Backpacking through the Adirondacks - Tips for Beginners

[@MaartyMcFly.188]

Great video and liked the split with voiceover and tips. I'm in northern NJ usually don't go any further than over the border to Harriman. I didn't realize how vast and diverse the Adirondaks actually are and need to get up there now.

[@MapsWithNoRoads]

Thank you! I appreciate you feedback on the voiceover split. It’s a new style I’m trying. I’m from central Jersey, and I gotta say the Adirondacks are definitely worth the trip. Oddly enough, I have yet to backpack in Harriman.

[@Wakis85]

Love Harriman and Bear Mtn. I have a few videos on my channel from there!

[@justasimpleguy7211]

A few of my favorite places in the High Peaks are the summit of Algonquin, Indian Pass and Avalanche Pass. My absolute favorite place for a true wilderness experiences is Siamese Ponds Wilderness and especially coming in from the Route 8 side. I've done many, many 5+ day packs into it for trout fishing and I can count on one hand the number of times I came across other hikers/backpackers. Same for West Canada Wilderness though I've run into more people back there than Siamese Ponds, but nothing remotely close to the High Peaks. And yeah, in my opinion it's essential to have USGS maps and a good orienteering compass (I use a Silva and have a cheap backup) and knowing how to take map and field bearings and being cognizant of magnetic declination and setting the compass accordingly. Just in case... Then again I don't bring any electronic devices and sometimes bushwhack to get to those special ponds with native brookies, so for me it's absolutely essential. It adds to the wilderness experience. Focuses attention directly on the present moment. It's the most alive I ever feel, I suppose because one becomes keenly aware of one's vulnerability and mortality. Tip for packing the backpack - Pack heavier items towards the bottom and closer to your back.

[@kurt33lee]

cool video. thank you for your service sir.

[@Fireman1511]

Great video, I recognized most of the locations. Thanks for sharing the tips, like how slippery the rocks can get. Keep up the good work!

[@MapsWithNoRoads]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrStocktopus]

Love the cinematography, keep up the good work!

[@MapsWithNoRoads]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@Desh727]

Just found your channel and just decided to try backpacking with my brother. Gonna try that quick one nighter in NJ but was curious if this is something 2 bros could accomplish in the near future? What trail is this? Whats the best time of year to go?

[@justasimpleguy7211]

Preparation is key and depends on the terrain you tackle and length of your outing. Don't skimp on backpack or boots. Get the best you can afford. Your body will thank you! ;-) Sock liners are a really good idea too as well as moleskins to deal with any blisters that might develop. Get a decent backpacker's first aid kit and it will have moleskin. Best time of year? For the High Peaks avoid weekends and especially holiday weekends! It's just too packed, in my opinion. Also be aware black flies can be absolutely brutal in late Spring. After Labor Day and before the leaf peepers come out in force is a good time for the High Peaks if you want more of a wilderness experience, or you can head out into some of the lesser travelled wilderness areas for a true wilderness experience, some of which get very little traffic even during holiday weekends. Perhaps my favorite and fairly easy loop in the High Peaks is Adirondack Lodge to Tahawus via Indian Pass, then Tahawus to Colden Lake via Calamity Brook, then Colden Lake back to Adirondack Lodge via Avalanche Pass. It's roughly three segments with each segment easily doable in a day and with plenty of time to spare to relax after the day's hike and setting up camp. Add another day and take a day hike from Colden Lake to Lake Tear of the Clouds, source of the Hudson River. Oh, and cotton kills. ;-) It doesn't wick and if you get wet it clings to your skin, sapping heat from your body. It really doesn't have to get all that cold for hypothermia to set in. Also it's an absolute must to have a good water filtration system. Giardia can ruin your day and worse. Some time back a relatively experienced backpacker on the Northville-Placid trail contracted Giardia, became dehydrated and disoriented, wandered off the trail and collapsed. His body was eventually found not far off the trail by hunters during big game season.

[@methinking2394]

12:27 came For the title