We hiked in Hocking Hills and a big black snake like that came very near to falling on our heads from up in the trees when we were on trail! Within 3 feet...most terrifying hiking moment of my life! I think it's an Eastern Black Rat Snake which are arboreal 😧

Nobody ever mentions the fact you can use the lid from the GSI pot as a secured lid for the plastic bowl by turning it upside down so that it becomes a sippy cup for hot beverages. It's why the GSI lid has that smaller-diameter raised section which is the same diameter as the internal diameter of the bowl so it snaps into place inside the bowl.

Well made video! Thanks for the knowledge

My hike was about 18 miles, though there are several options. Camping was only about 3 miles in from where I parked at Plateau Picnic Area. When I did it, the fee was $5 to camp and you needed to reserve in advance at clevelandmetroparks.com.

Greetings, Where did you park, do you need a permit/cost, how many miles to the campsite you stayed at & what was your total miles to complete the loop you did???? Thanks!

Great content for someone who's never been to the BWCAW! I have family that live in MN and last year was the first time I've ever heard of this magical place. Canoeing ins such waters has been a dream of mine since my elementary school principal introduced me to it back in 5th grade while living in Wisconsin. He gave a presentation of his 2 weeklong trip down the Wisconsin river and I've been enthralled with it ever since. Unfortunately, living in the south, we don't have the kind of waters that MN and the BWCAW offer. Having heard of it, it's been a dream of mine to experience it. Being an avid fly fisherman, I think this would be a perfect place to do some fly fishing for the variety of fish in these lakes. But above all that is just the peace and tranquility that comes with a canoe camping trip. I've never been a fan of motorized boats as they disturb any and everything around it. A canoe allows you to immerse yourself in the nature that is around you without disturbing it and that is why I love them. Everything is slow and methodical and you actually get to take in the natural world around you. Most lakes are littered with trash along the banks so really a big turn off for me which is why I prefer the seclusion of mountain streams. The BWCAW is exactly the kind of place I've been dreaming of for a Canoe trip. Based on your video, it looks like September is the month for me. The fishing may not be the best at this time, but the skies will be drier, the bugs will be gone and so will the large crowds, allowing me to sleep under the stars at night and be able to reach out and touch them. And if I'm lucky, I might get to see the Aurora Borealis. Stargazing is also a favorite past times so this place will definitely be magical. Thank your for sharing your knowledge. It was short and full of information for someone like myself and your delivery was on point. It had just the right about of humor to make it enjoyable. Thank you and here's hoping to making a canoe trip out there a reality in 2025!

Great content!- looking to do the same trek- how were water sources once you start into the Grand Gap

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I really like that you can open that top up and stand up in. that’s a feature other tenants. Don’t have that limit you from getting dressed more easily. Thanks for the review. Safe travels.

always good to get out into the woods!

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Amen !!

Get strong...not weaker...whats the point in doing big miles to get done faster. Obviously, there is a balance, most light weight hikers suffer out of an ego trip.

😳 .. 😣 "the weight, oh, the weight .." 🙄😏. 👍👍👍 .. that said, being comfortable and getting a good nights sleep more than compensates for the extra mass in the pack. And, if it weighs a wee bit more, then walk slower and take more breaks (one will enjoy the scenery more). Good advice .. thanks for sharing.

older guy here who backpacks mostly to approach big climbs. I have found that some of these items, mainly the chair and a pillow are necessary for me just to function out there. Dealing with a broken back from an avalanche accident, If I don't stay somewhat comfortable I would not be able to get out there at all. so for me the extra weight of a super padded pack, a chair and pillow are keeping me in the game and worth it!

I don't see a link to the products mentioned. (Sigh) Guess I'll trudge over to Google them. Thanks.

Great advise, I’ve been through the cycles of cutting pack weight over 12 years now. I’m now at a happy place and know what to bring and what I just don’t need. I still do cringe a little when I add the one pound chair in:) I’m still using toilet paper because I refuse to squirt water up my butt like those other fancy hikers:)

I cut weight any place I can....to be a le to bring creator comforts like these. Nice video

Congrats! To my knowledge you are the first backpacking you tuber to mention drooling😊 thanks for the video.

I never have liked makeshift pillows because they were always either soft but too low or the right height but hard. I use an inflatable but still have the same problem with height. Some are plenty comfortable but they're all either too low or too high. I also carry a chair and one that weighs in at ~2.5lbs. I'm taking this chair regardless of miles.

Always looking to hear lighter backpack ideas! Thanks for sharing! ~Karen & Shannon WOY

I am 65 years old but I am hiking much bigger miles now than I did 30 plus years ago. Mostly due to going UL. I am just as comfortable as I was back in the day with my heavy pack. If I was not a thru hiker the things you added would make sense. I think if you’re only going out for a weekend or a few days you can pretty much carry anything. It’s when you’re hiking for weeks and months on end that things like a chair lose their luster.

Having a comfortable seat in the evening isn't a luxury, it's an appreciation of yourself and what you did during the day. So is a pillow. Why torture yourself with sitting on the ground or bad sleep when you can have it more comfortable? You're not in a speed hiking contest and you can and did pick pretty light items nevertheless.

I approach weight reduction by analyzing materials suitable for reducing the primary gear I carry by making my own gear such as my 4.05 ounce Dyneema floor-less tent, 4 ft W x 8.5 ft L x 3.5 ft H, fits in the palm of my hand. Additionally, heat reflective, breathable, wind/water repellent/proofed clothing - Anorak and over-pants. The over-pants weigh a little more than one ounce. Both provide exceptional freedom of motion and warmth in cold weather. I use a modified aluminum water bottle for boiling water for making coffee/hydrating food vs my modified Titanium container weighing more than twice as much, replacing my saw handle saving nearly 5 times its' weight. Made a survival device on a 2 in x 3 in substrate containing a retractable whistle, container with water purification tablets and compass on its' lid, removable 650 lumen flashlight, ferro cerium rod on one side, container for tinder and a diamond knife/hook sharpener on another edge, all on one side of the substrate, a survival mirror with a removable lanyard to wear around my neck or store as preferred. The survival device integrates primary tools for signaling and night travel, making fire, and purifying water. I added a 2 in x 3 in Victorinox device for added utility, folding Boker Knife and a hank of 70 feet, 400 test pound Kevlar rope to round out the devices' usefulness. My med kit roughly fits the 2 in x 3 in dimension with non-stick gauze pads, super glue for wound sealing, butterfly and standard bandages, two tubes of iodine, etc. We all approach problems differently. Having over 55 years of hiking experience, I've had ample time to consider and develop practical solutions to wilderness travel needs. Lower weight equals faster, safer and longer travel with reduced fatigue.

I'm 37 and I can get behind most of what you are saying. If you dont enjoy your stay outdoors, why go?

❤❤❤❤ Love the vid my friend!

Is swimming allowed at the falls

Great area to hunt as well.

Looking good my dude! Love the vibe leaving like and sub!

nice

Where did that pictograph come from that you displayed?

Nice video! I frequently hike EF and think the trails are great. Their published trails are found on many apps which is helpful if you need to cut the hike short. You have cell service in all areas of the park. Thunbs up, great park for hiking.

Thank you so much. Your information is very helpful. I plan on doing this trail in June

really appreciate the video- and your humor! thanks for posting!😂

Zaleski is my favorite overnight trip

Appreciate the video!

I was wondering why I was seeing polar bears & Wal-marts in the distance...thanks for the tips!

Great video, just stumbled upon your channel researching backpacking in Ohio, think I’m going to try this in December thanks for the info, subscribed to ya as well

I like camping there at the fire tower camp I like the primitive the seclusion the quiet and the trails are awesome

Very good video. I give you the highest compliment. That comes from a veteran of 46 summer adventures into that great country.

Very detailed! Thank you!

Great video. Thanks. Heading there this weekend. Im another old man - going hiking.

I have your book and appreciate the work you’ve done. I was unfamiliar with most of the trails you wrote of. My only note would be that on your map, you’ve mistakenly listed a “small” campsite .2 mi east of Irish Ridge Road (at mile 7.5). I found the larger one .3 miles (at mile 7.6). I know this for a fact because I cached water at Irish Ridge Rd and planned to stay at the small campsite.

What are the bikes you are using for this trip? I will be getting a new bike when I get to Defiance and am not interested in a road bike but more of a hybrid. Really enjoying your videos!!

Too bad they don't have an alternate trail for the horses.

I'll be moving to Defiance OH in about a month and am looking forward to hiking the BT. I stumbled across your videos and never had thought about biking some of the BT. Great video and love all the breweries! Did you stage your vehicles or did someone help you transition from bike to hike?