Into the Empty Quarter - festival cut

Alastair Humphreys and Leon McCarron set out on an expedition inspired by Wilfred Thesiger's great journeys through the Empty Quarter desert on the Arabian peninsula.
This is the short festival version of their film. For the full film, please visit • Into The Empty Quarter

[@VIP.A]

i am so proud being a part of this desert, my land is just so beautiful and deep ... respect and love to all people around the world and their cultures ... salute from Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

[@akki3924]

Your land is really a beautiful piece of art. I hope for that day when I will step over there

[@ZalmaiPashtun]

The best thing about this documentary is "this is not the middle-east of bbc & cnn", says it all

[@andrewmurphy64]

+Hikmat Ullah nooo BBC is good! dont trash talk Attenborough dont ever! he said fox news and CNN

[@ZalmaiPashtun]

+Andrew Murphy David Attenborough is one of my favorites, I never trash talked about him. BBC, CNN, FOX all are the same. Thanks for your comment though.

[@WorldSurvivalist]

To be fair it's not really they parts of the middle east they talk about on the news. Try pulling a kart accross iraq

[@stelley08]

The news channels are propaganda.. these middle east countries are full of fantastic people..Iran being especially friendly

[@EdiDrums]

I heard "...of CNN and Al-Jazeera"

[@thamerfarraj3440]

Some of the comments did not consider this as walking in the Rub Al Kali, but it is, the video is not about crossing the desert which would be both crazy and certain death experience. These guy are brave and they certainly did the task with integrity 🤞🏻

[@tomtafola4518]

I am speechless this is better then a movie I am so inspire I ahve no word to descrive how deep I was touch by this video.

[@johnarizona3820]

WELL DONE! Assuming your cart was constantly freewheel, a ratcheting hub would lock it from going backwards which would be particularly helpful in traveling up slopes. You and your friend answered the call we all have to travel, explore and test oneself. In doing, you set a good example for us all, thank you for that! God bless!

[@Kostyn_Tinus]

Замечательный фильм! Фильм после которого хочется поскорее выключить интернет и поскорее окунуться в собственное путешествие. Спасибо тебе, Аластаир.

[@FRANKTHRING1]

The two lads are clearly keen backpackers and like a big adventure, but their trip does not even begin to come remotely close to what Thesiger, Doughty and the other great Arabian explorers did. In fact it is slightly insulting to their memory since it somewhat cheapens the achievements of the great explorers. Spending months with the Bedouin, sleeping by your camel, experiencing all the hellish climate changes of the Empty Quarter, living on just water and lizards, what Thesiger and the earlier explorers experienced was something else. These two lads are gutsy but men like Thesiger had big fucking balls !

[@al_humphreys]

I totally agree with you.

[@charlottemottram8561]

Great story, adventure. Thanks for sharing x

[@kimberlyscabiniowa1199]

I would've put skis on the cart for pulling in the sand... a great little video... thank you for posting it... you made me feel like I was there with you, enjoying the adventure. This is the second video I have watched of yours... I am impressed again at the quality of the film... attention to intricate details, etc. So much so, that I am going to subscribe to your channel. Keep going. Keep making movies and please keep sharing them! THANK YOU!

[@rossharrison5981]

Bloody amazing, thank you very much.

[@Adventureman_Dan]

Absolutely epic. I love the true adventure you guys found and fought for. Watching this is such great motivation. Thank you and never stop adventuring!

[@Brian_Moser1118]

im from saudi arabia and i can tell you that the desert has nothing to offer me at all.What interests me is the fact that people that live in places that are the opposite of that think hot weather and the desert is an adventure to them!

[@Brian_Moser1118]

shut the fuck up

[@nooni213]

it has many to offer, but us saudis cant see that and want to get what we cant get. such as greens, the empty quarter has a lot of secrets, beautiful sightseeing but deadly environment. انا من بدو الجنوب قبيلية لكن متعلمة في المدن

[@yoosseef]

يا شين السرج على البقر

[@syphon_9892]

"no arab loves the desert we love water and green trees"

[@harounmartin2142]

that will that be that yes that that that

[@kalashnikov5038]

This video deserves way more views, it's so natural and peaceful, all done by travelers. Much much love

[@fabiozulianiregistaeperformer]

I am a film director and writer, I love travelling and meditating through deserts. I love your work, the Rub' al-Khali is amazing!

[@rudyo8409]

Great adventure" Thanks for sharing.

[@cleverdaft]

Wonderfully inspiring guys! A friend and myself walked John O'Groats to LandsEnd . Your comments about people not stopping to offer a drink or just congratulatory handshake would leave a bitter taste in our mouths too. It magnified the beauty and kindness of the people that did. The Journey was far more enjoyable than the destination! Keep on. Much love . Paul.

[@DeanRead]

Excellent edit of the full film guys, really gives a taste of the adventure. Thank you for sharing

[@akki3924]

Alastair you are my hero. I will feel privileged for hosting you here in India.

[@madawinawaf3914]

It’s inspirational to watch when your problems don’t seem to end. Problems shall be crossed eventually.

[@Bevfitness]

Always love your honesty Al! This adventure looks so hard! Just shows how strong you can be if you set your mind to a task. Incredible! X

[@MikeDewey]

Always a classic dude, watched it several times. Really appreciate your work and look forward to new adventures!

[@jlandkev]

Loved this! Definitely want to see the full film. Very inspirational and exciting. In 2015 we often think that there are no more adventures out there eft to have. Alastair, you keep proving that wrong. Cheers!

[@christopherbo0th]

this is epic sir. im suprised it doesn't have at least a million views

[@sathwicked619]

It was just brilliant

[@2ride_along]

Worthful 20minutes and more ....great video.

[@shammarflag6585]

A misleading title. Great adventure, but they did not cross the Empty Quarter at all, not even a tiny part of it. They just walked from Salalah to Dubai on paved roads, and they filmed a couple of shots of sand dunes nearby the road. They also didn't get into Saudi Arabia where the most part of the Empty Quarter is located. There is no way that they would walk across or get into the Empty Quarter with or without that cart. People go missing regularly over the years trying to get into The Empty Quarter with their 4x4 vehicles. Read about the Empty Quarter (Rub' Al Khali) and see the geological nature of that region. Great adventure guys, but you both know for a fact that it's not about walking into the Empty Quarter.

[@dreadlock360]

The title doesn't claim that they crossed it, it just states that they entered it? Why do people always have to downplay other peoples accomplishments? What have you done with your life?

[@al_humphreys]

We called it "Into the Empty Quarter" precisely because we did not cross it. We weren't allowed into Saudi.

[@faizankazim5178]

I remember after the 2 of you gentlemen finished that trip and managed to visit Saudi after finishing, you visited and played your documentary at our school and I can still say I am so incredibly glad that I was there and not for nothing, the people you inspire outweigh the commentors that seek to undercredit

[@al_humphreys]

Thank you!

[@andrewsullivan678]

@@al_humphreys thank you for publicising your adventures. I only wish you had properly filmed your most exotic adventure, the trip around the M25

[@TheGourmetCampers]

Awesome video and great effort!

[@thetalkingfly]

Alastair - you and Leon are rad! love the funky creative adventure... cheers, Steve

[@chasingthenorth9719]

I can't wait to download this, it looks like such an interesting experiment.

[@mohammadabubaker8118]

This is an amazing video. Wonderful.

[@marcknight4568]

That was nice of Ali to notice you two out there.

[@mohanned0532]

...hello there good job what you did ..If you use camels it will be much more easier And our grandfathers used to walk throw the desert at night , because of heat you really did the impossible mission

[@Muhammad-me4du]

Mohanned Almane3 They also used the stars to navigate where they're going to.

[@muhammadzaman7577]

excellent journey, great fun.............

[@BridgerNinja]

Incredible video as always Alistair!!!

[@ibnbattuta1304]

sorry, but you really didn't go into the empty quarter much at all. thesiger really crossed the desert because he was allowed in saudi arabia.

[@al_humphreys]

I know. We were not allowed in to Saudi, sadly.

[@joelray2475]

Great film and adventure - also an inspiration for the couch potatoes like me to get off me ars and GO!

[@AH-64E]

Alastair Humphreys will you can now come to Saudi

[@satraviany]

@@al_humphreys you are now saudi open for tourist do the journey

[@AliAli-gt9dz]

@@al_humphreys Desert trip in Saudi Arabia kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYOpnqeJnJyiaKc

[@aaryanyt3917]

Excellent and unbelievable

[@alessandromaccarrone8655]

great! I loved it

[@siskokafa4410]

How do they find tons of water in the desert. They might be needed 20 kilo water per day each. There is missing issue on this trip!!!

[@scoobs00123]

Great adventure and great video work.

[@rbphilip]

Apparently the world is filled with armchair critics. Walking that distance in the desert is a hell of an achievement. Good on ya!

[@st1100pilot]

Loved it! Thanks for putting the effort into a great film about your expedition.

[@Expat_Adventure]

Your adventures are truly inspiring

[@user-bz3rf3gy4y]

Best precious experience for guys💪

[@rudibright7957]

This is really good.

[@superactiontank]

The real question is did they call the guy and celebrate by eating camel.

[@al_humphreys]

We couldn't get through on the phone.

[@Mekhanic1]

There's nothing like eating a good camel toe.

[@liFE-gt6or]

superactiongeneral that joke was worse than licking a squirrel asshole

[@MickHuerta]

@@al_humphreys Thank you for the reply! The promised camel feast was on my mind throughout. Bravo, well done!

[@campaillot7900]

Wow. An ineffable experience and adventure.

[@MrStoenz]

Super cool :) ich hab schon lange darauf gewartet den Film zu sehen good luck for the future!

[@active.outdoors7973]

visit us again to our home country Oman, and will always be happy take you out for a remarkable Advantur.

[@Arthur-Silva]

Great adventure, congrats and thanks for the inspiration!

[@Shooterthecat1]

Well done!!!!!

[@lauraandlisa381]

In which seasons did u guys travel, summer or winter

[@glassarthouse]

Hopefully one day you can get into saudi arabia and actually cross the sands. this looked like it was the outskirts of the quarter.

[@al_humphreys]

Yes, you're correct. Inshallah!

[@NormW64]

Just: WOW!!!

[@arriviste2020]

Have to say, having been in the "Empty Quarter" back in 1965. these two lads are pushing the boat out somewhat. They certainly did not venture into actually crossing the Empty Quarter". Walking along a road for the majority of the journey is a far cry from walking the sand, gravel beds and rocks of the "quarter". Also noticed that their clothes were dry and the area around their eyes were clean and clear. Not salt encrusted, and rough with dried sweat. They completed their walk, so that means congratulations, but no way could they even be on the same page as those that have actually completed the journey through the "Empty Quarter".

[@al_humphreys]

Hi, I agree with much of what you said - wouldn't begin to compare our trip to Thesigers.

[@rustamgani6826]

This great!!!

[@RajkumarDasHD]

Wow. Amazing.

[@Dr-ub8ry]

Tremendous effort. Honest. Its the calling , isnt it. To be human , to live as a human. A million thanks sounds rubbish. You are normal , honest , wonderfull boys. I am humbled. But, my humble namaskar.

[@nasseralharbi9716]

Wonderful

[@Dr-ub8ry]

Exactly thesiger. Thanks.

[@MrOnizan]

Excellent

[@Wonderboywonderings]

Why didn't you use wider tires, like beach cruiser bikes do?

[@al_humphreys]

Because quite a lot of the trip was on gravel and some was on asphalt. But we certainly should have used wider tyres - our mistake!

[@dylanreeve883]

Alastair came to my school today 😀😀

[@al_humphreys]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@tadrousramez464]

Can I ask what the background music is that begins at 6:00 minutes?

[@omarg.4777]

This is truly amazing

[@jbradshaw4236]

Cheers for reply re shirt.... Need a good one for gr24 . Thx again,

[@bspark119]

Would some form of ski system (under the wheels) have worked? Or would the sand have worn through them too fast?

[@abojinan4665]

good job man

[@SheikhCJ]

Great adventure

[@lindaleh2004]

Where are the women?

[@marinabruce2875]

Amazing accomplishment which shouldn't be talked down by those who have never been there - if you check out the route from Mugshin to near Ibri you will see they have done 600kms in absolute wilderness without a paved road in sight. I know this area well as I've driven offroad from Buraimi to 12kms north of the yemen border - much of it follows their route and it is not an easy undertaking. The most silent and (at night) dark place I have ever been to. Well done guys, will you be having a go at the EQ in Saudi once they start issuing tourist visas later this year?

[@al_humphreys]

Thanks. Marina. I would LOVE to go back to Saudi and dive really deep into the desert.

[@jbradshaw4236]

Sorry to be sad, anyone know or recognise the make of shirts the chaps are wearing? Great trip chaps, enjoyed the journey and the history.

[@al_humphreys]

RailRiders.

[@fahadaljaafari9936]

Give it an another chance to cross the real empty quarter now I believe it’s allowed to get inside Saudi.

[@siyada9982]

Greate journey. (y)

[@abdalrahmanal-abdalaziz3769]

why didn't you go through Saudi Arabia I'm from there

[@al_humphreys]

We weren't allowed.

[@nickwalsh2335]

rad but fat tires would have helped with floatation over the sand

[@marcknight4568]

Obviously a jacamel cart . But where can you borrow a jacamel in the desert?

[@BreezyInfernoNinja]

Why would you use such thin bike tires...

[@al_humphreys]

Yes - that was a mistake!!

[@marcosluciosilva2433]

Where's the camels ??

[@HelpfulGuy95]

There's nothing there that's it's called empty.

[@samobadie]

The empty quarter has no animals Not even birds That place is literally the most dangerous place in saudi arabia

[@Wonderboywonderings]

Your website appears to be expired. How can we watch the full version?

[@al_humphreys]

You can get it here: www.alastairhumphreys.com/product/empty-quarter-film/

[@TheLoadsof]

What’s the point!

[@ejazahmed4936]

you guys are made of steel. keep alking

[@kamikazekunze]

Love the cart, maybe use fat bike tires next time???

[@user-wn2zg2yu4v]

مافيه عربي؟

[@homodhamad]

great adventure, but that is clearly bad choice of tires how did you not see that from the start? it will dive inside the sands

[@al_humphreys]

True!

[@Neccaps]

9:42 and you want them to stop this area is one of the areas that is full of smuglers so everyone is scared from everyone

[@cbjgdicad1]

what is this ? an advert for pepsi?

[@BudhagRizzo]

Those cans must've weighed a ton! Why didn't you just go with MREs?

[@al_humphreys]

cash!

[@prophetcraigmclaughlin]

Okay

[@hippyswift]

great video my friend ;) your website link does not work anymore?

[@user-nf1hc9ev2x]

Good trip but you walked on the boarder of empty quarter because the most empty quarter is inside saudi arabia and note that empty quarter has not roads, the empty quarter is from Oman boarder and UAE to north west inside saudi arabia the empty quarter is the most death place on earth, why? Because you can't get fire resource like wood and shilter hard to built also water which is important is hard to find, food can't be found may you find snakes or some very small animals to eat and what about nevigation you have to have a compass but there are not maps use campass and draw your map also there is no terrains to help you with a compass you can work with pace count only or by stars imagine how did we live before many years still now pepole lost every year from saudi arabia in this death spot I bought SAS survival book does't help me to understand like this desert

[@al_humphreys]

Hello, I totally agree that we were on the border of the Empty Quarter. The reason for this though is not due to a lack of roads and resources (that was what we were interested in!), but rather because we could not get a visa for Saudi Arabia.

[@nikoghosyanm]

could you please update the link to the full movie ?

[@EdiDrums]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGbdq6WuZ7enjbc

[@tadrousramez464]

what is the name of the soundtrack that begins at 6:13

[@richyleed]

I would have made it into a tandem bicycle.. pedal it on flat surfaces and pull it on the sandy terrains.

[@7alr25]

حاطين لوحات ع سيكلهم السبك ذولا🤣

[@TheAtlanticDrifters]

what's the song in the end credits

[@ubadahalawani6702]

I'm just wondering, why didn't he cross the Saudi Arabian border, it would take less

[@al_humphreys]

Saudi Arabia does not issue visas for journeys like this, sadly.

[@PalmerD19]

great story and adventure, but cmon, how could you possibly think of a kart without steering wheels? what were you thinking? and bicycle tires? you even tried it on the sand and it didn't worked. This made me think that there something wrong in the ideation and realization of this journey. A journey which is great, but having in mind more the "spectacularization" of it than the journey itself.

[@karlshaner2453]

Lehi and his family crossed the empty quarter I believe. To see the path of their journey here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnObXqWMdsmDq8k

[@cormacbrogan7353]

I want to do that

[@alexandernova5780]

All normal people want to be adventures. There is nothing normal about being normal