3 Days Solo Backpacking in the Desert

[@thinshadow]

Hey Justin, local AZ resident checking in here. Couple of things you brought up in the video-1) if I remember correctly, you came through here in the winter, right? The snakes tend to be in hibernation in the winter and when temperatures are getting down to freezing or below. Come spring or late winter when the weather warms up, they'll start coming out and will be around until late fall. 2) Regarding your overnight low temperature being much lower than the forecast, that will tend to happen if you are camping in or near the washes and low ground. The temperature inversions there can be significantly colder than the nearby higher ground, and you can feel it in the day time as well-which I think you recognized when you were talking about your site choice for the second night's camp. Anyway, thanks for all the videos and glad you got to spend some time here. I love being a desert dweller.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Great info!

[@RaphMcFly]

Once again you succeed in giving us the beauty of the desert atmosphere. What a perfect time to be there. Also love the music you've put in your lasts videos! Thanks Justin!

[@karmaclanton5544]

Its called a century plant and yes it puts all its energy into the production the stem that produces seeds and dies off. I live here in Arizona!!!

[@zmuzzy101]

It's also called American Aloe so Justin wasn't wrong. I also thought "hey that's a century plant." We have one all the way over in Birmingham, UK in the botanical gardens. Very cool plants

[@captdoug]

@@zmuzzy101 while agave and aloe are both succulents they are totally different plants. I'm a Master Gardener with University of Arizona.

[@zmuzzy101]

@@captdoug I'm well aware they're different plants. The century plant just happens to have a colloquial name "American Aloe". Century Plant is also a colloquial name and you're fine with using that.

[@captdoug]

@@zmuzzy101 A couple of things. I never used the term Century plant. I said it's an agave which it is. I also never said that you were wrong in calling it an American Aloe. Maybe you know but others don't and it's important. Almost no one in the deserts of Arizona would call that an American aloe. If you asked almost anyone in Arizona to go bring you back a piece of aloe or even American aloe, that is not what they would bring you. They look similar but they are two totally different plants from totally different families. Aloe is from Africa whereas Agave is native to the Southwest. It's a new world plant. One can be used as a burn cream. The other one can be used to make tequila. So just like a tomato is technically a fruit it is culinarily a vegetable. Technically he's right in that one of the common names is American Aloe. But he is wrong because is not an Aloe at all.

[@GearSkeptic]

This brings me back! I grew up in Southern California and used to camp in the low desert. Now, I’m not far from the Canadian border. Thanks for the fond memories, but I do prefer forests and lakes!

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Mountain House Chicken and Dumplings is my favorite!

[@MrAlexDavid]

For desert hiking I usually carry a hydration bladder 3L (it can be filled through the hose so no need to take out of the backpack) and a 3L BeeFree bag or what ever it’s called. So basically I can filter the water into the hydration bladder and carry extra dirty water if needed at camp for example.

[@davidgeorge442]

Nice! I did a three-day hike through the Superstition Mountains in 2019 and this brought back a lot of memories. Rule of thumb: Don’t touch ANYTHING! Everything has spikes. I accidentally brushed up against a cactus pitching my tent and still had dozens of microscopic spikes embedded in me for weeks later lol

[@hikesome]

Great new adventure Justin! The desert of Arizona is on my list now, would love to do a solo hiking vid there one day. -10 is a huge temperature drop, but you are a true survivor ;) Thank you very much for sharing and inspiring me, I really like your authenticity and positivity. Stay safe out there. Best wishes, Mario

[@matthewk7777]

Plant fact is true (Although I am not sure on the species). “Poisonous” snakes, spiders and scorpions is untrue. Venomous is the correct term. Great video! Cheers!

[@brycewalburn3926]

I love desert hiking. It's a huge difference from the hiking I'm used to as well (mid-Atlantic region of US), but I just love how dramatic the scenery is and how interesting the flora and fauna are. If you go back to Arizona, climb the Flatiron!

[@RoyceKitts]

Now you are in my next of the woods. I totally do the hoodie and pants. Shorts in the desert will mess you up quickly.

[@madebyPure]

9:58 Stardew Valley type vibes with the music here, love it. Looking forward to the next vid. Cheers

[@filmic1]

Neat, Justin! What a switch from the Great Divide Trail.

[@trytheoutdoors]

love your short, no nonsense videos

[@philcrewse9828]

You’re right in my backyard that’s awesome!

[@DoseofDirt]

Desert temp swings are crazy! What a beautiful area! Seems like maybe you got a new action came (insta360?) and a gimbal. Loving the shots you're capturing and the way you put the video together! Awesome adventure!

[@JustinOutdoors]

Thanks! I did get an insta360 :)

[@jackcrackerman]

In my backyard. I've hiked all of those areas. There are a surprising number of springs... As you found.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 Justin, greetings from Northern California. Your Canadian landscape has changed. The desert 🏜 is quite a contrast from Canada 🇨🇦. Stay safe out there. I look.forward to your next outdoor adventure. 🤗

[@austinstitzel]

I love the Arizona desert!

[@kentrails]

Love to see you it in the Pacific Southwest! I live in San Diego and am very used to desert backpacking. Also interested to see what you think of the Mariposa 60. That’s my pack and I absolutely love it. Thanks for the video!

[@JustinOutdoors]

It surprised me! I didn't expect to like it as much as I did.

[@WaterborneCamper]

What an adventure! I really wanna visit Arizona, some day.

[@5ervalkat192]

What an enjoyable video! So glad you visited the Arizona Sonoran desert (I used to live there)! About that plant though...eh um, *aloes* live in Africa and the Arabian peninsula. On this side of the pond, we have *agaves* (century plant). And, agaves flower once and then that individual dies (=monocarpic). Desert plants in all parts of the world tend to be heavily armed with thorns, prickles, spines, etc., in order to discourage predation (being eaten). It seems you did a good job cleaning your campsites, so your pad (still like that Q Core?) survived! Oh, and since you are zipped up in a tent, I doubt snakes nor scorpions will visit; it'd be different if you were cowboy camping. Just watch where you step or put your hands (when scrambling)! Thanks again for such a great trip report!

[@5ervalkat192]

Oh yeah, one question: you are using a roll on sunscreen...which one do you like for backpacking? Thanks!

[@JustinOutdoors]

I've been using Neutrogena, but I'm not picky

[@vincentburnett2563]

I've done 2 hikes in the Weaver's Needle area. One like this video, and one a bit North of there. April is a good month for that area.

[@stephanprotzen6030]

How interesting to see you so out of your element.

[@reddottx]

Who knew EVERYTHING was pokey? Thanks for the heads up!

[@mtminded4498]

Ya got some great wide angle shots on this one. Almost feel like I was there. Very nice!

[@hamiltonharper]

Hey Justin, keep up the great content. I just came from spending the winter in Arizona and it was awesome. The temperature swings are real. But I've been curious, what camera gear do you use for your vlog? It might be cool to have an episode on that since your production quality is top notch in the studio and out on trail

[@dont_delay]

I love hiking desert . We live in the desert. Snakes and scorpions sleep in heat and hunt at night- cooler . They all attack only if threatened. - if you get close.

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

That looks so beautiful! Thank you for taking us.

[@chaselheureux8761]

Great video, love your content! That was not an alo plant, that was Agave americana. You are correct that once it blooms it dies. Also no such thing as a "poisonous snake" , they are venomous. Don't mean to be annoying, just from AZ so thought I'd share.

[@konnorjames5615]

Right on Justin! Looks like a lot of fun stay safe bud

[@tanvach]

Perfect timing, I'm heading to Arizona for a backpacking trip tomorrow :)

[@diannchumney3216]

LOL, great video. Welcome to the extremes of the desert Southwest.

[@Baasicstuff]

Get higher on the mountain and you will be warm, valleys in the desert get below freezing at night.

[@hawkins5560]

You should do the North Country Hiking Trail at some point. A ton of beautiful falls and (mostly) docile animals. Biggest downside is the humidity in the summer, but fall during the colors would be amazing.

[@nicoleandjoshbaldwin4228]

That’s a yucca. We used to take the dead stocks and make didgeridoos from them by scraping out the soft interior and wrapping them with string and the seal it with bees wax

[@normanc.2021]

Another good video Justin 👍. I'm learning a lot about desert camping always interesting. Be safe out there my friend ✌️

[@stephenbouchard8075]

Great video Justin. Thanks for sharing

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

Great video! Fun to see the new environment. I’m definitely a pants + sun hoodie person always for the same reasons you mentioned. I’m gonna sweat anyways so wearing shorts or a tank top while hiking seems like a bad trade off for sun exposure and cuts/scrapes on your body

[@ewik939]

I know you’re going UL gear wise, but for short trips like this it might make sense to bring a Nalgene bottle. That way you can boil water, pour into it and create a heater to bring with you inside the quilt/sleeping bag. It keeps warm all night :)

[@JustinOutdoors]

I've seen nalgenes leak inside sleeping bags and am very hesitant to bring one in now.

[@ewik939]

@@JustinOutdoors Gotcha! I usually put mine in a drybag just in case :)

[@YoungGunzBass01]

@@JustinOutdoors I see this often given as advice to new backpackers and I think it’s horribly irresponsible. If your sleep system is marginal enough that you need hot water to stay warm and if your bag gets wet then you’re done. I only sleep with my water on winter trips but then I double ziplock it as well

[@JustinOutdoors]

@@YoungGunzBass01 Ya, that's my approach too and what I have mentioned in some of my winter content. You'll never see that as a tip on my channel!

[@petervargas5899]

Lol well you would be hard pressed to find any rattlesnake in those cold temps. Ironic though, this spring has been a very active one for rattlers in the Superstitions!

[@four-x-trading5606]

Snakes hate moth balls, next time you sleep out in the desert you may want to just pack a box. What we usually do (and I'm from the south) is place them around where we would walk. In a camping situation just do the same. That way if you wake up in the morning, and step outside your tent your not met with Mr snakey :)

[@unjarredoutdoors5513]

Great video! Keep it up, and continue inspiring us all!

[@BigDawgCAM]

What sleeping pad are you testing in this video Justin?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Q-Core Deluxe! (geni.us/Q-CoreDeluxe) The big Q is whether it is more comfortable than the Ether Light XT.

[@BigDawgCAM]

@@JustinOutdoors I’ll be here, patiently waiting on the verdict!

[@JarradShaw]

Bro, you just had to mention the poisonous animals. Lol, my stupidest fears is that… from Indiana to Arizona. No ground cloth, I get it but out there maybe a little sacrifice to bag weight. So sad that that big q core deluxe did not help keep you warm. Just bought two. But… 15 is pretty darn cold! That algae looked so gross and safe like. Glad you made it out without any issues.

[@stephanprotzen6030]

Since you’re in the states you should try Farm to Summit meals. (No affiliation) By far the best meals I’ve had and I’ve been eating freeze dried for more years than I care to admit.

[@WeekendsOutsideFL]

My friend that is not an aloe Vera plant. That is a desert Agave, often confused with Aloe Vera which grows in Africa. Agave is what they use to make tequila in Mexico. Both agave and aloe are succulent type plants which evolved to grow in dry climates but they are not related despite similar external appearance

[@frednorman1]

Where in southern Arizona were you? (And how was the Mountain House chicken with dumplings?)

[@GrayMan7070]

If your aloe plant is getting too tall then just shorten it because they might be stretching for light source. It's safe to remove the top half leaf and let it stay like that for a week for the plant to repair the prune damage.....says Google :)

[@allancar]

Justin makes me want to go outside every day

[@mackie_p]

Definitely makes me miss the GDT videos

[@RandallsReviews]

Camped 1 night in the Superstition Mountains in February, there’s great views at the top of superstition peak. Always a good time in the superstitions.

[@karmaclanton5544]

If it doesn't poke you, prick you, or stick you, it's going to bit you, in the desert!!!🌵🦂🦎🕷

[@Colorado_Kkid]

Justin ... I see you're using a new/different pack ... Curious as to which one it is and your thoughts on it? ... Thanks for your reply in advance ...

[@JustinOutdoors]

That's the mariposa! Still have some testing to do before sharing my thoughts :)

[@someguyinatshirt2624]

Are there mountain lions in Arizona?

[@musikk7521]

Hey man, great videos! I see you are rocking the OR Astroman hoodie in alot of the videos. Do you happen to know if it protects from mosquito bites? I like the look of it and I`m also seriously considering it😊

[@JustinOutdoors]

Great shirt! Deals with mosquitos really well!

[@musikk7521]

@@JustinOutdoors thanks for taking the time to reply:) Ended up going for a similar one from Black Diamond(Alpenglow Pro) due to the Astroman being sold out, but hopefully it performs ok against the mosquitoes as well. Good luck going KZbin full-time. Looking forward to more great content!

[@mudbone7706]

Enjoyed the video but what happened to footage from the last day?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Shot everything on my Insta360... in time-lapse mode. So all the footage is 1-2s long when it should be 10x as long.

[@Rico-Suave_]

Watched all of it

[@Scotty674]

Great video Justin. Quick question, could you recommend me a good tent for a couple and a dog planning to get into doing overnighters? When I search I'm overwhelmed with all of the choices and when I do find one I like it's usually out of my price range. All that matters to me is that it will truly fit 2 and a dog plus it has to be able to keep rain out since we are in the pacific northwest. Thanks

[@JustinOutdoors]

If you can find a Marmot Tunsten UL 3P, I'd go with that one. Note the UL - there is a non-UL one that isn't as good. The tent is roomy, light, and does really well in weather.

[@Scotty674]

@@JustinOutdoors Thank you

[@ewik939]

How did you like the Mariposa?

[@JustinOutdoors]

More than I expected! AWESOME water bottle pocket and super comfortable. Not the biggest fan of the flap lid, but otherwise it's a really solid pack.

[@ewik939]

@@JustinOutdoors Would love a review video!

[@nuggethikes]

FYI, I love snakes. They aren’t poisonous, they are venomous. Poison is what you get if you eat a deadly plant for instance. A snake can inject venom when he bites something. Happy trails

[@dmn3773]

@ 3:55 that's a century plant.

[@NL-in1eq]

How do you like the Speedgoat 5?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Love them, but TBD whether I love them more than the SG4

[@Adventures_with_Sog]

Nice one 🙂👍

[@bensasser8249]

Just don't eat em if they are poisonous ;p great video tho. Always enjoy your content!

[@natehoover5266]

Justin, the rainbow called...it wants its wardrobe back! Lol. Jk buddy. Im just a little OCD and need to match.

[@tracyazhikes]

Agave plant.

[@allanerickson5053]

pretty much no rattlesnakes if it's not 85+ degrees

[@lizdg3892]

Yucca plant.

[@karupt422]

Hey Justin, aren't you canadian? What are you doing in USA🤔

[@JustinOutdoors]

Hanging out!

[@elizabethingram9784]

Pokies!!!

[@Thee1Wolfpack]

What trail did you hike ?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Linked a few different ones from the Peralta Trailhead

[@oscarmolinaoutdooradventur1648]

👍🏼👍🏼❤️❤️❤️

[@foggs]

What was the highest day time temperature?

[@JustinOutdoors]

I think it got to around 75-80F

[@ericvasquez6018]

A species of yucca. Not Aloe vera

[@Suncity4]

Dead yucca?

[@DrMarvinLara]

Why did he put deodorant all over his face?

[@JustinOutdoors]

I have a stinky face

[@austinstitzel]

I'm going to guess that you are a Libra.