What's It Like to Backpack with Dan Becker? Hiking the Black Hills of South Dakota

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

I saw this when it came out. I was so depressed at the time. I was living in a horrible place where I was 6 hour drive to see a tree. Yes I’m serious. Now I own a home on a mountain smack in the center of the black hills national forest. I have marked hiking trails 40’ from my driveway. It’s insane how much life can change in a year or less.

[@higler.]

What do you do for work? I imagine many are stuck living in urban hell because that's where the industry and employment is. I imagine it would be hard to find gainful employment in the Black Hills area of South Dakota or else more would live there lol

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

@@higler. Ummm you may wanna google that lol. South Dakota was the most moved to state last year and on track to be the same this year. The black hills touches rapid city which is a big town. I live 15 mins from rapid and I’m 5k feet up on top of a mountain in the black hills national forest. And I remodel homes and my wife is a commercial title agent. This area is absolutely exploding and has been for about 4 years. Good luck moving here now though.

[@trailheadjunkie]

You two are like Starsky & Hutch. You make a great combo.

[@BackpackingTV]

Haha thank you! Basically we like messing with each other.

[@DanBecker]

Next time can we hike more green tunnels and roads please?

[@memathews]

Yeah, especially busy paved roads 😂 Loads of fun hiking those 👣👣👣

[@BackpackingTV]

Wisconsin it is big guy!

[@txag007]

Come down to Texas and Hike I-10 from Katy to San Antonio! Lots of wild 18-wheelers and a few rivers to cross!

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

You guys have a great dynamic; it just feels like you're really relaxed together. Some collab videos, you can tell that the banter feels a little forced, but you 2 seem to have genuinely clicked, & that's awesome. Everybody always needs new friends.

[@thejohnhend]

Agree seems like it would be a blast to hike with these guys

[@traceylasslett5514]

Awesome!! Backpacking tv with cherry on top! Dan Becker how cool is that! Two make it real hikers. Never knew about this trail. Thanks for sharing. Be well and Trail on!!

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you so much!

[@duncan3144]

Looks like a great place to visit. I live in the UK, i will have to put that trail on my list.

[@Jenfuu]

I am so excited to hike the first 50 miles of this in may! This video is amazing!

[@Rixx1985]

Fun video, thanks alot guys

[@nobison6185]

Sylvan Lakes is soo beautiful! I saw a complete double rainbow over them years ago- never forget that veiw

[@BackpackingTV]

Whoa. That'd be a sight to behold!

[@guitarhiker4449]

I do recommend some hikers consider a rain poncho instead of a rain jacket! Mainly because you can cover you and your pack. They also get great ventilation! Don't get me wrong i always pack my gear as if it were to get wet but a good poncho is a game changer imo!

[@carrdoug99]

I LOVE THE BLACKHILLS! One of the most beautiful places on earth.👍👍

[@BackpackingTV]

Isn't it amazing there?!

[@ursulaanne]

"Ive spent over 200 nights a year outside" Dan: "Try to keep up" 😄

[@BackpackingTV]

Haha we make a great team!

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Great trip with Dan.

[@edfrey7434]

There is a highway in this area called Needles Highway that is an awesome drive with little hiking trails and picnic areas right off of the highway.

[@BackpackingTV]

The Needles area is amazing!

[@richardhummel4582]

That had to be a blast what a great time you guys had the area was absolutely stunning really makes me want to go out there sometime and do some of that I just I'm kind of wish you would give a day-to-day report how many miles and how long it took and I would like to seen your camps set up and some of the stuff you were doing at the camps but all no that was a great video and I've learned a lot from you thank you again God blessing good night

[@daveevans7151]

Great video from you both. Love the CO piece (my backyard)…my buddies are coming up my next week and are heading out for a trip around Maroon Bells. Love being out and when I’m not, love watching stuff about being out! Have learned a few tricks from you both.

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you! Enjoy Maroon Bells! Such a great spot!

[@markcummings6856]

Awesome video. Would have loved seeing more of Dan Becker out of his element.

[@BackpackingTV]

Haha isn't it satisfying??

[@drockholloway]

What an amazing place!! You made Dan Becker use a Mystery Ranch pack..lol

[@BackpackingTV]

Haha he's a better man for it.

[@stefanpreis77]

Use this gadget in Austria too and love it ;-) Thx 4 the very nice and cool shows! Bought the Terraframe 65 last week and had the first trip today with them. 👌

[@BackpackingTV]

Nice! The Terraframe is gorgeous. Love that pack so much!

[@benjaminkennedy3913]

So glad you enjoyed SD! My home 💙

[@BackpackingTV]

What a great state!

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

Those rock spires are so cool, I've got to get down to the states to film some videos!

[@BackpackingTV]

Oh yeah. This place sure is in"spiring" heyo!

[@maxe_faxe]

Dang, that's beautiful country. I had no idea South Dakota could be that.

[@BackpackingTV]

It's a wonderful place!

[@brad7232]

Such a fun video to watch. Looks like the start of a good friendship. Good job guys!

[@BackpackingTV]

Haha thanks! Is it wrong to say we have chemistry?

[@KeyserTheRedBeard]

incredible content BackpackingTV. I crushed the thumbs up on your video. Continue to keep up the high-quality work.

[@BackpackingTV]

I appreciate that!

[@ExpeditionNomadicAdventures]

Ok, you two together make a great KZbin team. I see fall & winter hikes and overnighters videos in your shared future. Mountain puddles of water, now that's different. Dan, the “camping gadget-man.” Gorgeous filmography!

[@BackpackingTV]

Haha I don't think this will be the last time we team up!

[@jaredprice3131]

Next time you guys are in the hills feel free to reach out. I've got the local scoop on everything from restaurants to hidden backpacking treasures. I grew up in Hill City and even though I ended up starting a tree service I've always thought it would be fun to be a guide.

[@BackpackingTV]

Right on! That would be be fun!

[@HEY-ITS-COREY]

This is amazing. I live in the Black Hills and spend all my free time out there. I would have loved to bump into y'all. So cool to see you in my backyard play area.

[@BackpackingTV]

You've got an amazing backyard!

[@HEY-ITS-COREY]

@@BackpackingTV Agreed...and we are a few hours away from Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado. So I dig the location alot. Cheers!!!

[@charlesdleer]

2 of my favorite hikers!

[@BackpackingTV]

Aww I'm blushing!

[@lebeaud71]

Nice video, nice place and nice team!!!!!

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you!

[@Eastwood-qz5rg]

I want to go there!!

[@BackpackingTV]

It's incredible!

[@shmunkytron8612]

I see you with the arc’teryx ! Im going in a week, definitely bringin mine 😂

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Hello, nice to meet you. New to your channel and support you. I look forward to seeing your videos. Take Care and Keep Exploring The Outdoors.

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you very much!

[@guitarhiker4449]

Curious to know what your full thoughts are about the new Mystery Ranch bridger 55 pack? I used to own a normal bridger pack which was about 65 Liters. Not the military SATL version but the bridger. I liked it but this 55 Liter bridger looks sweet!! May order one in February when it becomes available. Or just send me one mystery ranch i'm one of your biggest fan boys! Lol.. Seriously though 55Liters is a great all around size imo especially for those of us who have their gear somewhat dialed in, but still have some larger comfort items they can't leave home without! Stay safe! Hike on!!

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Also question. From what I’ve seen you are allowed to camp like this any place you like in the forest. I wish I had that confirmed tho maybe you know

[@dave6148]

Is Dan wearing a Rab jacket? Great to see you guys trying a bit of Brit gear. Ps love your channel- especially your walk along the Penine Way in the UK

[@BackpackingTV]

Yeah I think he's rocking the Rab. They make great stuff! Cheers!

[@jamesbrooks3664]

When you come to Colorado I would love to meet you and show you some urban hiking!

[@BackpackingTV]

Where in Colorado?

[@jamesbrooks3664]

@@BackpackingTV South Denver area! Lived in Colorado my whole life just moved to the city from the mountains!

[@jamesbrooks3664]

Can't believe I forgot to like this video haha. My mom's side of the family is from the black hills. I love it up there, the air is so fresh.

[@Colorado_Kkid]

Hello Eric ... I am interested in knowing where you started/ended this trip and what sections of the Centennial Trail that you did ... Especially the section where you showed the awesome rock formations ... Thanks in advance ...

[@brianmcmurdie]

According to the trailhead sign 0:27, they started at the southern terminus.

[@maxstussi]

We kind of hop scotched different parts but the location you’re talking about actually isn’t quite on the trail. It’s located in “the needles” near black elk peak. Happy travels

[@BackpackingTV]

We started at the Norbeck trailhead and went north. And yes we jumped off the proper centennial trail to do a different section in Custer State Park where those crazy rocks are.

[@Colorado_Kkid]

@@BackpackingTV ... Thanks ... Were you able to hike between the two areas or do you drive between the two?

[@panhandlejake6200]

I am planning to do the Norbeck trail through the Needles (where they camped) and north behind Mt. Rushmore and around Black Elk Peak - roughly a 32 mile loop that includes a part of the Centennial Trail. Depending upon what you are looking for in a hike Sylvan Lake is a good launching point to this area. NOTE: camping is not permitted close to Black Elk Peak.

[@christophersigars5481]

Love your videos! Could you point me in a good direction to find out the route for the whole centennial trail you spoke about? I've checked onX but it's hard to locate the full trail. Thanks!

[@BackpackingTV]

Yeah it can be a little tricky. But here's a resource I've found: gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/centennial-trail-brochure.pdf

[@christophersigars5481]

​@@BackpackingTV Thank you so much! Appreciate it. You've all given me a lot of motivation to start planning some more trips here soon. Life in the military makes things hard sometimes but I can't stop thinking of the trail and look forward to some great adventures ahead.

[@heathdewell3080]

My home!!

[@BackpackingTV]

Nice!

[@rooster68w]

Have you tried tecnu for poison ivy and oak. Wash your clothing in it and your self. I use to work in logging that stuff I bathed in it nightly and washed my gear in it. Hardly got poison oak rashes even after working in it all day long.

[@BackpackingTV]

I haven't tried it but that's quite the endorsement! I gotta check that out!

[@bastenvanbarus8890]

awesome video..please info gear camera take this video sir. thx

[@WalkingSned]

No trekking poles?

[@trentslaw]

Hey Eric, is the Arcteryx shell you had on at the start during the rain the Beta LT?

[@kylesueltenfuss7922]

How was the water sources out there? Are y'all aware of any shuttle services out there? Planning on heading out that way in about 2 weeks.

[@BackpackingTV]

Depends on what part of the trail you're on. But in general there would be refill options. There was a fair amount of water available.

[@kevans2337]

You use the Big Agnes Q Core SLX. Can you tell me about the noise level ? Also it was fun watching this. I've never been to South Dakota and it's beautiful ! I couldn't handle the poison ivy though.

[@BackpackingTV]

I'm a big fan of the Q Core SLX. No issues with noise, at least for me. It seems relatively quiet. And side note it turns out none of us got poison ivy even though it was everywhere!

[@blagsreport4763]

Gear on outside or all inside?? Noticed you had Big Agnes on the bottom of your pack, do you load on the outside a lot or prefer it all inside? I recently brought the bike version of the Big Agnes Tiger UL3 so I could pack inside.

[@BackpackingTV]

In general I try to get everything but the tent inside. I don't like having a bunch of stuff clinging to my pack but the tent is kind of my exception.

[@ZachBrimhall]

Dan😂, great video you two hiking together, cool. Curious what pack you have in this segment.

[@BackpackingTV]

We're had fun! Dan was rocking the Terraframe 50L pack as I asked him to try it out.

[@puddin6945]

Didn’t know you could camp in the cathedral spires?

[@Clifton_McWilliams]

What backpack was Dan using ?

[@MrBenjmn]

I thought dan was rocking the hyperlite 3400!

[@BackpackingTV]

I twisted his arm real hard to try out one of my mystery ranch backpacks.

[@MrBenjmn]

Awesome!

[@scarpa12]

The poison ivy bit freaked me out a little! I’m a California boy and know poison oak well but at least it doesn’t blend in with everything else. 💀

[@BackpackingTV]

Haha right?! It was everywhere! Miraculously we all stayed clean.

[@brycewalburn3926]

I initially scoffed at the sleeping pad pump thing, but then I weighed my pump sack and realized that the darn pump is lighter.

[@BackpackingTV]

Oh really? That's pretty wild!

[@happyfuntimereviews5600]

With that volume of poison ivy, how did you keep the oils that had to be on your pants from getting on your skin while changing clothes and stuff?

[@BackpackingTV]

It was really difficult and I was hyper aware of not touching my shoes or the outer part of my pants. Luckily we all stayed rash free! Kind of amazing actually. I had totally resigned myself to getting it bad.

[@climbon3157]

You recording off the insta360?

[@dorispursell48]

Dan, what is the name of the gadget you used to inflate your sleeping pad?

[@BackpackingTV]

It's the tiny pump x from flextail gear

[@jackiestevens5786]

I want to hike SD now! What time of year did you go?

[@BackpackingTV]

This was in June/July.

[@HEY-ITS-COREY]

I live here...you can hike almost year around unless we get a bad blizzard. But those are rare. Hope you make it out here sometime.

[@noodles.dumplings.kimchi2878]

holy crap your camera has amazing quality

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you!

[@mercyshaver5264]

Beautiful ❤❤

[@rowanoostraoutdoors]

Would you go nobo or sobo? I think I need to do this full trail

[@BackpackingTV]

We were going north bound and I feel like that was the way to go. But we also encountered a few south bound hikers so I guess it kind of goes well either way.

[@noahgoldman9725]

Is Dan using a heavy (read as comfortable) Mystery Ranch pack?!?

[@BackpackingTV]

haha yep! I'm getting him on the Mystery Ranch train.

[@charless.barcus8346]

Eric what pack are you using? It’s a MR what????

[@BackpackingTV]

It's the Bridger 55L pack from Mystery Ranch. I got to test it before it's available. I think it's coming out in 2022. It's my new favorite!

[@tenza7545]

I’m immune to poison ivy. So lucky I’ll never know how bad it is.

[@m.hernandez1404]

Couple bro's

[@txag007]

I hope Dan's wife doesn't see this sultry backcountry video with Eric. Hopefully the tags have been removed from the equipment!

[@BackpackingTV]

The chemistry is real and we're definitely trying to keep our significant others from watching this video lest they get jealous!

[@skylerwilde4399]

Dan sounds like he enjoys some very boring hikes😂 “corn fields…. Roads…”

[@AlexHahnvideos]

Kyle talks an awful lot about Dan. So weird to see him in the daylight.

[@TsugaCanadensis1979]

When are you two getting married?

[@proudchristian77]

It's sickening the commercial is. : (