Big South Fork Winter Backpacking 60-mile Loop

A 60-mile winter backpacking trek through Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in Tennessee. Dates: February 6-9, 2017.
The video features two lightweight backpackers, one with a tarp (me) and one with a hammock (Kevin Ryan, KZbin channel here: / ghpatriot .
Total trip time: 4 days, 3 nights. Weather conditions: rainy and cold, with a severe thunderstorm followed by light snow on night 3.
The trip was part of my preparation for a thru-hike of the Sheltowee Trace in Kentucky. I outfitted myself with the same equipment I'll take on the thru-hike, with the exception of a heavier cold-weather sleeping bag. My base weight (not including camera equipment, which I wear in a waist-pack in front) was 19 pounds.
The map of the route I show in the video can be found here: bit.ly/2lyrQ9S
Important note about Pickett State Park: The Drop-Off Trail is gone! I have done videos about this trail in the past, e.g., bit.ly/2l8BjUd, because it is a confusing trail that can be hard to find. We did not find it on this trip, and we took another route to hike from the Rock Creek Loop in Big South Fork to the Hidden Passage Trail in Pickett State Park. I was mystified that we did not see the signs. Since the hike, I have talked with officials both at Pickett State Park and the Tennessee Division of Forestry, who told me that the signs for the Drop-Off Trail, and parts of the trail itself, have been removed. The reasons: the trail was in poor condition and hikers were frequently getting lost. The officials said they did not make any public statement about the removal of the signs, on the Internet or otherwise, because, they said, few people know about the trail. Needless to say, they were not familiar with my KZbin channel!
Bottom line: don't attempt the loop depicted in this video unless you have a reliable GPS-enabled map or someone familiar with the area to guide you. To get from the Rock Creek Loop to the Hidden Passage Trail, Kevin and I took the Rock Creek Trail to the Tunnel Trail to the Hidden Passage Trail. This route, however, cannot be found on any of the maps I'm familiar with. The National Geographic map might show the trails as dark lines, but they are not identified on the map with the trail names that correspond with the actual trails. Even more confusing, the trails themselves are not identified with accurate signage. I knew about this route only from getting lost in the past, then finding my way out. Not a recommended way to hike!
The story of Maude's Crack: I tell this story in the video but I want to give more detail. An old book tells the story this way: "Maude's Crack was named after Minnie Maude Roysdon, who used this shortcut to access the top of the cliff from a rockshelter where she and her husband, Isham, lived temporarily after their house burned." Both Isham and Maude are now buried near the top of the bluff at the Terry Cemetery.
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***CAMERA EQUIPMENT AND EDITING SOFTWARE****
Filmed with an Canon G7 X and a GoPro Hero 4 Silver; edited with Cyberlink Powerdirector 14. The video was shot at 60 fps but rendered at 30 fps because I like some motion blur.
***MUSIC***
Music by Evan Schaeffer.
The music in this video was composed and/or produced for this video specifically. However, I also make music that is available for others to use for free. This music appears in many other videos; some examples are in a playlist on my channel titled "Videos Featuring My Original Music." Please take a look here: bit.ly/2kzPIpv
More about my music: the songs I write and share on SoundCloud (bit.ly/2lUMpge) are published under a Creative Commons license. These songs are free to download and available to use in KZbin videos. You can both use them for free AND monetize your videos for your own profit.
If you want to use one of my songs in a video, please see the information on my SoundCloud page.
I publish new songs at SoundCloud from time to time, so check back at my Soundcloud page. . .
*** MY INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT: MY DRAWINGS AND PAINTINGS (SOME FROM THE TRAIL) ***
/ evan.schaeffer
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email: [e-mail]

[@cephasmcpher67peteroutdoorspip]

What I appreciate most about your videos is that you actually film the hike. A lot of KZbinrs I've watched spend most of the video in the dark with their headlamp shining in the camera saying this is my camp had a great day hiking but they don't really film themselves doing it. Love your channel Evan. i watched this video after I saw your AT series and wish you would come out of retirement and take another long walk. Stay healthy, stay safe all the best.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, helpful comment for me.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Sweet! Nice shakedown. The Sheltowee Trace should be fun. I think we crossed part of it in Red River Gorge. I don't know how you do that set up Evan. My body just craves the hammock or a thick sleeping pad. That's one reason I don't think I'll ever be ultralight. Lightweight for me. I didn't know you had music. I toy with the idea of adding it because it really can enhance s video. Thanks for taking us with.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I think I'm lightweight, not ultralight. I'm surprised too because I thought I needed a thick pad. I have a Big Agnes that's pretty thick. I have a Hennessy hammock too. But if I set up on leaves and dig some indentations in the shape of my body I sometimes don't even use the little inflatable torso pad I have. Of course, I need to use it in the winter because the ground is cold. I put my feet on my backpack. I like the ability to set up in places where tents would never fit . . .

[@ellisholcomb2299]

thanks for taking us with you really enjoyed the hike wish you all the best I appreciate your time and work you put in

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BryanDeLay]

Excellent video Evan! Although not in the same loop you did, I've hiked all those trails, except for the trail from Rock Creek Loop to Picket State Park, and it's a beautiful and unique area. Hope you enjoy the Sheltowee Trace Trail. I have a friend who writes trail guide books and he hiked the entire Sheltowee Trace Trail in about 2004 and he spoke very highly of the trail. I hiked a section of the Sheltowee with him from Yamacraw Bridge up to Yahoo Falls. at the end of our second day we bush-wacked off trail and camped along a small creek. A guy on a horse comes into camp using an old logging road. After talking to us for a little bit he asked if we would like some spring water. My friend said yes and the guy gets off the horse, walks over to the large down log we were leaning against, reaches behind the log and pulls out a Mason jar filled with moonshine.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Great story! I've done the trail north to Yahoo Falls but not past that. I hear it's a nice trail. I know the southern part of it is!

[@bigzach322]

Cold, wet trip. Really liked the video editing for this one, and plus I've never been to Big South Fork so I always enjoy seeing the massive cliffs and arches.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

It's definitely a great place to hike if you ever get a chance to check it out.

[@bigzach322]

We'll see, there's still so much more I haven't seen in NC and VA

[@steinwaygoat]

Evan, man! Just great to see you again, and ALWAYS impressed with your stamina! Great survival of the cold, brrrrrr. Jules

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, nice comment, appreciate it!

[@ghpatriot]

Awesome video Evan! Great to watch our adventure and live it again. It was a really fun hike, I had a great time and hopefully we get to go on another multi-day hike again. As usual I am impressed with how you edit the video and put it all together. Hope you have a awesome thru hike, can't wait to see the videos of that when you're done. :-)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks! Yes, it was a great trip. As I said elsewhere in your comments, I really should have had you unpack your incredibly small backpack on camera. That would have been interesting. Anyway, it was great hiking with you, and you are full of incredible knowledge. You'll recall that I was frequently busy taking notes as you were relating your good ideas! If you ever start filming your backpacking adventures, that will be awesome, as you go to some great places . . .

[@Sleeves]

I have always wanted to check out Big South Fork. All of the videos I have seen highlight its beauty. I love those spectacular rock formations. The Twin Arches area is amazing. Really enjoyed your editing on this one. Well done. You guys were knocking out the miles. That storm was unreal. For anyone that has never experienced an overnight in a storm, they do not know what they are missing. Weathered a storm on top of Blood Mountain in Georgia on the AT recently. I will definitely check out SoundCloud for your original music. You are very kind. I am excited about your coming thru-hike. Can't believe you have lost 20 pounds. Unbelievable! I know you are going to have a special hike. Take care and God bless you, friend. Keep Hiking!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for your very nice comment! Really appreciate it. Funny comment about storms, "they do not know what they are missing" -- no, they don't! I wish I could really capture the experience in a video. It can be frightening . . . Anyway, you're really going to enjoy Big South Fork when you get there. A great place!

[@mikkat50]

Another great video Evan, I've been missing them but I know the weather has not been the greatest for hiking, looking forward to your next adventure !!!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, Mike. You're right, I didn't get out in January. Not really the weather, just busy . . . Thanks for stopping by, as always . . .

[@hikingwithms2042]

Beautiful trip and thanks for sharing! I think you will really enjoy the Sheltowee Trace Trail. A lot of the scenery (Especially near Red River Gorge) is very similar to this video! Rock cliffs, lots of rhododendron, stairs, and beautiful views into the gorges! Excited to watch your upcoming trip! -Tim

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes, I'm really looking forward to the Sheltowee Trace. I've done the southern sections up to about Yahoo Falls but nothing north of there--so I'll have lots of new things to see!

[@strickysbackpackingadventures]

Always enjoy your adventures. Thanks for sharing.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@scoutingfreegermany]

Really cool video, can't believe what a small backpack your friend was using! Cheers, Marc

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Holy cow, I couldn't believe how small it was either! I was pretty tired on this trip and it was hard to get up the energy to film. If I would have been thinking, I would have had Kevin unpack his bag on camera. I think he would have been happy to do it. Maybe next time . . .

[@ghpatriot]

Evan's Backpacking Videos next time for sure!=)

[@theaddictedprepper902]

I encountered a thunderstorm like that on my first backpacking trip. It sure makes for a great story. Great video!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

In retrospect, it was pretty fun! But I was nervous at the time. I actually got out just before the rain started coming down and checked the trees around me again. They all seemed pretty alive, as opposed to dead. Sometimes in the winter it's hard to tell. I'm always afraid of getting crushed. It doesn't happen often, I know, but it *is* a risk.

[@cabinman]

great video Evan! I thoroughly enjoyed the fast pace of the scenes and the background music was spot-on.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, nice comment! That's sort of what I was going for--a fast pace--so I'm glad you noticed!

[@cabinman]

Evan's Backpacking Videos I'm not sure if I was looking for it or I noticed it but I think you have that nailed real well and I'm taking notice and trying to incorporate that into my poor video skills to make it better. It's fun but very challenging in a sense. Thanks for putting yourself out there. been enjoying your work.

[@couch2trailyoutubechannel281]

+1- I'm going to try to incorporate some of those techniques as well. It's a lot of work!

[@live4wild968]

Thanks Evan. Congrats on the weight loss it can only help

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, I hope so!

[@BFett295]

Incredible story and I admire your determination and love of the outdoors. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Keep up all your hard work and videos.

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Evan, I really enjoyed your videos. Can wait to see the next one. Keep up the good hike.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@adventureswithzofine407]

Thanks for the video! I’m hiking this loop in 2 weeks!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@louiec.6590]

right in the thick of it all! you have to love mother nature!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes, awesome!

[@kcvids816]

Awesome video Evan always enjoy your hikes. Thought it was interesting how the bridge was broke, that tree took it out! lol. Seemed like a pretty intense storm too. Sure was a lot of water after it. I liked all the rock formations as well. Thumbs up!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for watching and commenting, as always. Appreciate it!

[@mrdonelsonglhs]

Love your music ... thanks for sharing that! Love your videos too! :)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're welcome, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@dspeer77]

Awesome video Evan. I like the music you had in this video.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks Don! Hope all is good with you!

[@PumpkinVillage]

Wow! That's hauling right along. Good luck with up coming hike. Al

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, I really appreciate it . . .

[@jasongoad3362]

Great video! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're welcome!

[@Survivalist2008]

Glad to see another hiking video from you Evan, I really enjoy them, as well as your insightful commentary. Take care!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for your nice comment, I appreciate it!

[@hikingwithjimmyandmissdeb3643]

Great video Evin- Love your stuff...

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

james law Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@potatothorn]

before i even start watching i'll note that i love all the info in the description.. also have to mention for some reason this is only in 720p.. i'm guessing some sort of oversight/ still looks pretty good even on the big screen/ i see a lot of people reduce the 60fps to 30 fps, does give it more of a film feel less soap opera feel, looks good. I like it either way. Beaver Trees Wow! that's a big one came down across the trail there too.. we're having all kinds of trees fall this winter with all the rain out here too... Rock tunnel is awesome. Cool Arch. Boy that weather sure turned on you! At least it got better by daylight.. Twin Arches were really cool but the stream crossing just looked COLD haha.. what a beautiful area! thanks for filming

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I like your method of writing your comment in real time as you watch! I didn't notice this was in 720p--I'm about 95% sure I rendered it at 1080p, so it might be a glitch on the KZbin end. It probably looks okay on most screens so I'm not going to stress about it. The 30fps was intentional, as you noticed reading the comments. Anyway thanks as always for watching and I really appreciate your nice comment.

[@potatothorn]

yeah when the video is long and good enough, i "live comment" as i go along.. it's fun and i dont forget anything.. yeah the 720 must be youtube messing it up oh well.. still ooks great// and i think im gonna have to try seeing how 30 fps works for me, i see so many people do this intentionally, it is a nice effect. This was a really nice hike, again those stream crossings looked COLD but WOW was that a beautiful section

[@pablodiazphotography]

Digging the party lights! Thanks for sharing the Tenn John Muir Trail with us! Great BP adventure! Love the mossy rocks too! Great job Evan!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Buenos Diaz Vlog Thanks for watching and commenting--and keep the vlogs coming!

[@MikeandMyBoys]

Wow man! Some beautiful views and scenery in here!! 16:01, giant rock and waterfall. AMAZING! Nice video man!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for watching and commenting--appreciate it!

[@GrottoGroveGroves]

i'm going to do this loop this spring or summer. thanks for posting.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for watching and commenting--appreciate it!

[@paulgammelljr6883]

cool trail Awsome. backtracked on your videos from at.. keep on hiking. keep posting!

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Great stuff Evan. Man that was some storm...I'd be too much of a sis to chill in that tarp in a storm that crazy. Props also on losing 20lbs!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@douglasstevenson4553]

Excellent video. Hope I can find a hiking buddy like Kevin. He’s a good rabbit 🐇

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Douglas Stevenson Yes!

[@michaelmcdermott5329]

Hi Evan I just came upon your page and really enjoyed that hike. Good for you to drop 20 lbs I think we can all benefit from losing some weight. I look forward to checking out some more hikes Thanks again.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Michael McDermott You're welcome--thanks for stopping by!

[@donmatulevich9411]

Good video. Thanks for sharing. It would have been great to have heard more info about the trails: mileage, elevation gain and gear. I’ll have to check out all your other videos now! Thanks again. This is definitely going on my trip list for next year!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Big South Fork is great . . .

[@biramus]

Nice to see people using umbrellas. Good ray jardine style, and good gear choices. next big purchase hexamid tent, 40d quilt. then a mt bike and load it up and do all the trails again! no more shuttles. Peace bro--nice work on the weight loss, nutrition is hard compared to the exercise :)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for the comment--appreciate it. I enjoy the Ray Jardine outlook on hiking. Good luck with the bike . . .

[@jamesmoorhouse5265]

Great video! When considering what to bring on a trip I struggle, as everyone should, with risks to my comfort verses risks to my health. So it's always interesting to see videos where the weather didn't cooperate to help put things into perspective for my own future plans. Thanks for sharing. I've only recently done a small bit of the Sheltowee trace and that left me wanting more. I'll exited to see you're videos on it when you finally make the trip.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Great, thanks for the comment. It seems lately I've had a lot of rain when I hike, but maybe that's because I no longer cancel when the weather is bad. A long time ago I used to do that. My new outlook gets me outside more -- and often as not the forecast turns out to be wrong!

[@boxingcompass]

Wow, that storm seemed intense. I haven't been in a thunderstorm when backpacking yet, only when car camping, with a vehicle to retreat to. Hope I can keep my cool as well as you did if I ever get caught out in one.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I checked the trees before the storm started. It's falling trees (and tree limbs) that make me most nervous . . .

[@rialobran]

That was an awesome trip, with some beautiful scenery. I downloaded one of your pieces a while ago, just waiting to fit a film around it, soon I hope :)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for watching and commenting, as always -- and if you can use a song, great!

[@joshuasadventures9294]

Great video Evan! The Sheltowee Trace runs right through my area of Corbin and London. When you do your through hike feel free to reach out if you need anything at all!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Hey, thanks, I appreciate that! I'm tentatively planning to resupply in London, so I hope you were serious with your comment, lol. My plan calls for hitching or calling a shuttle . . . I will definitely be reaching out!

[@joshuasadventures9294]

Evan's Backpacking Videos absolutely wouldn't mind at all. You can email me if you like and I can give you my contact information. Love your videos, adventures and wouldn't mind helping you out at all! [e-mail]

[@Parrott65]

I can speak on the fact that weight loss makes a world of a difference in hiking. I'm 36 lbs lighter than this time last year and I can crank out much more mileage

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Awesome, thanks -- congrats on losing all that weight!

[@danielmartin9042]

Evan--I have been watching several of your videos over the past few days. I live in Knoxville and backpack in the Smokies as often as I can. I hope to see you on the trail. -Dan

[@jeffs6229]

Another great video Evan! 20lbs of weight loss is a lot, I need to do the same. Well done but I didn't think you had 20 lbs to loose! Ha! Has to be easier on your feet whether on the trail or off. Please let me know how you think the weight loss affects your hiking. I have no problem exercising it's my diet that I need to be better about. I appreciate the inspiration sir! I always look forward to your next video! Travel safe friend!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I guess I put on some pounds after finishing my thru-hike of the Benton MacKaye Trail last April. It's easier to put on than take off, that's for sure! Thanks for watching and commenting--I really appreciate it!

[@bluejeans8001]

Hammocks rock! You'll spend plenty of time on the ground when you die so sleep now above the ground and enjoy the benefits.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I've got a hammock! I like it too. But I don't advocate for either hammocks or tarps. Personal preference, of course. Thanks for the comment.

[@bluejeans8001]

Evan's Backpacking Videos Just too old to sleep on the ground.

[@bluejeans8001]

Don't get me wrong my hat is off to you for your willingness

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Understood, no problem!

[@predzhead]

love that place..

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Me too!

[@kenk2345]

great video-ing....lots of AT thru-hike Vloggers, could learn lots from your work.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@hikehunter9572]

Hail's bells.....and a destroyed bridge. You don't walk into those every hike. I have been thinking about the Shelotowee Trace. I would like to hike it someday soon. I await your video report. Hope you find some good re-supply points. HFHS

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks! I've been studying resupply points and think I have things pretty well figured out. If you ever do a thru-hike, I'll be happy to share my research with you . . . There is a guidebook from 2010--a pretty good one, definitely worth what it costs--but it's a little out of date.

[@scruffyfied-4933]

I had just finished the John Muir Trail from Burnt Mill Trailhead to the end of the Rock Creek Trail on Hwy 154 a few days before you did this. Enjoyed watching much of the same trail from your perspective, especially the damaged bridge on the Rock Creek Loop. That was a lot of fun getting past that. Was that Black House Branch and Laurel Fork where you had the deep fordings? Crazy. Love the video.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes, I think Black House Branch and Laurel Fork both. It's funny how so much of the park has bridges over the creeks -- almost more than are needed -- but then some sections require fording. Last year I did the Laurel Fork Creek Trail and had about twenty or more fords . . . That was a wet one.

[@WayOffTheTrail]

Nice shakedown hike, Evan! Lots of luck on your thru-hike...sounds like it's going to be fun. You are very brave with only a tarp. lmao. Did not know about your music. Just checked it out and I will definitely be using some on my next video. I've been looking for something and I think I've found it. Thanks! :-D

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I would be happy for you to use my music! Thanks for your nice comment. I really think if you have a good tarp and know how to use it, you have a lot more flexibility and even more protection from the rain than with a tent. But I'm sure many would disagree, lol.

[@WayOffTheTrail]

Finally got my Ozark Highlands Trail video up with two of your tracks. They really make the video! Thanks again!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're welcome!!

[@Grant_NashvillePack]

You're thru-hiking the Sheltowee in April!?!?! My hiking partner and I planning it in mid-late April, as a shakedown for our PCT thru-hike that starts in May! Maybe we'll see you out there.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I'm going northbound. Probably more toward May than April though. Funny, when I'm finished with it, I'll be done with long hikes for at least a year -- but your fun will just be beginning! Good luck with the PCT!

[@Ranger24]

12:48 This was good time to get water from the rain coming off the tarp...nothing else to do.

[@evanschaeffermusic1928]

Right!

[@danemcdonald1721]

Hi Evan. Thrilled to see a new video from you. Been watching some of your older ones over numerous times. Thanks for the new post. Been on the John Muir just recently, and the views are breath taking. You mention the Shelltowee Trace plan being different from the Benton McKayee trail in that you will not mail yourself food. So, how do you plan to replenish?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for the comment. I plan to go into a few towns along the way and buy food at a grocery store. The trail also goes through a few state parks with restaurants so I'll eat there if I'm there during the right hours. I want to do the whole thing in 2 - 3 weeks so hopefully I won't have to resupply very often. I don't know if I can realistically keep up that pace though . . .

[@uptrail7169]

Kevin's hammock setup is similar to mine. I just tested out my new Warbonnet Blackbird, but my Half-Wit is still my favorite. Another great hiking video, but are you sure that this is winter trip? This has been a very warm winter and I was lucky to get in a true winter video 2 weeks ago. I hope that you get a chance to check out the video. I pushed it to the limit with my gear.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I'll watch your video soon. I guess my trip counts as a "Tennessee" winter trip. It took place in February, which was *technically* winter. And it did dip below freezing one night and we got a little snow -- about 1/8 of an inch, lol! Nothing compared to your trip (I'm already watching part of it . . . )

[@uptrail7169]

Our winter has been way warmer than average, but at least I had winter weather for this trip. Today it got back up to 40F again! The average high is 26F.

[@couch2trailyoutubechannel281]

Looks like a successful shakedown. You have your tarp figured out, that's for sure. That was a scary looking/sounding storm! Do you sleep well on the ground like that? I still have a hard time believing that you can be comfortable all night under that little tarp on the ground! Good job, looking forward to your thru of the STT!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes, I sleep well on the ground. It's about 30% being exhausted and 70% picking a place that has a lot of leaves and fits the shape of my body. I sometimes do some light digging to accomplish that. I'm speaking as someone who has been uncomfortable sleeping on the ground since I was about 20 years old, at least since I started paying more attention to my set-up, so I'm surprised too! Maybe it's 50% being exhausted . . . .

[@couch2trailyoutubechannel281]

HA I'm sure being tired after a nearly 20 mile day or two or three on the trail helps! I may have to get out and experiment with that sometime. So how many miles per day did you average on the BMT, and how many do you hope to average on the STT? Also, I think I heard you say you were using Frogg Toggs as your rain gear, how did that work for you? Thanks for your patience with all the questions =)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

On this trip, I took a $100 rain jacket from REI and the much cheaper Frogg Toggs. The Frogg Toggs jacket performed just as well as the other. However, it's easy to tear it. So that's a trade off. On the BMT, I started at around 13 miles per day, and worked up to 20 miles the last few days in the Smokies, which was rough. The STT is not so steep and I hope to average 15-20 miles from the start, closer to 15 when I start but then moving closer to 20. (If I can't do that, I have some extra time to finish.) I took a month to do the BMT, which was sort of slow. I want to do the STT in 3 weeks or faster . . .

[@orvalporter962]

Enjoyed the video. Hiked a lot, but just getting into vlogging. Like your composition. The 20 pounds will pay huge dividends on the AT. I always weigh with my pack on so I know the total weight I have to carry. I know you will enjoy (most days) the AT. Wondering if you will Be NOBO, SOBO, or flip flopping? Hope to meet you on the trail one day. “GO”

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Orval Porter Thanks for leaving a comment! I’m leaving April 21 nobo from the approach trail toward Springer Mt.

[@SalineScott]

My wife and I have been to the twin arches. Those are pretty cool. How was your feet after all those water crossings? I envy you. That looks like a lot of fun. I did enjoy the music too. You did a great job with it. Did you actually play the music yourself?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks Scott. My feet warmed up pretty quickly, although that one long water crossing made them numb for awhile. I did the music differently on this one. I finished the video then made the music for it. I was playing the organ chords and the piano. The slide guitar was chosen from something I had on stock--I didn't play that myself, although I put the pieces together so they fit. I plan to start recording my own guitar pretty soon, though -- that's the one instrument I know how to play, other than passable piano . . . (You know my harmonica-playing sucks -- not because of my teacher, though. I'm a poor student.)

[@SalineScott]

Evan's Backpacking Videos You did awesome with the music. I loved it. I didn't know you had all that talent. I noticed you have ads on you videos now too. Can't blame you for doing it that way. Keep it up. Can't wait to see what the next one will be like.

[@banjowoodsman7675]

How did make out with creek crossings on your last day? How long that cold morning before your feet and legs begin to warm up some. Would using trash bags over your legs be helpful even with it slowing you down? Thanks, I enjoy your videos greatly.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for asking. Both of us complained our feet got numb walking through that long section of water (the second crossing, I think), but it didn't take long for the feeling to return. We both wore wool socks and running shoes. Everything dries out and warms up pretty fast. I have seen the trash-bag method on KZbin but I have never tried it. I'd be afraid of falling on my face. I honestly don't mind getting my feet wet. I know that not everyone agrees with that though!

[@greghughes5477]

Evan, yet another great video. How did you loose the weight as I could stand to loose a few. I envy your abilities and the ground you cover. At 57 I've only got a good 8-10 miles in me a day and after that I start hurting. You seem to be like the Eveready Bunny :) Looking forward to your through hike reports. Thanks for sharing. PS which FroggToggs do you carry?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Frogg Toggs: the ultra-light rain suit, I think. I lost the weight by cutting out sugar and other carbs (bread, beer) and by reducing my calories, mostly by not eating before bed. I also eat a lot of salads and vegetables. But mileage varies when it comes to diets!

[@dml5053]

just wondering how the bag is attached to your shoulder strap....it looks like it makes things way more accessible and I would like to make one....any tips? love your videos

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for the comment. The bag came with the backpack and it's attached with some sort of elastic tie. It's from ZPacks. I don't like the shoulder bag because over time it has constricted the shoulder strap out of shape. I'll probably remove it. But I'm sure you could do the same thing in another way that protects the integrity and shape of the shoulder strap . . .

[@Chevy-hw6lw]

Evan , I would like to ask, when you sleep under just a tarp, do you ever get little creepy crawlys that crawl over you I'm the night . Like small rodents or even bugs ?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Clinton Gfroerer I usually use a bivy sack on the outside of my sleeping bag. If the bugs are bad, I can zip it around my head. I've never had problems with any animals. I usually don't even zip up the bivy sack and if there are any ants or spiders, I just pick them off of me and throw them out. That doesn't bother me. Zipping up the bivy sack is probably the better option for most people.

[@nathanmullins836]

Today is my birthday and you posted a new video, coincidence I think not.

[@theaddictedprepper902]

Nathan Mullins lol Happy Birthday

[@nathanmullins836]

The Addicted Prepper thank you very much!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Great, happy birthday! Nice comment!

[@GrottoGroveGroves]

hey how do you like hiking with the umbrella ? I've never owned one in my life, until recently when I was gifted one for hiking. is it worth the weight ?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I really like the umbrella in the rain. You can't use two hiking poles with an umbrella, of course, but it keeps the rain off your head and therefore makes the rain seem not nearly as annoying. I can balance the umbrella on my pack and I hardly need to hold it . . . .You should at least give it a try now that you own one . . .

[@GrottoGroveGroves]

i will give it a try. i dont use trekking poles anyway. i do carry a wood walking stick though so sounds good.

[@trooper2221]

what good shape your in, to hike and talk like u do. and so u stay pretty dry in those storms on top of the leaves in your mm under your tarp?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for the comment. I've been in a lot of storms in that tarp, and I've never gotten wet. There is a learning curve but out in the forest, you have more flexibility finding a place to camp with a tarp than you do with a tent. My opinion, anyway. When I first started using the tarp, I practiced at home. I'd wait for storms then set up in the yard. I did that at least five times before taking it into the woods . . . The yard set-ups were okay but I've definitely changed and refined my technique since then . . .

[@gregr501]

Great video, I really enjoy your trips. Looking forward to your big trip coming up. Be safe on it. Where did you get your tarp?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks! The tarp was from Hyperlite Mountain Gear. It was expensive but I trust it not to give way when stretched tight in the wind . . .

[@RETURNTOSABBATH]

Thank you Evan, great vid .Do your pants ever dry out??

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes.

[@jmtubbs7094]

Your choice for sleeping accommodations look absolutely miserable. I can’t imagine planning a trip where that was my bed for more than a couple of nights. Hey, if it works for you though....

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yeah, definitely not for everyone! Thanks for the comment . . .

[@chefcocoasadventures8794]

Hey Evan, really enjoying your videos. Thank you for subscribing to my channel, only to find yours. Perhaps we can hike together in the future. Hike on......

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for watching! Enjoying your channel too!

[@dabaird12]

like your video's Let me know if you need help on the sheltowee trace hike , i'm 40 min. away if need help with resupp[y or shuttle service.

[@dabaird12]

I live 40 min from wear the trail go by London, ky

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, I really appreciate your offer to help! I plan to resupply in London. Someone else also commented that he lives near London. Anyway, I'll probably be contacting you both. I was either going to hitchhike (sort of difficult, I read) or get a shuttle.

[@dabaird12]

I can shuttle you anywhere local

[@dabaird12]

oh I forgot to mention it free of charge too. I'm a sheltowee hiker true hiker too. 2016👍

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks again! I'll definitely contact you as I'm making the final arrangements. When you get a chance, you can send an email to me at [e-mail] so I know how to reach you. It doesn't look like your set up for direct messaging on KZbin . . .