Hiking the Whites - Zeke's First Backpacking Trip

[@ShawnandStefan]

Wow, that guy Zeke is an animal! What a beast! Unbelievably hard trip for a beginner.

[@haleyseely6838]

I would like a follow up with Zeke. A post hike interview after the memories of pain have passed. 😸

[@dilligaff01]

"Oh my God, is that a building?" I almost spit my lunch all over my keyboard. Good job Zeke, way to hang in there.

[@fishingdad2_32]

Kudos to Zeke! I hope he isn't scarred for life! As always good stuff.👍🏻

[@Devil0983]

Super proud of Zeke!! It gets alot easier buddy, great job. It's not easy going hiking with experienced backpackers that are used to pounding out miles, despite what people say, not many people could have kept up as well as you did. P.s. Hiking poles

[@johnbarns7710]

Excellent Christmas Day adventure. So happy for Zeke, the sense of acomplishment can be felt. One of our favorite areas to hike. Makes you miss the trail. Merry Christmas to you, Sara & Trailkilla

[@Itz_a_prado78]

At least Mike has his hiking boots. Thanks for sharing and maybe when I’m back from my tour in Japan we can cross paths and hike and hammock life camping. I have a good story about my first hiking trip.

[@RobFarrell17]

You are good friends to Zeke. I feel for him. I remember my first multi-day backing trip in the Adirondacks at 13 y/o. The elevations seemed to go on forever. I became hooked and 30 years later I'm still backpacking. Great job Syntax77

[@nickwhitaker4103]

Zeke made it look easy compared to my first trip! It's a wonder I ever got out again. Great vid!

[@cfraimondo233]

Zeke's first backpacking trip and you take him on what was named America's hardest day hike....you guys are some real ball busters. A guy we took on a couple of our trips dubbed us Suffer Tours. In all seriousness, you brought him on a trip with amazing views he'll never forget. He must be hooked. Thanks for the early Christmas gift posting this. Another amazing video. I'm sure I'll be replicating your trip within the next year. Thanks man.

[@brendan2386]

I like Zeke, I hope he enjoyed it and I hope he becomes a regular on trips with you guys.

[@timothyciarlette8250]

Great trip, Zeke was awesome for first hike, hope he does more, thanks.

[@edwinbear7065]

Hey Sintax, great video as always. Just wanted to comment on Zeke. I'm heavy set guy that's working on getting in shape while getting into backpacking, and it was a bit painful for me to watch Zeke on this trip. Obviously, you know Zeke and I don't, and that trumps anything I can say. And also I respect your expertise as a backpacker, I can't compare with that either. But I feel like there's a couple of things that you did that were pretty inadvisable for a new guy. Firstly, for a guy that doesn't seem to be in backpacking shape, (i.e. talking about his heart pounding) I strongly feel that the White Mountains are NOT a good first trip. The White Mountains are challenging to even the most seasoned backpacker, and aren't a good place to try out for the first time. Also, I can only speak for myself, but I would not have appreciated how much you left Zeke behind. If you don't have good trail sense, it's not hard to get lost. I love your videos and I'll always be a viewer. But I hope Zeke had a good time and doesn't think that this trip was necessarily representative of what backpacking might be like.

[@69Muscle]

I agree 100% Edwin - leaving Zeke behind was very stupid and potentially dangerous.

[@kevinshanahan6453]

I am very disappointed in this video. The safety of the group was compromised multiple times. Leaving an inexperienced hiker to fend for himself, putting him in a drain field, hiking in the dark with no purpose. Sintax77 I love your videos but this video was disappointing and I have lost respect for your channel because of this video. It’s a good example of how not to take a group hiking.

[@ronhart4166]

Zeke was blessed to have experienced hikers on his first trip. Looked like an awesome hike. I would also be interested in seeing Zekes pack content to see what made it heavy :)

[@Flashahol]

BRUTAL intro to hiking. The whites are not easy, but a ton of fun, that is once you have a good idea what to expect. 15:00-15:17 Looks like his ass is hovering over the rock, LOL

[@kedarseetal1975]

Getting above the tree line and seeing the views is my favorite part about hiking in the Whites.

[@royjones59344]

I live in NH and hike those mountains all the time but still enjoy watching your videos. The loop is a hell of a first hike. Merry Christmas

[@gandj19]

Christmas came early. Love the hiking videos sintax. Have a Merry Christmas.

[@sintax77]

+gandj19 Thanks, you too!

[@TheSev-]

+gandj19 Couldn't agree more, been looking forward to more vids! Merry Christmas!

[@adamholbrook2281]

Finally, a long awaited, proper Sintax77 backpacking adventure Thanks for the video. I've gotta do that loop!

[@GARYMANDIEVAN]

Tell Zeke awesome job I always take my time and enjoy the views ,Great video Sintax

[@markhmorrison]

Great video! Nice to see all level of trail experience. Hats off to you Zeke. Way to stay with it.

[@spproplus]

Most enjoyed hike video yet. I like all of them, but really enjoyed this one in particular. The vibe, companionship, and those amazing paradisiac views! Congrats to you Zeke. And as usual, thank you Sintax77 for this video. Happy holidays to you!

[@weberjudy]

Yes! A new Sintax adventure! Thank you!

[@RonGallimore]

Week off and a Sintax77 video. What a way to start the holidays. Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone.

[@shcmoly]

Trail kicked Zeke's ass, that's how we all start out. Great trip, best wishes for the New Year.

[@denali9643]

Great video as always! Congrats Zeke - not exactly the beginner slopes for you there! And you guys got some great weather for the Whites.....

[@an0ma133]

I went to school at Plymouth State which was about an hour from Franconia. Beautiful place!

[@muddytigeroutdoors4790]

Very nice trip, beautiful views. Awesome of you guys to take a newcomer along. -Jacko

[@tsdarkspy]

I just finished my AT thru hike and when we went through that section we stealth camped on top of Garfield in the old fire tower base. It was a clear and amazing night.

[@andrewismyusername]

Great work sintax; it was definitely worth the wait. I think it might be the best video you've ever done.

[@cap6tee9]

This was the most senic hike you have done. Ican't believe zeke did as well as he did.

[@rj898]

yayaya new video, great job as always. have a great holiday sintax77

[@biffboy6000]

Of course, now I have to wait till I'm out of work to watch it. can't wait! always good stuff!

[@JohnFrahm0676]

Christmas is early! I've been waiting, waiting, waiting. Thanks for posting!

[@WoodsTrekkinAdventures]

Another great video! Thanks for taking us along!

[@alantovey4495]

fantastic !! thankyou ,was with you all the way, love your videos .

[@Rob-nc5ky]

Great video my friend! Really enjoyed it. Have a great Christmas, all the best, Robin.

[@Renman78]

Good job ZEKE!!!!!!!!!!

[@brianbond227]

Thanks for sharing. The peri loop is one of the best!

[@rgmALC]

Stayed at the same campsite at Garfield Pond as you did about a 3 weeks ago. Super windy campsite that night for us.

[@snakemonkey555]

Great vid man! Hey tell Zeke, "Hats off to him"!

[@1903A3shooter]

Great vid Sintax, have been looking for this and it was great. Congrats to ZEKE and a job well done. Hope he does more.Take care and be safe. Dave

[@theresat8379]

Love your videos! Just did the Pictured Rocks Lakeshore hike last weekend. Can't wait to get out again.

[@johnnySMALLpepper]

Syntax, love your work and travels. Especially love the winter vids. Thanks for making all this work available especially since doing this takes a lot of time.

[@samualiam9981]

My advice for Zeke. Hiking poles. Helps keep your legs from doing all the work. Especially on the decent.

[@ghpatriot]

How do you know they didn't suggest them? How do you know that they didn't suggest to only bring one extra pair of socks?

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Had a bad day did we?

[@dougnc7745]

Mercy what a brutal looking trail. Nice quality job on the edit Sintax.

[@Norseman68]

Sintax77. I would love to see you continue recording during cheeseburger time. Especially when you have a group your hiking with. Just thought that interaction would be fun. Happy New Year!

[@adamzadventures]

Laying in my hammock in my backyard in northeast Pennsylvania on December 21st watching sintax. I couldn't ask for a better start to vacation!!

[@sergioperez4741]

woohoo, been waiting for this!! Just in time for Christmas! happy holidays Sintax and great job Zeke

[@lindasmall7050]

Great video as always, super job zeke

[@bbqguy777]

Loved it! Thanks for another great video!

[@mikhaelcorley2459]

Another great video! I feel for Zeke. Im a work in progress myself. Thanks.

[@hectorcardenas6979]

I remember my first backpacking trip. It was solo, with thunderstorms. Was going for 30 miles, only did 12 miles before giving up do to the rain, high winds and trees blown over the trail. I did check the forecast the day of my trip. It was 20% when I started but never underestimate Texas spring weather. Great scary,fun trip. Hope your pal Zeke will tag along on future adventures and thanks for the early Christmas present Sintax77, it was a great one. Happy Holidays.

[@beckiejani7782]

Congratulations to Zeke! I can't believe someone's first backpack would be a Pemi Loop! He reminds me of myself when my daughter (age 30) and I hike. I am slow and she goes a little ahead, but not as much as you guys did. Sintax's late night on West Bond looked like our 48 finish a couple years ago - socked in. Glad Zeke made it. Hope to see him in your adventures again!

[@sintax77]

+Beckie Jani Thanks, Beckie. I'd be willing to bet that we'll be seeing Zeke again in a future adventure. He told me he's anxiously waiting for Spring to arrive so he can get out on another trip somewhere and give it another go.

[@Satchero]

Super Epic to see my son and daughter, Scout and Tumbles on this video. They completed their Thru Hike October 11, 2015. Thanks for giving them a shout out.

[@sintax77]

+Satchero Hey, that's really cool! Glad to hear that they were successful on their Thru Hike. Tell them we said congrats! :)

[@Satchero]

+sintax77 They said Thanks!

[@larryniv]

That's an old railroad rail. There was a steam railroad going up in there as far as it could go to extract the timber back in the day. And the old bridge supports across Franconia Brook that the hiker bridge was built upon.Still some railroad ties in the ground on the flat part.

[@benmachon1563]

As always, great video. I really like Mike's comment about bringing unnecessary stuff. Do you guys ever look back on the old videos (especially "3 Days on the PA-AT" ) and ask "what were we thinking?" it has been fun to watch the evolution of your kit through the years and helped inform what goes in my pack now.

[@sintax77]

+Mach One Oh yes, we reminisce about that pretty often actually, and usually have a good laugh. :) You know what though, for the most part those memories usually serve as a reminder that there's minimal excuse to just get out there and have fun. Sure, we brought a lot of stuff for virtually no reason due to inexperience, and I may have been carrying a humongous $20 Walmart hunting jacket strapped to the outside of my pack instead of an 8 oz Montbell down jacket, but I'm glad we still made it happen. Those are the journeys that made our current adventures possible.

[@benmachon1563]

+sintax77 No doubt. On my first trip to Linville I had a GIANT backpack filled to the brim with everything imaginable-tent, hammock, rain gear, fishing gear, stove, fuel, enough clothing to dress a small village, etc... I remember thinking on my way out of the Gorge, "where are they going to land the helicopter, because I'm not going to make it." It was a great trip though!

[@happytobehere200]

Awesome!!!! The views are just beautiful and this looked like a lot of fun!

[@slflannery]

Great video... luckily for Zeke you guys made it a 3 nighter instead of 2. I took my wife on a 2 night Pemi Loop as her first backpack. Got to see a sunset on top of Lafayette... which was awesome but completely unintentional and meant a couple hours of night hiking down to a camp! Oops I've always favored he Pemi Wilderness valley over the ridge though. Zeacliff/Zealand Valley, Thoreau Falls, Shoal Pond, Ethan Pond, Lincoln Brook/Owl's Head, Stillwater Junction, secluded camp sites with awesome swimming holes, bushwacks up Whitewall with incredible views... and it's all basically flat ground since a lot of it was railroad a century ago. Anyone who wants something not so strenuous and super secluded definitely give it a shot! Unless you're on the Ethan Pond trail you might go a weekend without seeing another human.

[@alicia_nicole444]

really enjoyed this one. great job Zeke!

[@kungpow108]

Long wait is well worth it!

[@bisquitog166]

thank you very much sintax keep up the good videos great content

[@Jwnorton]

Worth the wait - thanks again!

[@donnyho]

Great Video! Thanks for sharing!

[@ronaldrose7593]

What an awesome outdoor adventure, I enjoyed it immensely. It looks like you gentlemen had a great time in the outdoors. Take care and always have fun. 🤗

[@VelizOutdoors]

Great video. Putting the Pemi loop on my short list.

[@tolks9575]

nice to see a good hiking vid seems like forever but worth the wait

[@TeaInTheTreesbp]

Been waiting for this vid. Great vid guys, always a great time to watch you and Mike having a good time, then add TJ and a newbie (Zeke)... was a classic! Keep em coming man, you never disappoint, unless we count the waiting lol... -Nate

[@ericprice7761]

Awesome vid, I can definitely sympathize with Zeke, I need to get in better shape before trying that stuff. Happy that he and y'all pulled it off.

[@JohnsTinyWoodshop]

As a perennial heavy, I can feel Zeke's pain. But I always get through it, I'm better for it

[@kentonlemonmsn]

I love these videos. Merry Christmas

[@Kerobinson15]

I really enjoy watching the videos. I hope you continue to document your adventures and keep keeping me entertained

[@sintax77]

+Kyle Robinson Thanks, Kyle. I'm certainly planning on it!

[@MegaSusanc]

Awesome as always! Thanks for sharing God bless you 🤗HUGS🤗

[@OldPackMule]

Man, so jealous of those views. Great video.

[@TheSunkenGrave]

Wonderful, wonderful video and kudos to Zeke who started off shaky but toughed it out to the very end. I think his hiking career is by no means over. I know that cheeseburger must have tasted mighty fine! Well earned.

[@TheSev-]

Props to Zeke for sticking it through, may have been rough at times, but he did it!

[@n5750547]

Xmas came early! Cheers for uploading this, was wondering when the next hiking trip was going to be here.

[@tobiray]

Another great vid, thanks Brother

[@uptrail7169]

Awesome! I can't wait to watch the rest after work. Thanks for this great video! Bob

[@sintax77]

+uptrail71 Thanks, hope you enjoy it!

[@uptrail7169]

+sintax77 Very Good! Great work on the editing! Tell Zeke that uptrail71 gave him a 2 thumbs up for his first backpack trip doing the Pemi Loop. He held his own! I sure hope that he goes backpacking again. I train on a 7 mile loop in my area before a trip. It helps us get ready for a trip like the Smokies last summer. Also great job TJ. Bob

[@MawcDrums]

Zeke was a beast!

[@WoodyXRay]

If you're going to stay at Guyot in the summer - get there early in the day to get a spot. It's very popular.

[@SmellNRoses]

Awesome adventure guys, I loved the video. That Pemi loop really looks like a sweet backpack hike. Thanks to your previous videos of the area I have put it on my bucket list of places to visit, hope to make it someday. Thanks for sharing the trips with us. I don't often comment on your videos but I am always watching and always enjoy them, keep them coming my friend!

[@GianniPhat]

Awesome video - Gotta work up to this with my son. Some day!

[@drivecrasher]

It's cool watching videos of places you've hiked before and recognizing spots, in this case I've done the Franconia ridge loop. Wouldn't mind checking out a different part of that area. Also planning on heading back to Mt. Washington.

[@quicksilver01450]

first trip and you got him doing the "Death March" that is awesome

[@rogerlamb536]

I bet you had such a good time with your friends ,I really like this video

[@jerry3579]

I didn't even see this one yet, but I've already given you a like just for uploading it:-) This is the one I've been waiting for so impatiently - thanks for bringing it to life just in time for Christmas!! Have a wonderful holiday season, sintax, and everyone else.

[@sintax77]

Right on, happy holidays to you as well! Nothing like Christmas eve when it's 65 degrees out, haha. Maybe I'll go for a hike...

[@jerry3579]

sintax77 Would you believe it's close to 60 here too in the Whites today? Barely been any snow on the ground - never even had to shovel any yet. I only see it pretty regularly on the Presidentials, but often it's bare on Cannon, Garfield, etc. The ski resorts will suffer. They can't even get artificial snow to stick. But, heck, I'm enjoying it immensely:-)

[@LC_46]

Amazing video, reminded me of the beauty of the whites

[@christopherjohnson3377]

Shug has some good hammocking tips!

[@uptrail7169]

+crisopher johnson Shug has a great channel! He's funny, but also has a lot of good ideas and tips. He tries to answer most of his comments.

[@xero7ven]

Haven't been to the Whites yet, but I can't wait to hike them one day. And thanks for the early christmas present.

[@sintax77]

My pleasure :)

[@Adorn2342]

Been watching peoples threw hikes on the AT. Was wondering has that ever crossed your mind ? Also would be great follow up on this video, by taking Zeke bag and show him and us on what you would suggest on lowering the bag weight. Looking forward to your next video. Have a Merry Christmas.

[@dannywhitlock8309]

Awesome hiking adventure 👍🏻 Congratulations to Zeke , also what brand of headwear is Mike wearing he has some cool colors and they look warm !!! PS : I found out on one of Mikes videos it’s Buff headwear !!! Thanks Mike 👍🏻 Enjoy and have a Great week !!! Danny

[@johnnytwotarps2191]

This one was extra entertaining watching Zekes first hike. He should be proud of himself for sticking through it. There is a video on youtube called Postholes - a JMT Documentary. This guy and his friend fly out to CA to hike the entire JMT after months of planning, in part one, his friend quits after 4 miles LOL. I had an unrelated question, I know I saw it in one of your videos but I can't find it - you talk about using handwarmers to keep your batteries from dying in the cold I think, just wondering if you had any specific tips on how/when you use the warmers and how effective it is. Thanks!

[@68hambone]

So is Zeke going a second backing hike with you guy"s

[@werdw4849]

I love the part of "crossing the streams". Makes me laugh every time. Keep up the great work @sintax77 #trailslippers (felt so bad when that happens to him )

[@TheDjonSilver]

Atmospheric and pleasant video. Thank you)

[@sintax77]

You're quite welcome :)

[@100PurpleAvenue]

Awesome video as always. I've been to Franconia Ridge once, but it was socked in. This video shows me that I should try to make it back there one of these days soon.

[@sintax77]

That's exactly what happened to me. I couldn't see more than several feet in front of me on Franconia ridge, let alone any of the peaks. Totally different experience this time, for sure. I'm glad I had both experiences though. You should definitely go back for another shot if you get another chance.

[@jerry3579]

+sintax77 I only got one glimpse of Franconia ridge up close, and that is when I climbed Mt. Liberty. I could see Lafayette in the distance, but that was enough for a day hike - 2-3 hours up and 2 hours down. I was blessed with a clear view that day.

[@TroutWest]

15 min in now .. Great footage so far!! Missed this sintax hiking action. You guys would DIE on the trails here in the west.. You start at 8800-10000ft and end in the 14000s. Gains and losses of 3000-4000 a day. Looking forward to the rest of the video!

[@sintax77]

Thanks, I've definitely got to get out west one of these days!

[@TroutWest]

sintax77 your videos out here would be insane!! You need a John Muir trail trip!

[@Alex-nh7cl]

I'm still amazed at your non-use of trekking poles. I've hiked that very trail before and without trekking poles I probably would have broken a leg. I'm also a klutz. I've backpacked in the Rockies, and despite the name, the trails were typically smoother than in the White mountains, but my knees hurt just thinking about hiking Franconia ridge area. Also, that is a hell of a hike for a first-timer. I didn't hike the Whites until I had been backpacking for a couple of years.

[@sintax77]

+Alexander Finlay Yeah, I was just discussing this with my dad over the weekend. I think if it weren't for the fact that I usually have a camera in my hands (or at least the need to deploy one quickly), I would often be carrying some poles. Because of the filming though, they used to always end up on my pack. Hell, I practically begged Zeke to take a pair or borrow my winter ones (I always take them in snow / ice). I think they may have helped him more than he may have realized.

[@KaiMirra]

Sintax I really enjoy your videos, but that neon outfit is right out of the 90's, and it needs to stay there lol. Excellent video, lots of good laughs!

[@sintax77]

Ha! :D