I Went Backpacking with Gear Picked by Outdoor YouTubers!

[@eric_hanson]

This was by far the most I’ve ever laughed on a backpacking trip! I love this video so much! Exquisitely captured, but you weren’t supposed to reveal my diabolical plan to replace Sir David Attenborough!

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

Sir David has some COMPETITION! Loved backpacking with you!

[@lulucolby8882]

It was a great video, I’d say I loved it but I’m afraid I’ve already overused that word with y’all… but I more than liked it👏🙂

[@RainerGolden]

Agreed - it was the best time! Four days of epic views and belly laughs! Loved every moment of it! I stand by what I said at the end of this video - let’s do it again!! Also gonna need to see you and Sir David Attenborough in the same place…

[@marcusohlsson3130]

I always assumed that David Attenborough was influenced by Eric Hanson!

[@maubeecat2910]

Delightful video!!! I’m so glad you got to do Buckskin and Paria! Also glad you didn’t have to walk through chest high pools of nasty cold water in Buckskin. Your timing was much better than mine. 😊 Thanks for sharing this great trip!

[@hopegerber4790]

Miranda, I so appreciate your vulnerability and willingness to take a step back when a new experience makes you uneasy. Instead of forcing yourself to feel unsafe and uncomfortable, you find ways to be adventurous at your own pace and listen to your body and mind. As someone who is often fearful of trying new things, you instill me with confidence in my hiking, camping, and backpacking experiences. Thank you!!!!

[@tabiblue2804]

Love the longer video

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

Thank you!! 💚 We’re really excited to share something this big.

[@tabiblue2804]

That was such an amazing video. Truly enjoyed and looking forward as always to future content!

[@RainerGolden]

I do not drool in my sleep because I believe in leaving no trace (of drool on my pillow).

[@RainerGolden]

Also ever since I saw Dune: Part 2 it would be rude, in my view, to waste the moisture.

[@KristyBryson]

😂😂😂

[@schulzbrianr]

I definitely drool in my sleep. I'm a stomach sleeper, so I think its just the physics of that situation. Do some weird people (like Rainer) somehow keep their mouths shut all night and just breathe through their nose while asleep? (PS, sweet Tacoma)

[@tiannagangloff4457]

😂😂

[@stitch3163]

I agree with Rainer.

[@JesseGDuke]

Shout out to the editor! You mastered the spirit and story!

[@RainerGolden]

Abby is amazing!

[@TheHealthyHiker]

I remember when I learned that everyone else doesn't drool in their sleep - no wonder I'm so thirsty when I wake up! I just wanted to mention that I started the PCT with an insulated pouch, then left it in a hiker box, as I found an easy substitute. I just put the bag in the sleeping bag if I'm in the tent, or in my jacket against my tummy if sitting outside. You get the great benefit of a really hot heater on whatever body part is cold. Or, I'll wrap it in my puffy or fleece if I'm not wearing one of those. This acts the same as the pouch, with one less thing to carry! My first time watching your channel - LOVED it! Great balance of content AND entertainment!

[@ChrisSunHwa]

6:24 I can relate to being easily distracted by plants, mushrooms, critters, etc. It can make even a short hike take a long time if I'm not careful. lol

[@ChrisSunHwa]

6:40 Also having to go every few minutes. 😅

[@LimitedGunnerGM]

Miranda, bless your heart. Between Rainer’s antics and Eric’s energy… I don’t think it’s possible to have a dull/calm moment.

[@gmonteith]

Looks like you guys had a blast. Thanks for taking us along!

[@sjfanning7711]

I have watched Eric hike with several other people. One being Dan Becker. His personality is a little different with each person! He really seems to be enjoying this hike with you!

[@RyanStipe]

Sleep drool is real. I don't drool every time I sleep, but when I sleep extra well I do always drool. It's a sign of success

[@hannahcollins1816]

One of us! One of us! 😂 Such a fun video - Eric seems fabulous! Definitely gonna have to check out his channel

[@ramshacklewizard]

That pillow style is really enhanced by wrapping a buff around it! It helps keep it stationary during the night, and feels way nicer :)

[@lskazalski]

Yet another use for a Buff

[@l.scales7516]

When hiking in that sort of terrain its very important to lay out some directional rock arrows, stacks, whatever you prefer, even before opening your pack(when you're solo ) that way when the fatigue toxins strike you wont accidentally hike back the way you came,it would still all look like fresh territory & you'd be amazed how often this happens!

[@AuburnAlum1977]

Brilliant idea for a "Smart Nalgene" bottle! Is Nalgene listening??

[@donnamcswain1898]

Miranda, I have to share a story with you about my first experience with sagebrush. I was born in WY, but I grew up in central VA, so on my first trip to WY as an adult, Mom took me to Vedauwoo Recreation Area (beautiful place), and there was tons of this stuff growing all over the place. Like you, I fell in love with its delightful sagey aroma and rubbed handfuls of it vigorously between my palms, deeply inhaling the scent. Cut to about an hour later, and I'm covered in hives, itching from head to toe, sniffling, sneezing, red, watery eyes - the works. I actually had to give myself a shot of epinephrine. What an uncomfortable way to find out you're allergic to something! I love you and your videos, and seeing two of my favorite KZbin personalities (you & EH, of course)together in one video was a joy. Keep up the great work!

[@caveatemptor93]

Plastic bottle tip - I use a 20 oz or 700 ml bottle for the shoulder strap, and keep the 1 liter bottles further back. That works better for me as a 5’5” person. Granted, that does not solve the “not a truly reusable bottle” problem.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

...can also get a straw kit with a bite valve so you don't have to remove it from the pocket .. and mount it lower ...

[@maxinemead8918]

@@rockytopwrangler2069 I've just been trying this (straw with bite valve), with the CNOC collapsible bottle, but I can't mount it any lower on my pack (an Osprey Eja), and I'm only five feet tall, so . . . alas, it is definitely too much in my face.

[@HostileTakeover2]

A YTer on the AT right now has a carrier attachment (basically a clip with a ring) around her SMART bottles. She attached that to a small piece of cordage attached to her shoulder straps. That allows her to flop the bottles back behind her but still easily accessible. But it would also be easy to make a cinching knot instead of the clip.

[@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677]

It is always so great to see all of the KZbinrs collaborate on videos and enjoy adventures together! Thanks for bringing us along!

[@juliaroe3499]

Love that you included Amanda Outside! Love her channel!

[@nieciebabe]

I’ve been waiting for a collab between those 2! So happy to see all these guys working together!

[@stitch3163]

Super fun video, Miranda, Rainer and Eric. Thank you!

[@jameshiggins-thomas9617]

A lot of folk hate the "disposability" of the smartwater bottles. But I still have mine for over 5 years now (as I don't, as a rule, buy water - I only bought them *for* hiking). Not sure they're as durable as a nalgene, but they're on the way!

[@thisbeem2714]

Wow! I have never been able to keep up with my smart water bottles for longer than a few months. 5 years is a darn good run!

[@jeremylawson8872]

i am going on 2 years now with my bottle - its plastered with stickers - maybe that's whats keeping it alive.

[@jeremylawson8872]

oh...and Nalgenes are 'disposable' as well; their owners buy new colors every few months. I have had my Smart bottle for 2 years.

[@thisbeem2714]

@@jeremylawson8872 😅

[@TheBenperri]

Yeah, I don't get the "hate" on them. I have had the same ones for years. And they didn't custom make them for me... they were already on the shelf.

[@wandaesch7314]

Great video, so much fun between the three of yas. Never mind the sleeping in the cold, eating expensive dehydrated food, outrunning a storm It’s about the fun with friends.

[@jerrybobteasdale]

Eric Hanson nailed it with the "Call of the Canyon Wren."

[@saltycat262]

This was awesome! Backpacking content with gear review, beautiful landscape shots, and introduced to Eric. And a full hour show! Love!

[@RainerGolden]

I'm so glad you liked it! Backpacking season is *just* starting here in the PNW (it will still be a month or so until you can go higher into the mountains though) and so you can expect a lot more like this. There are some more lowland trips opening up here in the central mountains in WA that are safe now. April and May are the roughest months in the PNW because all the snow is melting and the avalanche danger is intense. Anyways, the point is that this kind of content is what we're hoping almost all our videos will be until next winter, and maybe even beyond!

[@saltycat262]

@@RainerGolden Looking forward to all of it! 🙌

[@Wazoo53]

Fellow drooler here! I *love* this collaboration!!! Eric is fantastic and you three have the best banter.

[@WagonWheels707]

This is like the third time ive watched this video! You and rainer and eric make an awesome team! Very entertaining! Love it!

[@anninwhack1998]

Frick and Frack in the Wild! You all are hilarious together. So much fun!!

[@susietopspin]

Smart inspired Nalgene is a fab idea. I don’t understand why it hasn’t been done yet. Love me, my Nalgene but need an option for a shoulder bottle holder. Fantastic video and very much enjoyed. I love the booties also.🤘🏻🥾⛰️

[@ulhi7564]

What about a small clean kanteen? I know they're heavier, but also last forever

[@Chris-ov4zc]

There is a learning curve for quilts, especially in the cold. Personally, I find my 20deg HG econ burrow warm down to mid-20s F, but everyone is going to be different. I'm a side sleeper, and originally found that sometimes my butt would get a bit chilled, even when the rest of my body is warm. What works for me is that I drape my puffy over my torso/butt, and shift it to augment if I get any drafts or have any cold spots. On water bottles - for carrying water in your shoulder straps, I find that smaller is better. I typically use 2x 500ml smart water or similar bottles in my shoulder strap pockets; this gives me easy access to enough water to get me between pack-off breaks, when I can refill them from my larger bottles in my side pockets.

[@LWilli5]

I’m wondering if she had the pad straps. Those help keep the quilt tucked under your body keeping drafts out.

[@Swearengen1980]

Zenbivy solved any of those problems for me.

[@PrimalRenegade17]

I love how you are so excited by everything it is great! Also Hanson is basically Nigel Thornberry!

[@rootsandpeaks]

This video is fantastic! Thank you so much for making it. I already loved Eric’s content, but this makes me love him even more. What an adventure!!! You guys are rad.

[@MRBenchwork]

5:12 the color saturation on this segment is insane. It's so vibrant. It's awesome.

[@spockykins]

It’s really helpful and encouraging showing that you struggled a bit and were scared in that one section. Makes me feel like i can do it too! keep it up!! ❤

[@robertlattanzi1016]

It’s not all about the gear, the temperature, the distance, it’s about having fun and enjoying the moment. You have and thank you for sharing.

[@amydanheim3678]

My gear is a hodgepodge of hand me downs and purchased gear. My best investment ever was my Enlightened Equipment quilt in a hand me down gossamer gear pack with a 20 year old Thermarest pad doubling as the back support. I’m grateful that my family collectively helped me prepare for adventures!

[@memathews]

Those old Thermarest pads are golden! I still use mine regularly if I'm not trying to keep weight down.

[@lskazalski]

My next door neighbor (young girl scout) was the recipient of my spare/20+ year old Thermarest, among other gear that's been replaced by lighter gear. She's making good use of it.

[@maryg65]

Love love love this video! You all are so fun together! Thank you one and all 😃

[@musingwithreba9667]

YES! Do that again! 😂 that was so much fun! New trail name for Eric "Attenborough" 😁 That was truly an epic trip. You 3 work so well together. 👏 😊

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

Right?!?! Such a perfect trail name for him!!!! And thank you ❤️ we have an absolute blast together!

[@eric_hanson]

I am seriously considering adopting this trail name!

[@musingwithreba9667]

@@eric_hanson 😁

[@amywert8088]

This was SO FUN! And what views! I wanna go.

[@jenniferjohnson995]

Super fun idea for a video! I love that you’re connected with all my favorite KZbinrs. It’s great seeing your perspective on the different gear. Glad to see a TarpTent getting some recognition. Oh and for the record, most of my family drools in their sleep.

[@jameshiggins-thomas9617]

Loved this one! Looks like it was a blast. Thanks for taking us along!

[@LauraRaeRae]

I LOVE Buckskin Gulch and the Paria River. It always gives me the biggest smile when people get to see the magic of that canyon. I have to say, at a Grand Canyon guide of 10 years, I hope one day you put together a trip. Because I would love meeting you.

[@Later_Nerd]

Love how close the outdoorsy KZbinrs are. Same thing on the MTB side of things. People that want to get outside and share their hobby are good people. If you hike, backpack, climb, mtb, kayak, whatever. Look for groups based around that. Seriously 99% of those people are awesome and you'll make new friends with ease.

[@chrismyers46]

Love your sense of wonder. Love the running commentary. Love the camaraderie. Such a beautifully shot and fun video.

[@wayneaune8430]

I have not watched all the way through, but had to write My favorite video so far. I love the light and humorous approach I like that you are willing to try new products and new ideas. Thanks

[@ladybugphytoprotection5727]

That was amazing...loved it so much. I have been to Utah before car camping for about a week and I just want to go back so much backpacking now. Thank you all !!!

[@Boluggg]

This is one of my favorite videos of yours. You guys brought out the best in one another! I also love how long it is, I loved watching the whole journey. Oh and Eric great job with picking out that tent to test out!

[@eleanorhardesty4792]

Miranda you were a boss shimmying down that rope! I would have needed to turn around! Love this long format video. What a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing!

[@barbarahultman5450]

This has to be one of my favorite videos of yours. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

[@Will-zs6ln]

Tip for smart water bottle lovers! The 0.75L bottle is perfect for most strap pockets. I always take a 2.5L smart bottle as a reserve and the .75L to drink from/add electrolytes to. Great vid! Edit: just got the part where you figured out you can just shove it farther into the pocket LOL

[@merindahthornton5080]

I love your enthusiasm for everything. The scenery on this hike was mind blowing. Thanks for taking us along.

[@JarradShaw]

I love, love, love that I have been following all these people for years!

[@feefee6889]

31:53 he’s too good at this 😂😂😂 someone hire him to do some voice over work 😂😂😂

[@chriskp]

It was great to see Eric shine on this trip. You guys should do more of these together

[@arlenesolis024]

This was a magical hike. I can’t see how alluring the canyon lands can be - Miranda, Rainer, and Eric makes it look so easy, so much fun, I’m ready to book a flight just to go where they hiked. Thanks guys for a great vlog.

[@tjeremypope]

I love how you're excited about everything. It's endearing

[@Hondo79]

😂this one is one of the best !! You’re all demented ! 🥳 No I snore . No drool I suck it back down my throat I guess ?!?

[@arh1234]

I think it's from lying on your back. More likely to snore, less likely to drool

[@lipisteek]

That was a roller coaster of fun! This long form video was an absolute joy to watch.

[@madi.syring]

this was so cool!! I loved eric’s energy and passion, what a fun trip!

[@candydicarlo7663]

Sleep drooler here 🙋🏻‍♀️! The drool is what wakes me up, which is how I know I drool. My husband just bought us new pillows, and commented how he felt some clumps on the down pillows, I fessed up my drooling😳.

[@SuziPoozi]

I love this collab! Everyone's personalities played so well off each other! You know it's a good time when you can talk about farts and poop bags. LOL I'm afraid I'm on team drool. I didn't start doing it until a few years ago. Not sure why, but it sucks.

[@MissDice0007]

Loved this video yall! Eric and Miranda collaborating is top notch!

[@RooEnglish]

im so delighted with this weeks video, watching erics was like bts of this video!

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

💚 Thank you!! It was so much fun to backpack with Eric. He fit right in with me and Rainer!

[@KarlaStorm]

What a great video!! So much fun! And how exciting to see my two favorite KZbinrs on a trip together! ❤❤❤

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great idea for a video and you said "Cnoc" correctly! Refreshing. :)

[@russelljackman1413]

Another wonderful video!!! UTAH!!!!!!!!! I feel so blessed to be born and reared here! Yes, Canyon Wrens are one of my most favorite birds in the world! Their song is like laughter. I have been awakened, many a morning from atop our houseboat on Lake Powell, in southern Utah. They are one of the most delightful "alarm clocks" one could ever imagine! Thank you, one and all, for sharing this epic journey!

[@love3V07]

❤Eric H. He's such a great tour guide with so many facts. I will bring you and him on my next backpacking. ❤Rainer. "Merinda, you have a guest!"

[@jennymikey9911]

46:30 I noticed the earrings right away and want a pair!! Great video, I really would like to do this hike! SO gorgeous😍

[@supergirloutdoors]

When you said you were kinda sad its over, you said it in the same tone I said that same sentence on one of my backpacking trips last summer and hit me straight in the feels. Awesome video!

[@thenorthend]

I love your videos! I have gone camping, but never "backpack camping". I am 59 and hopefully I can fulfill this bucket list item someday.

[@ShroomAndMoss]

I looooooved this video !! Such a great adventure ! I love the scenery, the company, and all the geeking about gear :))) It's a shame the end was rushed by this storm, but I'm glad you all made it safely ! Well done on this format !! xx

[@Riseupforhumanity1]

Such a great trip! Thank you for sharing w us!! So much enjoyment watching 😊

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

What a rad trip that that to be! Slot Canyons are amazing. Great gear and so cool seeing it tested by you. Learn something new every time

[@BackcountryExposure]

Ahh I’ve been waiting for this! Loved seeing yours and Rainers perspective on the amazing Paria Canyon! Still bummed you three didn’t catch up to me and my group, but what an awesome hike and video!

[@lyriccaraballo8867]

The smart water bottle needs to be suctioning the water to pull from the sawyer I’m pretty sure. When I use the cnoc system I always squish the clean water container so it pulls on the sawyer filter.

[@jaysonmoore5166]

This was just so heartwarming to watch. You guys are the best!

[@cherylkaye]

For all those wanting a Smart inspired Nalgene, I use the 24oz OTF from Nalgene, and I really like it. It is narrower like the Smart bottles, and has a flip top. 😊 It's not a perfect alternative to smart (the flip lid makes it heavier), but it is a really good option. 💜 Loved this video. It really looked like you had fun. Thanks for taking us all along.

[@LoveyBicki]

One of my most favorite vids thus far! I loved the longer content, I loved you trying new gear and hearing your point of view on the gear. This may sound like an over done idea but I would love to see a vid with the most inexpensive/non traditional hiking gear that you could possibly share with us so other people that don’t have the money to spend on hiking gear could ease into… I know you’ve shared price points of gear but I’m talking really really inexpensive but usable quality.

[@barbarahardin3142]

Love the music in this video and the video in general. Y’all should do more hikes together. Also, this hike sounds so beautiful! Thank you for taking the effort and time to film it for us to see.

[@glaw5629]

Love this collab! Two of my favorite youtubers hanging out, how cool.

[@outdoornora]

I throughly enjoyed watching this video! It made me feel like I was on the trail with you guys :) Loved this collab!!

[@rosalindpirkl8740]

Loved this! The new gear review, the guest collaboration and the beautiful hike.

[@Gambeli02]

Glad you got out with Eric in his native environment. What a great trip! I don't use Smart Water bottles either. Like you, all it took was one trip to make me hate them. Cnoc, Sawyer filter, and a bladder with hose works the best for me. Dehydrate your own food! I figured out the total cost per meal at between $1.50 -- $2.00. That includes running the dehydrator for sometimes 10 hours straight.

[@GarryCollins-ec8yo]

You can get a shorter smart bottle. I've got a couple that have been on dozens of trips. Great video.

[@MountainGirlwIPA]

Such a great topic. Follow most on the list. I really appreciated learning about where you ordered the gear from ❤

[@Neurotrace]

Awesome video! Eric's Attenborough is seriously unreal

[@LindsayDaly]

SkinnySmartNalgene with Sport Top attachment. Where's the petition, I'll sign!!

[@lifeadventures7078]

One of the best videos made so far! Love the topic and the collaboration with all the different KZbinrs gear suggestions and then hiking with Eric! Great video! Once this video started I saw you wearing the earrings and thought wow she’s wearing earrings while hiking before you even said anything!

[@TheHungryHiker]

I definitely drool in my sleep! I use my fleece to cover my pillow, to give it a little extra cushion and to help it stay more in place overnight, but this also means I drool on my fleece...so there's that.

[@MakeItWithCalvin]

This was awesome, including you coming up with some really good ideas like a Nalgene in the size/shape of a Smart Water bottle. Things like that you would only have figured out if you had to use the Smart Water bottles... Also, as someone with crap knees who knows I could not even make it through part of the first leg of that hike, that hike looked AMAZING! From the insane slot canyons to the rope descent to the chasing the storm out. Things like that make the trip that much more memorable not only for the audience but also you too!

[@lindahopson5003]

Gorgeous hike and what fun company to hike it with.

[@vevethatsme]

Thank you for this vid. I am definitely not a hiking, pooping in a bag, dehydrated food person but I thoroughly enjoyed the whole video. Great job!

[@amyhatmaker9350]

Love the longer video! Looks like it was such a cool experience (minus rushing to beat the rain)

[@StreetWiseMomSurviving]

I absolutely LOVE that the 2 of you went hiking together! You are both my favorite hiking youtubers! And kudos to Eric on the tent pick. I am actively debating 1 person roomy tents for my fur baby and I to go comfortably hiking in. This looks like a viable option. oh, and sleep drool is the sign of a good sleep system indicating deep sleep. when I finally find that system, i will look forward to the drool. 😆

[@jjwdesign]

Great video Miranda! Sleep drool is real for us "mouth breathers". Nose breathers can sleep without drooling.

[@rungavagairun]

35:49 I have started carrying a Sea to Summit collapsible cup that has liquid measurements. I used it as my pot lid on my 750 ml pot as well, and I also use it as a cup occasionally for hot cocoa (I"m not a coffee drinker). I bought one of those Smart Water bottle measuring stickers from Garage Grown Gear, but most of the time, those are the bottles I'm pouring from, so having the measurements on them isn't as useful. It's a bit heavier than my pot lid, but makes measuring out my water, much easier. On your third day, did you do 18 miles? I was trying to keep up with your mileage based on how far you said you had hiked and how far you said you had to go. The number of miles people can cover is always interesting to me. 18 miles is a pretty big day, especially with all the wading through water. You earned your exhaustion. 57:16 I reuse my Smart water bottles all the time. You put a little soapy water in them, shake them around, rinse. Maybe some bleach water to sanitize. And I run my sport caps through the dishwasher. REUSE your Smart Water bottles! Looked like an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikePNW]

Such a fun video! Absolutely love my HG Burrow 20. Have used it in the 30's many times and have stayed perfectly warm. Don't forget the pad straps, make a huge difference.

[@thelivnded12]

24:28 drooling meams it was a damn good sleep. So shes a good sleeper!!

[@vickhines6302]

Cozy food bags: as long as the water is above 150 degrees F, it actually cooks- it also rehydrates, but it will do that with cold water, given time. Ex.: minute rice takes 2 hours in cold water. In cozy starting with boiling water pasta gets al 😊dente in the 8-9 minutes it takes in boiling water.

[@ItsAStephanieB]

You guys got me to do something I never do... Watch an hour long video!!! Hats off to you guys!!

[@milehigh_onthefly]

Fun video, thank you! Quilts on pads definatly carry a learning curve. The Swayer Squeeze failure you ran into was common for me before moving on. Try the Katydyn BeFree systems. They are solid!!

[@kirstenmc68]

I live your videos and your vibe and this collab was so nice! I have just watched Erics video too and was stunned by his footage of the canyon. Somehow the natural beauty came across so much better there 🙏 I would love to have more shots like that in your videos too because the places where you hike are amazing ❤