Kayak Camping Texas - 3 Day South Llano Trip

Paddling a scenic river is one of the best ways to relax during summer!
Mother Nature is harsh. I make dry bags to help you pursue the outdoors!
Backpacks & Duffels - remotedesignsllc.com/
Stay up to date between videos / gatewoodbrown
Supporting footage from the talented / grantdpittman
Full Gear List - lighterpack.com/r/klxlwk

[@Frozty]

Maaaan. The drone shots of those falls, that random little narrow rapid section, you guys and your ridiculous and gratuitous espresso making, the Grilliput loaded up with meat, you sleeping in a hammock with no tarp even when you're expecting a storm, and that magical "then we woke up the next day and it was ridiculously beautiful again." energy that seems to follow all the positivity you and the boys tend to have (at least, in edited videos lol). Another classic, fantastic video, Gatewood. I constantly have to catch and remind myself to back my face up from the screen lol.

[@frankrabbit2247]

Im a simple man, new Gatewood means a cup of good coffee and time to take a break.

[@Oakley096]

Yes

[@tylerfromtexas6556]

Another amazing video of kayak camping! Looks like y’all had a wonderful time, and it looks much more chill than the Devil’s, despite the storms lingering around. Can’t wait to see more!

[@parttimeyoutube]

Always super excited to see GW Brown on the river with his buds.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Summer will be missed! Fall is my favorite season for paddling though.

[@OzarkMediaCo]

Come get you some fall colors in the Ozarks, man!

[@letsgetoutdoors]

You guys had a summer? j/k I know that Texas did... here in NH on the other hand--seemed like every single saturday was cool and rain. I got out twice this "summer" hopefully I can get a fall paddle in before it gets too cold and dangerous for me

[@GatewoodBrown]

@@letsgetoutdoors that’s tough weather for a summer! We had a super hot summer with no rain which made paddling nonexistent after June. Hoping for fall rains

[@TheodoreJohnTriantafillis]

I love the slithering water snake at 3:03!!!

[@johnpartain6757]

I was due for another Gatewood kayak adventure video! Thanks for continuing to share your amazimg kayak adventures in top level videos!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey John! I appreciate the kind words. As long as KZbin exists and time allows I’ll be uploading our trips!

[@joejackson2283]

I enjoying watching your trips, they do help motivate me and for that I say thank you sir. Keep up the good work.

[@nomaderic]

Its wild you dropped this. Just a week ago I drove out to South llano river state park to explore. Fantastic river! I had to take one last swim before hot weather is over. The water was so clear and there was way more green vegetation than I expected way out there. Thanks for sharing this cool adventure. Love watching your kayak camping journeys

[@teresaderscheid6044]

what a beautiful river. EPIC!!

[@JerryArizona]

Man, all the different cameras and angles. I see that work. Loved the storm shots in the opening. Great video as usual.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks Jerry! We both enjoy documenting journeys and I respect the work you put into your videos as well. You’ve been pumping out the content this year!

[@justaguyontheinternet23]

Love every upload! Those drone shots are rad.

[@castle228]

As always, excellent content and a great kayak adventure! Thanks for taking us along. Cheers!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks for watching! Stoked to have you show up for all the videos

[@17fireinthesky]

Always look forward to these uploads.

[@GatewoodBrown]

I’m stoked you always tune in!

[@user-kd4md3oo2q]

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.

[@UTEXTRACK]

Nothing more beautiful than the Texas Hill Country.

[@GatewoodBrown]

It's awesome out there!

[@brazil_outdoors]

Excelente como sempre!

[@SouthernPaddler]

What a fantastic river, Gatewood! Glad the storm passed you by. I can tell you all had a blast! Great bid, brother!!

[@lrparrish227]

What a beautiful trip. Love it!

[@GatewoodBrown]

We loved it out there!

[@TXLPE]

One of my favorite places to paddle. Used to do it every May, last few years were really low. Love your drone footage! going to check out those bags!

[@anthonycontrer]

Sunday chill days with a Gatewood video. Nice.

[@GatewoodBrown]

The chillest of Sundays! Hope you’ve been well my man!

[@noclassflyfishing3927]

What a rad float! Those flows looked so fun

[@GatewoodBrown]

Flows were perfect! I’d bet your raft would be just fine for this river too

[@noclassflyfishing3927]

@@GatewoodBrownI’m in!!

[@WalkingScriptureWithShanna]

Your videos are the perfect decompress

[@GatewoodBrown]

That’s the ultimate compliment thank you! Stoked to have you along for the ride

[@frisiancolemancanoe8217]

thx for the great video

[@stripping.streamers]

video was amazing! I truly feel like im there floating odwn the river watching these!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Stoked to hear that! Honestly the best comment is someone saying they feel like they were along for the ride. Your videos have been awesome my man!

[@cliffwallace5521]

Man, I just love your videos. It's such an escape from my everyday life. I rarely, if ever, get to do stuff like that, but it's so inspiring. Also, you do such an amazing job with the production values. I have a BFA in Film Production, so I have a pretty good idea of the work that goes into making these videos. I hope you know how much we all appreciate it. Keep 'em coming.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you cliff! Ya know we don’t go as much as we like but getting out and then making a video helps us to re live the adventure. The workload is a lot but I enjoy the process! I’ll be making videos for decades to come!

[@tomcaldwell5750]

Great video. Thank you, Gatewood

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks Tom!

[@Leif-Eriksson]

Looks so nice.

[@GatewoodBrown]

It was! Easy paddling too which was nice

[@Oaktree68]

Another awesome video, keep rock N’ that Pelican

[@GatewoodBrown]

Bret enjoys his pelican! It’s taken on the devils and south llano at this point

[@canajian]

Mornin amigo..🖐😎👍🛶

[@seanglasgow717]

Love it Gatewood, just got back from a backpacking trip this past weekend here in Colorado. got down to 18f, stayed toasty warm though, coldest ive ever camped.

[@GatewoodBrown]

That’s a chilly night out on the trail! Seems to have warmed up again here in Texas but an expected cold front should blow through soon

[@sandraf425]

amazing!!!!!!!!! 🔥🎣

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you!

[@dontall71]

Thanks for sharing, I miss the Hill Country. I've been using 2 of your 20 liter dry bags for about six months now down here in Louisiana. They're quality and holding up nicely.

[@GatewoodBrown]

I tell ya what, I miss the hill country too and can’t wait for the rivers to return. It’s been a year since I’ve paddled there!

[@user-fq9qi6is3v]

You are the only person on Earth who can use your ability.

[@justride9217]

Hey Gatewood - great video.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you JR! Always appreciate you watching the videos man

[@WildLifeOutdoors23]

Hell yeah brother! 🤙🏼 Jose and I have been talking about do a camping trip on the South Llano! He normally does day trips, but if I head down from AR we will most likely camp!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Right on! It’s a cool spot and just got hit by a ton of rain so it’s a good time to go

[@alfredguajardo3562]

Killer trip

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks AG!

[@user-np7lf2ei7h]

We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.

[@shanefraser7764]

Watching from New Zealand bro ,,,,,,, just brought a new paddle to get on the water, your vlog gives much enthusiasm, cheers mate stay safe out there🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿✌️✌️✌️🍺🍺🍺🤘🤘🤘

[@patriceloucks]

Looks like great fun! 😀 But for Pete's Sake learn how to read the current and how to do a back ferry!😉

[@GatewoodBrown]

Next time!

[@user-ke6fv1ht6k]

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.

[@markmanleyH2Oactivity]

"what could go wrong !" 🤣😂💪 . . . . . Sporty !!! 🐾🌴🥩💚🎯

[@Brian-yx5vo]

Inspiring

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks brian!

[@JavierPadron]

I'm gonna do this trip soon but do alot of catfishing on the way. Nice video brother thanks for sharing

[@GatewoodBrown]

Good luck! I bet they’re out there

[@JavierPadron]

@GatewoodBrown been catching them in kerville and medina areas. Need to start filming my time out there

[@user-ts2px8ys7g]

Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.

[@user-ph6sl6gl7x]

It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.

[@pavneetkaur4831]

Beautiful quote!

[@AnthonyGarcia-kc7oq]

Another great video man! Have y'all ever done the Brazos below PK dam? I'd love to see a video from yall on this section of river. its 20 miles and not much for rapids. If y'all go, my group might join. We really enjoyed your Devils River video and camped at the island yall stayed at on yalls first night.

[@GatewoodBrown]

We haven’t yet but some buddies are doing it this weekend. Wish I could join them! Man that night one island was a tough spot haha maybe next time we will have better luck on camping

[@FATHERSOFBASS]

Dope

[@GatewoodBrown]

Cheers man!

[@ragnarlinn6431]

Love this bro I gotta get out there to Texas. Questions for you man plug Scuttle holes or unplugged what's better

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks dude! Unplugged is best so water can drain out. I never have mine in

[@ragnarlinn6431]

@GatewoodBrown sweet I'm unplugging then lol Keep up the videos bro we an the wife love it

[@GatewoodBrown]

@@ragnarlinn6431 yeah man! You shouldn’t get too much water blowing up through them but they’re great when water comes overboard. Probably the biggest reason I prefer sit on tops

[@ragnarlinn6431]

@GatewoodBrown ok yeah we have sit on tops there a custom design from a yak shop down the road there's like 6 of them definitely taking them out now

[@grippo8211]

Need more videos man!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Working on it!

[@evaneichmiller]

Can you do a vid about how/what you pack for meals on kayak trips??

[@GatewoodBrown]

I definitely will! High level though we usually bring pre made burger Pattie’s to grill and then some sandwich supplies for lunch

[@kickapootrackers7255]

Thank y'all 🤝

[@user-qz3rs2kq4m]

The harder you fall, the higher you bounce.

[@davidandkellyinancsi8341]

Beautiful video. Gatewood, can you tell lease tell me what wristwatch you’re wearing. Thank you!

[@mackjenkins7721]

Gatewood that was a good video man. My 6 boys would like that river man. It looked like a lot of fun man besides the Delay of the storms. I like your new Chaco sandals you had on man. They match your kayak man. How long have you had them? I am still trying to get me a pair. The one that i had didn't work out for me. Do you have the toe loop on this one? I had the toe loop one & it was very very Tight on my big toe. It doesn't help that my big toe is over 2" inches wide so. ( Yeah it's a very big toe ) Your boy chuck needs to get a pair too. Gatewood Did you say you lived in houston? It's always good seeing a kayak camping trip video from you man. I just love watching your Adventures man. I would love to do some of adventure trip with you & my family man cuz my boys would have a blast with you man. Good video brother. Thanks you for sharing it.

[@GatewoodBrown]

I loved the new chacos too Mack! Definitely protected the bottom of my feet better than the astrals, but those were good for toe coverage .

[@johnvishnesky5168]

Dude, looks like another solid trip! Definitely making me miss the hill country a bit!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you John! Hill country just got a ton of rain!!

[@johnvishnesky5168]

Nice! That will be great for some Fall trips!@@GatewoodBrown

[@troyfolley1367]

We are looking to plan our next trip and of course I stumbled across another one of your videos. What section of the river is this?

[@GatewoodBrown]

This is the main section everyone paddles. West of junction. Call up the outfitters and they’ll be able to help out with logistics! South Llano River Canoes and Kayaks

[@poodleprofessor]

I kayaked the S. Llano years ago, starting south of the state park. Can you give me an idea where y'all started and stopped? I really want to do a longer trip. By the way, I'm from your neck of the woods: Conroe.

[@BlueEffigy]

This is one of my favorite sections of river. did you find any of the cold spring pools?

[@GatewoodBrown]

I live it there too! Ya know we didn’t find any. Are there spring pools on that section? If so I’m sad we missed them!

[@BlueEffigy]

@@GatewoodBrown there are 3 on that section. There's alot of boulders to jump off of and a couple rope swings too. You can paddle from where you got in to the state park in one day no problem. I've ran this river at nite as well it was different lol. Kurtis and Rhonda are so sweet we used their shuttle service the first time we went out there.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Dang sounds like we missed a bunch of stuff! Sounds like a return trip is in order haha. Totally agree, with good flows you can do it all in a day.@@BlueEffigy

[@BlueEffigy]

let me know, im always down to go out there. i have a friend that has property on the river.@@GatewoodBrown

[@mackjenkins7721]

Hello buddy how's your doing? I just wanted to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas 🎅 to you & I hope you enjoyed your holiday with your family & friends.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Merry Christmas Mack! It was a wonderful year and fond memories were made. Looking ahead to 2024!

[@user-pd6vj5xw5h]

Every great mistake has a halfway moment, a split second when it can be recalled and perhaps remedied.

[@taylorv2458]

Is this south river state park? Or are y’all putting in at mason or castell area?

[@oldghostguardian]

Hi, Gatewood! Would you be so kind as to advise drop in / take out points and CFS? Also, I saw what looked like a small antennae pole and device up for the stern of your kayak. What was that?

[@beckymccord8806]

@GatewoodBrown

[@TheodoreJohnTriantafillis]

Do you use lens guard on your 360?

[@user-jr1kr1hl7c]

The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same.

[@user-rb5wr4of8c]

Correction does much, but encouragement does more.

[@BaileyMullens]

Hey Gatewood! Looking to do this trek very soon. Anyway you could give guidance on where y'all put in and ended at?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey man! Unfortunately there's extremely low flow rates in all of the hill country so I'd recommend y'all pivot and head up to oklahoma or arkansas! East Texas also has tons of water right now but it isn't as majestic as OK and AR.

[@BaileyMullens]

@@GatewoodBrown Great to know man! I appreciate it. What rivers in East Texas would you recommend? For a 2 night 3 day trip?

[@GatewoodBrown]

@@BaileyMullens village creek near Silsbee is usually a good run with lots of outfitters but check out the caddo river in glenwood Arkansas for an alternative Clearwater experience

[@BaileyMullens]

@@GatewoodBrown What about the Little Missouri? Is that your favorite in Arkansas?

[@GatewoodBrown]

@@BaileyMullens it’s the best BUT super technical. You’ll also need 150+ cfs which I’m not sure it’s there right now

[@TheFriskyClicker]

Love the videos, but probably not the best to post a video of you drinking and boating as a DUI and open container while operating also applies to kayaking and canoeing.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Fair point. However, open container is allowed on a kayak and staying under the standard BAC levels is legal. So everything shown in this video is legal.

[@TrulyUnfortunate]

That didnt look like the S. Llano at all. I've had two properties on the S. Llano and lived on the river for years. Also rented out kayaks on the S. Llano.

[@GatewoodBrown]

It is! This is the main part of the south llano too

[@TrulyUnfortunate]

Where did you put in? @@GatewoodBrown

[@AnthonyGarcia-kc7oq]

looks like they put in at 1st crossing. @@TrulyUnfortunate

[@Restoredone1]

What brand is your coffee bean grinder?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Stay tuned for something this May…I’m adding a moka pot and grinder set to Remote Designs along with instructions on how to brew top notch coffee every time

[@user-wn3kq9wj2v]

Where did y’all put in and out if you don’t mind

[@GatewoodBrown]

Call up South Llano shuttle service and they’ll be happy to recommend a section based on current conditions!

[@buzz1275]

what watch were you wearing?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Seiko SKX in yellow!

[@joshgraves8302]

I see the falls but no upstream paddling? I guess going upstream in headwind doesn’t make for a good narrative? Ha ha. Did y’all take out with Curtis and Rhonda?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Didn’t have time to do the upstream section! Looks like a great spot for a return trip. Only so many hours in a weekend ya know. Yep!

[@joshgraves8302]

Oh really? You had drone footage of it.

[@GatewoodBrown]

@@joshgraves8302 it’s right next to the road! Makes it easy to film but a long paddle to get there. Looks beautiful though

[@joshgraves8302]

@@GatewoodBrownit’s worth it. There’s a great island camp prob a half mile below it with some large sycamores that are perfect for a hammock too.

[@bradwessels6288]

What kayak do you have in this video?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Old town sportsman 120! Charlie was in the 106

[@bossHogOG]

Tech sporty bro

[@GatewoodBrown]

Wreck em tech!

[@TheJrcherron]

Where did you guys put in and get out?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Call up the shuttle service and they can make a recommendation!

[@iceweaseltv]

does the 200 feet law matter when picking camp?

[@GatewoodBrown]

200’ to water? That’s typically a national forest rule and not Texas public lands rule. There is no 200’ law in Texas fortunately

[@user-vl4cq9oo1z]

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.

[@joecastaneda6272]

Where was this spot at?

[@ncksmth]

Do y’all not sell the zip backpack anymore?

[@GatewoodBrown]

We do not! Retired it last year. Working on a redesigned backpack with a modern closure that will take its place

[@ncksmth]

@@GatewoodBrown ah dang. I knew I should have bought it when I had the chance.

[@GatewoodBrown]

@@ncksmth ah dang! Keep an eye out on the next drop, I’m pretty stoked about it and is an improvement on the zipper design. Wish I had more of the OG for ya though

[@ncksmth]

@@GatewoodBrown I just placed an order for the duffel bag! Going on devils in a few week (if the flow allows.)

[@Lil.lol123]

Who was your outfitter?

[@GatewoodBrown]

We used Kurt and Rhonda. South Llano River Kayak Shuttle

[@gerardohuerta6925]

Great video. Only one thing, I know most people say Lan-oh river, but correct pronunciation is actually “Yah-no”. The double “LL” in Spanish always gives the Y sound. I’ve done this float a few times, it’s a great little river! Keep up the great work.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Most definitely! Texas has a few places with Spanish roots but Texas pronunciation. The llano is one of them! We do have the llano estacado in west Texas that is pronounced ‘correctly’ haha

[@RealDoggyComments]

Whats the name of your kayak

[@GatewoodBrown]

Old Town Sportsman 120!

[@RealDoggyComments]

@@GatewoodBrown Thank you

[@wstewart5532]

we’re should I go

[@GatewoodBrown]

Junction Texas!

[@AMpr0d]

Reupload?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Yes! Good catch, first one had a copyright song accidentally so I had to pull it down and re upload. Annoying!

[@AMpr0d]

@@GatewoodBrown still watched it again. Can't wait for the next one, your vids are so entertaining.

[@mmancino1982]

Y'all lucky you can drink coffee like that. I'd be like 💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩

[@GatewoodBrown]

Lolololol

[@user-if8nh1kj9c]

The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.

[@HMuny55]

Social media like this is over exposing small sensitive areas for clicks. Sucks.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Do you also blame cars for enabling people to visit nature?

[@HMuny55]

@@GatewoodBrownIve lived in Central Texas a long time and all the delicate beautiful areas have been over run in the last 10 years since Instagram and KZbin have become prominent.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Are you sure it isn't because the I35 corridor has added 2 million people in that time frame?@@HMuny55

[@holyworrier]

ZZZZZZ

[@JackOutLoud]

I like the places these guys go, but they are very insecure millennials that never shut up. I could never camp with these guys because they lack humility and respect for the place. And they always have semi world view political view they quietly insert…ugh They are just very noisy. So I often turn off the sound and just watch the videos.

[@GatewoodBrown]

I don't think we'd camp with you either based on that comment...

[@JackOutLoud]

@@GatewoodBrown Roger that ! 😉

[@JackOutLoud]

@@GatewoodBrown but soundless, your videos are nice to watch to give honor where it’s due.

[@GatewoodBrown]

@@JackOutLoud fair enough!