Backpacking Hoosier National Forest

This backpacking trip was with my daughter, a friend, and his daughter to the Hoosier National Forest in Indiana. We hiked a portion of the Two Lakes Trail. While much of our backpacking gear was ultralight, we were packed for more of a lightweight backpacking trip.
NEW GEAR WE TRIED OUT:
Sleeping Pad - Nemo Tensor Insulated amzn.to/2PICzdZ
Trail Runners - Saucony Peregrine ISO amzn.to/2VD3TQk
Down Quilt - Outdoor Vitals Stormloft bit.ly/2vxdcCU
MY GO TO GEAR:
AWESOME Down Jacket - Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer: amzn.to/2DwUkIG
Cheaper but still GREAT down Jacket: amzn.to/2TbLmpJ
THE BEST Chair - Helinox Chair Zero: amzn.to/2RLFFCv
AMAZING Headlamp - Nitecore NU25: amzn.to/2CJ7DEh
EPIC Pot - Evernew Pasta Pot 1L: amzn.to/2MyTs9G
ULTRALIGHT Stove - BRS Stove: amzn.to/2RMV8SM
My HAT amzn.to/2VGKieB
My OTHER hat amzn.to/2GWuJvK
MY CAMERA GEAR:
MAIN CAMERA Canon EOS R amzn.to/2UJ6IQi
MAIN LENS Sigma 24mm-70mm F2.8 Art Lens amzn.to/2sysGVC
TRAIL LENS amzn.to/2XWeOCf
TRAIL MIC Rode Video Micro Mic amzn.to/2FGD9Gj
TALKING HEAD MIC Boya Lavalier Mic amzn.to/2CrjsPt

[@calmerthanyouare9858]

I gave this a thumbs up before I watched it. That’s how much I like Dan Becker.

[@c3920]

Good job Dan, you are my new favorite hiking/backpacking channel. I love the thru hiker videos but its nice to see the kind of hikes most of us regular folks do.

[@livinglike_lisa7954]

Really cute kids. Awesome to see dads spending quality time with their daughters!

[@DanBecker]

Thank you so much!!!

[@noneya6334]

@@DanBecker - hopefully, they will take you when you get old and you will slow your kids. Life is good!

[@pambrown6260]

Great. Kids are enthusiastic. Opening the adventure to another generation, I admire that. If they don't know what we are trying to protect it won't be preserved.

[@darrylward8848]

Precious times Dan. When my 4 were little you had to go slow, when they got to their teens they kept on going fully loaded. Now they are in their 20's I want them to carry me. Enjoy the memories. Blessings to you all.

[@benjibones]

Dan, this is the nicest thing ever! Absolutely lovely!

[@JT-162]

What a great father daughter adventure....not about the distance w kids...just need a smile on their face...great job dad

[@walkingwriter4325]

Beautiful drone shots! Mmmm, and waffles, too. Went on family camping trips every summer in late 1960s and early 70s. Still are some of my favorite childhood memories to this day.

[@jeremiahgillam3536]

It truly is so much fun to take kids into the woods and to watch them explore.

[@Athreehourtour]

Agree this is one of ur best vids. Ur an awesome dad and example to others. Ur video skills are increasing as well. Great content. Bless u man

[@jasonnicks819]

I discovered your channel about a week ago. I really enjoy your videos. I’m going to start backpacking this year. Your a wealth of knowledge. Thanks for educating me.

[@DanBecker]

Great to hear Jason!

[@derbybushcraftandoutdoors3176]

Great video of the family Dan. I live a few hours south of there and I’ve been wanting to do this trail myself. I love the content and the videos. Please keep them coming

[@Chriztina97]

Great video. Can you make a post about what your daughter carried in her pack? My daughter commonly carries her sleeping bag, pad, pillow, head lamp, and a couple personal items like a book.

[@chuckhagen8966]

I did the Knob Stone Trail to do 50 on my 50th. Hardly saw a soul. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johneason6540]

Good times hiking and camping with kids. My daughter loved it when she was young. But during middle school and high school she was not interested then. Last year for her 22nd birthday she asked to buy her new camping gear, WOW, I seceded!

[@edwardsbarbara25]

So glad you are teaching these young girls these things! Do believe these skills will always be a source of restoration and inspiration to them

[@hughhennessey964]

Look at how much fun these kids are having without electronics, just enjoying nature’s creation. Can’t wait to get my children out on our next hiking trip. Thanks Dan, great video.

[@backkat9475]

Nice vid. We did this trail a few weeks ago and it was pretty mucky. Camped near the dam. A few Creek crossings that were a bit dicey..lol. Love that you took the kids out!

[@theknowlodge8294]

What a great father and what a wonderful gift you are giving your child. Perhaps the most important gift. I have an incredibly courageous six year old and I can’t wait to do the same with her. What an inspiring video. Thanks Dan. 👍💪❣️

[@scott090670]

That is a good trail, has great views of Indian and Celina lakes, good to see you I'm Indiana

[@RexR256]

Wow. I like these Dan Becker videos. I enjoy watching him and his family and friends hiking and camping. You the man Dan! Great reviews on the gear too. I think I'm catching the Hiking camping Bug. You ever go fishing?

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Dan the Man. Thank you for sharing this family video. This hike is an experience that your daughter will never forget. You're a real loving Dad. Please take care out there, be safe and cherish the memories. 🤗

[@99hillproductions]

I live about 1 hour from most HNF trails . Great place to hike , as well as Shawnee National Forest. I’ve also done my fair share in Wisconsin in the Areas up By the Border near the Ice age , enjoy your channel dan

[@kimberlymayo9951]

Dan just smiles and its contagious. Great video awesome memories made.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Great trip, very well put together and filmed! Congrats on getting your daughter out with you. Soon I’ll be getting my boys (well at least one of them) back on the trail with me. Thanks for taking us along!

[@northernbeadle]

Hahaha!!! Not even 30 seconds in and I'm on the floor laughing about the girls needing the bathroom... I can relate to that so well! Just discovered your channel and it only took me 24 seconds to subscribe. Okay, gotta go and dive into this video and all the rest you have, Cheers!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

That’s so cool that you got your daughter out there. Looks really beautiful out there. Backpacking with those kids will keep you young 😃. I remember camping with my dad. Good memories.

[@DanBecker]

Thanks Jason! It was awesome!

[@ReadytoRetire112]

The exit meal always helps with the transition back to city life. In all honesty it’s one of my favorite parts of the trip! Haha

[@hankpowers4107]

One of your older videos, but so good! I'm getting back into backpacking because my kids are getting old enough to go now. To prepare, I'm doing lots of research and I am enjoying your channel. Several of the things you talk about on this video hit home for me. Spending quality time with my kids, making memories and also ... going slow and make sure they have enough fun to want to do it again. Thanks Dan!

[@rkf2746]

You made memories that will last forever for those girl's. Nice job Dad.

[@jaredcampbell]

Great on ya dad to take your kids. I'm 48 years old and I remember the hikes that my dad took me and my brothers on when we were 10 yrs and older. It was a great experience and lots of fun. Your kids will always look back on these hikes fondly.

[@DanBecker]

Thanks, Jared! It was so much fun!

[@shabooze69]

Cool video! Making memories.

[@alistairj4851]

Now that was a good post. Great to see Dan and his friend getting the kids involved who really seemed to enjoy it. I bet they can't wait to get out into the wilderness again and try to find more wildlife.

[@BackOutside]

this is so awesome! taking my 6 year old daughter for a 40 mile backpacking trip on the Appalachian trail in 2 weeks. cant wait for her to get home from school and watch this video again with her.

[@johneason6540]

What a treat, taking them in for town food while out hiking. That will make them to go out again!!!

[@DanBecker]

Thanks John! It was a blast!

[@KrokemOutdoors]

That nemo in Wide is something I think I need to get! Great vid man 👍

[@DanBecker]

Thanks Edward!

[@normarinker3245]

Quality memories. All the warm fuzzies. Thanks, Dan! You're getting really good with the drone.

[@walkerone9833]

Thank you so much for sharing this excellent trip w/us. Your friends/family made it so enjoyable!

[@DanBecker]

Thank you so much that’s great to hear!

[@calvinbuckner3043]

Wonderful video. Nice to see you mentoring your kids in the important things in life. Teaching them right.

[@oldunion]

Glad you like the Tensor. I went with the Vector because the sponge pump addition was the approx same weight as a pump sack. They are great pads.

[@812Taco]

I like the this trail. If you ever come back to Indiana, check out charles deam wilderness. It's part of HNF. The peninsula Trail is probably the most popular. It's 5 mi out and 5 mi back...But most of the campsites are on the shores of lake Monroe. Beautiful sunsets..

[@ssdlq]

Hello, I'm a travel KZbinr from Korea.Your video really helped me a lot. Thank you.😁

[@thuthiehiker]

What a great trip. Hope I can do that with my granddaughter when she gets older.

[@tammystringer4044]

Quality time for sure. Lifetime memories. Hike on!

[@JeremiahStringer]

What a great time! Love the vlog and that you got to make memories with the kids 😃 Great drone shots too man. Next level 🙌🏻

[@DragonRoams]

Great video and awesome job starting them out early. It's always great seeing kids enjoying nature.

[@MrTmax74]

I’m enjoying the video Dan. What a fun adventure. I’m the same way with campsites. If I can find a good primitive and free site I will jump on it. Tx 🤘

[@DanBecker]

Primitive campsites can be AMAZING!!!

[@janetstarr9554]

Camping memories and stories of overcoming the challenges are the best. We FINALLY slept in one of our Lanshan2 tents!

[@DanBecker]

How was the tent, Janet? I thought about buying one just for when I bring friends with me!

[@janetstarr9554]

@@DanBecker it worked great! I had previously tested it in a solid torrential down pour where is had the smallest wicking from the over sewing on the side tie out points. So for sunshining Easter weekend we had all three tents out on the lawn like bunny huts where we could seal them over with silicon. It did not rain this past weekend but ventilation was good. Essential bug barrier did it's job. I find them super easy to set up. Ask me again when we put them to use on vacation to AZ and CA in June!!! LOL!

[@janetstarr9554]

Oh! FYI...I did choose to get some shepard hook stakes and some longer ground hog type stakes!!! The soil in south Texas can be super soft after rains! ;)

[@rudyo8409]

What a great outing with the cub's. Thank's for sharing

[@RoadToFreedom29]

Awesome vid buddy. I'm taking my 5 year old for a little 30 mins hike and a camp soon can't wait it's his first time

[@arewehavingfunyet7685]

We are actually packing up to take our smols out this weekend! The timing of this couldn't have been better! 🙏🏻The girls & their frogs were adorable lol

[@DanBecker]

Are We Having Fun Yet That’s awesome! I hope you guys have a great time!

[@kazinadirahelen4064]

this video felt like the sweetest dream! i am so looking forward to take my kid to the woods!

[@stevenj6070]

I love my Outdoor Vitals 15 quilt. So much loft on that thing.

[@Dowe78]

Great video Dan! I'm enjoying the longer form trip videos. Keep 'em coming, and I think you could even make them a little longer!

[@QuietMowing]

Let's get this party started!! 🤘

[@meganmartinez3524]

This is awesome!

[@TraumaRNKen]

Great video dan. It has inspired me even more to get out on the trail with my son! Keep sharing and safe travels!

[@DanBecker]

Awesome Ken!!!!!!

[@markie3394]

Hey I’m a Hoosier from Indianapolis and have yet to venture there! On the list. Thanks for sharing! If you haven’t yet check out Shades State Park with the kids sometime. Lots of ravines but short and easy plus there’s a backpackers camp.

[@DanBecker]

Awesome! Good to know! Thanks so much!

[@chadwillms1849]

Great job dan

[@rickfromvirginia]

Awesome family camping video! Backpacking done right! keep up the good work and thanks for sharing!

[@DanBecker]

Thank you Rick! Appreciate it!

[@jennybrandon2393]

Great video! It’s great to see you introducing your daughter to the adventures of backpacking. I started backpacking with my kids thru Scouts, and it’s awesome to see how they grow and develop thru the experience. Love the videography!

[@DanBecker]

Thanks Jenny!! I appreciate it!!

[@ErichWelsch]

Great job Dan..I like the drone work..what kind do you have..you don't have it part of your gear list yet..so glad you got to go camping with your daughter..you are 100% correct in that these are the moments she will never forget..can't wait till the next one..

[@allenmartin2498]

I love two lakes loop ! Those creeks can get serious man.

[@april906outdoors3]

Love this, Dan! Building memories to last a lifetime - for all of you. "I found a snake"!" 🐍❤️ Beautiful footage, too. Hike on!

[@DanBecker]

😂thanks April!!

[@JasonOutdoors]

Excellent video. It's great to see kids getting out there and enjoying the outdoors. I'm actually getting my 12 year old to come along with me in a couple weeks. Kettle moraine per your suggestion 🤗

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Dan, I am looking forward to your video tomorrow afternoon. See you then. 🤗

[@missyscallions9141]

Making memories! ❤️

[@TheRagingTurtl]

Great that you can make those memories with her. I live in SW MI and haven't been to the Manistee river trail yet. If you do go there I'd love you to post the video. Thanks again.

[@DanBecker]

We actually ended up going to pictured rocks in upper Michigan instead. The guys I went with voted they wanted to go there instead. The weather turned out to be great for it as well! Video coming soon!

[@joshheath954]

Scout Smith, I did the same thing! Great video Dan! Thanks for taking us with you. Looks like you had a great time!

[@joshheath954]

P.S. love the drone footage too!!

[@DanBecker]

Thanks so much, Josh! It was a great time!

[@Bluemoonrealtygroup0617]

Great video!!

[@spencerrebosmax7915]

Great video!

[@mikek6293]

Great video.

[@asagmeis]

Nice job. Great tips on taking kids camping.

[@OldPackMule]

We all need a 1mph hike while catching frogs once in a while. Looks like it was fun. Great to see the world through their eyes.

[@pambrown6260]

And there's not the extra weight of ego.

[@kimrobb1965]

This is so wonderful to see ❤️❤️

[@BryceNewbold]

Everytime i take my girls its either raining or super hot. Looks like you all had a great trip. Good stuff

[@TK8286]

Excellent video! Best of times....

[@thebrizzy]

Beautiful trip.

[@bluejeans8001]

That was an enjoyable vid. Thanks for sharing 👍👍👍

[@DanBecker]

Thanks Bill!

[@rachescakes]

I loved seeing a hiking video with kids! I’d love to know what gear the girls used and how much weight they carried. I’m hoping to soon to take my 9 year old on her first backpacking trip.

[@natelee78]

Were you going to hike the Manistee River Trail in Michigan? That is a great trail! I did that last fall with my two oldest boys.

[@timothyh.1460]

This is your best video, hands down.

[@tabliechty9318]

Nice vid... prayers

[@thewanderinglily3689]

You werent far from me. I live in the hoosier national forest. It is beautiful! Alot of great hiking trails.

[@DanBecker]

That’s awesome, Angela! It was about a 6 hr drive for us from Wisconsin LOL

[@thewanderinglily3689]

@@DanBecker if you are down this way again sometime you should let me know. My husband and I can meet you and hike!

[@Nguyens]

I’d love to see that the kids are carrying. It will give me some ideas for what my kids could handle.

[@DanBecker]

I’ll work on that video. It’s been a big request!!

[@glynnoster1131]

Great video Dan!

[@richardbarrett2625]

That was awesome 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙌

[@midlifeadventures391]

I wanted to see the snake! How come you didn't get a shot of the snake your daughter found? She was super excited about it.

[@DanBecker]

It actually was a salamander we think LOL! By the time I got over there it ran off!

[@KaioshinAemi]

Hey Dan, love your video man. It's nice to be with kids out in the wood. Kids bring joyful in different ways. Plus it's priceless quality time. I'm glad to see the variety of videos that you bring to us. I enjoyed it and like it. Question: about the BRS stove, can I use the Wal-Mart Coleman 1lbs green propane bottle on it? Thanks in advance, Leon,

[@DanBecker]

Thanks for that encouragement! I am fairly certain you can use it for that. I’m pretty sure those tops on those propane tanks are universal. The BRS has a pretty standard size stove thread. Otherwise, for five dollars, you can just pick up one of the super small canisters. I usually pick up the ones that are 110 g and that will get me through at least four days out in the back country!

[@fuzielectron5172]

I do not know about the large Wal-Mart can but the BRS stoves can be used on the Coleman 500gram (1lb) cannisters which if bought in six packs or some form of bulk work out at a decent price. I do use the 110 gram Coleman cannisters as easier for the kids to carry and adequate for a long weekend hike but they are nearly the same price as the 500 gram cannisters so IMHO poor value. You can buy adapters on EBay to refill the smaller ones from the 500gr ones which gives four refills. Another hack I use on the small canister is to refill them from the cheaper nozzle type butane bottles you can get for the suitcase style single ring stoves, commonly come in 4 packs, adapter again available on EBay. In the UK we have a propane/butane mix brand in a nozzle can which give very similar performance to the Coleman cold weather cannisters and works out very economically. We only use the larger cans when car camping or on longer trips, there are a number of videos on UTube showing the adapters and refilling process.

[@morenoerik14]

New to the channel. Subbed a couple days ago. Your videos are awesome. I'm trying to get more into hiking and all the advice and reviews you give (whether I know it already or not) is very entertaining. Got me all excited for my hike this Sunday.

[@DanBecker]

Wow, Eric! That’s great to hear! And thanks so much for subscribing! Have a great hike!

[@davidsawmandave8731]

I'm watching the video now what a great trip that is how do you like that new water bag bladder you're using and I'd like a little more info on that quilt later on I'm going to be in the market for a quilt I'm trying to get away from the mummy bag

[@rdriss11]

Awesome video. I want to try this national park. What trails did you do and is it still the one you would recommend? I’m looking to get away from car camping and more backpacking. This looked like a good way to start.

[@DanBecker]

Thanks! We did the Two Lakes Trail. It was really pretty! But campsites can be difficult to find sometimes. You really have to keep your eyes open. Other than that I’ve also done the Charles Deam Wilderness which is equally as amazing! It’s the northern part of Hoosier national forest

[@rdriss11]

Hello dan, I was wondering if you could show us what part of the park you did. I'm trying to locate good primitive/backpacking sites like the one you stayed at and knowing your route would be appreciated. Thanks

[@DanBecker]

Great question! We did two lakes trail. Unfortunately, campsites are not marked on the map anywhere. You just need to keep your eyes open for campsites along the way. You can camp anywhere you like as long as you’re off the trail bit. That’s exactly what we did. My recommendation would be to call the Rangers office and ask them if they could pinpoint any camping spots they may know about.

[@beamer6136]

Looked like a pretty flat trail, was there many up hills on this trail

[@DanBecker]

Not at all! It’s a pretty easy trail. There was a lot of mud though when we went.

[@felipecastellon4740]

Very nice. God bless!

[@uptrail7169]

Excellent Video! I'm getting ready for a quick trip to the Manistee River and I could possibly be meeting up with another backpacking KZbinr. My SHT hike is coming soon and they still have snow up on the north end!

[@DanBecker]

Thanks, Bob! Are you going to be videoing that trip? I can’t wait to watch it! That’s gonna be awesome! I’m actually headed back up to pictured rocks this morning!

[@uptrail7169]

@@DanBecker I'll make a short video for my trip. I hear that Pictured Rocks trails are extremely wet and muddy in some areas. Most of the snow should be gone and the lake still has some ice along the shore. It still will be a good trip for you.

[@uptrail7169]

@@DanBecker I'll make a short video for my trip. I hear that Pictured Rocks trails are extremely wet and muddy in some areas. Most of the snow should be gone and the lake still has some ice along the shore. It still will be a good trip for you.

[@briancolson5179]

Another great video, Dan. Making memories with the kids and enjoying God's creation. Love Saucony shoes as well!

[@DanBecker]

Thanks, Brian! Those shoes are amazing LOL

[@footprintsandtyretracks]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ loved this and makes me so excited for next weekend heading out with my son! I put a notification on to watch the premier but who was I kidding, I was still fast asleep (would have been like 4 or 5am I think here when it premiered lol). You need to do some kid stuff reviews. Were they Osprey Ace packs the kids had? That’s what my son uses (50L). What’s in their bags and how heavy are they? I don’t know how much to load him up with. We’ve only been out once together and he just had his sleeping bag and clothes and a bit of food & water. What sleeping bags etc do the kids use? I can’t get a Tensor in a 25R in Australia yet (have seen the other sizes here but no 25R) so I settled on the new Nemo Astro instead for now - my son has the old valve model so maybe we’ll be able to push them right together and make a big bed lol. And I’ll patiently wait for the Tensor in the size I want! Thanks for sharing your trip with us ❤️

[@DanBecker]

Thanks for the encouragement! I’m definitely going to try to have reviews on items that kids bring. Keep an eye out for it! Also if you’re going to love that Nemo pad! It’s absolutely amazing!

[@Gecko029]

Hello, I am very interested in backpacking. I am a beginner and have a lot to learn. Besides All Trails where can you find maps?

[@biscuitblanco5599]

Dan, I'm looking to outfit my kids (ages 14, 11 and 5). Do you have any videos on kids' gear including what you've purchased for them and how you recommend packing it? Thanks for putting these family-friendly hiking videos out.

[@DanBecker]

Unfortunately I do not as of yet. But I’ve been getting tons of request to make one! Hopefully I will do something in the very near future! In the meantime you should check out the Osprey Ace line of kids backpacks. That’s what my kids use and they are fantastic!

[@fuzielectron5172]

@@DanBecker I would be interested in this as well as am now hiking with my 15 year old daughter and 12 year old niece. My daughter is currently working through my surplus rucksacks (never used more than a handful of times when I was trying to move away unsuccesfully from external frames) but we were looking at the Osprey Rook 65l (sorry Renn for females) and had it loaded to 24lbs in the shop where she wore it for 3/4's of an hour very nice and comfortable with adjustable back sizing. I was going to buy it but she wants to work her way through the cupboard of surplus first! Great video and as you say making distance is hard as they want to check out every pretty flower, frog, waterfall and what have you but you are making memories that last a lifetime.