Backpacking in Grizzly Country ...and Tales of Close Encounters

[@Ch33no]

Been watching your channel for a decade now. My fav vid is when it was raining you were on slick rocks and you came to a drop off and turned back. You are genuine sir. Which is rare on here. And now it's cheeseburger time.

[@sintax77]

I believe that may have been the Linville Gorge trip, right? That was a tough one for me in a lot of ways, haha.

[@HandFeedWildBirds]

⁠@@sintax77haha yep Linville Gorge is tough….i messaged you about a year or two ago about my experience of nearly freezing to death in the “Storm of the Century” in March 1993 in Linville Gorge. It snowed 55 inches on us in 2 days. It was insane!

[@stephenlavely2930]

@@sintax77yo bro just discovered your channel. My wife and I love your content. One small suggestion, you should really end all your videos with your celebratory cheeseburger, 🤤 and perhaps give some love to the local restaurants. It would be gratifying and informative to your viewers. Just a thought. 🍔 keep up the great work

[@jeromeknasinski3862]

Oh yes....now it's cheeseburger time.

[@dianarosenow6091]

@@stephenlavely2930

[@sintax77]

Mega-video for my OG viewers ;)

[@mattg2935]

Thanks Sintax!

[@db.mc2]

@sintax77 Thanks Shawn! Mega 👊🏻👍🏻!

[@LoneHiker]

The antidote to KZbin shorts

[@michaelbroyer3918]

I like the longer video format...always have. I enjoy your videos very much!

[@IntoTheWildernessBushcraft]

Avid hiker here. My son & I were on the AT in PA & bear spray would’ve been completely useless when a black bear walked up on our tent. Bear was sniffing through our tent & my finger was riding the trigger waiting for my “line in the sand”. I no longer trust any horn or spray.

[@kissurviva8035]

Poncho, Poncho, Poncho. For rain is the way I go for rainy hikes. How ever being former military and where camping is my happy place, hiking is generally just a big part of that. I've enjoyed your videos over the years. The poncho will cover you and backpack. Great content.

[@judithbrown3623]

This trip is now one of my favorites. That lake is beautiful. Add on the bear tales and it makes for a perfect video. You were very kind about Rex. You can't fix stupid!

[@Turtle3863]

Kept us hanging for the entire 2 hours for the bear story finish....Brilliant.

[@paulkick7870]

Always great to see another video. Nice pun on bears trying to find their "bearings." Old joke about bears: "What's the difference between Grizzly scat and other bear scat? Grizzly scat has bells and smells like pepper."

[@ianmccutcheon6319]

Great backpacking video as always and the bear stories were very interesting to say the least .

[@ALORDW]

Always nice to see your lovely wife! Beautiful trip.

[@barbararobbins5309]

I really enjoyed this vid. Thanks for taking me to Idaho, which is a state which I have never visited. The scenery was beautiful. The desert is nice and different, but there's nothing like some greenery and water. It's soothing,. Yes, bears are nothing to take chances with. At my little cedar chalet in the foothills of the Smokies, we have to be very careful with trash etc. I've not personally had an encounter with a bear, but there was one sighed next door to me, foraging in the trash can. The Hispanic worker came to my house for a little job and he kept saying, excitingly, "It's a bar, it's a bar." Middle Tennessee girl that I am, thought he was saying "It's a fire," and I said "I didn't hear any siren." All they have where my cabin is is a volunteer fire department. The workman said "No, it's a bar," and he showed me a photo of the bear in the trash can, The renters had left that house, and not secured the trash. That's my closest encounter, other than watching them from the car at Cades Cove, but several have been sighted downtown in Gatlinburg, and one actually went into a taco shop. He was hungry! I always make noise, though, going out to my trashcan though, when I am at my beloved Roost, and I am glad I have a security light shining brightly at night. Take care Sean! Until next time!

[@OldPackMule]

"Hard bear spray" 😂

[@chrislrob]

My 15-y-o son is just back from Wyoming's Wind River Range with NOLS. I'm a solo backpacker but I don't think I will ever solo in grizzly country. Don't have the nerve for it. Especially in that kind of close terrain. Kudos to you.

[@sintax77]

Ah, man - I just googled Wind River Range and now you've got dying to do that too! Adding it to the list :)

[@chrislrob]

@@sintax77 You really should. Just saw the pictures from the trip. Incredible.

[@rjonzun5828]

Wow! I am so glad you are still doing it. Thank you so much for the extended episode. :)

[@sintax77]

My pleasure, and yup - I'm still at it :)

[@SomeGuyInTheWild]

That's a beautiful area. I hiked there back in 1980. Unfortunately some camper buried their trash and a grizzly found it in the middle of the night waking me up. Saw him, he saw me. I just rolled over and went back to sleep. I thought it was a dream til I saw the disturbed area in the morning. That's the last time I ever went on a remote solo adventure. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us. And your bravery! 😀

[@PahsimeroiADV]

I live about 30 miles away from this trail. I love hiking in the area. The last time I did an extended hike here it was two years ago. I helped lead a group of college students on a 10 day backcountry navigational course. This is such a beautiful area. If you’re still around, I’d love to go out and grab a burger with y’all!

[@sintax77]

Nice! Seems like an great spot to live around. We actually making our way to the Pacific Norwest now. Although it feels more like the desert with the heat wave. yikes!

[@Blight_Knight]

Straight to the top of my list of videos to watch 💪🏻💪🏻

[@Twobarpsi]

Man, those bear stories are incredible!!

[@kylemarsden3528]

Right in my backyard! Love it!

[@WoodAllTrails]

Shawn, if you are ever back in KY, I'd love to hike and camp with you, brother!!! You are definitely the biggest inspiration to my channel!!!

[@uptrail7169]

Thanks for another great video! 👍 What a beautiful area in Idaho for a backpacking trip. I almost always use the PCT hang for my food bag. It's very easy especially how I do it. Your road trips keep getting better. I can't wait for the next one. 😀

[@sintax77]

Thanks, Bob. Yeah, I should probably learn how to properly do that by now 😅

[@lynh8378]

Nice video. Enjoyed the bridges. Thanks.

[@RobotRangerGuy]

Cool! Loved it, thanks very much!

[@frankjones3198]

This is one of several (or many) videos you’ve made so far that I will definitely watch more than twice. Thank you

[@natlovell122]

What an awesome video! Love your sense of humor. Thanks for sharing

[@Victory1981]

Beautiful views! And you prepared yourself, which is good.

[@olddudeonthetrail72]

Spectacular scenery! Loved it.

[@lisamr40]

Yay!! 2 hours of Sintax!! Can't wait to watch! Ok, I watched! Beautiful scenery! If I saw a bear, I'd pass out, right there. I want to know what the hell is wrong with people. I've been seeing stories of people getting all close and personal with the Bison at Yellowstone. Is a picture worth dying for?? Unreal that people can be so stupid. I'm glad you and Sarah stayed safe and had no major issues. Thanks for sharing your hiking trips with us. Stay safe out there!

[@skipwexler6001]

Fabulous show thanks for another great one

[@ifonlyseethrumyeyes8957]

Always enjoyable Sean! Thank you ❤

[@darrenscanlon3]

Watching for years. Love the videos. Keep it up Shawn

[@sintax77]

That's awesome - Thanks, Darren!

[@anthonybui1531]

My favorite video is the Hiking 5 days through the white mountains on the presidential range. I still watch it

[@turtlecrawford6468]

Very nicely done, place looks awesome!

[@michaelbroyer3918]

Fantastic Video! Your approach to backpacking resonates with many. The bear stories are worth the price of admission. Sarah is very cool!

[@backpackingcapebreton]

Thoroughly enjoyed that, Sean!

[@ballgroundrx]

Fantastic video. Long form is amazing. This slows everything in the world down just a little. Looking forward to more, and putting Idaho on my list!

[@wewander9726]

“Hard Bear Spray”😂 Hope you never have to deploy either kind!

[@DanielBrown-nj3th]

I’m back to your channel. Thank you for your great videos. 🙌🏼

[@sintax77]

Welcome back!

[@jeromeknasinski3862]

Great Video... Great story telling

[@davidkost418]

It’s always fun to watch your videos. Keep them coming and thank you for sharing them. 😎

[@jonboll2066]

Forgot about this channel. Haven't watched one of his videos in like 6 years. Still good stuff.

[@mattg2935]

Love this type of video!!!

[@lomino6478]

Absolutely fantastic video, thoroughly enjoyed it 👍

[@chuckmetten3183]

I like the way you take your time in the morning. Whether I'm backpacking or car camping , I need some time to get the kinks out before hitting the trail.

[@walterwright8926]

Great views, great trip man.

[@mistabone3899]

I loved the story telling part of the video. Thanks.

[@adrienguinebertiere]

The tetons are an amazing place! Hope you enjoyed yourself

[@sintax77]

They certainly are, and we definitely did enjoy it :) The actual park was great for day hikes and just driving around as well. Probably one of my favorite parks so far.

[@BigDuke-md8ec]

Love it …. Great content! Gotta laugh at the” hard bear spray” comment . Be safe

[@jenniesuter4402]

I enjoyed this hike and the tales of bear encounters.

[@robertbaker1893]

Thanks for the trip, Shawn.

[@ownsacat]

It's always best to have at least 2 people together when hiking and camping. I just saw a report of a hiker falling and his legs were in an awkward position in the rock. He died. If he had a friend with him they could have lifted him or gone for help. And with bears remember, you don't have to be the fastest runner, you just have to run faster then one of your friends. He he he.

[@vinceimp9581]

Thanks for sharing another adventure, I'm looking forward to it! Still amazing we almost met each other, thinking back I'm pretty sure I walked right by y'all on that snow drift. I remember seeing the dog then telling my buddy since he had his dog too. Guess I was to focused on cheeseburger time..lol Take care

[@sintax77]

Cheeseburger tunnel vision is real thing, no doubt! :)

[@Jwnorton]

RE: Fatwood. That was a nice chunk. I'd have used a sharp knife, get a good pile of shavings from it, and start your fire off that, then save the rest of the major chunk for a later time. But, nice video. Glad for this larger OG format vid.

[@wendelclements6448]

Man just was awesome footage. Also learned a lot from the bear story! Some people can just be so careless. As always safe travels

[@DanBecker]

Raise your hand if you’re an OG viewer like me 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@uptrail7169]

@@DanBecker Sintax is the first KZbin backpacking channel that I ever watched since 2012. Dan we still need to do a hike together someday.

[@CoachBill315]

​@@uptrail7169 same here... learning things I could about backpacking and hammocks.

[@cookingspicy6443]

@@uptrail7169 End of 2013 here, I remember back when you were one of the only ones in the comments for awhile

[@uptrail7169]

@@cookingspicy6443 Thanks! It's almost like we know each other because he's been on KZbin for so long. Back then it was hard to list a dozen backpacking channels. You had Sintax77, Shug, my channel and a few others. I just never had the time to make my channel to be anything like theirs.

[@GQGeek81]

Since he and Trail Slippah filtered, treated, AND boiled water they collected in the whites. 🤣

[@wolfeadventures]

Really dig these long format videos. Subscribed.

[@cosmiccharlie8294]

I remember burying a leg of lamb in a snowbank that we had brazed on a campfire on a Northern Idaho spring camp out. Way back in 1980. Priest Lake area. By the Superior National Forest the last 30 years. Nice stories, thank you.

[@barbarawilliams5621]

It was so good to see you and Sarah again…and in our state of Idaho. You were quite a bit south of us, (we live in the panhandle) but it is just as gorgeous! Great adventure Shaun! Loved the true sagas…the last one was unfortunate, because fools not only put themselves in danger, but twelve others as well! Not to mention the bear and her cub. For Rex: you are a foolish man who only cares about your selfies! One day you will go a bridge too far…

[@sintax77]

We were boondocking in the panhandle last week for a bit (near Clark Fork) and absolutely loved it! Beautiful area :)

[@barbarawilliams5621]

@@sintax77 It is beautiful up here. We live in Sandpoint not far from there. It was nice to see a mountain adventure, and glad the grizzlies left you alone. We have them here, some, but mostly black bears and moose- who are often seen cruising our apartment complex! One even parked herself near the mailboxes one day! Awesome animal…Be blessed you two!

[@calicogrinderman]

Awesome video can't wait til my next view!!!

[@atmian]

Very enjoyable nature videos! Just a tip, I never wear a rain jacket while hiking, at least with a pack, for the reason you also experience: getting wet from the inside. I have found a much better solution to be a poncho, it covers the pack as well and provides much better ventilation.

[@armorvestrus4119]

Shawn, as much as you are out in the wild you should learn how to make the upside-down fire. This is no joke it works great and is the best way to make a fire.

[@LisaHouserman]

I'm pretty new to your channel. I watched you come face to face with a plane and then another time with a wing of another plane. I've watched probably 15 or more. I just love this area and have always wanted to visit. Thank you for the tour.

[@sintax77]

My pleasure, I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@SteveGold-o6q]

Hi Shawn. Chalk up another interesting trip you were able to experience. Enjoyed the bear stories. People were probably thinking, what are the odds of someone coming to beat you out if a campsite, but if it could happen, of course it did. You almost felt guilty changing camp sites. I had a chance to see a moose, but they seemed to be hiding while I was visiting a friend up in Maine, by their cabin at the lake. I really wanted to see one, but I maybe, I was fortunately disappointed. Loved hearing your Bear stories and being able to see what I wouldn’t have personally. At least you didn’t have to use your bear spray. Funny when you said, “I hope nobody’s down here trying to get a snack. Besides me!” This was a great trip, thanks to your wife for dropping you off. She’s the best. Enjoy the rest of your week and weekend.

[@SOFWarrior5293]

It's a beautiful area. My wife is from Idaho, and we honeymooned in the Tetons.

[@adammackenzie]

Great video and informative, thanks

[@wolfandhoundh.a.e]

What an awesome video,

[@Outdoor_MED]

See you back in another 2 months

[@Djhikes63]

Love it!

[@dannyneal6194]

Great video! Thanks for the trip! No bears trying to share your cheese burger…

[@davidcarbiener6567]

Us Silvers just keep going strong. Keep it going 😎

[@JamieKrause86]

Wow what a treat be careful of those bears!

[@thomasfox8027]

Haha, funny hearing you mention Vermont's "mud season" (that's where I live). I can confirm that yes, it is much, much worse than anything I have ever encountered anywhere else that I have ever been. It's insane. Lol Good video!

[@angelagreer4292]

Reminds me of our hike of the Buffalo River Trail in Arkansas and the Ozark Highlands Trail! So beautiful and variations of nature.

[@katenickels617]

beautiful country

[@db.mc2]

Thanks Shawn! 👊🏻👍🏻 Hope you're doing well my friend 🤞🏻 Always great to hear from you! God Bless 🙏🏻 Appreciate you always ! 🫶🏻👊🏻

[@sintax77]

We're doing great, thanks! Hope you area as well.

[@MichaelHolloway]

As a bicycle courier I learned to layer off and on - really important to not loose core temp in winter - & especially important I figure - when trailing up mountains.

[@JohnBurdette-or7if]

Beautiful territory it that way

[@sintax77]

It's nice to be back out hiking on some lush green trails, that's for sure!

[@kimprocarione5473]

Awesome! I've heard from Alaskan natives that there are a higher number of deadly moose attacks than grizzly attacks. None of them were exaggerating types of people. So I hope you don't run into a momma and baby of either! 😅 At least it isn't Fall! This was a gorgeous video! I love how you told your tale in chapters! It didn't feel like 2 hours at all! Excellent job!

[@totoroben]

great video.

[@gregharmon3797]

Great video

[@ledbyscouts9197]

I’ve also become a fan of Outdoor Vitals gear (pack and tent). UL that doesn’t break my bank. Thanks for this video.

[@woodchip2782]

An umbrella and shorts are the best things. Hikers have been doing it for a long time.

[@restoreallthings1806]

Sean is from the north, also umbrellas have there time and place but also weighty for the overnight hikes.

[@azcolby40]

It was obvious that you were uneasy about potential bear encounters, I can understand that. Beautiful area and video.

[@tracymanno2285]

Awesome! Thank you!🎉

[@JbirdL2233]

This is such a beautiful hike, thank you for sharing it. I would not be able to do it because I would be bear scared the whole time, and it would ruin my fun.

[@calicogrinderman]

Listening to the bear story and watching your hike..... how are you not as "youtube famous " as jk and Jeremiah stringer? And others? I found you from the backpacker podcast and trail tales podcast. I'll be checking many more of your videos.

[@crazymadness9008]

You should check out SOTA summits on the air. It’s a HAM radio thing I think you would enjoy it! Totally changes your mind on how you plan your hikes!

[@sintax77]

Thanks! My parents are licensed operators and have mentioned that before as well. Sounds pretty cool!

[@crazymadness9008]

Definitely something to consider great content for KZbin. I’ve been watching your videos since you started. And think you and your wife would get addicted to it just check it out.

[@roxannegordon2854]

I was here last year, July 2023, for a long cross-country trip from New Hampshire, and saw 'white stuff' on the mountain tops as we approached Grand Teton. Come to find out, it was SNOW. YUP! Here in NH I've only climbed Mt. Washington, 6,233'. Just a baby hill to Grand Teton.

[@bobkuhn861]

There's a great brewery in Victor. Also don't forget the Huckleberry icecream in town. 😊💖🐶🐶🐶

[@sintax77]

I believe we went to that brewery! It was right down the street from our RV spot. Great town

[@thomascronin1040]

Some Hikers wear bear bells to scare away bears as they hike along. By studying bear poop droppings one can tell what kind of bears are in the area. Small seeds and twigs.....Black Bears Small bones, fur......Brown Bears Hiker Bear Bells...Grizzly Bears

[@brianyoungberg8750]

Another great video, loved your recounting the encounter with the grizzly. It’s amazing what idiots are out in the woods and their complete lack of understanding nature.

[@Imnotlostimexploring]

Great video! I guess as the saying goes.. you can’t fix stupid 😅😂! Sounds like an adventure uou won’t forget!

[@SmokeyDukems]

I’m going to do your Linville gorge loop in the next 2 months for my second attempt. My first I did 27.6 miles and called it at the table rock. I also did the same thing and had the same thoughts of filling up at the river crossing and I didn’t. Jeep trail was dried up and I almost didn’t make it lol. But finally made it to water tree. I had to do 20 miles the second day to catch up to your miles as well 😂. I love the Linville Gorge with all my soul. It’s not for many but I hope more try it!!

[@linh8997]

I always used to just use a poncho. What keeps your head shoulders back shoes all dry, and if you get too warm you just flap your arms

[@sintax77]

Great point. I used to have one as well, but almost forgot about it. Goes right over your pack without messing with a pack cover too.

[@linh8997]

Wow. What an absolutely beautiful trail. Wow...

[@CraigBaughan-mg3hf]

Bears have a "leave no trace" policy of their own.

[@elijahkraatz9700]

Why no hammock lately? Looks like a great hike. Enjoyed the video as usual!

[@margreetweistra1538]

Like your video´s very much! I want to take up hiking too. I have a question, how do you protect yourself from ticks? I mean bears are more of a danger sure. But in the Netherlands where I live we dont have bears, ticks we do unfortunatly.

[@sintax77]

For backpacking, I usually carry a little 15ml bottle of 100% deet. It's the same active chemical that's in the aerosol sprays, without any other additives. I occasionally rub a tiny bit on ankles wrists, etc. Seems to do the trick with virtually no weight.

[@terryhikes]

I have outstanding luck with Sawyer products. Permethrin on clothing and gear, and Picaridin on skin. I haven't had a tick on me in the 3 years I've been using those products.

[@kellyohara806]

Great video as always. Nice to see you covering the western wilds, but do you ever miss the eastern woodlands?

[@rolytech212]

How is that Chad Mendez meals? I’ve been wanting to try them, but haven’t yet.

[@gud2go50]

You’re a lucky man. You have a great wife!😊

[@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677]

Have you ever made cheeseburgers while hiking or has it always been a ritual for after you’re finished with the trail??

[@sintax77]

I actually did pack in all the fixings and cooked cheeseburgers on a winter backpacking trip video years ago. In Pennsylvania, I believe.

[@Smokymountainhike]

Yes don't really like rain gear cause of the sweat. I would rather be wet by the rain than sweat.

[@foxhoundoutdoor8431]

My man you should totally give a sneak peak of what the cheeseburgers look like at the end of the episodes!