Land Between the Lakes (Kentucky) Backpacking - January 2021

The dogs and I got an early start to the 2021 backpacking season with a January trip to the Land Between the Lakes (LBL) Recreation Area near Paducah, Kentucky.
Jaden and I had done a trip to LBL during my early days of backpacking, way back in October 2012, and, coincidentally, I just published the video from that trip back in mid-2020 as part of my #TBT series. That 2012 trip didn't go very well and I had always wanted to get back to LBL, with more knowledge and better prepared, and the opportunity came up when Jeremy from All Things Outdoors asked me if I was interested in joining a bunch of other KZbinr's on a winter LBL hike. There were nine of us total on the trip and it felt very much like the Ohio KZbinr's Meetup trip I did in November 2019. I've included the links for all the channels down below.
There must be something about the Land Between the Lakes for me because I had a number of things 'go south' on this trip as well: (1) 24mm Nikkor Z lens broke in half (yes, really!), (2) the zipper on my Zpacks 20-degF sleeping bag broke off, (3) my headlamp batteries died, (4) the shock bands on my Rode Stereo Videomic Pro microphone snapped, and (5) my Exped air pillow popped. None of these proved to be overly serious, and like all times you encounter 'challenges' while backpacking they all proved to be learning experiences in one way or another. (I now know my Apple iPhone makes a decent backup camera!).
The Land Between the Lakes was very much like hiking in Indiana or the midwest - not a ton of great views, mostly flat with a few small ups and downs to deal with, and a lot of the time just traipsing through the woods. There was surprisingly little time spent along the Lake, or even in view of it. But despite all that I did have a great time, and I'm glad that I got back to LBL. It was great to be out in the woods, even though winter time hiking is still not a favorite of mine! And what a great group of guys to hike with - the time in camp around the fire, sharing endless stories of everyone's adventures, is what always makes these backpacking trips so special to me.
Here are the links to everyone's channels:
Jonathon Slider's 'Trailblazing Hope Outdoors' organization:
www.trailblazinghope.com
Jeremiah Stringer Hikes:
kzbin.info/door/rem...
Jeremiah's 'The Backpacking Podcast':
kzbin.info/door/eBa...
All Things Outdoors: / @all_things_out_doors
Backpacking with Jason
/ @backpackingwithjason
Outlan:
/ @outlan
Restless Outdoors:
/ @restlessoutdoors
Hunter's Trip:
/ @hunterstrip7551
Equipment / Gear List:
Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 amzn.to/3dHJvni​
Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens amzn.to/2QZqNOo​
Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod amzn.to/3bH3Rvg​
Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system amzn.to/2wRdusp​
Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 amzn.to/2X5dKyu​
Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L
Tent: Zpacks Triplex
Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm amzn.to/2yjrUlj​
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite amzn.to/39zju6v​
Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL amzn.to/2WYE5hZ​
Stove: JetBoil Flash amzn.to/3azKRi7​
Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 amzn.to/3dPtOL5​
Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle amzn.to/3bF1RDB​
Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot amzn.to/2R0JvoW​
Buff: Merino wool Buff amzn.to/3dCYHSC​
Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger amzn.to/2URI7G3​
Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero amzn.to/2xzbwgh​
Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek amzn.to/3bA3X7I​
Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes amzn.to/2JwbQ2e​

[@garygill7960]

We enjoyed the video, particularly the dogs. Thanks for sharing.

[@barb61]

“Like” first watch after!!! Excited to see David gray pop up in my feed 😁

[@davidlounsberry4127]

I feel about how bailey feels about backpacking! I can't wait!

[@outskirtscustoms]

I just bought your old Saab seen in this video. So cool to see where all the dog hair came from and where the car has been. There were still remnants of the firewood too. I'm also an avid outdoorsman and actually learned my fat bike does fit in the trunk. Very comfortable car and rides great. It is my first Saab and I am hooked. I look forward to many adventures in the Saab.

[@joemurdock6032]

Another update: car is still going strong. The old girl is now at 290,147 miles, I have done brakes and rotors all around, went through the HVAC system and replaced the stepper motors, blower, blower wire loom, and resistor, new rear springs and shocks, added 17 inch wheels, aero dash and steering wheel upgrade to go with the aero seats, Yakima roof racks with bike mounts, painted the valve cover and put in a new gasket, and much more. Still loving the car and getting a second 9-5. A black 05 9-5. So she will have some company. Also briefly had a Saab 9-3 convertible so this will make Saab number 3.

[@NickandRachel]

Really nice video! Thanks for sharing

[@velsnow1]

Whole lotta fun goin on . . . Thanks!

[@kristinslauter]

Glad to see you out & about. So glad Jaden is still making the trips & Bailey is a hoot. Love your videos!

[@Querenciatv]

Great Video! Thanks for posting. Can't wait to see more 😍

[@mevl4822]

Thank you for the video, also thank you for getting after it, keeping other people inspired. Keep safe.

[@coreyjcrump]

Great time for a new David Gray video. Good to see you and the dogs back!

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

Such a fun trip!!! Great video David! Really awesome you and the pups could make it. What a great way to start 2021.

[@naturallyadriftphotoadvent123]

Nice to see you again! Looked like a good time! Hope we all get to go have a few more adventures this year! Give the dogs a pat for me!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

I always have a blast backpacking with you David. You got some great footage of the Lake and with the dogs. What an awesome group to have fun with. Really enjoyed the video David. Til next time 👊🏻

[@davidgrayin]

Thanks, Jason. Sorry it took so long to get done - I'm so slow! It was a blast hiking with you again, and I can't wait for the next one. I'm heading down to the Cheaha Wilderness in Alabama next week to do a hike with Carl and Travis (and the dogs) - a little warmer weather, southern hiking!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

@@davidgrayin awesome. I still haven’t put my video out yet either. 😂😂. Hopefully Monday. Have fun on your trip. Should definitely have some warm weather

[@delvinmorales9458]

Great video. Glad to see you and the dogs back at it.

[@courtneyb4169]

I’ve been saving this video. Perfect after a stressful Monday. Thanks for sharing, as always. :)

[@pjreads5014]

What a treat to see this video! Like water in the desert - made my day!

[@neilnoffsinger7773]

Glad to see you are back and your knee rehab was successful. Looked like a great trip & look forward to seeing your upcoming videos!

[@elizabethwhite6364]

Great hike! So fun to see the dogs with you - go Jaden, hi to Bailey too! Nice to see what the group was up to! Glad you didn't have snow - makes me look forward to spring!

[@bretthikez6567]

I'm a Glad to see the pup loved it...thats one heck of a squad on that trip....great video and edit

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Nice time. Nice place. Nice people. Take Care and Keep Exploring The Outdoors.

[@vanceregan9708]

It’s really great to see you… We missed you!

[@user-dr4bl9lw6o]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@christinerolle3876]

Nicthat David is back to jaunt. So awesome to see you back. Been waiting for this.lucky doggies.🥰

[@wattswildlifephoto]

Well.. what are the chances of this. I’ve been watching for a while David, and I actually attend Murray State University, just a few minutes from LBL and go hiking and photographing out there all the time. On January 23, the same morning you all were camping there, I just so happened to be photographing bald eagles from the backcountry area/boat ramp in Pisgah Bay, no less than a quarter mile or so from where you all set up camp! You can even see the boat ramp I was at in one of your clips. Can’t believe I was so close to so many KZbinrs I watch that morning and had no idea... it’s a small world.

[@nelsonminingandabandonedplaces]

Wow, this is great a David gray video dropped, this was awesome loved it David 2021 is going to be a epic hiking season

[@davidgrayin]

I sure hope 2021 is a great one. 2020 was sure a little... strange! (that's a nicer word than my first thought!). I'm hoping for a great year not just for hiking, but really just for things to get more back to 'normal' for everyone. 2020 seemed exhausting.

[@nelsonminingandabandonedplaces]

@@davidgrayin Totally agree with you on all points I raise an adult beverage to you and a amazing 2021 season

[@nagaviper1169]

This gets me excited for the backpacking season. As we speak I am currently planning a 7 day trip to Yellowstone around Heart Lake. I can't wait to go.

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

So good to see your dogs alive and well. I have two vizslas I hike with. Jaden looks great! 👍🏻❤️

[@Djhikes63]

Great video

[@thebrizzy]

Great trip. Spent many nights there.

[@OutLan]

What a fantastic trip! We need to do more of these!

[@davidgrayin]

Hey Lance. Yeah, that was a great trip and I loved hiking with you. There were so many people on this hike that I feel like I didn't get to spend as much 'solo' time with everyone as I would have liked to, especially with the people I hadn't hiked with before like you, Jonathon, and Hunter. My one regret from this trip (oh... and maybe 'over-indulging' a bit on that first night Can you say 'hurt me'?!). But it was great meeting you, and hiking with you guys on this trip and I hope we have many more hikes together.

[@fernwogteveril6935]

Nice!

[@outskirtscustoms]

Update: your old Saab is still being driven daily and has made a few road trips from Kokomo down around the Indianapolis and noblesville areas, has hauled a few loads of firewood, both my fat bikes, a few sets of rims for other projects cars of mine, and helped a friend move with it! It now has a Yakima roof rack and I scored a new back seat at u pull and pay so the inside doesn't look like the same car. I fixed the shifter slide so there's no more gap, and added a few custom touches to make it my own. It's currently sitting at 284k on the odometer and counting.

[@jasonmears4393]

I was just thinking yesterday when I would see a David Gray video pop up and what do you know here it is. So glad to see you back on the trails. looking forward to a 2021hiking videos. If you ever hike in East Tn area would love to meet up with you.

[@KatWoman_]

A great Winter hike and company. If you ever get to the Phoenix area, hiking in the Superstition Wilderness is worthwhile.

[@Victorted]

Thanks for the mental imagery produced by the Porta Privy scene. Otherwise, an excellent start to the 2021 season. Thanks, as always, for putting these up.

[@davidgrayin]

Yeah, sorry about that - kind of scarred me for life too! That was just too funny to leave out though. Thanks for watching.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Great video David. You are among the first 2 or 3 channels I watched!! I now see you with all these boys and I feel like it is such a small world!! Great to see you back. My kiddo won't watch many channels but she will watch you intently....but only if the dogs are with!! 😀

[@davidgrayin]

I completely understand your daughter preferring the dogs - I think she's not alone in that! I sometimes feel like my purpose is to carry the cameras while the doggies steal the show. Occasionally I get out to the mountains where the scenery helps too.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

@@davidgrayin don't sell yourself short man. There's a reason you are known by the people in this world. I like your style in general. It is chilled out and well done!!I have chatted with Jason a few times about the RRG. He is such a funny guy!!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Glad to see you are getting out! This trip must have been a blast! I'm bummed I couldn't make this one. The porta privy lol. Love seeing dogs on the trip

[@davidgrayin]

Hey Justin! Yeah, it was a lot of fun, but I'm starting to feel too old to keep up with all you 'young kids'! On this trip it wasn't so much not being able to keep up on the trails (like the 'dacks' trip we went on) but on this hike it was not being able to 'keep up' around the fire in camp. Felt like a total light-weight! Getting too old I guess. Really glad I found a sturdy, reliable tree to lean against that first night :-). But, as always, there was nothing better than being in the woods with the doggies and a lot of good hiking partners. Loved it!

[@cgriggsiv]

My my goodness look how fast I was correct less than 5 minutes seven people are lost and yet they're just close enough to see the cars to get to the correct trail not once not twice three times they hit that trail the correct way I see a theme going on here All in all excellent video the beauty is astonishing

[@timpekarek9159]

Good thing you got the trip in before the polar vortex

[@davidgrayin]

Just barely... I think we got a healthy dose of the 'ol 'Vortex on day #2, even though the temperatures hadn't yet plummeted, and the snow had just started to fall. It's hard to describe, but the air had an entirely different 'feel' to it... and not in a pleasant way.

[@ridiculousfishr9812]

Have you ever considered a trip to the southwest during spring? More of a desert/mountain area? I’d imagine you could get some incredible footage/photos in the southern Utah, Arizona, New Mexico regions.

[@davidgrayin]

Yes, I have and I plan to get to the desert southwest sometime within the next few years. I actually had a Utah trip planned back when I did the Sierra Nevada hike in 2015 - fly in to Vegas, hike a couple days in Utah, then head to the Sierra - but I decided it was just going to be too much so scrapped the Utah portion. But I did get all the maps, bought David Day's 'Utah's Incredible Backcountry Trails', etc. - I'm ready for a southwest hike... just need to pull the trigger.

[@nathanarganbright950]

Nice to see good people hanging out together and being normal! Hand shakes feel good, eh?!

[@walk-tall-hikes]

What a great hike and a great trip It looks like you guys had out there! Where were the Schill Brothers? I bought one of those porta-privies after I saw it on Jeremiahs video, It's a game changer!

[@davidlounsberry4127]

Gotta get one myself but I can't find it online anywhere... help? Please?

[@jamesbarclay4433]

Hey David! Good to see you back on the trail! What’s in store for summer 2021? I’m heading to Great Sand Dunes/Sanger De Cristos/Lost Creek in June, and scored a High Divide/Seven Lakes Basin permit in Olympic in early September. Missed on another Enchantments lottery. Debating my third trip now to being either Grand Tetons, Isle Royale, or Alaska!

[@santiagohills3997]

Re: pad inflation, the big Agnes stuff sack that doubles as an inflator served us well last season. No batteries. Does thermarest have anything similar?

[@craigsmith6446]

Cool video. Sorry about your camera lens, that is disappointing. Glad you have a backup camera!

[@davidgrayin]

Yeah, that lens 'malfunction' was a real bummer. As a youtuber and videographer, it kind of digs you down into a hole and you just have to figure out how to climb yourself out. But that seems to be what backpacking can be all about - figure out how to work yourself out of the 'stuff' that gets thrown your way. But, as always with backpacking, it was a classic live-and-learn situation - the lens is being repaired, I have backup options I can use, I'll certainly learn from it and, hopefully, not let that happen again.

[@geneloeffelholz2606]

When you go out west most of the time your breathing hard . what helped me a flatlander as well ,is to ride a bike, that gets your cardio up . our first time out. i had the same experience walk 20 feet and then i was out of breath . All i do now is ride 5to 10 miles when i can up hill is best, try to get 100 or so miles on . i make a world of difference.

[@ronridenour5285]

What happened? Was waiting for your usual punch line about that hike being "in the books". And what's with NO Cheddar cheese spread huh?...lol. Thank goodness for D.D. coffee, Honey Bunches of oats with NIDO. The usual great video complete with the chronic laughing and giggling about absolutely nothing...lol.

[@davidgrayin]

Sorry about the break from the 'norm'. The trip and video 'filming' got a little weird at the end when my Nikkor 24mm Z-lens broke in half! Left me scrambling to get back 'in form', and I guess I failed a bit in that at the end. I hadn't planned on doing the cheddar cheese spread 'scene' on this trip, partly because it gets tough to do when there are that many people on a trip (all doing their own thing, and with generally pretty crappy audio opportunities), and partly because I was down to my last two packets of cheese spread and, coincidentally, Carl, Travis and I are planning a hike to the Cheaha Wilderness in Alabama next week (I was 'saving' my last two packits of cheese spread for that trip). As far as the chronic laughing and giggling about nothing... can't make many 'excuses' for that - it's what I do apparently.

[@jimwlouavl]

This looks like a fun trip. Did you see any hunters? I see Jaden has a blaze orange vest.

[@ridiculousfishr9812]

Did anyone use the porta privy? If so, how did it work?

[@chriscleveland9203]

The return of the Saab.

[@davidgrayin]

Yep, Saab #2 on this trip. This trip was my MY2002 silver Saab 9-5 linear. I also have a MY2000 black Saab 9-5 that I've used for many of my trips but the 'ol MY2000 black Saab has been developing a few too many 'quirks' lately, and I don't fully trust it for the longer trips. I love my Saabs, and they are a blast to drive (incredible power-to-weight ratio... like driving a go-kart!), but mine are getting old enough that stuff just keeps breaking on them.

[@normannix4623]

@@davidgrayin Thanks for sharing! And good to see the pups and the Saab! I always look out for a Saab at the trail head with Indiana plates , when ever I hike . If I fine one especially in Al I know Your close by! Not to many Saab’s down here. Two good things about cold weather backpacking fewer bugs and all snakes are sleeping. Be safe and happy trails!

[@maddie4077]

At about 18 minutes, did that guy throw a plastic bottle in the fire?

[@charlesduncan6529]

Yeah just saw that myself WTF??? What happened to leave no trace?

[@jerryblackerby8503]

Been out twice so far, done the Tecumseh in January, and 1/2 the KT in February. I really need to start videoing the adventures. Question for Dave, I see you take alot of items. how much does your pack weigh?

[@davidgrayin]

My pack weight seems to be hovering about 35 pounds lately. I just got back from a Cheaha Wilderness (Alabama) trip with Carl and Travis, and Carl always wants to weigh everyone's pack before we go in (me... not so much!). Mine came it at 37 pounds. Now, before I embarrass myself in terms of all those ultra-lighters out there, I carry many pounds of extra camera/video stuff (camera, tripod, many batteries, etc.) in addition to stuff to keep the doggies happy (quilt, etc.), but even with all that it was heavier than I was hoping/expecting. The answer to 'how much does your gear weigh' varies pretty drastically for me depending on the type of trip I'm taking (solo, with dogs, with people to 'share' gear with, etc.), how many days/nights we're going, as well as the season. But generally speaking, on a solo trip in warm weather without dogs on a 3-day trip I'm guessing my total pack-out weight would be around 28 pounds, and on a 3-day cold-weather winter trip with dogs it would be around 37 pounds. But, as they always say, your 'mileage' will vary!

[@charlesduncan6529]

So how long you guys been hiking?? Rule #1 Always trust your compass!!!

[@Auburnneil]

David - what did you bring to keep the dogs warm the first night? Anything besides Jayden’s coat?

[@davidgrayin]

Yes, after my 2018 Red River Gorge hike, which had temps in the mid-30's the first night and it was basically raining into my tent (because the waterproofing had failed on my old Nemo) and both dogs were shivering - me too! - I now bring a Thermarest Prolite air mattress and a down blanket for the doggies. A little extra wait but it keeps them very comfortable when it gets really cold.

[@Auburnneil]

@@davidgrayin Thanks David. Took my lab to the Adirondacks last fall and he got pretty chilled a couple nights. Appreciate the response!

[@Jgreendyk1]

I was wondering if you were still using the Z6. I guess this video answers that question. That isn't cool about the lens. That's the 20mm lens right?

[@davidgrayin]

No, it was the 24mm that crapped out. It was a real bummer, even though I'm certain it was 'self-inflicted' - Jeremy found the tripod and camera laying on the ground sometime during that 'frat party' on night #1 (my fault for leaving it exposed in the very dark woods). It made me realize the Z-series lenses are built/designed much more poorly (perhaps 'cheaply') than the old F-series lenses. The F-lenses are built like tanks, to withstand anything, and when you feel an F-series in one hand and a Z-series in the other you immediately realize the difference. The Z-lenses are built with lens 'glass' and more plastic! On the one hand, that is great for backpacking (lighter lens) but on the other hand the lenses can't handle the brutal backcountry environment nearly as well. The Z6 camera and Z-lenses combined are an absolute beast for video so I'm not 'dissing' the lens just yet, especially since it was my own fault, but I have learned that I need to treat the Z-lenses with 'kids gloves' compared to what the F-lenses could withstand. Overall, good learning experience.

[@Jgreendyk1]

@@davidgrayin Good to know about the toughness of the Z series lens. I converted last summer over to the Z6 myself from a D5500. At this point no problems. But I will have to remember what you said. I have not been able to get into the backcountry overnight with it yet. But that is coming.

[@davidallen6970]

love ya where have you been

[@Hiker33]

No Pack-it Gourmet cheese spread? I guess the group was too large.

[@davidgrayin]

Yeah, it gets a little too much when you get a huge crowd. I only had two packs left, and Carl, Travis and I are doing a trip to the Cheaha Wilderness in Alabama next week - I wouldn't have gotten a new order in on time so I just saved them. There will be a 'cheddar cheese spread' scene very soon, though.

[@calebneilson8249]

@@davidgrayin Alabama next month...and the Sierra Nevada this summer?? Looking forward to your 2021 trips (and cheese spread, the dogs, some dunkin donuts coffee--oh and maybe a privy)!

[@santiagohills3997]

Looks cold. This SoCal backpacker is officially soft...

[@davidgrayin]

This midwest hiker is soft too! It was cold, and, frankly, I don't enjoy hiking when it's cold. But 2020 taught me to take the hikes whenever you can get them. I did my first three winter hikes in 2020, and I'm really glad I did because Covid pretty much killed all the 'normal' plans I had last year. I'm still no fan of winter hikes, primarily because of the long nights and weird 'long-shadow' lighting that just makes it feel like you shouldn't be out hiking (not so much the cold), but I'll keep doing them because I LOVE being out in the woods a whole lot more than hunkering down inside for months (like we do in the winter in Indiana).

[@santiagohills3997]

It’s shaming me into making some near term plans. Summer is coming, with dreams of big miles. Gotta get cracking...no excuses, ski season has been a bust, which means backpacking is possible...

[@arneservatius8686]

Be aware of your surroundings always protect your dog

[@gw4k]

I’m sorry but I simply didn’t enjoy this video. In fact, I really disliked it.

[@MichaelRichards983]

I didn’t even finish it.

[@jordancook1668]

I was on board as soon as I saw nobody in masks and guys shaking hands like real men do.