Selecting A Perfect Campsite - How To Thru Hike ep6

[@BareYoga]

I’ve espoused these same rules, but never heard them so well articulated. A majority of popular vloggers don’t abide by these. This is good for everyone

[@wakingthesenses7853]

Thanks, Jupiter. There is absolutely a difference between people who hike to enjoy nature and those who want to party in the woods. Those who love nature care for it. Thanks for spreading the word.

[@lscanlon9908]

Thank you for the video. This is a major backpacking skill in which I have a lot of room to improve.

[@danielcluley870]

In boy scouts years ago, they told us "have lunch near water, sleep on higher ground". . . Wisdom I don't forget. Oh, and "Always look up and down before setting up your tent." These two rules of thumb go a long way to picking a good spot to sleep in. A lot of it is the same as your wisdom. Great video. Thanks!

[@GioZilke]

Man... you are like the Bob Ross of hiking!

[@vannemocilac274]

I agree! You just put it into words that exact feeling!

[@dennisthompson9420]

Love the videos Jupiter. Very informative. Your wisdom has greatly encouraged me to reduce my pack weight. Thanks so much.

[@JupiterHikes]

I have done a more recent video on campsite selection which I think is better made and hopefully with some extra info! I think I titled it 'the most important ultralight skill' and made the video early in 2024

[@ericforte1652]

Great Video. I've been a long time subscriber and your videos have really helped me out on the trails. Glad to see you back again. Best regards from the FL, Everglades!

[@Godisfirst21]

because of you......I no longer sleep by the water. I have learned and continue to learn from you. Time to put it all into practise. leaving tomorrow...whoop whoop.

[@andrewgarrett5071]

Love it. The more I watch the closer I am to just calling it a day on tents and grabbing a tarp! Glad you're back at it man love the content

[@JupiterHikes]

I used a tent this year on the Florida Trail, it's definitely got many advantages! Still I'll always want for the tarp instead for those sweet weight savings

[@anonymouscommenter2278]

When you get tree pitch on your tarp/tent, you can use hand sanitizer or isopropyl alcohol to remove it.

[@Teo117]

I've been forgetting to comment on some of the videos. I've been greatly enjoying and giving thumbs up. I'll go back and comment.

[@michaelb1761]

I've heard the same attitude from PCT hikers, "those rules don't apply to me, I'm a through-hiker". Excellent video. If I camp at an established site, I always try to leave it better than I found it by picking up trash left by others and packing it out.

[@robertthorn9560]

I usually eat about an hour before camp and definitely stay away from shelters and establish camp sites as you stated, it's much safer and quieter, great vid!

[@ZacDeclerck]

Very overlooked but probably the most important part of sleeping outdoors. Great video every hiker needs to see this

[@graydogtreks]

Well said, thank you for helping us trek with integrity.

[@TheMrer]

Very helpful tips! I love your calm way of talking.

[@BenjaminWilcock]

Looking into experimenting with a tarp next year. Definitely thought on my last hike it would of been ideal. Really happy to see the series back dude.

[@markevanpowell2157]

Really loving this series - thanks for being really big on LNT. The trails are suffering a lot during this pandemic.

[@routeboundexperience6518]

A well thought out video.👍

[@CursedClips]

tarp + good sleeping pad & groundsheet + bug bivvy = ultimate setup

[@papadoug2898]

Taking this info with me on Arkansas/Oklahoma OT next week thanks 🙏 amigo

[@RoadToFreedom29]

Awesome buddy good to see you back! I’ve just got my hands on a zpacks pocket tarp that I’m going to have a play with. Hoping it works for me. Got it at a good price

[@jeffs6229]

Excellent video Jupiter! Thanks for sharing! Your approach and attitude make you a perfect educator for backcountry enthusiasts.

[@greenbuckeyelove]

Thank you for your practical approach to hiking. I will always use a tent but I love your tips and tricks you’ve learned and I wish I could use a tarp!

[@JupiterHikes]

A tent is just better in most situations! Glad you enjoyed the video, I really stand by these tips as some of the most important things I utilize everyday while out there

[@simply.matias]

Great to see you again. Great to get this advice from you. Enjoy!

[@moyashisoba]

Directly next to water the condensation is even worse. I'm trying to avoid water even at official campsites. Thank you for these tips :)

[@trentedelbrock4581]

I think I spotted a wild JonZ @9:05 scavenging for food in its natural habitat.

[@math768z5]

Super usefull video mate

[@aaronperkinson4433]

The people who disliked this video must have come here expecting a gear review. Love this series Jupiter

[@lukeward125]

Thanks Jupiter! A very informative video as always!

[@robopkins]

This came out right as I was leaving for my hike of the CRHT in Joshua Tree. I did pass up the more scenic (aka windy) campsites for one between some stacks of boulders, but the ground was hard packed and I think that contributed to my chilly night. I'll be taking these tips with me for future trips, thanks ✌️

[@metouw]

10:52 Leave no trace: Sadly it seems like just 'leave no *trash*' is a concept many people have a hard time understanding. It still baffles my mind what some people just throw on the ground when they're done with it... kudos to you for picking up after others!

[@michaelb1761]

In 2019, I stopped for the first night at a well used camp site in the Sierra. In addition to microtrash, I found a 2x4, a full size spade tipped shovel, several tent stakes, 7 beers, an unopened bottle of Fireball, and even food tossed in a calm part of the stream where I had intended to rinse off and get some water for the night. I filled up a small bag with trash (except the TP and tampons, yuck!) and packed out the Fireball as well (though only the bottle made it to the trash four days later), but there was no way that I was carrying the full size shovel and 2x4. I have found multiple plastic bottles "buried" under stacks of rocks. Cigerette butts days from the nearest trailhead. And on, and on. I really don't understand people.

[@There4Stand]

I'm amazed that one can hike it in full, but can't hike it out empty...always grateful to those who will pick up what they can along the way...

[@gracekirchgessner9185]

I really enjoy your videos and glad you're back! I just started hiking florida in July. Haven't done a thru hike yet but hope to soon!

[@climberrob7108]

I agree with your advice. I’ve been practicing “stealth” camping for 30 years and it cuts way down on my impact. I hike off into the woods a good ways, and set up a minimalist tarp shelter in a protected spot. Never have problems with hungry animals and I don’t disturb anyone or anything. I’m quiet and respectful. Most designated “camping sites” and shelters are horrendous, filthy,

[@TomyHovingtonHiking]

Amazing Tips! Thanks for sharing your own experience...🤙

[@uloutdoors]

Perfectly explained Jupes, thank you!

[@MojaveZach]

awesome video and thanks for the tips, I do have a question though, could you make another video on how to set up tarps in different way? I enjoyed the old video, but it would be nice to have a more walk-through type of video on how to set up tarps in different ways

[@JupiterHikes]

I will give that a go at some point! I normally set mine up in one of two ways, a modified half pyramid, or an a frame. The a frame being better in bad weather but the pyramid gives me more room. 90% of the time I just leave it as a pyramid.

[@MojaveZach]

@@JupiterHikes thanks a ton for the response! so when you tie the guyline to a stick from the tarp, do you just wrap it around the stick and then to the stake, or is there a type of knot or something?

[@luboyanev]

@@MojaveZach Great question Mojave! I wanted to ask Jupiter the same thing! An introduction to tarp camping would be awesome for the How to Thru hike series. I am really considering switching to a tarp, but have no idea about things like how long the guylines should be, knots to use, using sticks or attaching to trees, different pitches, etc. I have seen Jupiters previous video on pitching the tarp, but I think a new 2020 (previous was from 2018) update would be awesome! ! Maybe with showing a few different angles of the setup (especially of the half pyramid :) ) Thanks!

[@MojaveZach]

@@luboyanev thats exactly what i was thinking lol

[@michaelb1761]

@@MojaveZach I don't know about Jupiter, but I just loop it around the stick then stake it out. No knot at the stick itself.

[@jeremiasmarengo6490]

Thanks for all this info! For a newee as me it was very helpful

[@JupiterHikes]

Glad I can help!

[@theslowwalker]

Great video. Thank you. Caveat to tip #1 check overhead for "Widow Makers" dead branches that could fall. Amen to #5 and #6. The only trace I try to leave is that the campsite will be cleaner and better than when I found it. #8 find a place to build a latrine satisfying Leave No Trace principles and guidelines.

[@jhonyermo]

A LATRINE? OMFG

[@theslowwalker]

​@@jhonyermo Yup. Best to build it before you need it. If you never use it you can replace the soil and grass cover. Leave No Trace. Have a great day.

[@dougwilliams1741]

Solid. Thanks!

[@1717jbs]

GOOD STUFF! THANKS JUPITER.

[@jobrenkins9469]

He can hear you, no need to shout.

[@1717jbs]

@@jobrenkins9469 LOL! caps lock button on!

[@jobrenkins9469]

@@1717jbs 😂

[@rebeccaedwards8262]

I would love to hear about how you find these campsites in the dark as I see you night hike alot :)

[@dnablood2]

Yes, thank you Jupiter for sharing your personal experiences-with your usual wisdom and eloquence-on a THIS VERY HELPFUL topic. Why is this seldom addressed in the ultralight You Tube backpacking community? Is it because it’s “undefined” or is there just a lot of disagreement?

[@JupiterHikes]

I did a video about this once in the past but it's so important to me I felt it necessary to do another! Hopefully this time better too. Dunno why others havent done many videos on it. I think so many youtube backpacking people are more focused on gear reviews. I get it, but that's why I wanted to do this series. To talk about the skills!

[@daniil6089]

Great video

[@kellyky1969]

I agree with Rebecca Bradman. I bought one of your shirts when they were first available, but would love to purchase a black one like you're sporting....could you make that possible??

[@jamieabel477]

Jupiter has to be the most easy-going person to hike with- if you can keep up with em

[@alisathomas7144]

Quality content again. Thank you 😊

[@willek1335]

Good list. Clear and easy to follow. Though #6 is less of a tip, and more of an ethical policy for certain areas.. perhaps have it's own video or put first/the end. Top notch content.

[@JupiterHikes]

It had to be said! Leave no trace and campsites go hand in hand so I just snuck it in there :)

[@geoknee]

Great advice! Thanks so much!

[@justrusty]

"...that water is going to pool there...". Been there. Done that. The AT has campsites at a state park in NY right along the Taconic Parkway. Safe enough given is is a government run park, but I developed a saying that night: "The Taconic never sleeps."

[@dlr77]

Thanks for the video very informative 👍

[@zigzag4230]

A comment on tree cover. Check to make sure no nearby trees are dead and could blow over or have large limbs that may come down. I know someone who had a tree come crashing down across their tent in the middle of the night pinning them down until rescue could save them. Four months in the hospital, they lived to tell the tale.

[@keithstewart2639]

Thanks for the tips,,,,,,,be good if most people followed the leave no trace tip, but you always see trash on the trail,

[@JupiterHikes]

Unfortunately and fortunately we will pick it up for them, hopefully as they continue to get outdoors more they will learn

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great stuff, thank you!

[@xGorexGirlx]

Good tips. But the wife says you missed one! Near by Starbucks!:)

[@nancyb.7541]

Thanks Jupiter! I see what you are saying about trees, but those widowmakers kind of scare me. I know it's rare, but...occupational hazard?

[@michaelb1761]

Camp under live trees not dead ones. Don't just look at the ground that you will be setting up on, also look up to make sure there aren't any trees that might fall on you.

[@brib9716]

Yo, Jupiter. I just got a 7x9 tarp. What guylines should I use and carry? Type, length, etc

[@JupiterHikes]

I forget exactly what I use but one thing I avoid for sure is reflective guylines. I want to be stealthy. I think a lot of people go with 2mm as they are thicker and easier to tie, I think I have slightly thinner, maybe 1.3mm. Zpacks sells them, but so does REI and many other retailers.

[@JupiterHikes]

Also, (check my previous comment for type) but I would start with longer than you think you need, and then in the future after some use, cut them down if you feel a need to do so. It's nice to have the extra length so you can tie around trees, or stretch it further if you're in rocky terrain looking for a spot to stick you stake in without moving the entire tarp. I use upwards of 2 8ft guylines, 2 6ft, and 2+ 4ft with tautline hitches at the stake end and bowline knots at the tarp end

[@jhonyermo]

@@JupiterHikes Have you ever used BANK LINE? Highly recommend by PMags and it works great for me. Until I started following PMags I had never heard of the stuff.

[@brib9716]

@@JupiterHikes What do you mean by tarp end and stake end?

[@gabelewis6044]

Do you often hike in Bedrock sandals? I just ordered a pair for myself.

[@Teo117]

And my comments are caught up 🤭 Thank you!

[@KimberlyGreen]

When you are done with this series, you should create a summarized podcast. A kind of Thru Hike CliffNotes.

[@JupiterHikes]

I've thought about a podcast, it may be something I do in the future to just speak in a more intimate way of sorts. Without the editing and clips, more whats on my mind. I'll add the how to thru hike summary to the list of topics!

[@annerenta6950]

Great tips!

[@yongkim2088]

Thanks, Jupiter for a great video as usual. One question: In general, wouldn't the area near water be warmer at night since water is heated during day and releases heat back into air at night? That is, water gets heated slower than the ground throughout the day and cools off slower at night thus making the area near water warmer. Warmer or not, I wouldn't camp near water anyway due to bugs and, most importantly, animals.

[@michaelb1761]

No, water is generally colder than the ground or the air above it. Living and cycling in the Central Valley, California, this is very noticeable on a hot summer day when it is 15 F cooler along the river. It was also noticeable while riding my bike home tonight when I crossed a bridge and it went from cool to downright frigid. That's also why you will see warning signs about ice at bridges; not only is there more water vapor it is colder over that river or creek.

[@chrishennemeyer7276]

I'm baffled, my friend. Your #1 recommendation is to find trees to sleep under, but there's nary a mention of the danger of widow-makers?

[@Pineyhunter]

Last I heard when visiting Arches National park in Utah it was the most heavily visited park nationwide according to the awesome park ranger that we encountered...but that was also quite a few years ago. Keep em coming these videos are great.

[@wanttogo1958]

2019 stats show GSMNP as number three behind the Blueridge Parkway, #2, and Golden Gate NRA, #1. It will be interesting to see if those positions shift this year with so many more people getting outdoors.

[@mattbullock1673]

I like your shirt! Did you design that and if so do you sell them? Thanks!

[@JupiterHikes]

I did design them! I like it a lot, and clearly wear them all the time. You can find it on my website jupiterhikes.com or a link to it in the description of this video if you like

[@mattbullock1673]

@@JupiterHikes Awesome! Just ordered one!

[@RAMtrails]

what tarp is he using? Looks sweet

[@obiwanjacobi]

Number 6 is my favorite: leave no trees (not a native speaker) :-D

[@gailwind4168]

Great tips!!!

[@KZilla72]

Camping by running water can also be dangerous due to a flash flood. Before you wake and realize it it could be too late.

[@andyveres3982]

Yeah boyyyyyy

[@pdoty13]

Always be aware of any dead trees near a campsite, falling branches can be a dangerous problem that should be mentioned,

[@tonnehead777]

Good shout Patrick, was just thinking the same, very easily overlooked when you are tired at the end of a days walk.

[@bkbkbkbkbkbkbk3918]

Hey, Jupiter! Sorry this isn’t related to this video, just a general question: awhile ago you did a review on the Joey backpack... I want to try it out and have been watching the Pa’lante website for months waiting for it to become available... I have a long hike coming up and am not sure it’ll come out in time - I tried to email them just to see, but their email provider doesn’t work. Do you know of another way to get in contact with them? Thanks for any help!

[@JupiterHikes]

I'll have to let them know something is up with the email, but have you tried Instagram? I know they use that a lot. I also know the next batch of packs to be sold are the Lightweight packs, the last being the Joey's. After lightweights I think I heard is more joeys but only they know! @palantepacks for instagram

[@bkbkbkbkbkbkbk3918]

@@JupiterHikes Thanks for the info! I'm not on Instagram haha, otherwise I would. Guess I'll just have to keep a look out for the release and hope it comes in time.

[@somekid3893]

I'm curious about the FT; since there's a lot of watery terrain on the FT, is it particularly difficult to find a good site? Ever gotten tired and then needed to hike a few more miles to get out of a wet area on the FT? Any tips tailored to FT sites, or are they all pretty much the same as what you've got here?

[@JupiterHikes]

Most of the FT isn't swampy from what I've seen! In the south it can be but as you get more north it's much more spread out. I have once stopped early tho for that very reason. I was about to enter bradwell bay, and figured if I continued on I likely wouldn't have a place to stop for some time and might wind up night hiking through there, which wouldn't even sort of be fun! My tips are to check with guthook, and especially look through the comments to see if anyone recently has said anything about the conditions ahead. Beyond that I would go based on what I had been experiencing in the miles prior. Has it rained recently? Have I been walking through water for miles already? Am I currently at a spot that's dry and would be a great campsite if I want to play it safe?

[@somekid3893]

@@JupiterHikes thanks! I'll keep that in mind; that was one of my bigger worries about the FT. Well that and alligators looking at me wrong ◉‿◉

[@buerste8560]

Your 5. Tip reminds me of your most scariest hiking story. - just horrible!

[@badderthanyou]

Flagstaff?

[@JupiterHikes]

flagstaff! It's where I've been holed up for the last 7 months or so. Very nice place!

[@badderthanyou]

@@JupiterHikes nice. it’s really cool. Sedona is also fantastic for hikes.

[@lauraslade9588]

"Getting fined by a park ranger for staying at one of these sites would not be fun." Wait...is that how you met, Lotus?!

[@UL山チャリキャンパーイン]

which brand is your top from?

[@JupiterHikes]

I design them myself, if you're interested you can find them at jupiterhikes.com under shop

[@UL山チャリキャンパーイン]

@@JupiterHikes so cool!!

[@monkeyingout]

Missed u

[@BenjaminWilcock]

Yeah boiiii

[@stevewright2241]

wind = gear being blown away

[@markcummings6856]

👍

[@christopherch7307]

👍😎👍

[@Whigu]

Take only photos... Leave only footprints...

[@WilliamTheHeretic]

Yus!