Alone: Braving the Colorado Trail amidst Wild Weather

[@kraigadams]

lovely work brother. like the narration ha

[@kraigadams]

very diverse camera angles also

[@eric_hanson]

Thanks man! I appreciate that. I’m definitely inspired by what you do!

[@AdamHolmes-r4e]

I reckon I’m gonna call it and say this is my favourite video you’ve ever made, I’d love to see more of this, great mix of shots, music, quiet scenes and talking, also I LOVED the night lapse shots 😍

[@eric_hanson]

That's high praise! I really appreciate that!

[@kennethcgarcia]

Agreed!

[@GrumpyForester]

Yup...

[@blackibex]

Agree🎉

[@texashikeaholicsadventures5651]

Agreed!!

[@rhinoD]

Eric you set the bar for hiking videos. So well documented and edited. Thank you for a wonderful experience for those of us that have jobs that won’t let us leave.

[@e-fishinseasportfishingcha9506]

I agree, the miles he put in everyday along with phenomenal filming, not sure how this can be beat.

[@miketheglassguy7568]

I have watched over 50 colorado trail videos and not 1 has even came close to this! I am so amazed by how you put this together. You put in so much work for this and i can’t tell you how inspired I am after watching this. I had to show my wife and even she was so impressed and was more excited for me to hit the trail next year. This is a masterpiece sir thank you for sharing!!

[@NVIK5]

This is so much better than many overhyped hiking channels.

[@Kenbur]

Eric, thank you for this. I am at the age where this type of hiking is not something I can do anymore. I still get out for shorter trips, usually 1 or 2 days but my body has its limits now that it never had when I was younger. Having said that - the scenes, the excellent recording, the editing, and the final product are by far some of the best of the best I've enjoyed and watched here on KZbin, and bring back many memories from my younger days in Montana, Washington State, South Dakota, and even a few here in Minnesota. Again thank you.

[@seansmart3440]

The production quality of this video is absolutely amazing.

[@eric_hanson]

Thank you! That's my goal.

[@Chris-eh3du]

Hey Eric, this video really touched me and just grabbed my soul in ways other videos on YT just don't. Wanted to say what an amazing job you did with this video, I know it takes tons of time editing to make something like this. Really great stuff, hope to see more!

[@eric_hanson]

Well thank you! I'm definitely looking to bring a soulful side to backpacking KZbin. More coming!

[@HolisticHikes]

One of your BEST videos Eric! The setup of those shots during the impending storm came out very cool. Can totally sense the amount of effort these videos took. ❤

[@eric_hanson]

Aww well thank you! Yeah it was a lot of effort but I'm glad it conveyed some of the emotion of being there!

[@HolisticHikes]

@@eric_hanson it certainly did!

[@MrsHuntontheTrails]

My husband and I (@Hunt on the Trails) travelled from the UK and thru-hiked the CT last summer to celebrate our retirement. Your film brings back some great memories of our final week when we endured endless daily hours of rain, saw nothing from the Indian Ridge and were probably too tired to take in the details! Your film is a real love letter to a beautiful part of the trail. Thank you for taking the time to make it.

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

Eric, sincere congratulations on the major changes and milestones that are coelescing in your life. Also, thank you for sharing your journey. You've created a career educating people in this space with grace and class. Allowing us this peek behind the curtain into the person that is Eric is inspriring and I feel will grow a more robust connection with an audience who already cares about Eric the man, even if we have never met you. I very much resonate with the desire to go solo for the purpose of introspection. I recently did a 44 mile mini-thru-hike in 48 hours to try to accomplish something similar in a shorter time frame. I called it clarity through suffering in a beautiful place. I would hike with muscles failing and felt my mind process through many of the negative thoughts and stresses that I was wrestling with before I stepped foot on the trail. I dealt with some decisions that I was avoiding and let anxiety simply linger until fatigue washed it away. It seems trite, but even in that short period time, something in my brain reset. I hope your time on trail was helpful to you. While it seems that all the changes you are undertaking are positive ones, I am sure there is no shortage of fear or uncertainty... Some rational, some not so much 😉 In any event, you have a fan base rooting for you and are genuinely happy for you. Thank you for your generosity in your content, and I am looking forward to seeing solopreneur Eric thrive!

[@eric_hanson]

This is such a meaningful comment, thank you for taking the time to write this. I really appreciate it! Solo time can be so clarifying. Glad you took that opportunity yourself, great work!

[@stephhageman7039]

Loved this video. For me it was your honesty in sharing your real experience about having several moments of discomfort or nerve-wracking moments… as a female hiker, I make a habit of assuming male hikers are far more invincible to all the things… thanks for sharing.

[@dangay365]

This was like a well done documentary. Beautiful visuals and camera work and great narrative. Nice work. I saved this to watch again and sharing with others. I highly recommend this to any hiker that appreciates beauty. Great job and thank you!

[@peterfagley772]

Well, first, congratulations on your wedding, I have enjoyed the videos of both of you on the trail. As far as this current video, I have to state that after watching KZbin hiking videos for the last five years, none could possibly compare to the beauty and skill of your photography of the Colorado Trail section you just presented. Expert in every detail, I look forward to more like this, thank you!

[@eric_hanson]

Wow well thank you so much! I really appreciate this Peter! You'll see more of Kristi too in some upcoming videos.

[@mikesmusicmeddlings1366]

Beautiful video, the music, scenery, the camerawork, everything!

[@milobookout267]

This is probably your best representation of backpacking to date. I'm very happy to see you thriving as you start something new.

[@mkarp8464]

Spectacular footage and it is great you were able to take this solo journey just before your marriage. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@jasonlohman5658]

Bravo bravo Eric another awesome video and congratulations on getting married. Thank you for showing your epic journey.

[@vancey6072]

You can see that tent stake rip out at 26:20 just by simply zipping the fly closed. This is why I dumped my x-mid... those 4 stakes just need to do too much. And the bear cannister on the CT is overkill. But man... the effort you put into the exhaustive footage and getting miles in is amazing for a solo trip. A really nice edit.

[@nickday7381]

What a simply wonderful video. Thank you. Absolutely loved it. The style and content are nearly beyond compare on KZbin. 😊

[@pivana]

8:32 What a zen watching you walking through the deep woods!

[@eric_hanson]

Thanks! I tried to bring some peace from the trail.

[@pivana]

@@eric_hanson You sure did. For so many of us. So, all the thanks go to you 🙏

[@normpeterson7767]

Few things more peaceful and relaxing than the sound of rain on the outside of your tent while you're snuggled up warm inside. 26:18

[@ChristyHikes]

Hard to put into words.. most every scene was wonderfully captured. Hiking over the passes during a violent storm took guts and willpower. The morning sun lit mountains, the shooting stars at night! The drone footage was amazing!

[@janiedillingham3190]

When you were rushing to get over the pass to get away from the storms, I was thinking what a shame it was that you couldn't take time to enjoy those lovely wildflowers. Then once you did make it over the pass, you DID! I'm so glad you took a few minutes to "smell the roses" as it were. :) It's beautiful country.

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

What a spectacular way to mark a significant life change. This was a great video, and I can’t wait to see what else you have in store for us.

[@mikestevenson1883]

What an absolutely beautiful film. Thanks for taking all of us on this epic adventure. The scenery is so stunning and amazing, but your storytelling is what really captured me. Masterfully done! I really love the work you are doing on your channel and look forward to more immersive content. Cheers!

[@gretat1087]

I agree with one of the previous comments - this might be your best work to date. Beautiful, calming, but also still interesting (I really like it when you’re talking to us about what you’re going through on trail). Gosh the video was breathtakingly good. You’ve upped your game (which was already great to begin with). Really nice job. Now enjoy getting/being married!! Congrats!

[@eric_hanson]

Well that's high praise! Thank you so much. Kristi and I are gonna have some fun in this ol' life together!

[@OakleyOriginals]

Excellent documentary of this CT section. Simply beautiful captures, and such a great style. Love your authentic down-to-earth personality. Congratulations on your marriage, too! Thanks for sharing!

[@luannproctor672]

Those flowers knocked me out ❤all your footage is just incredible, what a great video.

[@pr0n3]

The amount of work you put into this episode really shows. You sir have helped me to put another trail on my backpacking list. Thx for your hard work my dood.

[@MtBakerlife]

Beautiful trip and stunning photography! Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@RickyCue]

Awesome video! That new Mystery Ranch pack looks so cool! I was waiting to get the Bridger but I may hold off for this release.

[@brianlippert6096]

Any feed back on the pack ridax I was thinking 47 Lt for 2 night 3 day trips

[@2HennaHands]

I get so excited when you post a new video! It must be difficult to manage with all the changes in your life right now. Your engaging personality and “realness” make your channel one of my favorites. I get to live vicariously through your adventures for now, but I plan to hike the AT when I retire in a few years. P.S. I see you gave up the stool for a real chair!

[@eric_hanson]

Well shoot, thank you so much for this lovely comment! It's a lot to juggle right now but life is very sweet. And yes! I swapped out the stool for the chair and it was a great decision!

[@SummitSeeker546]

Nicely filmed adventure! Really well done! Like how you stopped to take in the beauty of the flowers and to enjoy the moment! Keep doing what your doing! Love these adventures!

[@SummitSeeker546]

AMAZING blue sky with that sunrise! Love the early mornings…

[@joakorey]

Eric. Thank you for your generosity. I can think of you saying to yourself "I should be on my own, I shouldn't be taking so much video, I just want to walk and enjoy, I hate my tripod, my camera!!!" Nevertheless you did it, and thank to that, now all of us can actually feel what you felt out there. Truly amazing Eric. The best and most pure hiking video ever. THANK YOU

[@eric_hanson]

Glad to hear it! I enjoy making videos like this, even sometimes yes, it's tempting to just hike and forget the camera for a while.

[@musingwithreba9667]

Wow. Just...wow! Bravo 👏 👏

[@statueman1000]

A mate from the UK is walking the whole trail in a few weeks. Your video has shown how awesome it is. Thank you for a very down to earth and informative video.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Carrying that drone is dedication!

[@VelcorHF]

I know it was tough filming this yourself but you did a really good job with this. Really enjoyed just coming along for your hike and the scenes are just stunning. Careful with that dipping ridge line on the Durston, gotta keep it tight for the storms. Congratulations on getting married, wish you guys the best.

[@markwilliams1680]

Oh the afternoon lightning!!!!! I hiked the CT last summer and this was the game every day. Get over the pass before the thunderheads build. Fantastic cinematography and video Eric. I think you made great progress each day considering how much photo work you were doing. I posted my CT trip on KZbin as Papaboioutdoors, more to have a record of the hike as much as anything. Keep these coming you are doing great work and congratulations on getting married.

[@eric_hanson]

Thank you! Yeah the weather and the daily monsoons were such a big, memorable part of the experience! Nice work on hiking the CT!

[@miriammarsolais4221]

Beautiful, just beautiful Eric. Food for the soul.

[@MegaRetr]

One of your BEST videos Eric!

[@eric_hanson]

Well garsh, thanks!

[@alexander.starbuck]

Just an epic video, Ep... Eric 😃, just epic! I mean, your determination to get all of the various angles, shot/reverse shot, pass-by's through the trees, just the sheer amount of extra hiking you had to do! I salute you and can't wait for more. Cheers from Croatia

[@eric_hanson]

ha, thank you! Yep, it's a lot of added work and hiking but I truly enjoy it. I appreciate the appreciation!

[@medicus5565]

Eric, I think this was one of my favorite videos of yours. I'm not sure if it was largely the solo hiking aspect or the beautiful scenery that struck me most (probably both). Great camera work! I don't want to take away the mystique and character of this video, but I wonder how you get so many interesting and unique camera perspectives. Share with us your secrets...

[@lynnnorthrup8914]

This was an awesome effort to capture the essence of the wilderness. I especially loved the time lapse where captured the lightning in the passing clouds. We have walked many of the same miles from the Colorado trail to Harris Wash in Utah. Your videography and photography represent a standard for this “old guy” to strive towards. Thank for the educational journey! Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing!😀👍😊

[@eric_hanson]

thank you so much! I appreciate that. It's a lot of work but I get a lot of satisfaction out of making these.

[@Carmelo-lm2gm]

This is the Fastest 47 minutes and 26 secs I’ve seen on KZbin. Didn’t want it to end 👏🏼 Currently prepping for the full thru hike of the CT in July and this video just dumped a bunch of gas right into that fire 🤩🫡

[@Word187]

Amazingly filmed!

[@eric_hanson]

Thanks! Good cinematography is my goal!

[@nalonabrato8900]

I turn into Lt. Dan in the crows nest when I end up camping in a big thunderstorm. “That’s all you got?” If a storm isn’t severe, I sleep so well. I truly loved this video. Thank you! BTW, I’m a 67 year old grandma, not an extreme sports type. ✌🏼❤️🎶

[@eric_hanson]

Haha I can picture that!

[@nalonabrato8900]

@@eric_hanson 🤣

[@pearldiver7]

Very nice video; thanks for taking us along. You obviously worked on the cinemtography. Gorgeous scenery. Well done, and very enjoyable to watch. Congratulations on the marriage

[@Dovid2000]

13:35 trekking through an enchanted land, such scenic wonders!

[@markrico1917]

Your best video ever, not even close. If you keep this up, you'll prove yourself to be one of the best journey documentarians in the world. Bravo! A true pleasure to watch.

[@ms7fam433]

This is one of the best hike videos that I have seen. Keep them coming!

[@papajeff5486]

Pretty place. I know when I feel tired and my legs get heavy, it’s time for water. Thanks for sharing.

[@robaschultze]

Eric, thank you for this video. Spectacular views and honest comments. flower shops were awesome.

[@christinamauritzon3448]

Wow, what an amazing scenery you've been hiking through. So many emotions you've gone through on this journey. I wish you all the best on your wedding.🫶💍🎉

[@vukojeandric2328]

Wonderful. Pure art. It was a pleasure to watch. Thank you

[@evanlee9161]

I grew up in Northern New Mexico. As a youth, I hiked Southern Colorado in scouts. I was 12. On my first time. I now live in the Pacific Northwest. I've forgotten how beautiful Colorado is. I want to go hike Colorado again. Eric thanks for the wonderful video experience. Happy trails.

[@tristanjohnson7450]

Lovely views and your editing is amazing. Also, from a newbie hiker I look forward to watching your journey through all aspects of life. God speed and many many exciting trips to come.

[@michaelcrossey3532]

Really love this video, Eric. Awesome footage and perfect mix of silent shots and commentary shots. Appreciate the effort that went into this ⛰

[@erikgoedhart8391]

Have to comment again… You have great gear… You have the means… You’re clearly putting in the effort… There still such a humility to being cold, damp, and tired, paired with drive… I’m lost in the music, scenery, shared experience. Beautiful work man. Seriously, beautiful work. Hope I bump into you on the trail one day… or not…

[@davidoneal1448]

This may be the best backpacking video I've seen. Stunning!

[@drewmonster6435]

Wow! Incredible shots, good music choice, and an underlying sense of awe and respect that came through in the narration. The extra effort you put into the video while accomplishing a solo hike is apparent and hasn’t been wasted. Thank you for taking me on a journey I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.

[@suzieriederer9235]

Wonderful video - on all levels! Thanks so much!😊

[@mariovaladez4252]

Beautiful video. You inspired me. I can imagine all the hard work setting up each camera shot and the music overlay was riveting.

[@eddydewilde4958]

Great work Eric, wonderful photography and editing, a complete story. Best wishes.

[@Shipofice]

Since breaking way from your other channel and starting your own your Videos have become more cinematic and even inspirational. Very nicely done. I look forward to your next one,OH congratulations on the marriage, my wife and I have been at now for 34 years and still going strong.

[@eric_hanson]

Thank you! Being my own boss fits my personality. I'm glad you see it that way, it's what I'm hoping to keep bringing!

[@susans8539]

What a beautiful place. I’m glad you made it without incident. Enjoyed the great footage.

[@АнтонПрохоров-ш4ц]

Appreciate all the time and effort spent on filming and editing! Huge work! Hope to enjoy this trail someday. Greetings from Ukraine!

[@erikgoedhart8391]

Stunning amount of work put into the effort, let alone the videography… Nice work man. Safe travels… Very inspiring.

[@GrumpyForester]

My Goodness! What a Beautiful video, Eric! This was truly a spectacular chance to see the views along the Colorado trail, and I am so glad that I've subscribed to your new channel to go along on your solo journey on this trail. I do have to confess that this trip reinforced for me the idea that I could never be a thru-hiker or long-distance hiker, because the views like those that you gifted us with on the Colorado Trail would keep me from getting the 15 or 20-something miles per day that are needed to reach the next waypoint or resupply point or water source...because I would just have to sit and watch while the late-day sun plays across that incredible landscape...

[@hurricaneshand]

Only watched the first half so far, but I just want to say the cinematography and your pictures are amazing. Really great stuff and now I really wanna hike the colorado

[@DryBonesOutdoors]

I am loving your creative flow since you have started your own channel. VERY nice editing in this video!!! Tasty and pleasant!!! Looking forward to what you put out next. I feel like backpacking videos are creators are starting to push their creativity. Huge fan brother and thanks for taking us on this trip.

[@kevinstarski1598]

You did great on this video, real chill, great choice of music (pay attention new youtubers) and congrats on getting married. Your wife is beautiful and seem like such a good sport.

[@danb.709]

Congrats on the engagement, and best of luck with your future life endeavors.🎉🎉

[@eric_hanson]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jakemcavoy2554]

Finally a video which I appreciate and thoroughly enjoyed without fast forwarding. Gorgeous footage. I’d be heading solo to the same trail in late spring. Thanks for sharing. Happy wedding!! 🎉

[@anntownsend2630]

This is just unbelievably well done. Thank you for making and sharing.

[@Mike-dx5zl]

Such a well-done video. I enjoyed it immensely. This video encapsulates the very reason why I want to be out on the trail. The colors, the peacefulness, those views and spending time in your thoughts and with God. Really great video and can't wait for part 2!

[@KimberlyGiven-Kessell]

First, congratulations on getting married and on starting your own business! The video was beautiful! It is one of my favorite of all time! The views were incredible! I feel as if I’m hiking with you!

[@StephenSkoutas]

That was a heck of a video. Great cadence. Great story telling. Incredible views, stills, video, drone shots. Even some drama. You knocked it out of the park with this one. This is what KZbin content should strive to be.

[@eric_hanson]

Thank you so much! I'm working on honing this style in, it's my favorite to create!

[@5183p]

Best way to view the outdoors

[@eric_hanson]

Gotta get out there!

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Great trip Eric, thanks for posting the video! Good luck on your future endeavors, especially your upcoming marriage!!

[@mikesalasek3603]

Awesome video, Eric, it was deja vu for me. I did the CT in 2021 and only had 10 days the whole trip without storms. By the end almost everything was at least damp. Many of the storms were monsterious and the highest thing around my tent were willow. I loved every scary minute of the whole trip. I truly hope you get to finish it someday, there is a lot of beautiful trail ahead of you. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

[@gcruishank9663]

Heading out with my dog for a short 6K hike, 3 night camping in the interior of BC in 2 days, trying out my new Durston X-Mid Pro 2+, this video is very inspiring to get out there!

[@sheilahenry7279]

Thanks for the throw out of other video bloggers or vloggers we might like. Gonna check them out. When you’re over gear reviews it leaves little. I love documentaries that tell about the area also. Thanks for your editing & sharing this.

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

What a beautiful trail 😊 So many beautiful moments on the trail.

[@eric_hanson]

Colorado Trail is stuuuuning!

[@viscachaventures390]

Killer piece of work! Next level production. Thanks for all the parts of the trail you walked twice to get the shot 📷

[@eric_hanson]

haha, yeah, I hiked 75 miles of trail but probably added another 10 to just go get my camera!

[@donnadonna3024]

Found you on Kyle Hates Hiking and so glad. Watched this first video and LOVE all of it. So glad to see the beautiful flowers and that you take the time to show the fantastic scenery. And great music too. After watching this video I subscribed and look forward to watching more. THANK YOU!

[@susans8539]

Wonderful hike, now the best adventure begins! Congrats on the nuptials.

[@MGA_83]

The videography was captivating. I'm emotional with a desire for the great outdoors! My favorite of your videos hitherto. Also, congratulations on your achievements in life. Best wishes.

[@eric_hanson]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that!

[@DonaldCarltonPhotography]

Truly epic and inspiring video Eric! I love the serene still landscape shots and the closeup detailed shots of flowers and such combined with the vlog. You really know how to convey the mood of your experience and tell a story. I can tell you put a lot of time and effort into this. Out of all the dangers in the outdoors, weather scares me the most. Glad you made it out safe! Looking forward to more videos!

[@MrButterpantz]

Terrific cinematography. I could watch it all day and I live here!

[@jessegarnett6307]

Man! Super jealous! What a beautiful adventure! Blessings on your wedding and marriage! God bless, man!

[@hikesome]

Great video Eric! Wonderful trail and beautiful production. Congrats! Love the look and feel.

[@JCrozier1]

I skipped this one when it was new. It's a bit long. Glad I came back for it. amazing!

[@paisleyfamily5972]

Eric perhaps your best video yet. Videography was excellent. Loved the drone shots . You clearly went to a lot of trouble. Great job.

[@maoiliosakiely6351]

This is the first video that makes me want to hike in the states! The videos of the Pacific Crest or Appalachian trails I have seen just leave me wondering why, the landscape doesn't really look that beautiful. I guess we're spoiled in Ireland for beauty. But this trail - it is just jaw-droppingly beautiful and your filming really gives such a sense of the scale and beauty of the place. Well done and congratulations on your wonderful life changes 🎉

[@countrygirl63baker64]

😊thank you, Eric, I know it had to be a ton of work and I thoroughly enjoyed it!!!!❤

[@allenguffey9370]

Just got back from Colorado and you are correct no matter how good a camera you have it just can't capture what you see what a beautiful place great video as always thanks for all the inspiration you've given me to go out and hike /backpacking

[@eric_hanson]

Glad to hear it!

[@mtadams2009]

You did a beautiful job filming and editing. The amount of time, effort and skill is greatly appreciated. You touched on my fears of hiking this trail. As a East Coast hiker I am concerned with the altitude, thunderstorms and water carriers. You also showed what makes me want to do this hike. The endless views, wildflowers and switchbacks. Again thanks and you did a beautiful job. Take care

[@eric_hanson]

Thank you so much!

[@eric55406]

Thanks for sharing with us your solo adventure. Colorado is beautiful. I hope to visit soon.