Packrafting 5 Days - North Carolina Wilderness (Wilson Creek)

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Fantastic Video! The River Kings never looked so good! Thanks for coming along Gatewood. Your presence made the trip for us! I may be a touch biased, but this is your best video yet! Amazing. It is nice to get a truly different perspective on the trip. Squirrel may have a future as a outdoorsman model...

[@GatewoodBrown]

River Kings thanks, Pete! Your planning and guiding made this trip so much better, thank you for your effort. We had some tough miles in there but I look back at the challenge and am proud of the group. Long live the River King’s!

[@Jesusisthewayandtruth]

@riverkings did you post a vid on this too?

[@The-Mediator]

North Carolina is one of my soul states. We explored the Blue Ridge Mountains for the first time last year. Beautiful state!

[@GatewoodBrown]

NC is like a natural playground. So many wonderful landscapes

[@SouthernPaddler]

GB- EPIC!!! Of course, you could make a video of yourself taking out the garbage and it would be epic. Bro, you're next level! Well done!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Southern Paddler my man SP, thanks for the kind words! Maybe I’ll have to put together a trash edit haha. Thanks again for watching

[@SouthernPaddler]

@@GatewoodBrown 🤣

[@jatiedesurvey6057]

Awesome video Gatewood! Short and sweet vid for a 5 day excursion but you got some awesome video! Love the drone footage you got even if Pete got frustrated that you would not send the drone up every time he wanted. LOL! You had some great buds and mentors on this trip. River Kings Rule!

[@GatewoodBrown]

JA Tiede Survey thanks my man!! It was ruthlessly hard to choose which clips to delete. So many great memories with the guys marching through NC. Maybe if I had more energy I could’ve launched the drone more haha, we were zonked. Ended up getting some decent shots though

[@jatiedesurvey6057]

@@GatewoodBrown Well, on top of that mountain you wouldn't have had VLOS for very far LOL! And when you were bushwacking I am sure there weren't many holes in the canopy to pilot through and have VLOS but then again who are 'ya going to run into. You just wouldn't be able to see to pilot the bird back if you lost video connection. Plus you guys were beating yourselves up just trying to make it to the next camp before dark all the time.

[@AllThingsOutdoors]

Man Gatewood the light and colour looked stunning. What an amazing experience. You sir are a true professional.

[@GatewoodBrown]

All Things Outdoors thanks Justin! Always cool to see the support from Australia. We lucked out with weather, aside from day 1, so the colors were nice and vibrant.

[@leonardmillsjr.3241]

WBBB double layer hammock always! Lot more comfortable!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Leonard Mills, Jr. so far everyone has been on the hammock trend! Maybe it’s time I switch over for good

[@RiverKingsKayak]

That is what I use as well...

[@tomcaldwell5750]

Little piece of heaven right there! Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@GatewoodBrown]

That is spot on, Tom. My first time in wilson creek area and I'm already wanting to go back. Without a 60 lb pack haha

[@nuclearoutdoorscampingtips5850]

I swear !!!, I have watched this like 4 or5 times!!!!! .......pure bad ass!!, you guys did it well..... the best trips always hurt so good!!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

NUCLEAR OUTDOORS CAMPING TIPS thank you for always watching! Like 5 times!! Pete organized one heck of a trip so all credit goes to him. He’s a beast and so are the other guys. Learned a ton about the outdoors too. Such an incredible experience

[@ronactive]

Sehr schöne Tour die Fernweh in mir auslöst.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Vielen Dank! Es war eine großartige Reise und wir können es kaum erwarten, wieder dorthin zu fahren.

[@kevinnuckels]

What an epic adventure! You my friend are a very rich man. Rich in life experiences!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks Kevin! This was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had

[@myadventureoutdoors]

Gatewood, you did a masterful job on this video. Great storytelling. I really enjoyed it.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you, Steve! Glad you checked it out. Pete can organize one heck of a trip so we are lucky to be included on them.

[@timberbenjamin]

Love the bushwhacking! I was waiting for it to become a zombie film but no....waterslides! Nice directing Gatewood!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you so much! Fortunately the bush wacking didn't end up as gnarly as it could've. The steep rock features definitely had me more terrified haha

[@riverkingbrian9264]

Beautiful!!! And when I heard “Into the wild” I flashed back to the Greenbriar!! Our RK theme song- your video is Perfect!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks for watching, Brian! Pete mentioned that as well. Into the wild is a perfect song for this trip and I've been wanting to use it in a video for years. Can't believe it is also the RK theme song!

[@rubberduckproducktions532]

I thought that music sounded like that trip as well. Might have to watch it again!!

[@TheGreenLife]

Gatewood done it again with this epic vid!!! My buddy just moved to NC from Texas and I gotta get out there!!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

The Green Life thanks green life! We had a blast with this film. You definitely need to hit up North Carolina!! Some of the best paddling I’ve ever done

[@blu3445]

Another great video! Thanks for taking us with you 😘

[@GatewoodBrown]

Blu it’s my pleasure! I appreciate the support, thanks for always watching.

[@12STONESADVENTURES]

Gatewood Brown..... what an epic video. I did not know Pete was as much a beast on land as he is in the water!!! That's some rough hiking. I thouroughly enjoyed watching this 👍👍

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks my man! We had such a crazy time out there. Hard work for sure, but the rewarding experiences and views made up for it. Pete is an animal! The guy can absolutely destroy miles on land and in water. I seek to one day be like him haha

[@12STONESADVENTURES]

Yes sir Pete is s legend haha

[@GatewoodBrown]

That he is! I’m hoping to get out on a trip with him again. Maybe this year

[@spencerboaz2385]

What an awesome trip . Great video .

[@GatewoodBrown]

We had a blast, Spencer. I appreciate the kind words and thanks for always watching the videos!

[@nuclearoutdoorscampingtips5850]

That’s such a awesome looking time.....you and Pete do it well my friend!!!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

NUCLEAR OUTDOORS CAMPING TIPS thanks for always supporting! If you’ve watched my most recent video about the lake treasure, I actually intended on showing off the iridium stove. But unfortunately wasn’t able to camp. The next trip though!

[@dismaldog]

Very well done-tells the story well and in a compact time frame,the action shots on the raft are just spot on and shows the intensity of the action very well indeed.Learning from the River Kings is rubbing off in all forms.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks, William! Those river king's know how to trek. I learned a ton from them and will be able to use those experiences on upcoming trips.

[@rwsteiner100]

The hike is beautiful! Talk about a recharge!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you so much!

[@thehobbyist2967]

What an awesome video! You're setting a great example of how people should embrace nature. Keep it up!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Venture On thanks VO! We certainly embraced it this trip. Several different regions all along one stream. It’s amazing what elevation does to flora and fauna. Thanks for always supporting!

[@johnpartain6757]

Wow! Fantastic video! Thanks for sharing your adventures!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you so much John! We really enjoyed this trip

[@JLCoslett]

Wow, you deserve many more subscribers! Very beautiful and inspirational videos.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you Jordan! That’s the ultimate compliment haha

[@bradenballard9769]

Another amazing video!!! Looked like a good time

[@GatewoodBrown]

Braden Ballard thanks Braden! We had a blast man, very tough hiking but the paddling was worth the effort.

[@enjoytheoutdoors101]

That was an Awesome adventure!!!...Thanks for taking me along.

[@GatewoodBrown]

It was for sure! Definitely felt way in over my head but that’s what leads you to grow. Thanks for tuning in!

[@MonkeyNAround]

Epic video of an epic adventure. Glad you guys enjoyed this massive undertaking. You are killing it with the B Roll.

[@GatewoodBrown]

I appreciate that, Shane! I'm still worn out from the hiking. Transitioning into paddling was so welcomed. Thanks! Really starting to figure out drones and bigger cameras

[@jodyadair2092]

Dude, once again awesome video. These videos get me motivated to get out there on the creeks and rivers and explore. Keep the videos up man, they get me pumped

[@GatewoodBrown]

Jody Adair thank you so much Jody! I’m glad to provide that motivation, the outdoors provide such wonderful experiences. I’ll keep them coming for sure!

[@jwmav528]

This is seriously a trip of a lifetime!

[@GatewoodBrown]

It definitely was Jeffrey! Thanks for watching my man

[@hifly1929]

To answer your question: Prefer hammock over a tent. Open sky is even nicer!! Nice video!! I just got a superlight packraft to extend trips. This one goes up to class 2. If i like it I will get another for whitewater as with training on the subject. This video definatly gets me pumped. I live in Norway where me and my wife regularly camp, sleeping either in hammock, tent, open sky. All year long summer and winter. She likes that but not speed, so I`d be alone on the rafting part :p. Wich probably limits the whitewater class i can handle safely.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Totally agree with you! Hammock when possible but the tent option is still solid for our trips to the desert. You’ll love the alpacka! It opens up the possibility for so much new terrain

[@sarahcate9766]

A dream trip! Backpacking and kayaking!

[@GatewoodBrown]

It really was a dream! Pete and I were talking about trying to recreate it

[@chrisharriman5245]

Watched the River Kings video and was excited to see it through a different perspective, Both Videos AMAZING!!! Well done sir

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you Chris! Pete makes some wonderful videos. His are a lot more in depth and I appreciate them for that

[@thefishwistler]

I have enjoyed several of your videos lately. The terrain of Texas is so different and amazing compaired to my home in the blue ridge mountains.I will definitely visit your state to camp and paddle one day, as I have only ever driven across. but I very much enjoyed seeing you on my home turf. Keep up the good work.

[@GatewoodBrown]

When you make the trip be sure to shoot me a message and I can help point you in the right direction. North Carolina is an amazing place, truly. The amount of public land is incredible and it’s all so accessible. Something we struggle with here in Texas. Cheers!

[@rubberduckproducktions532]

New subscriber. Awesome video of an awesome looking trip. You can bet that when you go on an adventure with River Kings, its going to be Epic!! Nice job capturing it all!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks for the kind words, RDP! I thought the trip sounded cool when Pete told me about it. But when we actually got out on the trail I knew it was going to be legendary. Hard work and rewarding experiences, so much fun. I had a blast putting this one together, so many great moments out there.

[@Helliconia54]

gorgeous! Looks just like parts of NSW,Australia. Great video.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Sounds like I need to make a trip to AU and do some camping! Scotty’s walkabouts have me wanting to explore there

[@texassalt8999]

Your music choices are on point. Beach camping is always tent or just the bed of the pick up, when I'm in a forest it's always hammocks.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you heather! Music has always been one of the most important parts of an edit so I’m glad it’s translated well. I agree with ya there, tents on beaches and hammocks in the woods. Especially if there is no flat ground to be had.

[@chadfreeman9326]

Man your videos are fire... you do an amazing job at telling a story and the camera work is amazing .. keep it up!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Chad Freeman thanks chad! I appreciate you watching the adventure. Glad to bring y’all along!

[@davemiller8203]

Absolutely beautiful country! Thanks for taking me with you on this trip.

[@GatewoodBrown]

One of the most scenic places I’ve been!

[@RobbieCallihan]

The composition of your videos and your commentary is sheer poetry. Sad to say, but it's almost a lost art. Keep it up man, it's beautiful.

[@GatewoodBrown]

I really appreciate that Robert! Comments like yours keep me working hard on these videos. It’s something I really enjoy and seeing them make a community is even cooler

[@murphmak]

Love the videos, always makes me motivated to get outdoors amazing quality and editing as usual :)

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks, Makenna! Keep up those skateboard tricks, very impressive! By going outside we get to experience nature, and that certainly makes life a little better.

[@mollyseaton8107]

Wow I need more adventures like these. Thank you for the awesome video

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you Molly! We’ve been dying to go Packrafting again

[@nickcolby3455]

I love your videos man! Great editing, amazing story telling, and calming music and clips. Keep it up! Look forward to every video!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you nick! Just did another camping trip so be on the lookout!

[@calebhumphreys7872]

Dang GB. Another pro-level edit - the music, the pacing, the video and editing... another amazing video! 20K subs any day now! Keep ‘Em coming.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks for always watching and commenting, Caleb! Looks like this video has been doing well so far. Has the march to 20k started?? Haha probably not but we shall see. Just having fun with it right now. Glad to see you all enjoying the uploads.

[@Jesercat]

Killer video!! Always love the aerial shots & the slow mo’s!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you! The landscape out there was so surreal and a blast to film

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

That was freaking awesome Gatewood! You guys rocked this trip man! Some tough hiking and awesome whitewater! A most excellent video!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Kentucky Woodsman I really appreciate that KW!! It was a rewarding trip that required so much hard work. The guys made it all so fun and I learned a ton about the outdoors. Thanks for always watching the videos and commenting!

[@oneandonlyrohto]

Man your videos are so awesome! Seeing these videos you post proves myself more and more each day, that im getting into the right hobby! Kayak camping! I might add a little fishing in my trips but still! Im enjoying each and every second of these videos!! Great work Gatewood!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

My man thank you! Yessir you chose right. It can be a little more work than just hanging around the house but I guarantee you’ll reap the benefits of exploring. I have no clue how to fish but I’m hoping to learn. And there’s been some good rains! Just need it to keep up and fill up those aquifers

[@cubrock73]

This is in my own backyard and I never thought of doing the trip the way you guys did. Great idea and great video!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Oh heck yeah you have to try it out! Since it’s close by you could even do the trip in sections to make the backpacking portion easier

[@17fireinthesky]

Getting into kayaking and have enjoyed both your videos. Well done.

[@GatewoodBrown]

That’s wonderful joe! I’m glad we are adding more folks to the kayak pack. It’s a fun sport that you can do all over the country

[@williamthegriffin6185]

Watched the River Kings original on this trip. Loved the different perspective. Keep up the amazing filming and sharing!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Pete puts together some amazing, detailed trip recaps. We always joke that I'm the highlight reel and he's the actual trip guru. Thanks for watching all of the videos! I'm releasing a trip video today as well. I think you'll enjoy it.

[@chiefexecutive4082]

Cool video men thanks for sharing. Beautiful outdoors

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you so much!

[@RUTired]

Bunch of friends get together to float down a remote river in the southern wilderness... I've seen this one before. I'm glad your trip turned out better :)

[@GatewoodBrown]

Haha great movie reference right there. Yes ours went off much better!

[@eatplantsgethealthy]

Great video! I enjoyed a different perspective on the trip. River King Pete does great video too but it’s cool to see how two people can edit a story in such different ways. Great transitions between shots.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you for stopping by David! Pete is a legend at these trip videos. His detail of the adventure really brings you along for the ride. I tend to make more of a highlight video but they're fun all the same. Thanks again for the kind words!

[@SkinnyWaterBoyzTV]

now that was some narly footage man!!!! idk if my fishing yak could take those rapids but im sure they would be blast!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks brother! Taking our kayaks down those rapids would be sketchy at best haha. The inflatable rafts handled it like a champ though

[@yappy566]

I think this channel will grow

[@GatewoodBrown]

yappy fingers crossed! Haha good thing is I do this for fun. Growth is a plus but I love making these videos so no plans to stop

[@MomoFrank]

One of the best video i ever seen. 👍 A great adventure in an impressive landscape. A memory that nobody can take from you. It's the best way to live. Wish you many more great adventures my friend. Best regards Momo

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you momo! This memory will certainly stick with us for a very long time. No doubt about that!

[@jamesmathews243]

Absolutely EPIC.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks for watching all of the vids my man!

[@mountainsnmoore256]

New subscriber here! Enjoyed seeing your version of this trip and look forward to checking out more of your videos. Great editing, by the way! My wife was saying that I don’t simly watch videos anymore, I study their editing, and you did a great job on this, Gatewood. Really enjoyable.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Teardroptrippin’ Brad Moore I appreciate that Brad! I totally agree that it’s been fun seeing different videos of the same trip. Just goes to show how unique everyone’s style is. They’re all great videos! Keep on editing and you’ll get better and better. Or at least that’s what I keep telling myself haha

[@mountainsnmoore256]

@@GatewoodBrown I have been videoing & phtographing our trips for years, but have never done anything with them, other than posting a few pics to FB for friends to see. Then I discovered a littl ebit about editing, so i started just scraping a little together & posting it to KZbin, just to share it with my camping buddies, but the more that i did, the more that I like it and enjoy it. I just want to learn more & more. LOL!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Teardroptrippin’ Brad Moore I’ve found that’s how it all starts! Haha I started making home videos and trip recaps and then one day I posted something that made people want to subscribe. Weird right?? It’s been very cool seeing all the support for our videos. I’ll definitely be checking yours out as well!

[@mountainsnmoore256]

@@GatewoodBrown I was at our Homecoming parade this week and had a lady from the Class of ’64 jump me, wanting more videos! That is the first time that has happened to me. LOL!

[@shaphan250]

Great video!!! I hate I couldn't make it!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you sir! Next time we can get after it.

[@michalurbanful]

Great stuff!!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you!

[@M4nny229]

You deserve way more subs don't ever stop 👍

[@GatewoodBrown]

That's very kind! Maybe 1 day haha. Good thing is I do this for fun so I'll definitely keep them coming.

[@mozberg2191]

New follower, been binging your videos, this ones freaken gnarly brother

[@GatewoodBrown]

Dude so stoked to have you watching all the videos! This is an oldie but goodie. Need to do it again

[@229Reaper]

man this video is awesome,professional footage,thumb up guys!!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

I really appreciate that Reaper! Kind of makes me miss summer haha.

[@pitts3219]

I’m pre dropping my raft off at the put in point. Great job gents!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Right on don, have a great paddle!! Hopefully it’s full of some good water

[@Dylankayaks]

i love this video keep up the videos and keep going to grate places

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you so much! This was a special trip for sure. Definitely want to go back again!

[@hardboy1864]

Great video!!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you! We had a blast out there

[@brandonojala640]

Great trip! looking at the Gnarwhal myself crazy how much weight you guys had on the boats and how well they did. Cheers to the next adventure.

[@GatewoodBrown]

They did great considering the weight! I packed way too much stuff and it still went well

[@thatdude4000]

Do you have enough room in a gnarwhal to stretch your feet out to stretch from time to time or not enough? I’m on the fence on the X-Large gnarwhal or the gnarmule. Any thoughts?

[@brentsimpson4101]

Awesome rendition of an epic trip! Wish there was third perspective.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Brent Simpson thanks Brent! Steve from Adventure Outdoors should have tagged along for the paddling. He makes some great videos too and collaborated with the River Kings quite a bit

[@anselringler]

Awesome idea for a adventure! I never thought to attempt it this way, love wilson creek though and I've kayaked it many many times. I'm a NC native if you need more overnight paddling recommendations let me know I know the area well!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Yes such a cool setting for adventure. Those mountains are wild and we enjoyed every second of it

[@WhitewaterRednecks]

Would like to see y'all do a video on the Jack's river in the Cohutta wilderness section of the blue ridge mountains. It's a 17 mile trip with a swimming hole about half way down. Could do the same thing hike in and out.

[@GatewoodBrown]

That sounds very intriguing. I’ll definitely check this stretch of river out. The blue ridge mountains are stunning! Thanks for the recommendation

[@31577bowie]

How do you do it? Another stellar video! There are pretenders on KZbin, who consider themselves artists and then there is you buddy. You are truly inspiring and make me want to get in front if the camera more. Kudos buddy!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Eric Torres Kayaking you always come in with the nicest comments ever! It really means a lot man, I appreciate it. The more time you spend in front of the camera and editing, the more fun it becomes! Getting proficient at something usually makes for good times. Thanks again for always supporting!

[@cagdasozsari]

you motivating me... I will do same videos this summer and will say to you :) but i'll be alone in sea and wild...

[@GatewoodBrown]

Have fun and be safe!

[@greenridgeoutdooradventure3433]

Another excellent video, if you haven’t done so already, a video of how you make your videos and your philosophy on how to capture the personality of your trips would be a very popular video in my opinion. Excellent work!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you! Ya know it would be tough to make a video like that right now just because I’d have to prioritize it over the kayak camping edits. But basically the biggest way to capture personality is to not interrupt what someone is doing. Just document and don’t try to make it interview style. So I film in a very run and gun style and rely mostly on GoPros since kayaking is in and around water a lot.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you! Ya know it would be tough to make a video like that right now just because I’d have to prioritize it over the kayak camping edits. But basically the biggest way to capture personality is to not interrupt what someone is doing. Just document and don’t try to make it interview style. So I film in a very run and gun style and rely mostly on GoPros since kayaking is in and around water a lot.

[@greenridgeoutdooradventure3433]

@@GatewoodBrown we are headed to FL tomorrow for a paddle to Little St George Island and that’s my goal now. We usually just have voiceovers, with drone and GoPro footage but we are trying to make a conscious effort to let talk to camera more often. Your videos are great inspiration. Keep it up!

[@GatewoodBrown]

@@greenridgeoutdooradventure3433 Most important thing is filming in a way that you enjoy. Talking to the camera may not be something you enjoy, so dont do it! I find that my best commentary comes when I'm not looking directly into the camera, rather when it is a chest mount and I can just freely discuss thoughts. Have fun on y'alls trip!

[@greenridgeoutdooradventure3433]

@@GatewoodBrown that’s a great point! And very true.

[@tarnananda1797]

Awesome!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you!

[@gp2296]

Great video!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you!

[@canajian]

Fantastic video quality!! I watched unsanctioned and had to come by and watch this too. Liked and a sub from me.. Outstanding journey gentlemen.. Fist bump from me..👊😎

[@GatewoodBrown]

I appreciate that! Pete's series was great and provided such a detailed account of the trip. He's very good at that. Thanks for the sub!

[@deanharrell2014]

I know its been a while since that trip but damn that's a great video!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you dean! We actually watched it for old times sake last night. Need to go back!

[@MarionWes]

good ol' north carolina my home state

[@GatewoodBrown]

That’s a beautiful home state!

[@petehalupka1]

this was a dope video

[@GatewoodBrown]

Cheers man!

[@windingrhythmfilms]

Great adventure! Possible first known descent of Wilson? Okay

[@GatewoodBrown]

We’ve never seen a source to confluence so this would be a first descent of the entire creek

[@windingrhythmfilms]

@@GatewoodBrown what a mission...

[@LakeVermilionDreams]

Wait, you could just drive up to the put-in?! That you hiked over a mountain instead is really something!

[@GatewoodBrown]

That’s correct! The hike was the biggest part of the adventure. An unknown route!

[@joelbuzbee1750]

I was thinking the same thing🤔

[@jameshellner9100]

Try a 20 mile walk thru the afgan mountains with full pack and rifle lol

[@GatewoodBrown]

I have respect for the men and women that do that! No easy feat right there

[@joelbuzbee1750]

Thank you for your service🇺🇸

[@TransientMobile]

Great video guys!! Just now seeing it. I was wondering how were you able to use commercial music? Did you pay any fees or service? Thank you

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you so much! This video isn’t monetized so all it’s revenue goes to the studios

[@TransientMobile]

@@GatewoodBrown okay. That so much for answering me back. I’ll see ya in more of your videos. Looks so fun. Made me want to get out and that’s after I Kayaked today!

[@jethrojones5650]

Awesome video man! What's the trail at the beginning with ladders? I'm not a kayakaer by any means, just hardcore backpacker from north georgia and want to do those ladder trails.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks! If you go to the top of the ranger station parking lot it’s the main trail up from there. Not sure what it’s called!

[@darklingtwo]

Looks like one of the trails at Grandfather Mountain with all those ladders

[@teddychristianjr.1211]

Was your raft the Exidition Model? What were your thoughts on it? Sorry if I missed another post about it. Great vid buddy.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Mine was the alpacka whitewater decked medium. Let’s just say I want one now...if I were to ever get a boat for white water that’s what I’d do. It’ll open up trip possibilities too

[@KyHarvey71]

How did the packrafts handle in the rapids compared to hard shells? I hear they are more stable, but if you go over, just plan on swimming?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Exactly like you said they’re more stable but harder to navigate. It’ll allow a paddler to do bigger water than what they could do in a hard shell, but a better paddler in a hard shell will be more capable if that makes sense. For reference, that was my first time doing class 3/4 by myself. They make self bailing models so if you do flip, people will just climb back in and keep paddling like usual

[@ohiovetoutdoors]

Amazing

[@GatewoodBrown]

This was my first time hammock camping multiple nights. Pleasantly surprised!

[@MonkeyNAround]

Hammock all day long.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Monkey N Around there must be something in the water in NC. I will say though, enjoyed my time in the hammock by the end of the trip

[@MonkeyNAround]

@@GatewoodBrown next time you are on the east coast I want to sit down and pick your brain on how you edit these great videos.

[@spencerboaz2385]

I have both just depends on where I'll be . But I use a 16' canoe and oars so extra gear isn't a problem .

[@jatiedesurvey6057]

I switched to hammock camping 2 years ago and will never sleep on the ground again unless I am forced to. I have a 2 layer Warbonnet Blackbird that I use an insulated Klymit pad inside and add a light underquilt for freezing conditions.

[@ReeferCheifer13]

When packrafting, do you expect your pack to get drenched either way?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Yes! Always bring dry bags for the paddling section. Even on flatwater I assume that anything not in a dry bag will get wet

[@fayleya3865]

You said you had a "medium" Alpacka raft. Do you mean the medium size of the Classic, or were you also paddling a Gnarwal like your friend? How did you find it on the flat or gentle moving?

[@GatewoodBrown]

This was their medium classic white water decked option. The gnarwhal is bigger I think. It would be pretty tough on flatwater these are more designed for current. Their steering is about like paddling an inner tube haha. They get the job done though!

[@phyllistydings8088]

Awe. You’ve came into my playground.

[@GatewoodBrown]

It’s a wonderful area!

[@marlonxxi1]

Nice video amigo

[@RickySmith-zi5cz]

Amen.

[@williamscoggin1509]

To heck with all that first part, I would have had somebody just drop me off at that bridge.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Lots of people do that!

[@georges3242]

Another good adventure/video. Not many people will do this. Ps. “Background” music was a bit loud.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey George thanks for tuning in! Yeah man, over time I’ve honed in the editing best practices and unfortunately there are no re-dos. All I can do is improve. Here’s to never stop moving forward!

[@mmagscott]

What summer camp did you go to when you were a kid? I sent my son to Mondamin in North Carolina.😊

[@jkreese83]

Which camp did you go to as a kid? The Wilds? Snowbird?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Camp Mondamin in Tuxedo NC!

[@mmagscott]

@@GatewoodBrown Ha! Sent my son there 2005 through 2012 then He was a counselor for a couple summers there.

[@GatewoodBrown]

@@mmagscott whoa that is wild! I would’ve been there roughly around 2005. See if your son recognizes my name! It’s a long shot but still could be funny. My brother Bennett was there too

[@brentbroughton7989]

First 10 seconds in. Okay u got my sub

[@GatewoodBrown]

You’re the man thank you!

[@johnsoncarbuccia8322]

Never threw my whole pack on a raft before, were you able to keep your gear dry? How'd you make it work?

[@GatewoodBrown]

That was a first for me as well! Great question too. Everything was put in dry bags and then placed either inside of the raft tubes, or back inside the backpack on the front of the boat. My yeti duffel is waterproof as well and that’s what you saw on the front of my boat

[@johnsoncarbuccia8322]

@@GatewoodBrown Right on man! Looks like y'all had a solid trip - I️ did the Nantahala with some buddies last summer, had a great time out there!

[@GatewoodBrown]

@@johnsoncarbuccia8322 Very cool! The nantahala is a great river and man oh man is that water freezing haha

[@rebeccadees2300]

Just curious why you couldn't have driven to the town of Mortimer and put in there?

[@GatewoodBrown]

That would cut the adventure in half!

[@rebeccadees2300]

@@GatewoodBrown true...lol.

[@GatewoodBrown]

In hind site it would’ve been a good idea to stash the rafts there, but then it wouldn’t really be packrafting lol

[@rebeccadees2300]

@@GatewoodBrown the main thing is that you had a great adventure..👍..and no one was injured...sure looked very iffy at times.

[@iantru9929]

I think people want more of an un edited version. The real talking,eating/cooking, as well as the hiking and views. Edit: Because if we wanted to see beautiful scenery , we could just watch planet eartH the show. That said, its a beautiful video.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Fair enough. It’s the editing style I’ve developed and it changes/improves each video. I plan on releasing some less edited directors cuts of these trips so that people get a more intimate look into our adventure

[@iantru9929]

@@GatewoodBrown your editing is professional. Everything about it is great. Im just thinking of more of a personal touch. People are into uncut version now a days. Edit: im not into critiquing, i just think your adventure deserve a lot more views.

[@GatewoodBrown]

I’m totally with you which is why I’d like to do a mixture of both on this channel. At the end of the day I really enjoy finely cut edited videos so I have to stay true to myself. But releasing more rough cut stuff takes less time to do so I’m down to include stuff like that as well!

[@josephfelderhoff1965]

man, I wanna do stuff like this

[@GatewoodBrown]

Public lands! All you need is the gear and a buddy that’s down to adventure. You got this!