself. In real life, I'm a much more quiet person. I'd rather listen than talk in most cases--I'm definitely more introverted than extroverted.
ha! i'd never guess that from your videos... i stumble over my words constantly, your narrations flow
Well -- sometimes I have to do a number of takes!
Do you hang up your food in a bear bag on the Appalachian trail? Here in Québec, we really have to, on any trail. I'm not afraid of bear, but I need my food!
Yes, I hang my food and trash. I think most everyone does . . . Thanks for watching and commenting!
Very good practice hike and some great tips! I'm looking forward to your AT hike. Will you do another practice hike before the AT Thru-Hike or will you just work on conditioning and shorter practice hikes?
I don't know if I'll take any other week-long hikes--not sure if I'll have time, although I'd like to. But I run every day (or every other day if I'm doing really high mileage) and I might incorporate more hills or a pack. Something I'm thinking about for sure . . .
Great video. Max Patch is my favorite place on the AT so far. I spent a night on the bald alone. It was an amazing night.
If you ever make it further south and want to hike, I'd love to share the trail with you.
Max Patch was awesome. You're down in Georgia, right?
I am.
Fatigue also helps with sleeping in the woods lol
Currently thinking about doing a series on the Foothills Trail in South Carolina. I've hiked it before, but I figured I might as well make a series out of it.
Great area to train in and I really like my Luna Sandals, Bare Foot Ted is pretty cool.
Hi Roger, thanks for commenting! I didn't know you were a Bare Foot Ted fan (or a Luna fan). Something else we have in common!
Another great video, thanks. Quick question: The last few hikes I have been on I have cramped, mainly when I got to the campsite. I know I am not "fueling" enough while hiking. What do you eat and drink while hiking? Do you put electrolyte tablets in your drink? I've tried to remind myself to drink every hour but sometimes on a rocky climb to an overlook its inconvenient. It was easier in my road-race days when there were water stops!
Thanks for any advice.
I am not a reliable resource to answer this question -- I have cramps too pretty often, that is, "charley horses" in my legs that can only be managed by shifting positions quickly. Not much on this last hike, but often on long mileage hikes over many days. Maybe they would be worse if I didn't do the following -- I use "Succeed" electrolyte tablets according to the recommended does. I keep them with my water. I drink way more water than I feel like drinking and force myself to stop and drink water. If I'm peeing pretty often, I feel like I'm drinking enough. That's all I've got in the way of tips!
Used to be sun worshippers?....Everyone in the UK worships the sun it's so rare ;)
Great tips and a beautifully edited film, loved the documentary style start :)
Yeah, hah, I believe that about the UK . . . Thanks for the kind words about the video, I really appreciate it . . .
Love the guitar work! I am already looking forward to your thru-hike. You mentioned a couple videos back that you were working on editing on your phone. I read the description and saw that you did edit this on your phone. How do you like the app that you're using? Have you tried iMovie on your phone? Great stuff!
Thanks for the comment! I've tried iMovie but it didn't do a few things I wanted it to do. However, that was two years ago so I might not have the most up-to-date version. I love the app I'm using now, LumaFusion. But it costs some money though, not sure how much I paid.
I spend at least two nights a week at my camp, a paracord and tarp arrangement by a pond. When I'm at home and the walls don't breath in and out, and there isn't thousands of frogs croaking, it feels funny to me. I've heard just about all the night sounds, but once in a while I still hear something that is off putting. To me the scariest animal in the woods is the human one. That said, I do worry about blowdowns on windy nights. It's hard to sleep when the wind is kicking up.
I agree with you about humans! I've said that once in some other video I made when I came across some just-opened food in the woods (or seemed that way, and I felt like I was being watched) -- I'd take a regular bear over a non-backpacking human who's wandered into the woods any day. Thanks for commenting! (I don't like frogs, by the way -- way too noisy!)
Really good music! Who knows maybe I’ll see u on the trail. I️ plan to start on March 1, 2018
Thanks for the comment! Good luck on your thru-hike. I'm starting later than you, mid to late April. Are you documenting your hike on social media in any way--trail journal, blog, instagram, TH-cam, anything like that?
But dumb push.....hi Evan.
You always do good tips. Klopp
Another great informative video, thanks! If someone would invent a light weight solar cpap machine, I could finallydo more than one night hikes.
You're welcome, thanks for commenting! And I hope someone does invent a lightweight cpap machine so you can get out on the trail longer!
Thanks for the vid! Love Max Patch!
HikerJohn316 You’re welcome!
I see you upgraded your umbrella. =) Nice!!
Yes! You must have been watching very closely! It's only a few ounces lighter than my REI variety but I think even that amount makes a difference.
Lol, I asked you about coyotes in another of your videos and I find you talk about them here. 👍
GREAT video. What sleeping pack do you use?
Tammy McDowell Thanks for that! Are you asking about my sleeping bag or backpack? Sleeping bag: a 40 degree quilt from Feathered Friends. Backpack: ZPacks Arc Blast.
great video..i live in the Nashville area as well..from southern Illinois ..i hope to start the AT in late feb or early march. when is your start date?
Thanks for commenting! I live in Franklin/Cool Springs. Start date: April 20-21 nobo.
I admire you sir. I don't know if I could do this. I would have to have my gun for sure. I would be like a big easy marshmallow for a Bear! Absolutely beautiful their. I would of liked to hear some night sounds like being their in the night listening to the darkness noises. Spooky..... I deer hunt alone but I don't want to hunt in the evening alone far from the road. It;s the fear of being lost. Great video on an even better subject that got my attention 100%. Thanks.
"A big easy marshmallow" -- that's funny! But I doubt they'd find you so tasty. I really should have recorded some night sounds. That's a great idea -- although I must say, I was pretty exhausted at night from the hiking. (That's a tip I forgot -- if you want to fall asleep in the woods easily, hike 20 miles first, lol!). I agree that the thought of getting lost is pretty terrible. I've been lost a few times and it's hard not to completely panic and being so unhinged that it's even harder to get back on track. Thanks for watching and commenting!
my daddy told me the things that might eat you wouldnt make any noise, but that the smallest bird or squirrel could sound like they were 300 pounds. i found that after the second night i am too tired to care what eats me.
All true! Thanks for checking in and leaving a comment. That is definitely a good tip for sleeping in the woods -- walk until you're exhausted first . . .
Camped under some pine trees a few years ago. About 230am squirrels started dropping pinecones everywhere. Not scarry but annoying as hell.
That would be very annoying . . . Some birds are really annoying too . . .
almost 129km (80 miles)
thats a nice tempo that you have ,especially on that area
well done
atb
steve
Thanks Steve, appreciate it! There were certainly some very big ups and downs around there . . .
he steve, jij hier? hah..
yeah it looks a lot like the Vosges mountains don't you think? very spooky too, like the Vosges dark and steep woodlands..
yes indeed spijkerpoes,at night i stay in or around my campsite,because it was very
easy to fell down on those rocks
last time out @Veluwe we couldn't at first find our camp back in the dark.. ..brrr
Still rooting for you wolf on your through hike
That's awesome, appreciate it--thanks!
After trekking the entire trail,what is the most beautiful view in your opinion now?
The views in New Hampshire and Maine.
A couple years back in Yellowstone I was camping in the bottomlands of Gneiss Creek and had a brown bear lick the side of my tent, he then dug out my fire pit and rolled around all over my food prep area. I'll admit, that situation was terrifying and kept me up all night. I'll also admit that ever since then I've had a bit of paranoia when sleeping in bear country.
-SMC
That would have inspired some paranoia in me too . . .
I went on my first solo overnighter last weekend and you're right, birds make really crazy sounds at night. I heard a couple of birds making mating calls and a couple hours later I heard what sounded like a bird get attacked, not really sure though. Overall it was a good solo overnighter, I conquered my fears and I can't wait to do it again.
I've been section hiking the Cumberland Trail. Have you thought about hiking any of it to help get you ready for the AT next year?
Oh wow, I haven't heard an owl on a trail yet, not what I heard but that one does sound very similar to a monkey, such a beautiful creature. I'm in Chattanooga so I've been hiking the southern parts of the CT. So far I've hiked all of the Three Gorges segment, and part of the Tennessee River Gorge segment. I'm heading out this weekend to knock out the North Chickamauga segment and finish up the Laurel Snow segment. My goal over the next year is to complete the 210+ miles of the Cumberland Trail then I might do large sections of the Benton Mackaye trail or what I'd love to do is thru hike(with a small t) the Benton Mackaye trail like you did.
"with a small t" -- hah, I remember that! You live in a good area for hiking. You can also go northwest a bit to Sewanee and hike in South Cumberland State Park -- the Fiery Gizzard, Savage Gulf, etc. But the hikes you're doing sound pretty cool! I need to find out more about the Cumberland Trail . . .
Fiery Gizzard and Savage Gulf are both on my radar soon, that and trails at Fall Creek Falls. I have a few videos up of some of the CT I've done. th-cam.com/play/PLo08PO2jQ40koXEylcHBnLplifgilr4X0.html There is tons of info about the CT on this website www.cumberlandtrail.org/ and I normally watch the section videos from this youtube channel th-cam.com/users/dldintnfeed
Thanks for those links, appreciate it!
Very welcome :) Hope to see some CT videos from you in the future. Hike on!
Just a note about your bear prevention. You said don't camp at established campsites. Just noting to please only follow that rule where "legal". There are parts of the Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah and NJ (all three places that have the highest bear population on the AT) that you "must only" camp at shelters or established sites, please follow the rules for each area.
flashman V True! Thanks for commenting.
hm, rationalising fear away it's good.. ..i mostly always manage it. Sometimes.. ..noises get to me.. ..and if I cant see, i start thinking.... Bah. ear buds yeah. ipod. all helps.. ..not finding a good place before dark is the worst. I hate that!
Thanks for commenting! I also like to find a good place to camp -- some places are definitely more spooky than others!
Ok I’m trying to learn. When you’re hiking you wear no deodorant?
I don't. Maybe others do.
"Usually with some Whiskey" LOL :D
Right! Thanks for commenting . . .
Great advice
Probably the most discombobulating experience I ever had sleeping in the woods was in the Cohutta Wilderness. I was sleeping in a hammock and was jarred awake in the wee morning hours by what sounded like a woman being murdered just a few feet away. The blood-curdling scream caused me to jump like I'd been kicked. I shined my light around, saw nothing, and went back to sleep. My research revealed that it was either a fox or a mountain lion. They were likely responding to my loud snoring.
Yikes. I heard a scream like that when I was on the Sheltowee Trace recently. I was already awake though and the sound quickly moved away from me. Didn't know what it was. A fox sounds like the likely culprit . . .
Any possibility that it’s a ghost or spirit ? I am afraid of this
Hi , You really do a good job filming. Hope to see you on the trail 2018.. my name is Papa G. I am going to start in February, looks like you will pass me ...
Thanks Papa G -- appreciate it! My trail name is Wolf. Hope I see you on the trail!
⛰🍁👣 Evan thx for the Sub, I was glued to this video❗️ I’m fearful sleeping in the woods at ngt❗️or I think I am ⁉️ when I take my daughters, my head is on a swivel 24/7 and I not sure if it’s (my fear) or my fear for them⁉️anyway....I need some practice❗️to see⁉️ great stuff❗️ 👣🍁⛰
Thanks for watching and for leaving a comment. Good luck with sleeping in the woods!
gr8 videos!
Buddy Dude Thanks!
yw!! hope to see you at some point - keep on rolln bro
How do u get back to your car
Why use a tyvek footprint instead of polycryo?
Richard Bucker Never considered it. Tyvek was cheap and worked for me.
Great video, just remember,the forest people are everywhere, be respectful. Peace
Noted, thanks!
Two questions: did u have to have any permits and with no tents don't u worry about snakes and spiders...great vid btw
No permits required where I was. If I had camped in the Smokies, I would have had to camp at an established campsite with a permit, but I didn't camp in the Smokies (by which I mean the Great Smoky Mountains Nat'l Park.) I don't worry about snakes or spiders. Snakes aren't interested, in my opinion (although I wouldn't camp near a pile of rocks, just to avoid a misunderstanding with a snake). Spiders I brush away with my hand if I see or feel them. Of course, I have a bivy sack which can be zipped up all the way around me (with a mesh screen for my face), which would keep any spiders from getting in. I don't usually zip it unless the mosquitoes are bothering me. Not for everyone, certainly . . .
I worry about being eaten by something. I usually take a small gun. Doesn't work well on mosquitos though.
I hope I'm not eaten by anything! Thanks for watching and commenting . . .
You should see the Texas mosquitos.
I️ may use you tube. Nothing definitive yet.
do a sleeping bag review
I usually don't do reviews (never do reviews?) but there are certainly plenty to find on TH-cam. Just take them with a grain of salt!!!
I don't think it's a smart idea to go by yourself but that's just my thinking and I also would always take a gun I'd rather be safe than sorry but every each of us to our own that's what you like then that's what you like
Thanks for the comment -- appreciate it. I know a lot of people like to have a gun. As for being alone, I carry a Spot device with me so that I can call for help via satellite if I break my leg or something. Hopefully it works. People say it does . . .
We r evan!
i'm laughing at you ! shake down hike my behind. you hike enough, that a shake down hike is a joke. i'll be watching you, and cheering for you. please dont get yourself hurt. watch that step. i'll be doing that BMT/AT loop thing. cause, back yard ! and time.
Thanks for the encouragement! The BMT/AT loop--now that's a great trail! Good luck!