Winter Backpacking in Arkansas & Trying a Military MRE | Eagle Rock Loop

[@MTHomestead]

I ate MRE's for over 20 years while in the military and I can tell you that they have gotten 100% better over the years. Thanks for sharing with us Kelly and we are loving your channel.

[@Ja50nkAt]

20 years?? 🤢

[@JasonfromEarth]

Your joy at the snow is contagious! I couldn't help but smile.

[@RickINFJ]

What a stunning trail, I was blown away! That MRE was like a 7 course meal. 😂 Your reaction to the snow made my day. You forgot your food, but at least you remembered your rain gear. 😅 Once again, incredible footage/editing. ✌️

[@debbieh1895]

That thorny bush was a Trifoliate Orange, Kelly. They’re edible, but super acidic, super sour and full of seeds. I have some in the woods around my house here in Alabama. Idk what purpose they serve in the wild, but they have some medicinal properties… anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea. Thank you for taking us on your journey. It’s always a fun trip with you! ❤

[@fitnessfreak498]

im wrong i though t persimons

[@rheagiboney2790]

Thank you Kelly! That was awesome to see, very beautiful. Can’t wait for the next one.

[@barbarasmith8090]

Love this one! I have hiked in Arkansas years ago. Around 20 women meet on a internet chat room which at that time anyone you didn't know and meet up with them everyone said they were ax murderers. LOL. But on with this story. We all decided to have a backpacking trip called ourselves the WWWW Wild Wonderful Women of the Wilderness. We all had a adventure in Arkansas with about 20 women from all over the country who only a few knew each other! It was a event that continues every year or so. Each time we do meet we have some new women and some always can't make it but what a wonderful time we have each time. We all joined up again for the 20th year anniversary in 2019 we again meet where it all began in Arkansas! The first event had a page in backpacker magazine. It is wonderful to know so many wonderful women and still have the friendship today to continue exciting trips in the wonderful outdoors!

[@kellyhays23]

This is so awesome!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@barbarasmith8090]

❤@@kellyhays23

[@SalPane1224]

Good camping trail, fish, deer, snow so much activity

[@southernkayaker]

Love this one Kelly! Another Arkansas GEM right here in our back yard, and you guys did a great job on this video. Thank you so much for taking us along for the adventure. Happy Trails, Toby Joe

[@dcamnc1]

Haha yeah MRE's have all kinds of semi-random stuff in them. Usually most of it can work together. I don't remember any having two pb's, weird.

[@BootsAndPearls85]

Noah's words about not getting comfortable are very true! We just had a rescue in the Adirondacks, NY of a woman who was almost 3x a 46er, very experienced, very prepared - still needed help, nature is a beast! Curious about what that tree/bush was, no one in comments seems to know. Did your feet stay dry during all the rain also? As our good friend Kyle says, if it has a giant hole in it for your foot, it ain't waterproof! 😂

[@kellyhays23]

Yes they did because of the socks! I was very impressed with them

[@BootsAndPearls85]

@@kellyhays23 That's so cool! Curious to know what breathability is and how they hold up with a lot of use...I hope you'll bring them on your next thru hike to test!

[@Lester-te3vb]

What a beautiful trail. I spent part of ‘68 and part of ‘70 at Little Rock Air Force Base. Me and a buddy would go to Searcy and Heber Springs on the weekend and fish and camp. Good memories. AR is a beautiful state.

[@fretlessed25]

Very pretty part of the country. I always make a paper list before a trip as I'm old enough that I always forget something otherwise.

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

What a gorgeous trail. The water crossing, rock walls and wildlife so pretty. Thanks foe sharing 😊

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

On the second day, in the rain, parts of that awesome trail looked otherworldly!

[@starman9458]

That's one beautiful snowy adventure Kelly, It's also snowing hard here in south central Kentucky. I like to take on some trails in Arkansas one day since I trail hike all over Kentucky and have been to Red River Gorge back in May 2020 and I have never tried any MRE's, the look tasty though.

[@nam_hn]

That same positive energy of yours. Felt like you were hiking the AT again.

[@Time4myself4me]

Hearing you trying not to laugh as Noah wears his sleeping tarp trying to stay dry really was funny , thanks Noah for bringing out that great laugh she has when she can't hold back 😂🤣

[@jeremyj612]

Loved the video like always. Just pointing out with the MRE, you need to lay the main course (beef stew) at an angle after you put the water in so that pad that’s in the pouch is saturated. Those suckers get nuclear hot.

[@cribbage]

I was watching all the newbs start the FT this week and I thought your adventures. Looking forward to your next thru hike this year!

[@ervinslens]

Gorgeous filming, this was simply enjoyable presentation! Shots and composition are awesome my friend!

[@jacobaphipps]

Eagle rock loop is one of my favorites. Never did it in the winter though.

[@tashamarieadventures]

I wondered how those water crossings would be! They were cold in November when I was there. It's a beautiful trail, in every season!

[@gracemccoy2874]

That trail is so pretty! Haha your reaction to the dusting of snow was adorable lol. You and Noah have fun together 🤣

[@johndonahue4777]

Maybe the 'lemon' was a quince. Not sure but the thorns were like quince. In the scouts we had a checklist to follow as we started packing for weekend hikes snd another one for advancement camps such as order of the arrow and J. L. T. It was a great system and you often had gear to share with scouts from other troops that forgot everything. Marmot used to make the best goretex rain gear.)?

[@chriscon8463]

I miss Arkansas…I really enjoyed my time there. My favorite MREs were the “cheese tortellini” & “chili mac”! “This just tastes like constipation” had me laughing! Always chew the gum; it was rumored there was laxative in it (not sure if this was true).

[@KevinPhillips-xd7lr]

Thanks for sharing a home-trail, Kelly! Come back to Roan for another snow hike!

[@Bouldefeu2]

Fun fact, those MREs are supposed designed to be mixed all together inside the main bag. Literally everything (minus the gum). Mix it all up and eat with the spoon. Given the price most people wouldn’t try it but once you do, you’ll be amazed how good it is.

[@johnelliott5923]

Great video Kelly ! What a beautiful place ! Thanks for taking us along!

[@Jllcountry5118]

That was a awesome hike!! Arkansas so pretty the bluffage and river was nice!!

[@mikecortes8481]

Eureka citrus ! They grow all over the US! In Philly, I collected them once and left them in my truck. Great car freshener!

[@kellyhays23]

That is so cool!!!!!!

[@mikecortes8481]

This is actually it I think. I googled it when I found mine, saw that eureka is similar but this looks more what you and I found. 😂 I’ve seen it in Philly and New Jersey. I don’t think it’s native but it thrives over here.🤙 🍊

[@mikecortes8481]

PONCIRUS TRIFOLIATA

[@stretch1151]

They are Trifoliata Flying Dragon Hardy Trifoliate Orange, When you were at Bok Tower Gardens you walked right past two of them. As you went from the Visitor Center towards Window on the Pond they are on your right just before the pond.

[@JoeandEmmaLee]

Whaaaaat! That trail is awesome, but holy heck the snow must have made that so exciting!!

[@kennethread6305]

I learned about that loop trail after looking at the Athens, Big Fork Marathon. (I've run Sylamore, but not that one - yet!) My first thought when seeing your video posted, was "How wet will their feet get?" I've studied the route a bit and know you're going to have some crossings. Other than the snow/rain, this time of year would seem an ideal time to hike it. You've made me want to get over there even more. Back before freeze dried food, MREs were great for backpacking. We'd go through them before starting out and only take the food we really wanted. I don't think I ever heated the main courses up. Seems nasty to me now. I've gotten spoiled! Happy Trails

[@captainandrewcrabtree]

Looked cold for sure but an awesome hike/camp... a couple of those trout would have made a good campfire meal as well! 🤙🦀🌴

[@kellyhays23]

I agree!😋

[@anneoconnor3614]

What a nice trail !! And I loved Noah’s remarks -- “ bread that Jesus baked” or something like that !!! Always good to see you Kelly

[@cuz129]

Pretty cool that a super attractive female hiker is not pandering to the audience. What a class act! Grateful for that. What's wrong with wholesome content? Nothing. Respect. Having been snowed in with 7 inches this week at the cabin I shared your joy of the snow! Is there anything better than snow?

[@kd5you1]

You were lucky to have one of the military MREs. I keep a case of the civilian versions as a part of my 72 hr kit. They're pretty similar except the military version has more food, toilet paper, and sometimes a small bottle of hot sauce. At least both have the real MRE spoon.

[@nickfaw2840]

Love this video Kelly keep making videos like this it's awesome that trail is so cool

[@carrieanderson5336]

I’ve watched so many hours of your channel! Keep the adventures coming! If you love snow, you’re more than welcome to come to Northern New York, anytime! Got a place for ya❤️

[@ericachriswell3210]

Arkansas looks like an absolute dream land!! Stunning!! I’m sad I’m all caught up on your vids 😂 can’t binge anymore but I look forward to every adventure you share with us!! Thank you 💚

[@user-David-Alan]

Wow, Arkansas is beautiful in the wintertime also. How cool would that trail be in the summertime with all the waterholes to swim in. I hear you are going to get more snow and some really cold weather. Stay warm and safe. The new shoes looked awesome. Hike on! More snow pics on Instagram, I like looking at the snow, please.

[@kellyhays23]

You got it!!! So excited about this next round we’re about to get!!!

[@bobwheeler3011]

I love your pure joy (no pun intended) for the simple beauty of nature !

[@cuz129]

We've only done part of Eagle Rock Loop. But it's a cool trail. We are a 68 year old couple, married for 45 years. We love hiking Arkansas, particularly near our Jasper cabin.

[@edstein5642]

I was posting to ask about those socks… lol. Beautiful trail views. That spring must have a geothermal source if it’s not cold.

[@jameshuggins4300]

Ive watched your videos off and on for a long time. Allways wondered if you were a home girl. Welcome back 👍

[@54andBored]

That looks like late fall for Colorado..i would love milder winter like Arkansas but definitely couldn't do summers with tons of bugs ...cool place 😎

[@kellyhays23]

We get the best of all worlds here

[@rockercover]

29:38 ❄️👍😊

[@813kengarcia]

That was one very cool trail! I love the plentiful water and views. Beef stew was my number 2 MRE fave, Chili Mac was number 1 haha!

[@bird.1980]

You need to check out Cumberland Island. Accessible by ferry, lots of trails. EPic national park

[@billierussell2344]

What a dream hike. Thanks for taking us along.

[@JCandCo.]

Very cool trail, Kelly! Looks like it wb wonderful in the summer/fall. The MRE sampling segment was hilarious! Glad Im not the only one that forgets things😉. What was you overall impressions of the waterproof socks? Also liked your yellow hat. Thanks for sharing, happy trails!🥾🏕️

[@kellyhays23]

I was very impressed with the water proof socks. My feet stayed dry for the most part

[@jamicrawford6729]

Randy son socks are the best. I’ve been using those things for years now during the winter early spring and late fall love them. 8:32

[@Randee04]

What a cool video, thank you Kelly!! Can't wait for your next one, hurry back!!

[@texanoutdoors6409]

Dang Kelly, your in my neck of the woods at Albert Pike. I have a good friend who owns a cabin there. Another friend of mine was actually tent camping on the river the night of the flood. He and his wife woke up floating in the tent air bed and barely escaped with their lives. A bunch of the folks that lost their lives were from the Texarkana area which is close to where i live. I spent alot of my younger years at Daisy State park camping and enjoying Lake Greeson.

[@JimHerbertOutdoors]

Omg you're sorta by all the crystal mines and diamond mine !! Our favorite spot! Dog and I are spending a week there for the Eclipse.

[@doconthetrail]

A winter run at Eagle Rock ! Gotta do this, tranquil. Doc from The Trek again :) Grew up in Hot Springs also , love it !

[@joankline343]

Love your videos as always. I don't remember Arkansas being that beautiful when I was there as a child. 😅 But I think I'd like to visit there again someday. The military meal was interesting and quite hilarious to watch. That's quite the supply of interesting food items in one bag. 😉 Thanks Noah for sharing your sleep system and humor about the bread. 😉 Kelly i can't wait to see your next hiking adventure. ❤

[@ciscoponch67]

Trifoliate or Hardy Orange Tree grows in Arkansas! It might have been that fruit tree you found. Some articles say lemon tree do too! 🎉

[@kellyhays23]

Looked it up and I think that’s exactly what it was! How cool!

[@pauldonathan5316]

Beautiful scenery, clear water, snow to boot... great video especially if you're hoping to move there...I watched Kelly's Appalachian trail videos as well... one question however did Kelly do the PCT or CTD trails? Link?

[@jamesconnell323]

For going into the Florida Outdoors have 1- rubbing alcohol 2- Skin So Soft 3- Deet. 2&3 For Prevention and 3 to keep the bites you get from itching and swelling up. Apply ASAP when bitten. It will make being in a Tropical Climate more enjoyable. HAVE FUN …we don’t live forever.

[@Skcoop03]

Been waiting on a video for this trail! Looks like an awesome time.

[@stevewales-uk]

Great route great scenery great people thank you

[@bsfishing7073]

So I only wonder what the temperature is in ark’s 😅it is cold here in Florida right now and so it has to be really cold there 😅

[@asmith7876]

Beautiful terrain, looks just like the Red River Gorge area in Kentucky! As for the MRE, I was in the Army in the mid 1980's when they were still somewhat experimental. Occasionally someone would get medevaced out due to food poisoning. There were no heaters so in winter you had frozen hot dogs, in summer you had hot hot dogs. Two of the menus were dehydrated, a pork or beef patty. Virtually inedible. In general they were disgusting and occasionally nearly deadly. I've had modern ones and they are 5-star cuisine in comparison. And the little accessory packet, those are NOT napkins 😂😂😂.

[@MattAustinGaming]

If you're back around Hot Springs around Memorial Day weekend we just got a spot at Joplin campgrounds overlooking Lake Ouachita if ya wanna stop by...BBQ, tubing and campsite karaoke, always fun.

[@becksterbunyan4857]

Thanks for a beautiful video of a trail here at home I'm no longer able to do.

[@deangeorge5706]

Great video, great scenery, great narration.

[@GLu-qc6vn]

It's a part of our country that I've never hiked in. It's so beautiful and reminds me a little of the Ozarks of Missouri where I experienced Army boot camp in the early 80's. We had C-rations then. Not as good as MREs. May I ask what camera you used to shoot this video? I watched your recent Florida hike video with the OM-5 twice, as I've recently purchased one, and I'm learning how to use it. I'll be photographing and filming some with the OM-5 during an upcoming trip to Nepal this March... in the Himalayas, lowland forests, Kathmandu and the lake at Pokhara. Last year I shot a little with a Sony Xperia Pro-I phone in these places. I've much to learn. I appreciate your grounded yet inspiring way of life!

[@bonnie_stuff]

Who knew MREs could be scrumptious! Kelly, just finished a book about a woman's journey on a long hiking trail in England that you may want to add to your list called the South West Coast Path, 600 miles. The book is The Electricity of Every Living Thing by Katherine May

[@Victory1981]

And the Arkansas Razorbacks are in the Gators athletic conference, which is the SEC.

[@AWalkOnDirt]

Know that trail anywhere, Eagle Rock Loop. I do it clockwise. The western leg is heck!

[@davidshirley6850]

Live here in tn a go camping in ark quite often, petite jean and devils den state parks are awesome this trail looks like a good start for overnight hiking is there any other state parks or other trails close to this?

[@phillipcole3068]

I just subbed! I was brought to you by one of you patrons! Loved this video! It made me miss AR even more. I love the Albert Pike area. I hope they reopen it for camping someday. Your excitement for the snow was shared by me as well! Noah was a great guest to have.

[@edshank093]

Camping in the snow. That's a big NOPE for me 😂 Looks like a great hike nonetheless.

[@kovenant7]

Wow! Can't believe the springs!

[@hoser7706]

Looks awesome!! We wwnt to go there mid-March, would that be similar weather to your trip?

[@TheLawrence1999]

I really wanna go to the Eagle Rock Loop, def looking forward to it in the near future.

[@davidlooney3018]

Love mre,s as Long as the heater pack works. Some times that’s a toss up lol. Good video thanks for sharing. That’s a cool looking trail 👍

[@glennm7492]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@donnat9893]

You had that rash around your mouth on the AT because of blowing up your sleeping pad, using the flextail is necessary and smart! Great video thank you 😊

[@davidshirley6850]

Saw you use the zero pump, what battery do you use with it

[@kellyhays23]

It comes with a rechargeable battery you just plug a USB-C to it

[@kovenant7]

Hiking with fishing gear. What a blast of an idea!

[@loganchaseluke]

Utah here. I approve this scenery!!!!

[@l.h.1238]

If you haven't yet you should climb Forked Mountain in the Quachita Forest !

[@noahstephens7622]

Forked pinnacle! Love it up there. Perfect* secret spot for the solar eclipse. Hoping there won’t be too many folks up there…

[@cuz129]

I hear they are going to reopen Albert Pike for camping? 😊

[@noahstephens7622]

I hope so. They have had signs up at lil mo falls for a few years about a $5 day use fee proposal. I hope it’s part of reopening that area. Obviously there would need to be a eye on the weather, but many national and state parks close during inclement weather as part of their general operations. I love that area. Needs to be more accessible.

[@Bef090]

I genuinely enjoy listening to you talk. Your videos are awesome though. Just found you today, and glad I did.

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you so much! Glad you are here ❤️

[@marcie5221]

Hi, we’ve been watching your videos since right before your AT thru hike. Was curious what you used for a pee can that you referred to in this video. Thanks!

[@kellyhays23]

Thanks watching!!!! It’s a wide mouth Nalgene soft 1 liter bottle. It’s linked in my lighter pack website in the description

[@11xforeverx11]

How do you figure out how to get back

[@BafMilr052]

The blue sky behind you while you were eating dinner 😍

[@hikerbikerclutz8377]

I lika da boots, purty snazzy! Also MRE's are surprisingly not great haha! This was a fun vid, thanks for this homeslice 💜

[@melvinlee5684]

I know it was freezing but I was expecting to see Kelly jump in one of those beautiful pools😂

[@DaveCarpenter2112]

Come up here to northern NY and I bet it won't take you very long to hate snow lol

[@erics9214]

Amusing to hear Russ' caveats about square taper bottom brackets, as of they are somehow more fragile than Hollowtech. I'm sure Russ knows that square taper was used for decades by all cyclists, including the most powerful professional sprinters. My caveat, every Hollowtech I've ever had creaks and pops at times, making me wonder if they are really up to the rigors of bikepacking and mountain biking. 😅

[@joshuahamilton6014]

Great video! I need to know where Noah got the ERL/BPA shirt at the 15:35 mark!

[@noahstephens7622]

What’s up! It was actually made for me as a gift for an ultra I ran out there. Glad you like it.

[@barrytimmerman2411]

I thought so. Pam and I used Frogg Toggs on the Camino. Inexpensive, light, but they do the job don’t they. Enjoyed your video quite a lot.

[@barrytimmerman2411]

Hi Kelly, what is the brand of the rain gear you are using?

[@kellyhays23]

Frogg toggs ultra lite. $15 at Walmart!

[@williamsaeger5883]

Beautiful hike Kelly

[@timjk32]

the snack bread is the best

[@granolasteeve]

Cool trail & great footage... Had my eye on this one for a while now. Btw, what are the chances that 💩 on the rock was from the same hiker from the abandoned campsite... 😐

[@kellyhays23]

HAHAHA I bet it was 😂🙄

[@bernielamont825]

Hey Kelly, thanks for posting! My Steelers/Buffalo game was postponed until tomorrow and the game they're showing is a replay of a playoff game from last year. I'll watch your video 'caus I'm curious as to how you handle cold weather hiking. Thanks again.

[@ekaplan123]

Kelly, what type of camper van do you have?

[@kellyhays23]

06 dodge sprinter