Leaving the Van | 4 Days Backpacking in Wyoming with my Parents

#wyoming #backcountry #dogs #cloudpeakwilderness #backpacking #outthere #travel #hiking #bighornmountains #bighornnationalforest #family #camping #flyfishing #brooktrout
This is a unique adventure that we’re excited to share with you all because it involves Julie’s family! For the last two weeks we’ve gotten to spend time with Julie’s mom and dad, as well as a few of her siblings (there are a lot) adventuring around the beautiful states of South Dakota and Wyoming! For the last week of their family trip, Julie’s mom and dad decided to plan a 4 day backpacking trip in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains, and of course we signed right up.
Along with their family friend Elijah, we enjoyed a wild trip full of thunderstorms, dehydrated camping meals, sketchy river crossings, alpine lake fly fishing, and lots more. Follow us through over 20 miles in the Cloud Peak Wilderness and see how we all made out! Our ragtag group of two 60 year olds, two 30 year olds, a 19 year old, and the dogs of course!
This trip could not be possible without the support of our friends, families, and viewers like you! You can also support the channel by becoming a Patreon member.
www.patreon.com/user?u=27667694
Follow us on instagram @_0ut_There (Yeah we know it's an ugly handle...we're working on it)
We're also on TikTok @0ut.There
You can still get a hold of us at [e-mail] with any questions or if you just want to say hey!

[@my_van_apartment]

As the saying goes … it’s the journey not the destination. Been following since your first van build and I’ll be following the new channel. I started my van build at 48yo as a solo female and now been a fulltime vanlifer for 2.5 years and now with my new puppy and love it. Not many van channels I still follow now I’m living it but yours is one. Keep it up guys 😍

[@dogcatmanvan]

Thanks so much! It's really encouraging to hear you joined us for the build videos but stuck around. Awesome that youre out there living it too! Congrats on the build and the puppy and enjoy your adventures as well!

[@nikkimuench]

I loved hearing three different perspectives on what everyone's "plans" or life's twists and turns are showing them -- what a great reminder that there's no one path for everyone, that trusting who you are and what you want out of life can be the right path no matter what. 100% is resonating with me in my life right now, what a great experience for all of you!

[@dogcatmanvan]

You hit it spot on:) We each need to determine the path that's right for us. Thanks for the support!

[@jfxl1977]

What a beautiful video! Once again, I found myself smiling through the entire time, and getting a few happy tears along with Julie with her parents' comments. I'm so happy you all got to share that time! I took my parents on a three day hiking trip, when they were in their mid 60s, on the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon. Neither of them had ever been on the west coast or done primitive camping. It was quite the adventure and I have so many wonderful memories from it. Mom and dad were definitely keeping a brave face on for the trip out on day three; they were sore, but invigorated. I will never forget both of them stopping at various vistas, standing there saying "Wow!" so many times I lost count. We shared some of the most amazing conversations and both of them said it was the best vacation trip they ever took. Dad passed in 2015 and when we were sitting with him at the end, he would smile and remember memories from that trip, telling us how grateful he was that we did it. Mom and I still talk about it, of course. She and I have been on a few other little trips doing day hikes here and there while on vacations, commenting on how dad would have loved them too. I cherish each one of them. Mom's in her mid-seventies now so it's getting harder for her to do the elevation changes but she keeps on trucking. Friends and other family have joined us on some of the trips and each one is always such an amazing experience. Thank you, Ben and Julie, for sharing these moments with all of us!

[@trudiswanson9855]

❤ Beautiful . Thankyou for sharing ❤

[@dogcatmanvan]

Oh man, you made Julie tear up on that one! Thanks for sharing your story, it was very warm and heartfelt. We're wishing many more adventures for you and your mom! And thanks for always following along with us:)

[@annaredar3763]

That was quite the adventure, bravo to all of you brave back packers and doggies , braving the elements all the while filming, I’m impressed once again , interesting perspectives from each generation as well

[@Ckatzrun]

I can't wait to see more content from the "new" out there. Thanks for taking us along for the adventures!

[@Jeni_Goci]

Julie’s parents are so cute and REAL. Life happens fast. Make the best of all of it… having said that…take chances…if it doesn’t work out, it’s ok. Keep taking chances. You’ll never regret going for it… there’s nothing wrong with choosing your path. It’s really ALL GOOD. Love and enjoy watching the both of you ❤

[@dogcatmanvan]

Thanks for the encouragement! We are learning more and more as we go haha but you're right!

[@YazInZona]

What a freaking incredible video! Loved everything about it. Congrats to Julie's parents on an amazing accomplishment. I've been hiking and backpacking for years and there's nothing quite like thinking how awesome you are for climbing up a mountain, only to be overtaken by a group of hikers 30 years your senior. And it's like I was standing still! It's good to be humbled on the trail and in life! As always, do what you love. How many of us work into our 60's and then are not able to do the things we want to in retirement due to health reasons or what have you? I'm so happy to see both of you living the life you love, and loving the life you live. The money will come, even if it doesn't have a bunch of trailing zeroes. Can't wait until the next video!

[@dogcatmanvan]

Thanks so much Yazdi! Glad you enjoyed it:) We were out climbing once in Colorado and these women in their 60's were climbing routes 10x harder than ours and just laughing and having a blast. Humbling is right, I'll never forget that!

[@gian_justin]

It's cool to have a little background check every now and then, but I'm really excited for more coming adventures!

[@allegrosotto2126]

Beautiful and brilliant 👍 age isn’t an issue, it’s state of mind and attitude.

[@dogcatmanvan]

We love that, and so agree!!

[@trudiswanson9855]

That was so happy to watch . Ben Julie, families, I'll be following your smiles back to DCMV ❤❤❤. T. 🇦🇺🐞

[@sloppyjoe400]

Well said Ben, well said.

[@Spillingx]

Another outstanding video. Well done Mum and Dad! Ben and Julie, keep doing what you're doing because it is AWESOME!!

[@dogcatmanvan]

Thanks so much!

[@suzzeeq8693]

Love your adventures, your videos! 🤗❤️

[@gigimi22]

Ben & Julie Out There. Your videos are great. I believe in you and look at your subscriber numbers wondering why you have not exploded yet. It will happen! You two make the channel…your names should be in the channel name.

[@dogcatmanvan]

Thanks so much for saying so! Hopefully the new channel will get some more eyes on it:)

[@LaurBeth]

❤

[@denisecafferky2248]

So lovely. Fair play to Julie's parents. Looking forward to your new channel x

[@susancrowther3649]

Loved the video....... really sweet segway to your new channel. Can't wait for what's to come 😁

[@dogcatmanvan]

Thanks so much:)

[@eprohoda]

how cool ,take it easy-

[@tracym5973]

Another great video!

[@karenfranz7262]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@kimbalielawrence6277]

How awesome to go hiking with your parents!!! Mine are gone but we did some of this stuff as i grew up. They inspire me to not give up the things i love. Great video you guys!!

[@dogcatmanvan]

Yeah we are very glad we had the opportunity to do a trip with them. Hopefully we'll have more in the future. Thanks so much!

[@sandraadams4940]

Ben just remember your van cost almost as much as a house and you like what your doing. Good job

[@laurazima8125]

I was 30 when I made the decision to do full-time seasonal work. I'm in a similar boat. Not doing things the same way my friends are. I'm just out there doing life differently. It's harder but I do love it!

[@nanerlea]

I don't know how to thank you guys for this video! If we had the funds I would definitely join your Patreon. Our dreams of traveling the country when we retire were crushed when we finally figured out my health issues earlier this year. Still pulling ourselves out of the funk from all of the adjustments, but I want to get out there and live life again. I may need to build an exoskeleton for my lower half...I am working on modifying my chairs. Maybe I should document this stuff? 🤔 Our anniversary camping trip will probably have to be rescheduled for next year. I just started PT and I can't be upright all day again. So we will take our time finding the right van and build it out ourselves. Thanks again for sharing your lives with us, and thanks for being you!!

[@dogcatmanvan]

I think it's all about supporting who you can, when you can, however you can. You've been so encouraging and you watch all the videos, plus you comment and engage with us, and that means the world to us!! Thanks for sticking around, and I know you'll be able to get back out there on your own adventures when the time is right!

[@nanerlea]

@@dogcatmanvan 🥰

[@cb7828]

Loved watching this video and experiencing all of the little challenges and thrills of a hiking trip!

[@garycameron1]

This was a really positive and uplifting video. Its great for morale to see good folk doing good things and having a good life. This is the best van life channel on youtube and I hope it supports you both soon.

[@dogcatmanvan]

We're really glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@shannonburg4515]

Great video guys with such a awesome message!

[@dogcatmanvan]

Thanks so much:)

[@LawnMowerKelly]

Would love to come over! Thanks for the invite. A wonderful video yet again. I loved the commentary from and about Mom and Dad’s taking on backpacking and adventuring. Inspirational.

[@dogcatmanvan]

Haha awesome! Thanks for your support:)

[@missyl1373]

Kiss the fish! 🥰

[@maidelie]

This was beautiful. Got teary-eyed at the end there. ❤

[@keliplourde5601]

♥

[@chefnavi]

loved this video. rooting for ya, Ben (and Julie)!

[@ethanandmiastuberuiz3756]

We’ll said Ben you got great people behind you success to you all I’m coming to the new channel with my phone tablet and android 😉

[@gregvittore5004]

Am 42 and still have no plans and that is the best plan i have ever had😅...I love it! Enjoy life'n'take care! Cheeeeeers from my current 'no plan trip location' España ❤

[@Mazzthespaz7]

This is by far my favorite video you guys have put out. Great message! Keep on keeping!

[@dogcatmanvan]

Thanks so much!!

[@fitztastico]

What a gorgeous and fun video. I thought I'd only check out the first few minutes, yet here I am 23 mins in and well past my intended bedtime. All the terrain reminds me of our trip to Yellowstone a few years ago

[@dogcatmanvan]

Haha thanks for sticking around longer than you intended!

[@susantosi695]

Fun

[@cutiebm]

Loved y'alls little chat. It is super hard for me to get out because my partner grew up in rural, in the back country and he doesn't see the appeal in getting out there. While my perspective, growing up in the suburbs, I am just excited for anytime out of the sea of track housing. Lucky for me my parents are the same way, and they try and get out, so i get to tag along with them.

[@dogcatmanvan]

That's great that you're able to tag along with your parents! Maybe your partner just needs a little reminder as to how awesome the backcountry really is haha

[@jedjed711]

BBQ chicken woulda been amazing up there! Loved the fishing! I love the channel the way it is! But I’ll join the new one! If I can find it! Also sorry that was my 💩 🤷🏻‍♂️ when you have to go you have to go! Also thanks for the skinamax, it was appreciated! But the trip with mom and dad 💯 that is truly amazing!

[@kimmileusnic3249]

Absolutely love this video. I wish nothing but the best with your new endeavor.

[@dogcatmanvan]

Thank you so much!

[@tomaustin4526]

Excellent video and excellent advice ❤😊keep living your dream and thank you for sharing it with us

[@dogcatmanvan]

Thanks for watching:)

[@philltwose4088]

I smellzz it too Rock

[@ermavz6453]

I love yalls out there content, and am always crying by the end of the videos. My boyfriend and I are 30 feeling very similar at times🐶🐶

[@dogcatmanvan]

Thanks for watching:) awesome to hear others out there who can relate!

[@eppell]

Well said! I’m totally digging the long form content. Very excited for the future videos and the dual channels. I had a thought out, full college/career plan. I got there, but not the way I thought I would… just gotta roll with the punches!

[@caddymeep]

Love your outdoor videos!

[@dogcatmanvan]

Thanks so much for your donation! We really appreciate it:)

[@roannathephoenix8561]

Congratulations to all 7 of you for reaching your destination. Very interesting takes from each age level. I can relate to Julie's Dad about not wanting to be around most people. Lol. I do care about you Ben & Julie. I got a bit confused because at one point you'd said you were reviving DOGCATMANVAN but then sad you were sad to see it end. I thought you were keeping both channels and focusing different content on both. Can you clarify for this old lady who hopefully didn't receive her ticket to the dementia train & won't for a few more years?

[@dogcatmanvan]

Haha Im sure you are not hitting dementia yet, it's just been a roller coaster of decisions the last few months. You're right, we are reviving the name DogCatManVan for this channel, but we probably wont be creating new content for DogCat for awhile. We'll leave all of the DIY build videos here for anyone still using them, and we'll create the new channel Out There for our adventure videos. We may at some point in the future, post new videos to DogCat if we start building something new, but for now, it will just sit here as a build library, and all of our focus will be on Out There. So it's a little like the end of a chapter to Ben.

[@DzinEye]

Love that you guys are really making a go of backpacking! Our absolute favorite passion. Wonderful that you were able to get out with Julie's folks. I hope you can all do another together sometime. I'm 61, my wife 53 and we are heading out on a two week 75 mile adventure nearer the end of August and we're meeting dear friends while out there who are 81 and 78, so as Julie's dad said, ' just keep doing it'. Maybe we'll see you out there if you ever plan to get out to do some backpacking northern CA.

[@dogcatmanvan]

Were going to spend some time in Washington for now but our plan is to head down the coast when were done! Maybe we will meet up. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us, this is what we love to hear!! Are you guys embarking on the PCT or some other trail in CA?

[@DzinEye]

@@dogcatmanvan We are making our own loop, 1/2 on trail, 1/2 off-trail. We've always backpacked with our dog for the 14 years we had her. She crossed the rainbow bridge earlier this year...and while we've had her we haven't been able to visit certain places because of 'no dogs allowed' policy. So we're making a go of Yosemite Wilderness this trip, and probably a few other 'no dogs allowed' places before we start thinking hard about looking for a new furry friend to fill the hole in left in our hearts. Thankfully dogs are allowed most wild places, but most National Parks and CA state parks only allow them in parking lot areas for the most part. Let us know before you get into CA!

[@dogcatmanvan]

@@DzinEye Aw man, sorry to hear of her passing. It's always super tough especially because you had her so long. We do understand missing out on some places because of no dogs. Being in Washington and skipping over Olympic National Park is tough, but were going to check out the national forest and see how it is. Enjoy your trip, and we'll make sure to let you know when we make it south!

[@DeSwillery]

Maybe I missed it somewhere else, but is there a link for the other channel yet? I think the videos you both have been doing have been great and want to make sure not to miss your other channel.

[@dogcatmanvan]

Dont worry you havent missed anything! The new channel isnt live yet. We want to make sure we are ready and have some new videos in the chamber before we go live, so we've been busy preparing! We'll let everyone know when the new channel is up. We're just trying to prepare everyone now:)

[@277kne]

Ben I would like you and Jules to review some gear. Maybe make it a special feature of your channel. In May 2023 I bought a used ebike from a dealer. It's a Pedego City Commuter. I ride mainly on the bike path. I mike change to a little off road bike next year. I'm interested in finding good clothes to wear and a watch to keep track. I see you have a tracking watch.

[@dogcatmanvan]

We might make a playlist on the new channel for gear review and just post videos occasionally when we try out new stuff! I do have the Garmin Instinct Solar watch, and I think it works well as a bare bones hiking watch, depending on what you want out of it

[@DawnykaH]

Just let us know when the new account is live and we'll be there. 😊

[@dogcatmanvan]

Thanks so much:)

[@SewingBoxDesigns]

I hope Julie's parents have recovered from their colds and that Rally's injury is healing well. Not sure about Ben's tit. I mean, how do you...? I hope to gawd it wasn't a fish hook that took him out. 😬 Those fishing rods are a wonderful find! Have you guys ever considered a travois? Of course now days you can make one with a solid rubber wheel, that can be turned into a pack if necessary for rough trail climbing. The interview part was interesting. It's funny (peculiar not haha) how so many of us go to college for one thing and end up doing the other more interesting thing. Happy Birthday, Ben!

[@dogcatmanvan]

Ive never thought of a travois! Do they sell those or is it more of a DIY thing? Maybe thats what we need for Reli haha and yeah I agree, I know a lot of people who dont use their college degrees at all anymore, but, it's all a process:) I think Julie's parents are all better now, and Reli's hot spots are all healed up!

[@SewingBoxDesigns]

Sorry for the late reply; truck issues. Travois are fairly simple, but rather than drag sticks, get a hard rubber wheel from a hardware store, and what ever size dowels you like for the weight you plan on. Closet rod dowels are solid. You'd need to have a cross bar behind the person or dog pulling it, some canvas and cord to make the triangle sling, and a block to join the wheel and dowels to with pegs or cotter pins. Grab some pool noodles from a dollar store or pipe wrap foam (just black pool noodle 😝) from the hardware store for hand holds and padding. Ideally, it should assemble and roll up for storage or back packing over rough ground. Julie can figure it out, she's a genius.

[@dogcatmanvan]

@@SewingBoxDesigns Haha that sounds like a fun project and video idea, we might have to try that out for the next trip, thanks!

[@Biffmin]

So when are you guys gonna take me fishing? I've been trying on my own and can't catch a thing.

[@dogcatmanvan]

Haha some days it's just not in the cards. Where are you fishing?

[@BaltistaniBoys]

Amazing. Thanks for sharing your adventure. Guys I recommended you visit the himalayan mountains k2 and Nangaparbat view point from one place moses peak. Add this sound in your bucket list.

[@Ryan.Hannah]

I’m so confused right now. Why would you walk away from the channel that you’ve already built up.? Where is the new channel? What’s it called? Why didn’t you put a link to it?

[@timmaysmitty]

Same here.

[@dogcatmanvan]

Hi guys! Sorry you're confused! There's a bit of a backstory to this in each of our previous videos. But if you're not super familiar with us, you might not know that this channel used to be called DogCatManVan, and it was all about DIY campervan build videos. Since we've done more than one build, we decided to focus on outdoor adventure videos. These new videos havent done so well on the channel because the algorithm has us pegged as a DIY build channel, and hasnt been promoting our new videos to a new audience. We used to get tens of thousands of views, and now we are averaging 3,000 on a good day. So, we're going to change this channel name back to the original DogCatManVan, and leave it here as a DIY build resource, while we take all of our adventure content to a brand new channel, still called Out There. We are making the preparations now, and will let everyone know when the new channel is live!

[@doubleRpR]

​@@dogcatmanvan Interesting, so it's better to create separate channels per topic than just one channel for everything.

[@Ryan.Hannah]

@@dogcatmanvan this surprises me because I’ve been watching dog cat man van since he had less than 1000 subscribers (I even bought a pair of his shoes. They weren’t quite black, but close and on sale. Good job BTW) however, I mostly only watch the adventure videos. Him travelling with friends on scooters, ski trips with friends in the van, etc. I didn’t watch the build videos so it’s fascinating that they’re actually more popular. Either way, I’m a big fan of you guys and I will continue to watch your adventures on whatever channel you post on.

[@dogcatmanvan]

@@Ryan.Hannah Thanks for the support man! Yeah it's been a confusing KZbin lesson but even KZbin staff talks about staying in your "niche". If you want to try something new and it doesnt get a lot of attention on your existing channel, they suggest creating a new channel for it. We'll see how it goes!

[@cmzasada1]

"family friend" lmfao.....

[@garycameron1]

Whats funny about that? Thats obviously what he is.

[@dogcatmanvan]

Haha we're not sure if you're offended or maybe misunderstood. Julie's mom calls Elijah her "extra" son at the end, but really is Julie's brother's friend, who came along because he really likes backpacking! Because Elijah grew up with Julie's brother and they've been close friends for so long, Julie's mom calls him her other son. But we couldnt fit all of that in his title, so we said "family friend"