Backpacking OFF TRAIL | Denali National Park | ALASKA | Unit 7 East Fork of the Toklat River

First of all, I seriously apologize for the audio issues in this video. I was exclusively using a GoPro in the rain, and the audio stinks so ill be making some much needed changes going forward. However, this was possibly my favorite backpacking experience to date. Off trail hiking in Denali National Park can feel like the Serengeti at times. You'll spend hours being shuttled on a camper bus, passing countless large animals along the way, including Moose ( the largest of all moose in the world), Caribou, large Brown Bears, Wolves, Dall Sheep, Lynx, Black Bears and more, only to then be dropped off and deserted in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness.
My GoPro: amzn.to/46WIlQB
My Backpack: amzn.to/43Ldljr
My Hiking Boots: amzn.to/3Ou2AOq
My Sleeping Pad: amzn.to/43A85zn
Hand-Pump Water Filter: amzn.to/3DvnOoJ
Gravity System Water Filter: amzn.to/43zWoIU
Water Bottle: amzn.to/3rCreDf
Collapsible Water Bottle: amzn.to/3QbkQgx
Cook System/Jet Boil: amzn.to/47gxsJF
Backpacking Meals: amzn.to/3KbvL66
Water Shoes/Keens: amzn.to/43I0bnv
Collapsible Dry Bags: amzn.to/3Y4jgio
Head Lamp: amzn.to/3Osa9Fb
GPS Navigator: amzn.to/3q3qfM1
Portable Phone Charger: amzn.to/3Y9H70q
Music:
Decoherence - Scott Buckley
Last and First Light - Scott Buckley

[@senderismomontana5946]

Wow, what a thrilling hotel room, probably one of the best nights you can experience.

[@mikewanders]

Exactly! I’ll take this over any 5 star resort every day of the week

[@ivarsigurdson4191]

Thanks for the great hiking video, it's well edited and easy to watch it from beginig to end; Denali National Park is densely inhabited by wild animals, also, there was an announcement in the bus about need to have a bear spray with you; so, how did you feel in your tent camp at night? Did you light a bonfire every time you stopped for the night, that the smell of smoke would notify the wild fauna about your presence?

[@mikewanders]

Thanks for watching! Yeah Denali is packed with big game, which I LOVE. It’s my favorite part about the park. Just epic wildlife. Grizzlies are a serious threat there, and always ever present in your mind. Bear spray is critical, and making plenty of noise. Unfortunately, fires are not allowed out in the open tundra. You just try to make as much noise as possible, and hope that the bears show no interest in you during the night. I do remember getting out and going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, and that was terrifying. But it’s exciting, and just an epic adventure if you’re careful. Thanks again!

[@elijahking-bond7202]

I have some incredible memories from a trip in unit 8. Beautiful area

[@mikewanders]

I would LOVE to go back and try other Units. Or even the same unit.

[@MrCSayT]

Yay! Love da music big boy! Camera 📷 🤳 looks 👌 🔥 and YOU MMMHMMMMMMM

[@longwildernesswalks]

Thank you for sharing! This is on my bucket list. Amazing views!

[@mikewanders]

Thanks man! You’ll love it. I’ve watched your Thorofare video a bunch in trying to map out my own route for a trip this September-it’s super helpful.

[@MrCSayT]

Oh realllyyyy mhmmmm big boy

[@Han-uz1tl]

Wow. That's true adventure! There 's enough in Alaska for a lifetime of wild trekking and exploring! So daunting to be dropped off in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness, but I completely get the appeal! I would just want to travel with at least three other people -- between bears and breaking a leg, so many things could go wrong . . .

[@mikewanders]

You nailed it. Being dropped off after a 3 hour ride deep into the wildest place we had ever been was totally a scary experience. But exhilarating! And total dream come true to be out there in the wilds of Denali. Thanks for watching!

[@borntothepurple]

Beautiful

[@mikewanders]

Thanks for watching!

[@justintrainor2132]

Thanks for the video. Trying to plan a solo trip there next year. Which month were you there?

[@mikewanders]

Solo backpacking Denali would be epic. We were there first week of September. Their fall seems to be a good month ahead of the lower 48. Be Bear aware if you’re solo.

[@Dan007UT]

Awesome video. Been there once but just by bus.. want to to back. When you coming to Utah?!

[@mikewanders]

Thanks so much! Love that bus ride. And that is a GREAT question. Utah is still one of the those epic remaining places for me to explore. I better get there in the next couple years.

[@MaddenNature]

Me and a buddy are going in September!! Literally want to do exactly this! Do I need a permit or ANYTHING in advance? Awesome video

[@mikewanders]

JEALOUS! Yeah you’ll need a backcountry reservation first. In Denali, you designate various “Units” you want to explore since there are no trails, and I think each unit only allows a certain amount of hikers at one time or something. Thanks for watching!

[@salemk.3098]

what rain jacket are you wearing?

[@ryeann2567]

Cool video! How much backpacking experience did you both have prior to this trip? Maggie is a boss.

[@mikewanders]

Thanks for watching! We both had backpacked a fair amount before this but nothing too crazy. This was our first off trail experience. And Maggie is a boss for sure!

[@MusicLuv80]

Don't you need a gun due to bears and wolves?

[@mikewanders]

Bear spray is actually more effective vs big grizzlies than a handgun. Wolves tend to leave you alone (but ya never know). We saw some huge wolf prints right near our tent. And tons of grizzly sign. This was probably the wildest place I’ve ever camped.

[@MusicLuv80]

@@mikewanders Wow that is so scary. I got scared by little animals passing by my tent.