5-DAYS - SOLO CAMPING IN RAINSTORM // West Coast Trail

[@jessewigent9776]

Top tip from a fellow X-Mid owner: you can pitch the fly first/separately, or “unclip” a corner or half of the inner tent mesh to temporarily give yourself extra space to get out of that wet gear.

[@hvn0131]

is it possible to put up the fly first for x-mid 2? i saw a video for x-mid 2 SOLID where the fly could be set up separately but for the x-mid 2 i don't see in any video

[@armedbandit]

@@hvn0131 Yeah, you can, exactly same design. You would setup fly, climb in and clip the inner to the fly.

[@natehoover5266]

The drone footage is such a nice addition to your arsenal. I notice all the effort you put into these trip videos and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Not only are your gear videos the most helpful out there (I own the Flash 55, Speedgoats, Xmid and STS Ether Light from your recommendations) but your trip videos are my favorite. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, skill and emotion with us.

[@TransylvanianHikerEN]

I believe the drone-like shots you are referring to were actually made with a 360 camera. It's a nice illusion that adds to the video without the noise and other potential problems generated by drones.

[@TheNewGreenIsBlue]

@@TransylvanianHikerEN SO, you set that up at the base of the ladder and then when you climb up, you have to go back down to retrieve the camera if you're solo? I'm always impressed by the amount of extra work KZbinrs put into getting shots.

[@TransylvanianHikerEN]

@@TheNewGreenIsBlue It depends which shot are we talking about. At 0:32 it's probably a 360 camera in the backpack on a selfie stick (which gets removed), but for shots like the one at 0:37, or 0:41, yes, you have to go back to retrieve the camera.

[@matthewgreer9160]

Awesome video. You make rain seem very manageable. Would love a follow up on how you actually deal with rain and wet - keeping your gear and tent dry as you get in and out, managing wet feet, cooking in the wet, etc.

[@Nickeloou]

Agree. That would be super interesting!

[@unvexis]

At 11:50, that contraption is a "steam donkey," used in the past for logging and such. You will find them abandoned in west-coast forests from California up to BC and Alaska.

[@yeeahbro]

It's super cool to see this trip video a day after coming off a 5 day solo there myself. It rained at least 70% of the time and was a wild experience. I saw so many sea lions , crabs and even a weasal. Some wolf tracks too ! You're so right about the vibe of the trail, even being soaked for 3 straight days ( minus the time in tent of course ) it was absolutley stunning and i can't wait to do it again ! Seems the only difference in our trips was the start and end points ! I went sobo. I love your vids man ! Keep up the great work !!

[@isleeptillnoon5256]

That trail looks insane, especially in those conditions! What an epic hike. I'm all too familiar with strong winds and rain in camping with my xmid. Over 70 km/h winds and heavy rain all night made the ground like a thick soup, leaving nothing for those silly shepherd hooks the tent came in to grip on. At 3am, most my friends decided to bail out so I borrowed their pegs to double and triple pegged everything so my tent held up till the next morning. My tent, my Quechua pop up that my mum borrowed and my naturehike mongar tent my friend borrowed were the only ones left standing in the site, everyone else was flattened or blown into the next paddock where mine would have ended up if I hadn't reinforce the corners.

[@juststeve1143]

Wow! That was great...thoroughly enjoyed...one of the most interesting treks given the diversity of natural obstacles (ladders, river crossings, etc.) and the scenery, especially the view from the outhouse.

[@tracygenereux959]

Wow! The amount of water/rain was so different on my September trip. Had no rain, and pretty much everything was dry. I only used the cable car once but could have walked across the river easily. Crazy how the conditions can change throughout the season :) Tsusiat falls were an excellent shower... Not the raging monster you captured haha! I enjoyed watching your journey :)

[@mtminded4498]

Excellent job with the variety and quality of footage! All the extra effort that takes during the trip to capture that is greatly appreciated by us viewers living vicariously through you. I felt like I was getting wet watching the video and nearly reached for a towel to dry off. Chef's kiss.

[@RainBoxRed]

11:04 I've never seen a human powered cable car like that, that was heaps cute.

[@apocsurvival916]

I have the Marmot Magus set. I treat them before each trip. I have tested so many. It's crazy. I found after lots of R n D. Only wear them with rain, don't leave them on, let them dry on my pack. Avoid touching the shell, oils from you will stick. When dry. Store it, inside out in a dyneema bag. I know all of this seems so silly, but dirt and oil collect on them so quickly.

[@arnoldestrada8583]

Oh man that is definitely magical. I went to Vancouver and Vancouver Island in 2019. I didn't know this existed. Definitely on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing

[@ck9973]

Rain aside, the trail looks amazingly beautiful!

[@Westernwilson]

5:12 I remember that section! I could not believe they put the trail that close to the edge. You want to be wide awake when you do that little bit.

[@CameronBed]

Love the video man. Every consider some POV hiking/scrambling/setup with the nature sound and a low voice over? I think it would be really relaxing and some good ASMR

[@Cmgolfers]

when I hiked this trail 15 years ago it rain on day 2 (coming from the south end) the one thing that sticks in my mind is that after crossing the suspension bridge we had to climb a ladder with a water fall running though it. Amazing experience and having 1 day of rain out of the 5 day trip was just the right amount of wet.

[@jessicamattheis4279]

I’ve been waiting to see what this trail had to offer. I live in WA state and that trail is definitely on my bucket list! Glad you stayed safe and had fun! 🌲🌧

[@JustinOutdoors]

It's one of my favorite ever!

[@TheWctman]

You're a better man than me, bud. I've done the trail 5 times, 31 days, and had 1 day of light rain. Can't imagine grunting through a soaking wet trail. On one trip, we had blue skies, rarely a cloud, for 7 days. My memories of the trail are fabulous, my favourite place on earth.

[@planesandbikes7353]

Always enjoy your stories in these videos! thanks and keep em coming. This one is the perfect cautionary tale against doing WCT in the spring, lol. We have rain season until end of June and then drought season on the coast, so Aug/early Sept is the ideal time for backpacking. We have had no rain on WCT and JDF the several times we did them because I choose to go in the drought. Just too many people (some of them I know personally) have been rescued trying to do this trail in rain, just due the wetness not injuries even.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Totally! I purposefully wanted the rainy experience since the last time I did it was 7 days of sun and warmth.

[@lakorai2]

FYI the Xmid 2p solid inner is going back on sale June 16 at 11am EST at Koviso.

[@lakorai2]

Xmid doesnt need no tarp for some rain! However a nice big tarp is nice to stay dry with your camp chair and cook setup.

[@joedodson4062]

Great video Justin! Thanks for sharing. Would love to hear your thoughts on the katabatic quilt (especially relative to the EE quilts you have).

[@jaredcampbell]

Thanks for the great video!! Love this trail. I did it last year with my brother, my first time his 7th. We had such a great time. I recommend for anyone thinking of doing this trail, do it late July/early August. It's your best chance to have sun and less rain.

[@mr_cleaner_upper8645]

Fantastic video! Hard rain is no joke. My wife and I did a bike tour of Ireland. We set up at a beach campground we were hit by a storm so bad we had to yell in each other’s ears to talk. In the morning our tent (MEC Snowfield) was the only one still standing.

[@damonm3]

Looks amazing! I love the NW… been going up there once a year for the last decade. Look forward to spending more time locally in the colorado mtns. Got a new to me dog. 2.5yr old border collie. And it happens he loves the mtns too! Just started acquiring some cheap gear. Got the speedgoat 4s and when I saw the 5s have step in and a better tongue I had to have them. Love Hokas! Hope I can keep my feet dry!

[@wanicroc]

I want to do this!!!! Love the aspects that you have covered and stopped off at. Inspiring, whatever the weather.

[@martykincaid1700]

This trail is the reason I started hammock camping. There is so much water when it starts raining. One night I felt like I was going to be swept out to sea the surf was so loud when we were pitched on the beach.

[@BigBlueVentures]

Thanks for sharing this trip! Looks amazing. If the rain there was anything like it is rn in the lower mainland, I’m not surprised by the treacherous conditions. Be safe!!

[@billpetersen298]

That brings back memories. Haven’t done the trail, since the 70’s. I’m kitting out, to get back into, packing again. Wow there’s a lot of gear out there. In your gear lists, do you prefer your “favourites”. Over some of the gear you took?

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Another Xmid fan! I've been so hesitant to do a rain trip, but I think I need to just DO it. So beautiful up there!

[@glenndorsey9068]

What a great video to enjoy from my sunny, dry study. Impressive videography! You’re really raising your game.

[@Thedude5401]

Nice one man! Next time you're out this way, check out the North Coast Trail! It's a beautiful beast!

[@JustinOutdoors]

It's on the list!

[@eric55406]

In windy conditions you can and should set more stakes on the sides of the X-Mid, plus the 2 extra guy lines.

[@tobefrank6825]

Hey justin, i live on the island and have had this on my bucket list for years now. For foot wear, since your feet are essentially guaranteed to get wet, would you recommend trail runners over boots? And how do you mitigate and deal with wet feet on the trail/ camp

[@es0x]

100% trail runners, they'll dry much faster. I would suggest taking 2 pairs of socks, changing into your dry pair when you get into camp and drying the other pair inside overnight

[@kennethmccomas82]

I also solo hiked the WCT in mid-May of this year. Your video definitely captured the experience of rain and mud. But wow, the views and ocean walking were incredible. Oh, and the crab lunch at the narrows was not too bad either.

[@dougieranger]

Greetings from Scotland. That was a tough one, well done Justin.

[@DrofJustice]

So happy to see you on trail again! What a special trail even in the rain. ❤️

[@JustinHEMI05]

Wow wow wow! What a fantastic trail! Thanks for introducing me to it, it's on the docket for 2023 now!

[@tclimb]

Thanks!

[@JustinOutdoors]

Wow! Thank you so much Tony! I really appreciate it!

[@mackjack99]

Hey - You ever figure out what the bungee cable cords on either side of the inner on your durston tent is? I would imagine its to help keep the outer from touching the inner but wanted to double check.

[@Dixy_1989]

Wow. I thought Scotland was wet 😂 awesome video! Glad you made it safe.

[@SmolderOutdoors]

Awesome video Justin. Aside from all the x-mid love and an epic looking trail I wanted to say I really enjoyed your reframing of the 360 video on this trip. It’s fun to play with and definitely adds an extra element to the videos!

[@brycepickford1719]

I did the wCT in 2017 and planning on the North Coast Trail this summer with my Xmid. What kind of tent pegs did you use for the xmid in the sand? Do you think sand stakes are a good idea?

[@alisapeckham]

How is the Xmid with pitching on the sand? Any issues with it not being a freestanding tent? I’ll be doing the WCT this summer and I’m interested in buying this tent.

[@TheBramanteChronicles]

Super cool hike even in the crappy weather. That last camp was awesome. Thanks for another great video bro.

[@bidufree]

Great video! How did you do with your shoes? Maybe I missed that. They seem to have got pretty wet during the day.

[@matthewpeschke]

Xmid 2p for a family of 4 when hiking these kinds of trails? We're in Nelson, BC so we have a lot of hiking options. Our girls are 8 and 10. Think two xmid 2p solids for my family would be a good option or too tight? Freestanding tent a better option? Thanks for sharing your trips and knowledge.

[@anthonysamuel143]

Proposal beach looks amazing! I just proposed to my fiance at the summit of mount Marcy last week. Highest peak in New York. Something about being in the back country with your significant other just elates emotions and makes for some incredible memories!

[@kappe-n3v]

Awesome trail, awesome video, felt like 30min (in a good way)

[@bewhiskeredjuarez6851]

That wind was so gnarly bro!

[@itzslothiebecker491]

Hey it’s the guy you talked to in Walmart parking lot😂 told you I would subscribe

[@chuckburr517]

When was the trip. Maybe add that to the show description. We went in early July and it was dry.

[@alexanderroberts3424]

This is stunning! Good to see the speedgoats held up, I read mixed opinions about trail runners on WCT. Were you carrying a separate pole for the 360 camera?

[@JustinOutdoors]

I've done the trail in boots and trail runners now and would do trail runners every time. Separate pole for 360 camera - yes :)

[@higler.]

How did the Hoka Speedgoat 5's hold up in those conditions?

[@jjlansing11]

Great video! I'm in Nova Scotia, so haven't seen much about that trail but it looked beautiful!

[@stephenbouchard8075]

Great video Justin. Hoping to do this trip next year.

[@flattenedprimer-hz6vw]

My son and I just finished the trail North to South and have to say it was a trip that left me with mixed feelings. The ocean and beach sections are spectacular. The inland "trails" and "infrastructure" showed such neglect that it was depressing and embarrassing(as a Canadian in a National Park). The trail is missing key infrastructure such as boardwalks, bridges, ladders or are in such disrepair that they pose a significant risk to use. This results in the "trail" going from a meter wide to a sprawling mess of destruction many meters wide as people have tried to make their own route to avoid the hazards. You spend the vast majority of your time looking at the ground as it is imperative to navigate the roots, puddles, rocks, rotting rungs & boards etc. so you don't appreciate the beauty around you. We ran into foreign backpackers who were taken aback at the state of the trail. There is no issue with the difficulty of the trail as it is not the difficult just dangerous.There needs to be serious maintenance done to prevent more damage to the environment and prevent injury.

[@Dynalo]

Beautiful shots! Glad you were able to stay safe.

[@emeliehammarstrom15]

What do You think of the Durston x-mid? Is it stormproof, or would you rather take another tent I super windy conditions?

[@kierasmith8620]

As someone that lives in Vancouver, I hope you enjoyed and the rain is the regular here ahaha

[@kierasmith8620]

Also I’m starting the Sunshine Coast trail on Monday!

[@MrLabradorwildman]

Amazing Justin, never heard of the trail before, I'm right over the other side in Labrador I'm about 2 hours from the Groulx Mountain Area in Quebec, which is a good 6 day hike around the area. Interesting Parks Canada, so how many can hike the route at a time? Do you get tested first. We do at the Gros Morne mountains, the long traverse. In Newfoundland got me KZbin all about the West Coast Trail lol thanks again dave.

[@zanekreider1147]

Finished at Pachena on June 5 in the rain rain rain lol . Happy hiking brother .

[@abigailr4243]

Gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing Justin!

[@thelosttraveller4725]

Awesome video, awesome trail.....Thank you Justin. Take care and be safe.

[@RobboElRobbo]

i'm on the island and i hate this kind of hiking haha. i opt for small sections of the JDF so i can just go home when i'm pissed off and muddy lol

[@elebron6215]

That place looks epic.

[@wanderworm]

Can you fix the link for the snow stakes? I tried it and it goes to web page not found. Gotta do this hike. Well documented as always.

[@HuckOutdoors]

What an awesome time you had on this one! Hopefully We can get permits to do it next year! Thanks for bringing us along.

[@TooTall_hikes]

Wow that's a heck of a trail. Beautiful yet dangerous. Loved the video.

[@MagooHikes]

Watching you on those slippery roots and ladders, I had a strange thought. I wounder if Microspikes would help.

[@chadfontaine2717]

Oh crap... I thought you said soloed the North Coast Trail. I have seen people bloodied, crying, jubilant and nonchalant coming out of that one. Huge mixed bag of experiences there. Not a trail to underestimate. Love this vid though! West Coast hiking at its finest. Nothing easy about it.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

This is epic dude

[@bartcanestra4551]

Thanks Justin. What is the selfie stick you’re using with the One X2? It does a great job.

[@nickhikesinthewoods6150]

This is super cool and beautiful I would want a friend with me for the buddy system tho and definitely a Garmin inreach

[@bushcraft_crush2455]

Great job Justin awesome awesome trip!!!

[@koneill1771]

If this is a solo hike, where did you get some of the pan and follow shots? Drone? Or handy help from another hiker?

[@JustinOutdoors]

360 camera :)

[@evanhammond7305]

One time I was icefish camping on cold lake in my otter hub ice fishing tent. We hit 70km winds on a big open lake unbelievably miserable night. I stayed up all night but my tent took it like a champ.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Those winds will definitely keep you up!

[@MrBcozzie4]

If you ever wanna go with someone who's never gone on the west coast trail, I volunteer as tribute! Looks like a great trip 😁

[@andersolsen3653]

What a nice trail, and I just love your videos. Keep em coming!. Why didnt you use the altaplex tent?

[@JustinOutdoors]

I wanted the extra space of a 2P :)

[@TheWanderingPreacher]

How do you get your shoes to be comfortable for the next day when they're still soaking wet? I went backpacking last week and on the last day it down poured heavily. It took about 3 hours before I actually felt water inside my shoe (which was after my pants ended up being soaking wet on the bottom). I've been home since Friday night (so three days ago), and my shoes are still wet. First day I just left them out inside of the house to dry, after one day noticing they're still not dry, I ran about 4 cycles of air dry only in the dryer (using a shoe rack), not wanting to shrink any fabric. Still not completely dry so I ran two cycles of ultra low heat in the dryer and hoping the best, but they're still wet. I could imagine how unpleasant it would of been like if I had to hike in those for multiple days. I use the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex.

[@_Tree_of_Life_]

Looks absolutely incredible, thanks for sharing!

[@Thedude5401]

How did your filter hold up? I did the WCT last year and the tannins in the water really slowed down my Befree.

[@JustinOutdoors]

I was using the Lifestraw Peak, which I haven't been liking much, but it didn't slow down any more than it already had. haha

[@camcretney]

Love these kinds of videos!

[@shegoesupthehill]

Great footage! I’m very curious how you like trail runners with all the rain. We’re they waterproof? Did you have gaiters?

[@HM-gk3rq]

We always use trail runners but on the Cape Scott trail (similar muddy conditions) I saw the point of waterproof boots with gaiters for the first time.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Non-waterproof trail runners with thin synthetic socks - no gaiters. I did the trail 4 years ago with waterproof boots and gaiters and would do trail runners every time in the future.

[@shegoesupthehill]

@@JustinOutdoors I’d love a video on the pros and cons of both for a trail like the WCT

[@TomyHovingtonHiking]

Man, the amount of rain we got lately is insane…. Stay safe out there, and welcome to Vancouver Island 🤙

[@elizabeth4053]

Been bingeing your videos, this one made me sub. 💕🙋🏻‍♀️🏔️

[@davidlevine3288]

What did you do for your feet wading through all that water and mud?

[@jackieniddrie1789]

Looks amazing!!

[@byronsmithinc]

Excellent vid

[@northernswedenstories1028]

Christ. If I knew I'd be hiking in those kind of coastal conditions I would have just brought my wellies lol

[@bewhiskeredjuarez6851]

Yeah baby! That is what I'm talking about Justin, type 2 fun.🔥🙌🙌🙌

[@Sikuq]

Great 4K scenery.

[@normanc.2021]

Very moist hike, but very beautiful scenery 👍 be safe out there my friend ✌️

[@johnmca5643]

It''s such a beautiful hike.

[@k.whiking4372]

Crazy beautiful scenery and weather conditions, but fantastic.. Just one criticism of your recent video's, they end a little abruptly.

[@shawnr6117]

Looked like you could have used crampons in a few spots it was so slippery 😁😁😁

[@maarten2803]

How did your feet do in the wet shoes all day?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Great! I had used the same setup on the GDT, so knew it would hold up to days of rain and wet.

[@AdamSchumacher0]

Love thee types of vids

[@mikekraut7643]

Wow what a crazy and beautiful trip

[@smacrae7]

epic video per usual. love your content