Love your channel! I'm currently hiking the gr131 with my girlfriend (only Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera and La Palma). We relate a lot to what your are saying in this video, especially the wild camping part hahaha. Your videos on the Canary Islands have helped us a lot when planning the logistics of our trip. Will defenitely be following your next adventures. Much love from Canada (or currently La Gomera ;) )
Hello :D How is the weather, and especially what are the temperatures during the night at elevation? I'm thinking about doing it in few days (only the Tenerife part), and wonder if my sleeping bag with T comfort of 12C (Transition 9C) will be sufficient? If you have already done the Tenerife, could you share your wild camping spots (link to google maps or sth)? :D Thx.
Ahhh amazing and thanks for the comment!! Always glad to hear it when some some people find the information useful :) hope your trip is going well!! Awesome that you’ve got the two of you doing it as well. Enjoy the sunshine and let me know once you make it to the end and how it all goes 👌
Thanks, Jack. An unexpected dry spell with work means I'm looking at an impromptu trip to the Canaries in a couple of weeks so your videos have been most helpful
Hey Jack, just working my way through watching all your amazing videos! The Lanzarote ones definitely bought back memories... it's really not changed a great deal at all. Just a few more hotels I suppose. Fascinating landscape. August 1974 was the year we went exploring there. Now I feel old! Hope you get to do some great hikes when you head home soon. Aunty Jo xx
Thanks so much Aunty Jo. Hope you are doing well. It's quite a unique place on those islands. Hopefully manage to get in some nice summer hikes when I'm home. Keep in touch xx
Just watched your set of GR131 videos Jack. Absolutely brilliant. You’ve inspired us to give it a go in 2025. Thanks for sharing your insights and excellent photography.
@@MouadBackpacker okay perfect - I would recommend missing the first road walk and start at Ayagaures. Hike half a day from there to the pine forest before San Bartolome. The next day hike to Cruz de Tejeda if you have the endurance and wild camp near the pine forest there as well. They are spots I used when I was there. Don't stress too much - there are lots of spots along the trail after that first section
Nice video Jack. 👌🏻 I already hiked small trails on Tenerife but never hiked the whole canary longdistance hike. Maybe I should change that. Best, carry
Hey Carry, thanks for the comment! Can definitely recommend it, Gran Canaria and Tenerife were probably my favourites. All the best with your planning if you do end up doing it - Jack
Amazing video! As a canarian I totally agree with the recommendations and info that you gave, but just to highlight, Canary Islands are not boiling hot in summer! We have the Alisian Winds that refresh us. The wild camping regulations is pretty strict :( that’s sad.
Great video’s about the Canary Islands and really helpful! I just hiked La Palma, be aware there is only Campingaz (screw on & pierce through) I could not find the MSR IsoPro.
Yeah, I had problems with this as well on Gran Canaria: sold out in Decathlon City in Las Palmas, and only found one fitting my Jetboil after 4 ferreterias. And on the first night on trail I discovered that it didn't even work so had to cancel my hike! 😣 Best to just go straight to the big Decathlon stores.
Yep had the same issues as you both - such a nightmare. Definitely would of been a good point to include in the video. Such a shame Lennart - photos still looked great though 👌
Yes absolutely, you can stay in a hostel or b&b each night - you pass a town or come close to one at least each day. How many days would you want to do it over?
For me the greatest challenge was water. Hiking in May means i had to carry 4 or 5L for a day. Finding water was only possible in la gomera. But it is a very nice trail, solar charger would ve very helpfull but bbq spots have often an outlet
hey! great video, interesting and perfectly at the right time 😁 i am planning to do something similar in a few months, may I ask you some more about the wild camping part? like what were you looking out for, while searching for a spot?
Hey yeah of course! Basically some flat ground, isolated away from the hiking trail, outside of the national parks. I generally set up after sunset and before sunrise as well. Also depends which island you’ll be visiting?
Hi Jack, I am a beginner hiker with some former experience but never wildcamped before. I am also new to walking multiple days in a row but like to find out what it has to offer. My question is if it sounds like a great idea to you for the GR131, tenerife section (+- 3 days hiking like you said) to be my first backpacking trip. I would like to do it in the beginning of february. Anyways, very fun to watch en honest video! keep it up
Hi there - thanks for the comment! Glad you enjoyed and have decided to head over to Tenerife - you will love it. If you need any advice re. wild camping don't hesitate to get in contact 👌
@@potolok1 hey Artem have you done any of the hiking around Mirador de Guise y Ayose? I think that was one of my favourite spots. Also the national park near Playa Rincon del Camello was pretty unique 👌
Hi Jack, Thanks for this well thought out and produced video. 👍 My wife and I will be in the islands in January. Though not doing a through hike, we will be hiking. Things I will do - based on your guidance: * Get an AllTrails plan. Silly me thought I’d have great mobile coverage everywhere. 🙃 * Buy a ton of bottled water and store at our AirBNBs (#ProTip) * Bring suitable clothing on our hikes and be prepared for changes in weather. * Hiking shoes (trail runners) versus clunky boots 👍 Good job 🙏👍😊 PS And now I have to go to the Isle of Skye!
Hi Leslie, cheers for the comment and glad you got some help from it. The main thing to take away would definitely be the water. If you’re not doing the whole thru hike you might get away without using alltrails, but I’d prefer to have peace of mind 😅 hope you enjoy the trip and get some sun ☀️ have had lots of people telling me they just finished some hiking there and it’s been great weather
Thank you for this suggestion, already bought the plane tickets to the Canary Islands. Just wondering what's the situation on wild camping, I heard it's prohibited.
Hey thanks for the comment! In the national parks it’s prohibited, and I saw a few rangers near Teidi national park. Outside of the national parks I found that by staying out of sight, leaving no trace and setting up after sunset and packing up before sunrise I had no issues :) some difficulty finding decent spots on Fueteventura and Lanzarote though just because of how sparse and open some sections are
@@jackbrookes Big thanks for the reply Jack! One last question. How did you deal with drone regulations, what would be your tips if I wanted to fly there as well.
@@oskarassulskis8058 yeah of course! I stayed out of the national parks which is why I didn’t get any drone footage of Teidi or the centre of Gran Canaria. There’s a good app on the Spanish governments website which I used - I’ll see if I can find it and link it on here!
Jack, are you taking your tent with you to the plane in a cabin bag, or you put it into the checked baggage? I would like to pack mine in the backpack and just take it with me, but I'm a bit affraid that I will have a problem on security check (aluminium poles/frame of the tent).
Hey thanks for the comment! I take mine in checked baggage as my bag would be too big because of the camera gear. I know you’re not allowed to take tent pegs as carry on, but the poles I believe you should be okay with 👌
@@jackbrookes Thx. One question... on Tenerife there is this quite long streach of the trail which runs through the National Park of Teide, it is like 30km or so... have you wild/stealth camped there or managed to not to do it and put your tent outside the park? BTW. Great series, and the final effect is amazing - It was really worth carrying all that heavy equipment on your back. :D
@@uk574 thanks again for the nice words 😅 but yes I pitched just before the Tedi national park and just afterwards…I saw your comment on the other video which I’ll reply to this weekend when I’ve got more time to go into more detail 👌 but basically there are spots, you just have to go off the trail a bit. My best recommendation would be find a spot nice and early when there’s still plenty of light so you’re not stressing trying to find a spot, have some dinner etc and then set the tent up as sunset happens :)
I'm 25 and have yet to see the world. Hiking in the Canary Islands is something I've always wanted to do, and every time I watch videos like yours, I find myself asking the question: 'What's stopping me from doing this myself?' Watching your videos helps me gather the courage to purchase the necessary hiking gear, buy that plane ticket, and have one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Again, what's stopping me from actually doing this? I don't want to grow old with regrets, wishing I had done what I want to do now: go see those mountains.
Thanks for the comment, and I completely understand! The hardest part is honestly getting all the gear together...once you do that, everything feels much more affordable and do-able. You won't regret it - I think it's one of the best ways to travel - a mixture of getting outdoors, seeing a country or place for what it truly is, and physical activity. Let me know if you plan your trip!
@@jackbrookes Well, I've finally done it. I just got back from solo hiking the GR131 trail in La Gomera! It took me a total of 3 days to hike the entire trail, starting from San Sebastian all the way to Vallerhermoso (ending it at the beach). It was not an easy hike. The terrain combined with the high temperatures was a recipe for pain and sweat, but I kept pushing since I was very determined to finish this trail. Now I want to hike the other islands and this video will definitely help with the planning. Thank you for being an inspiration Jack!
Fantastic presentation bud, this is filmed and narrated so professionally! Stunning work!
Cheers for the comment and nice words 👌 always appreciated
Love your channel! I'm currently hiking the gr131 with my girlfriend (only Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera and La Palma). We relate a lot to what your are saying in this video, especially the wild camping part hahaha. Your videos on the Canary Islands have helped us a lot when planning the logistics of our trip. Will defenitely be following your next adventures. Much love from Canada (or currently La Gomera ;) )
Hello :D How is the weather, and especially what are the temperatures during the night at elevation? I'm thinking about doing it in few days (only the Tenerife part), and wonder if my sleeping bag with T comfort of 12C (Transition 9C) will be sufficient? If you have already done the Tenerife, could you share your wild camping spots (link to google maps or sth)? :D Thx.
Ahhh amazing and thanks for the comment!! Always glad to hear it when some some people find the information useful :) hope your trip is going well!! Awesome that you’ve got the two of you doing it as well. Enjoy the sunshine and let me know once you make it to the end and how it all goes 👌
Thanks for the suggestion! I've been looking for some more weeklong hikes over the winter :)
Hey no worries! Thanks for the comment, glad the vid helped 👌
Thanks, Jack. An unexpected dry spell with work means I'm looking at an impromptu trip to the Canaries in a couple of weeks so your videos have been most helpful
No worries Jonno, enjoy the Canaries - you'll have a great time, stunning place to hike through
Hey Jack, just working my way through watching all your amazing videos! The Lanzarote ones definitely bought back memories... it's really not changed a great deal at all. Just a few more hotels I suppose. Fascinating landscape. August 1974 was the year we went exploring there. Now I feel old! Hope you get to do some great hikes when you head home soon. Aunty Jo xx
Thanks so much Aunty Jo. Hope you are doing well. It's quite a unique place on those islands. Hopefully manage to get in some nice summer hikes when I'm home. Keep in touch xx
Just watched your set of GR131 videos Jack. Absolutely brilliant. You’ve inspired us to give it a go in 2025. Thanks for sharing your insights and excellent photography.
Thanks Adam!! Very glad you liked it. Hope you have a great hike in 2025!
5:26 I am planning my GR131 hike and i need your help in wild camping on Gran Canaria
Hi Mouad sure! How many days are you planning?
@@jackbrookes 3 days
@@MouadBackpacker okay perfect - I would recommend missing the first road walk and start at Ayagaures. Hike half a day from there to the pine forest before San Bartolome. The next day hike to Cruz de Tejeda if you have the endurance and wild camp near the pine forest there as well. They are spots I used when I was there. Don't stress too much - there are lots of spots along the trail after that first section
Great video pal. Like the reasons for / against format.
Cheers Oz…trying a few new things out and plan to see how they go 👌
So helpful thank you! Going to Gran Canaria in January with my partner! New subscriber here :)
Hey thanks for the comment Grace! You’ll have an amazing time, enjoy :)
Nice video Jack. 👌🏻 I already hiked small trails on Tenerife but never hiked the whole canary longdistance hike. Maybe I should change that. Best, carry
Hey Carry, thanks for the comment! Can definitely recommend it, Gran Canaria and Tenerife were probably my favourites. All the best with your planning if you do end up doing it - Jack
Amazing video! As a canarian I totally agree with the recommendations and info that you gave, but just to highlight, Canary Islands are not boiling hot in summer! We have the Alisian Winds that refresh us. The wild camping regulations is pretty strict :( that’s sad.
Thanks for the comment! Very insightful to get the input from a native Canarian. I will have to come back in the summer in that case!
Great video! I’m glad I found your channel!
Cheers Luke! Glad you enjoyed
Great video’s about the Canary Islands and really helpful! I just hiked La Palma, be aware there is only Campingaz (screw on & pierce through) I could not find the MSR IsoPro.
Yeah, I had problems with this as well on Gran Canaria: sold out in Decathlon City in Las Palmas, and only found one fitting my Jetboil after 4 ferreterias. And on the first night on trail I discovered that it didn't even work so had to cancel my hike! 😣 Best to just go straight to the big Decathlon stores.
Yep had the same issues as you both - such a nightmare. Definitely would of been a good point to include in the video. Such a shame Lennart - photos still looked great though 👌
Amazing videos, thanks for sharing
Thanks so much for the comment!
Great video. Good reasons for hiking it :)
Thanks 🙏
Love your videos!Keep up good work.
Cheers Destro - trying to 😅
Very well done !!
Thanks a lot!
Thanks a lot! We are planning to do it but don’t want to camp. Is it easy to find hotels hostels b&b’s everywhere?
Yes absolutely, you can stay in a hostel or b&b each night - you pass a town or come close to one at least each day. How many days would you want to do it over?
For me the greatest challenge was water. Hiking in May means i had to carry 4 or 5L for a day. Finding water was only possible in la gomera.
But it is a very nice trail, solar charger would ve very helpfull but bbq spots have often an outlet
Thanks for the comment! Water was definitely my biggest issue as well
hey! great video, interesting and perfectly at the right time 😁 i am planning to do something similar in a few months, may I ask you some more about the wild camping part? like what were you looking out for, while searching for a spot?
Hey yeah of course! Basically some flat ground, isolated away from the hiking trail, outside of the national parks. I generally set up after sunset and before sunrise as well. Also depends which island you’ll be visiting?
ok thank you! i will be in la gomera, el hierro, palma and tenerife. hoping it doesn't get too cold too
@@mariohrossi6747 you’re welcome! Have an amazing time, fingers crossed the weathers stays nice and warm 👌
Hi Jack, I am a beginner hiker with some former experience but never wildcamped before. I am also new to walking multiple days in a row but like to find out what it has to offer. My question is if it sounds like a great idea to you for the GR131, tenerife section (+- 3 days hiking like you said) to be my first backpacking trip. I would like to do it in the beginning of february. Anyways, very fun to watch en honest video! keep it up
Hi there - thanks for the comment! Glad you enjoyed and have decided to head over to Tenerife - you will love it. If you need any advice re. wild camping don't hesitate to get in contact 👌
Great video, we are now spending winter with my gf on Fuerteventura, any hidden gems you can recommend?
Hey Artem yeah for sure! Do you have a car and where are you basing yourselves?
@@jackbrookes We live in La Oliva and occasionally renting a car
@@potolok1 hey Artem have you done any of the hiking around Mirador de Guise y Ayose? I think that was one of my favourite spots. Also the national park near Playa Rincon del Camello was pretty unique 👌
Hi Jack,
Thanks for this well thought out and produced video. 👍
My wife and I will be in the islands in January. Though not doing a through hike, we will be hiking.
Things I will do - based on your guidance:
* Get an AllTrails plan. Silly me thought I’d have great mobile coverage everywhere. 🙃
* Buy a ton of bottled water and store at our AirBNBs (#ProTip)
* Bring suitable clothing on our hikes and be prepared for changes in weather.
* Hiking shoes (trail runners) versus clunky boots 👍
Good job 🙏👍😊
PS And now I have to go to the Isle of Skye!
Hi Leslie, cheers for the comment and glad you got some help from it.
The main thing to take away would definitely be the water. If you’re not doing the whole thru hike you might get away without using alltrails, but I’d prefer to have peace of mind 😅 hope you enjoy the trip and get some sun ☀️ have had lots of people telling me they just finished some hiking there and it’s been great weather
Thank you for this suggestion, already bought the plane tickets to the Canary Islands. Just wondering what's the situation on wild camping, I heard it's prohibited.
Hey thanks for the comment! In the national parks it’s prohibited, and I saw a few rangers near Teidi national park. Outside of the national parks I found that by staying out of sight, leaving no trace and setting up after sunset and packing up before sunrise I had no issues :) some difficulty finding decent spots on Fueteventura and Lanzarote though just because of how sparse and open some sections are
@@jackbrookes Big thanks for the reply Jack! One last question. How did you deal with drone regulations, what would be your tips if I wanted to fly there as well.
@@oskarassulskis8058 yeah of course! I stayed out of the national parks which is why I didn’t get any drone footage of Teidi or the centre of Gran Canaria. There’s a good app on the Spanish governments website which I used - I’ll see if I can find it and link it on here!
How about hiking beginning of April?
Yes you can! It will be starting to get a bit hot though 🔥
Jack, are you taking your tent with you to the plane in a cabin bag, or you put it into the checked baggage? I would like to pack mine in the backpack and just take it with me, but I'm a bit affraid that I will have a problem on security check (aluminium poles/frame of the tent).
Hey thanks for the comment! I take mine in checked baggage as my bag would be too big because of the camera gear. I know you’re not allowed to take tent pegs as carry on, but the poles I believe you should be okay with 👌
@@jackbrookes Thx. One question... on Tenerife there is this quite long streach of the trail which runs through the National Park of Teide, it is like 30km or so... have you wild/stealth camped there or managed to not to do it and put your tent outside the park? BTW. Great series, and the final effect is amazing - It was really worth carrying all that heavy equipment on your back. :D
@@uk574 thanks again for the nice words 😅 but yes I pitched just before the Tedi national park and just afterwards…I saw your comment on the other video which I’ll reply to this weekend when I’ve got more time to go into more detail 👌 but basically there are spots, you just have to go off the trail a bit. My best recommendation would be find a spot nice and early when there’s still plenty of light so you’re not stressing trying to find a spot, have some dinner etc and then set the tent up as sunset happens :)
any hiking plans for new year?
Yeah a few in mind! Hoping the Cape Wrath Trail and the Dolomites at some point. How about you Destro?
@@jackbrookes Massiv trail in norway or traversing lofoten. But who knows maybe i will pick something different
@@BlueDragon00 yeah Norway is absolutely on my list as well. Same with the kings trail in Sweden
@@jackbrookesI Did one 10 day hike in norway about year ago, if you are interested in some details hit me up
@@BlueDragon00 absolutely - have you got any photos? Do you have Instagram?
I'm 25 and have yet to see the world. Hiking in the Canary Islands is something I've always wanted to do, and every time I watch videos like yours, I find myself asking the question: 'What's stopping me from doing this myself?' Watching your videos helps me gather the courage to purchase the necessary hiking gear, buy that plane ticket, and have one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Again, what's stopping me from actually doing this? I don't want to grow old with regrets, wishing I had done what I want to do now: go see those mountains.
Thanks for the comment, and I completely understand! The hardest part is honestly getting all the gear together...once you do that, everything feels much more affordable and do-able. You won't regret it - I think it's one of the best ways to travel - a mixture of getting outdoors, seeing a country or place for what it truly is, and physical activity. Let me know if you plan your trip!
@@jackbrookes Well, I've finally done it. I just got back from solo hiking the GR131 trail in La Gomera! It took me a total of 3 days to hike the entire trail, starting from San Sebastian all the way to Vallerhermoso (ending it at the beach). It was not an easy hike. The terrain combined with the high temperatures was a recipe for pain and sweat, but I kept pushing since I was very determined to finish this trail. Now I want to hike the other islands and this video will definitely help with the planning. Thank you for being an inspiration Jack!