Backpacking The John Muir Trail Documentary

[@greghunter5627]

Very nice video. My wife and I hike the JMT every 3 years. I’m 74, and she’s 72 now. It use to take us 12-14 days over 30 years ago, now it’s 21-24 days. Legs aren’t what they use to be. Looking forward to August, shooting for 21 days. Happy trails. Going to use poles this year.

[@drewrobinson1]

Wow. That's awesome to hear, Greg!

[@unebonnevie]

Amazing!

[@jimkanzelmeyer7722]

Drew I thoroughly enjoyed taking this trip with you... you captured the stunning beauty well! I appreciate the time you took to add your thoughts and reflections about the journey. Your experiences in some way add depth to my life by simply considering the thoughtful perspectives you've shared. Beautifully creative.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Jim. Much appreciated.

[@vikvsvs]

What makes this video great is your commentary and thoughts. The video is awesome, but your thoughts and words make it a master piece. Thanks!!

[@drewrobinson1]

Much appreciated, Vikram. I'm thankful for your kind words.

[@rebeccalasiter5429]

Excellent video, made me feel, I was actually there to stand and view all of Mother Nature's beauty. My daughter and her friends are taking the trail as I write this, I am happy for them. Peace and tranquility be with all who venture out on the trails.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks!

[@williamfraser5593]

I wanted to thank you for taking the time to devote your talents to creating this extraordinary video. Your comments are timeless and the cinematography and documentation are superb. Well done indeed. And now, I prepare to embark on my NOBO on the JMT from Horseshoe meadows in early through late September. Cheers.

[@bikeboy19]

After 4 years this is still one of the best JMT videos on KZbin. Thanks.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks!

[@christophere.herbert418]

Nice job bringing back many memories of when I did the JMT with 8 others when I was 15 in 1968, going from Yosemite Valley to Mt. Whitney. We were on the trail for 28 days. We stayed overnight at Rae Lakes with many trout cooked for dinner and breakfast. Got to do the High Sierra Trail from Sequoia Ntl Park to Mt. Whitney in Sept 2015, standing on top of Mt. Whitney a second time. Best hamburger and fries down at Whitney Portals cafe.

[@JeffValliere]

That was awesome! My wife worked for the NPS in Sequoia/Kings Canyon for two summers (backcountry field studies) and I made sure to go visit several times for some of the most amazing backpacking/hiking/climbing. Your video brings back a flood of amazing memories, can't wait to get back there some day. Thanks for sharing.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Jeff! It sounds like your wife has an incredible job! The amount of exploration one can do in the Sequoia/Kings Canyon area is pretty spectacular. Like you, I can't wait to get back.

[@jimwarnock1250]

Enjoyed your documentary and comments about the trail. Helped me relive my hike of the JMT from this past July. Wonderful experience! Thank you for taking the time to compile and share your hike.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks for watching, Jim!

[@SamwiseOutdoors]

The JMT is huge on my bucket list, and I really enjoyed your doc on the outing. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks!

[@sharkbait52]

Thanks Drew, great video. Leaving on June 26th with my 11yr old, super hyped!!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, John! Awesome to hear you'll be doing this with your 11 year old! I'm expecting my first this month and am hoping to share the JMT with him when he is around that age. I hope you'll share your experience on the trail.

[@timber66]

Best JMT video I have ever seen. Footage and narrative was great. Thank you from Canada

[@drewrobinson1]

Much appreciated!

[@tquan16]

Thanks for the trip back to the JMT. This was a perfect blend of amazing footage and narration.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Thanh!

[@pedronikolas3840]

I dont mean to be offtopic but does any of you know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account? I was dumb lost the login password. I would love any assistance you can give me.

[@samsonaxl4785]

@Pedro Nikolas instablaster :)

[@pedronikolas3840]

@Samson Axl thanks for your reply. I found the site on google and I'm trying it out now. I see it takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@pedronikolas3840]

@Samson Axl it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much you really help me out!

[@mymessismyministry2811]

So beautiful + the perfect voice for narration. I think I want to watch this everyday.

[@lizmorris5721]

I really appreciate your thoughts and reflections through out the journey. Thank you for sharing.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Liz!

[@CBThis]

Breath taking, thanks for taking the effort to soak it all in AND document it so beautifully. Fantastic!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks for watching. Bringing a camera was no easy task with the extra weight and batteries.

[@axis1087]

4 years since these videos but yet my best video of john muir trail videos.. my motivation video.. thanks so much

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Romeo!

[@chriscartermedia]

Man, such a great vid! Thanks for putting in the work and bringing back some solid memories.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Chris!

[@roycarter8678]

Nothing like the feeling of sitting in the middle of the wilderness. Good job!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Roy!

[@kitsva]

Drew, thank you for sharing your amazing experience in equally amazing quality. I loved every part of it. Will have to check out all your other videos now :-)

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Krishna!

[@rkatrails]

Excellent narration of the highlights of the JMT. It was fast paced yet captured the beauty of the trail to provide the big picture of what's out there.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks!

[@beedumpling3820]

Thanks for sharing your journey. I was raised in Ridgecrest, and my mom and dad took us to the Sierra's every weekend to camp. I really miss the Sierra's. They are a magical place.

[@drewrobinson1]

Awesome! I camp out at Trona all the time.

[@hugocastilho2125]

honestly , from the images I did not find the places where the trail passes very beautiful .

[@bilalhouri]

Great video, I would have preferred less of the anxiety-inducing music. Nature sounds are lovely as they are.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't bring an external mic to save on weight and the mic on my camera at the time was terrible. There wasn't much in the way of nature sounds.

[@standingonmountain3975]

@@drewrobinson1 One of the best JMT videos and the music was good, especially the last part from around 16 minutes.

[@manuelnieto8277]

The music was horrible.

[@48956l]

@@manuelnieto8277 I liked it, and you need to learn how to give constructive feedback lol

[@yapster804]

i think the music level should be kept constant , instead of making it louder between the voice over :) thanks for the great video

[@jameshoneycutt7602]

Excellent video, you guys did a great job and it looks like you had a fantastic time. I guarantee you you will remember this the rest of your life. Thanks for sharing

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, James!

[@rileyshin1875]

What a great trip!! Thoroughly enjoyed your commentaries and insights. This reminded me of my trip of High Sierra Trail in 2015

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Riley! I'm hoping to hike the High Sierra Trail soon.

[@rileyshin1875]

Please make sure to produce a video documentary like this one on the High Sierra Trail and post it !! ~ Riley's (17) mom..

[@drewrobinson1]

I'm hoping to do the High Sierra Trail soon. When I do, I'll make a very similar video :-)

[@ReaganScottPhoto]

Dude. Love your stuff. Trail to Peak has been a huge resource in planning my JMT hike this year. The video is informative and engaging! Keep doing what you're doing! And glad to see a fellow a6000 backpacker! That camera's amazing!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Reagan! I'm glad you've found my content useful. The a6000 is a great backpacking and hiking camera.

[@CrazyDuck27]

I cannot wait for next year on my journey on the JMT. This video is surely going to help me prepare for the journey. Thank you for the lovely video.

[@drewrobinson1]

Happy trails!

[@joshmills780]

Nice job in this video. Our son is on the JMT now and is making his way to MTW. Your video provided us a great view and it also helped us understand what the terrain looks like that he has been seeing. Thank you!

[@drewrobinson1]

Glad the video helped visualize what your son is seeing.

[@trailnut6002]

Thanks for making this video. Got goosebumps quite a few times.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Brent!

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this beautifully filmed video. You did a wonderful job of capturing the scenic beauty of the Eastern Sierras. Your video brought back some pleasant memories of summiting Mt. Whitney and the many scenic points along the JMT. All the best to you, stay healthy. 🤗

[@tylerberry2476]

Thank you for sharing this with us. Looking forward to my hike here some day.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Tyler!

[@karennovak1168]

Enjoyed your film immensely. Insightful, thoughtful, musical, beautiful. And inspirational. Thank you!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Karen!

[@healthyhiker5140]

Great Video and Excellent Guide, which I'll be using for my 2018 Trip. Thank You for taking the time to put it together.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks for watching. Happy trails in 2018! Hopefully the winter will be a little more mild this year.

[@attyjim1]

This is a most outstanding video and very well narrated. The JMT and Mt Whitney are definite goals of mine.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, James!

[@nickn2334]

Great job! Very nice photography. The memories will last a lifetime. Thanks for sharing.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thank you!

[@grub32]

Great video and photos, John Muir is high atop my bucket list!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thank you. Hopefully you can snag a permit and hike the JMT soon!

[@potatothorn]

just got back from a 10 day trip thru Utah and CA desert parks,here recovering and find a new video to take us right back out there thanks for filming this is some KILLER film work you really know how to shoot it thanks

[@drewrobinson1]

Sounds like an awesome roadtrip! We did Utah's Mighty 5 this Winter and had a great time. Thanks for the comment!

[@leesusice2267]

Just stunning and so well-written/narrated!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thank you!

[@josehernandez16]

I’ve backpacked the John Muir trail and it’s absolutely beautiful.

[@drewrobinson1]

Very true, Jose!

[@marsingle777]

Thoroughly enjoyed the video and your narration was excellent. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@drewrobinson1]

Much appreciated, Marlena!

[@yoy58913]

I love the video, the music in it and the narrative part. Excellent video you get a 10 out 10 score.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thank you!

[@jessegarlick2583]

fantastic WOW the music and your voice over turned out perfectly not once did i get bored

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Jesse! That's the ultimate compliment here on KZbin :-)

[@kuyangace7886]

Absolutely beautiful! Your video is so inspiring, thank you. I will plan it and hopefully make it into a reality within the next two years.

[@roarksown1]

Unbelievably awesome work! Was just out at Lamarck Col attempting Mt Darwin so all the sights and sounds of that area resonate so much, and of course the Mt Whitney summit. Thank you for doing such a great job putting this together.

[@drewrobinson1]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@siavash1523]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. great video. cheers.

[@steveclevenger4257]

I see many comments regarding the narration of this video... If any of you have ever read John Muir's writings, I felt as though it was a second generation of his descriptive writing. John Muir often listed all of his emotions and everything that the sensory system would bring in throughout his words. I truly appreciate this video and felt it was one of the best I've ever seen. The music could have been a bit smoother but who are we to judge someone's personal trip and life journey with their partner. Well done IMO.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Steve. I appreciate the kind words.

[@robbymonaco3738]

Loved the insightful commentary, and the beautiful scenery.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Robby!

[@coreygillum12]

Well done . Felt at home again.

[@bq7227]

I hiked the JMT northbound in 2013. Lifechanging. Thanks for sharing.

[@drewrobinson1]

I'm hoping to hike NOBO soon!

[@Dakine_OAG]

This was an exceptionally well produced video! Thanks for sharing your experience. It's something I hope to do one day.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks!

[@cherylbryant3125]

Wonderful films, of the many others I have watched of the JMT, yours are by far the most beautiful views. You have a gift for the perfect photo!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thank you!

[@samducharme4863]

What a beautiful video! Thanks for sharing that with us, and congratulations on completing your TH.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Sam!

[@thierryarditti7706]

Formidable - A thousand thanks from Paris (France).

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Thierry!

[@johnhorvath2815]

Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Awesome!!! Want to do it!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, John!

[@wanderlustfrost9938]

Truly lovely video :) thank you for sharing. The music is totally gorgeous too. Get me on trail ASAP 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks!

[@debbiedunn9589]

Loved this presentation. So often I've seen PPL complaining a bit too much. Unprepared, they are obsessed with not having enough food or what have you. The photography was just enough. Nice job.

[@drewrobinson1]

Much appreciated, Debbie!

[@heliscat]

Amazing! Thanks for putting it together and sharing!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks for watching!

[@fuzychezwiz]

I'm going in September of this year with my husband. We are so excited! Good job on the video. i can't believe the amount of miles you guys did per day. Good for you! We will be more like 18 day's but we have two rest days included in that. One at VVR and one at Evolution Lake because i hear its so gorgeous there.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Katie! 18 days should make for a really nice trip. We had 2 weeks of vacation time away from work and had to decide on doing the entire JMT in that timeframe or just doing a section at a slower pace. Julia and I both love backpacking and camping, but also enjoy really long days of hiking, so the big days were quite nice for us. Next time, we'd like to take it slow and get three weeks in on the trail. VVR and Evolution Lake should make for great rest days!

[@trailkrum]

Hiked the JMT other way from Langley this passed July. Your video does the experience justice!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks! Awesome that you hiked NOBO this July. I'm thinking of hiking that way this summer.

[@laurac5451]

Four walks with the dog today and one with you. I want to get healthy. Eating right and walking will get me there. Thanks for the video. It's hard to find good hiking videos to do on my treadmill. We might be boon docking soon. I love walking in nature.

[@Dusijejdjjd]

Good job man keep it up! Treadmill can get boring sometimes so if it feels like you really can't stand getting on that thing one day just go for a walk on your local nature trail

[@bobbyboombeck]

Thanks for the inspiration. Very cool to hear your words and experience on the trail. I'm starting this August going NOBO. Can't wait. This really got me feeling "the emotions" as you noted.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Bobby!

[@YongsungKim]

Great video. Especially, I liked your narration. Thanks for sharing.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks for watching!

[@AdventuresinBackpacking]

Love the narration! Beautiful shots!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thank you!

[@2-old-Forthischet]

I'm an old phart and really enjoyed your journey. I have been able to do the day hikes at Devil's Postpile and Gem Lakes though. I am so glad I was able to at least do those.

[@drewrobinson1]

Day hikes are a lot of fun!

[@FishSCTV]

Just got back from the area! We backpacked just over the sawtooth ridge in Hoover!

[@ManuelHerrera]

Great video. I cant wait to hike the JMT.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Manuel!

[@locle8852]

Incredible video brother. This motivates me even more to do it myself.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thank you, Loc!

[@kennethgrobman6310]

Did the trail at age 18, 1958. Gear was very different then.I enjoyed reliving my greatest accomplishment in life. I say that after building a very successful company and retiring at age 60 to do more traveling.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks for comment, Kenneth! I would love to see the gear used back in 1958.

[@72ucsb]

Really nice! You captured it well. Thanks!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, William!

[@johneason6540]

Very good, fine commentary. Hiked part this year. Will do full thru hike 2019. Cant wait after this.

[@drewrobinson1]

Happy trails in 2019!

[@KarenLinehan]

Loved the wonderful script!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Karen!

[@treadsandtails4402]

Just well done.... celebrating my stroke recovery with a thru hike on JMT ... Do epic or do nothing .THX for sharing :)

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Mark! Such a great way to celebrate your stroke recovery. Have a great time on the JMT!

[@offplanetevent]

Report ? Or are you dead now.

[@loganlongserre1483]

Stellar video, Drew! That experience will stay with you your entire life. I just finished backpacking in Escalante, Utah. My spirit is aching to attempt the JMT next summer. Keep trekkin', dude!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Logan! I'm sure Escalante was quite the adventure. Hopefully you can hike the JMT next summer. You keep trekkin' as well!

[@theadventurecapitalist3048]

Fantastic video. Backpacking the JMT is a dream of mine also.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks! Hopefully you can make that dream come true soon!

[@MaxDamage1984]

Great video! Great commentary! And an awesome experience! Thx for sharing! :)

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Max!

[@luciohinojosa822]

Love the Sierras, been backpacking sections & loops for six years 👍🏼

[@drewrobinson1]

Awesome. I'm lucky to live close by.

[@sipa6548]

Wow! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful video with those of us not physically capable to do the hike but very curious to know what it encompasses.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks for watching!

[@MalloryBoyd-fp9ip]

To all of you, don’t wait, prepare but don’t wait. I’ve hiked pieces, like Red’s Meadow to Happy Isles trailhead Yosemite, and on two separate occasions day hikes from Whitney Portals to the Whitney summit. Also once packed into Ray Lakes from Onion Valley over Kearsarge Pass. But never was able to stitch it into one grand JMT event. Now 70 and retired, I’m once again prepping to do the entire trail, what the hell, what else am I gonna do.

[@freedriss1237]

Great video! I enjoyed every minute of it.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thank you!

[@dannyspl]

Well done great video great music you have a talent for speaking or writing

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Dan!

[@sdreefsurf]

Revisited this video after seeing about a bajillion JMT vids. And, this is really well done! Your perspective and narration is top notch! I did a chunk last year and doing the entire route NOBO this year. I'll be taking my SonyA7III I think...maybe the A6500..undecided. Anyway, Thanks!

[@dwaynestewart411]

That was a fantastic video, truly fantastic

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Dwayne!!

[@billbeyatte]

Excellent video, excellent narration.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Bill!

[@johnmartin5257]

Very well done. I really enjoyed that video thank you so much for sharing. Has me motivated more than ever, since we start from Cottonwood Pass and head north bound July 31, 2019

[@billschimpf3982]

Great video! I had a question about your tent... What tent is that? I love the flap and how they can remain open.

[@joshchace]

I have the same tent. It's a Marmot. I believe the current model is called the Nighthawk. It's amazing and packs super light.

[@drewrobinson1]

It's the Tarptent Double Rainbow, not a Marmot.

[@rinsworld]

Love the narration! Hoping to do this next summer!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Rin!

[@jingye3988]

Thanks for sharing this great experience!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks for watching!

[@Oiseaul]

Wow that was amazing! Thank you.

[@619sdbdub]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Spectacular videography and brilliant narration. 210 miles huh? I might need 3 weeks for that. what kind of camera were you using??

[@drewrobinson1]

A lot of people take three weeks. I would have actually preferred it, but 2 weeks was the max I could take for work. I shot this with my old Sony a6000. I shoot with the Sony a7c these days though.

[@keithhenry6485]

very nicely done and beautifully told

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Keith!

[@fawnzhang480]

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing !

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks!

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

Hi.Super nice video.Thanks a lot !!!!

[@romeras600]

Wow! This was amazing, thank you for sharing 👌🏽

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks for watching!

[@justhike]

Great job on the John Muir trail video!!

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Joe!

[@markrybas6507]

Fantastic Adventure !

[@Nadine48669]

I really enjoyed your video and story, thank you

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks, Nadine!

[@POODLEBITES]

Nicely done. Inspires me to give it a try.

[@drewrobinson1]

Thanks!

[@carolewarner101]

Glad you had a wonderful hike. Lovely filming of the landscape. I've watched a lot of JMT and other wilderness videos though and may give some (hopefully valuable, if blunt) feedback from one perspective to enhance your work? There is WAAAAAAY too much talking (and none of it actually spontaneous in the moment) and the music doesn't fit the subject matter at all. The JMT is profoundly quiet (and/or filled with the crashing fury of wind, water and storm...all the acoustic sounds of Nature) and the energy of the place is filled with depth and serenity... The music on the other hand was synthetic, over stimulating and frankly detracted. It didn't allow one to sink into any sense of the actually feeling and experience of the wilderness of the JMT. The video work itself was awe inspiring and I seriously appreciate you sharing this amazing trip and watched it to the end on mute. Keep the films coming! Namaste'

[@drewrobinson1]

I appreciate the constructive feedback, Carole. It's really nice to hear specific critiques and not just "I hated it". I'm not a pro film maker, and just put these personal projects together as a hobby because I enjoy doing so. I pack pretty light with my camera setup, which means I can capture nice photo and video, but not very good audio. I've thought about packing an external mic, but don't think I can justify the weight and size. I agree that the acoustic sounds of nature are beautiful to listen to, but can be distracting in their own right when not normalized and/or constantly peaking.

[@carolewarner101]

@@drewrobinson1 I wonder whether you could find some stock audio tapes of nature sounds that are similar to what's out there on the JMT... I'm sure you could at least find sounds of running streams and rivers, wind in the trees, thunder/hale storms, birdsong, etc. Then you could play that in the background while you narrated over the top. Also, even if it was a bit noisy, it would've been nice to hear you sharing about what was actually happening in the moment out there once in awhile. It doesn't have to be polished or even significant. It's just nice to hear what your thoughts actually are out there, right then as you're experiencing it. It makes it more exciting and relatable, at least to me. Anyway, all my talk and I've NEVER put together a video of any kind! Practice makes perfect, so keep it up! PS - Since watching your video (and others that same day) I've been obsessed with getting back out and hiking the JMT again! I LOVE that trail and that landscape. It's truly transformative... So now I'm committed! Going next summer/fall and I can't wait! Maybe I'll work on my video skills and see about putting out a little video of my own about it. But there's truly nothing like actually being out there...

[@sticks747a]

Enjoyed this thanks for sharing