Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore | Bushcraft Backpacking, Hiking, and Camping

Don't miss Part 2, where we head to North Manitou Island!! • North Manitou Island |...
In part one of this two-part finale, we explore the beautiful landscape at Sleeping Bear Dunes, from it's huge sandy hills to it's verdant forests.
Thank you so much for your patience in waiting for the release of the finale. We'll have to ask you for a little bit more for Part II of the finale - but we promise it will be well worth the wait.
There are two Final Fantasy 4 remixes in this episode that were originally composed by Nobuo Uematsu. If you've played the game, you're sure to recognize it!
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SCENE SELECTION
0:00 Teaser
0:22 Theme Song
0:46 After Intro
2:07 First Morning
3:56 Map
4:35 Dune Climb
7:25 Descending the Dunes
8:39 After the Dune Climb
9:58 Day Hike Trail
11:14 Overlook View
13:24 Back on the Road
13:40 450 Ft. Dunes
14:26 Backcountry Trailhead
16:05 Setting up Camp
19:06 Second Morning
20:30 Rainstorm
22:43 At the Docks
23:42 Boarding the Ship
25:28 Part 2 Preview
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Our gear!
Canon T3i Camera (this link is for the T5i, the T3i is what we actually use, but that and the T4i are both good too) - amzn.to/1qHphdE
Canon 50mm f1.8 Lens - amzn.to/1p29wQs
Sigma 10-20mm Lens - amzn.to/1p29AzQ
Tokina 11-16mm Lens - amzn.to/UUrhVC
Manfrotto 502 Video Head MVH502AH - amzn.to/1nhkBrF
Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod - amzn.to/UKa55r
Glidecam 2000 HD w/ Quick Release Plate (That quick release plate is essential. Highly recommended) - amzn.to/WUpTEv
Rode Videomic Pro - amzn.to/1p2a9JT
Roland Quad Capture (We use this for recording music) - amzn.to/1zKzD23
Behringer XM8500 Microphone - amzn.to/1qHqOAq
Katadyn Water Filter - amzn.to/1onus3P
Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants - amzn.to/1pR5qXL
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All of the music (except the Final Fantasy and battle themes used in this episode) and footage in this video is original, and was composed, recorded, and captured by Andrew Lin, Bryan Lin, and Robby Huang
Original content and music is copyright Adventure Archives/Team Scoog Production (c) 2014

[@DisruptReality]

You guys seriously need your own Netflix show or something. Loving these videos! :D

[@AdventureArchives]

Thank you! We think so too :)

[@AdventureArchives]

ProperSteeze Machinimas Thanks for the huge compliment! Glad you like them! -Andrew

[@DisruptReality]

AdventureArchives No problem!

[@shenandoah1322]

I've been binge watching your videos, in no particular order, and one word keeps being repeated over and over: nostalgia/nostalgic. I really enjoy watching your adventures, but that word! Please try to find some other words to express what you feel.

[@vancewade6251]

Ohhh this brings back memories. I used to go to Sleeping Bear just about every year, either with a friend whose family went there all the time or with boy scouts when I was a scout. I have fond memories of running down the big dune. It was blissful... until I lost control and started flipping uncontrollably and getting a mouthful of sand by the time I came to a stop a third of the way down. Good times :D Also, if you're smart, you'll have someone take a car from the Pierce-Stocking overlook and drive to the bar lake parking lot down the beach a ways. Then, you go down the big dune, hike a bit along the shore to where bar lake connects with lake michigan, swim for a bit, and then get picked up at the parking lot. No walking back up needed!

[@AdventureArchives]

Benjamin Otero - I can't reply directly to your comment, but thank you for watching! -Andrew

[@adamgibbs7738]

I'm really glad I stumbled across your videos. I love hiking, backpacking and the outdoors. I am changing careers and going back to school to become a high school biology teacher, so I equally find fascinating the botany and science you guys tackle in your videos. I also enjoy the occasional social commentary as well. Keep up the good work.

[@AdventureArchives]

+Adam Gibbs Thank you so much for your kind words! Really glad you enjoyed all aspects of the video, and thank you for watching! And best of luck with your new path in life. Cheers :) -Andrew

[@LeclairStudios]

I'm so glad I started watching older episodes of you guys. That Final Fantasy sequence was hilarious. Not to mention all the beauty of your journey!

[@AdventureArchives]

+LeclairStudios Haha, thank you so much! Glad you like the older stuff. Sometimes when we look back on it we can only focus on the mistakes we made, haha. Cheers! -Andrew

[@AdventureArchives]

newroadcreative Can't directly respond to your comment, but we are definitely going to be putting up some gear videos soon. Thanks a bunch for watching! As for camera equipment and some other things, here's a list of stuff we use - and some amazon affiliate links (which would really help us if you use if you plan on buying any of this): Canon T3i Camera (this link is for the T5i, the T3i is what we actually use, but that and the T4i are both good too) - amzn.to/1qHphdE Canon 50mm f1.8 Lens - amzn.to/1p29wQs Sigma 10-20mm Lens - amzn.to/1p29AzQ Tokina 11-16mm Lens - amzn.to/UUrhVC Manfrotto 502 Video Head MVH502AH - amzn.to/1nhkBrF Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod - amzn.to/UKa55r Glidecam 2000 HD w/ Quick Release Plate (That quick release plate is essential. Highly recommended) - amzn.to/WUpTEv Rode Videomic Pro - amzn.to/1p2a9JT Roland Quad Capture (We use this for recording music) - amzn.to/1zKzD23 Behringer XM8500 Microphone - amzn.to/1qHqOAq Katadyn Water Filter - amzn.to/1onus3P Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants - amzn.to/1pR5qXL

[@ravenrook8843]

Lmao @ the final fantasy music. Great job!

[@AdventureArchives]

+Raven Rook Haha, thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed that easter egg. Cheers! -Andrew

[@neildbarker]

Great video - can't wait for part 2!

[@sallylouise9826]

Loved the final fantasy mock up and music ; been binge watching your videos lately great job ! What a beautiful place is Michigan ! 👍🏻

[@coconice1674]

Going through all the playlists, very well done! Cannot wait for the Yellowstone episodes!

[@AdventureArchives]

Thank you so much! Glad you're enjoying the episodes :) Yellowstone should be a good one! -Andrew

[@SierraOfficial]

Wow! The view at 11:20 was incredible. Looks like you guys had a great time. Thanks for sharing. :) - Chris

[@AdventureArchives]

Yeah, that was an amazing place. If it weren't for the flies we probably would've sat up there for hours. Thanks for watching! Love your channel btw. --Andrew

[@gettemeh2o]

AdventureArchives Michigan is truly beautiful. You might consider doing a segment on Pictured Rocks Nation Lakeshore in Upper Michigan. There are trails, waterfalls, smaller inland lakes and giant cliffs that are simply breathtaking from the water. There are caves in and among the cliffs and the lake bottom is riddled with giant boulders.

[@tadpolethehunter]

Definitely well worth the wait guys. Good job! Love that Final Fantasy 7 battle scene you guys added.

[@AdventureArchives]

tadpolethehunter Haha, glad you liked that little cameo! -Robby

[@michellebeckstrom6110]

Love this video like all of your other ones. Especially like this cause I lived in that region for decades & know dozens of trails, etc. For instance I recognized Bass Lake in Benzie county right away. Thank you guys for all your efforts into these vids!

[@digitalfuzion]

Very well done, worth the wait fellas! Can't wait to see the next part! Keep them coming you guys are doing a great job, always a pleasure watching your work.

[@AdventureArchives]

Thanks a bunch! we'll try to get the next one out slightly more quickly, haha. Thanks again!

[@TimLewallen]

It was a long wait and I was not disappointed! Top notch work yet again. I'm looking forward to part two. I'll echo the others - this and wranglerstar are my two favorite channels on KZbin.

[@AdventureArchives]

Glad we didn't disappoint! I'm sure we'll manage to in the future though, haha jk. We'll have to check that channel out. Always on the lookout for good quality videos. Thanks again for watching Tim! -Robby

[@EmmanuelMachler]

Excellent! You guys really make the wilderness appealing. Awesome work guys!!

[@AdventureArchives]

Thank you! We really don't have to do much, nature is pretty appealing on its own. We just capture it as best we can and it does most of the heavy lifting :) -Robby

[@TailEnd88]

Gods, that is some of the most beautiful, breath-taking landscapes. You little nerdies sure do have great adventures. I really feel a kinship to you fellows. Andrew, you're a plant nerd just like me, plus I'm a HUGE rpg fan. I think this is some of your best work.

[@Crowhillgal]

Beautifully done and very informative video! Thanks!

[@AdventureArchives]

Thanks! glad you enjoyed it (and ep 4)!

[@darthimperius3]

Oh, I'm waiting for the silly thing to buffer! I can't wait to watch. Thanks for all your hard work guys!

[@AdventureArchives]

It's up! Thank you for watching! And sorry for the delay, haha -Andrew

[@AdventureArchives]

***** Wow, that's a huge compliment. Thank you! -Andrew

[@AdventureArchives]

Haha yeah I was gonna say, that is praise we are absolutely unworthy of, but thank you! -Robby

[@Jax4umalta]

I think you guys are due for a trip back here. I live 6 miles from Leland right on Lake Michigan. I am so loving these videos.

[@patrickmcdermott4676]

I can see my lakehouse from the top!

[@AdventureArchives]

Whoa, that is awesome! Lakehouses are awesome, haha. I remember we stayed in one that belonged to a friend not far from here. Those were great times. Thank you for watching! -Andrew

[@RobFarrell17]

Gentlemen, this is the first time I have seen one of your videos and I am completely blown away by how incredibly well done it is. Incredible amount of info on wild edibles. Consider me a new subscriber and I look forward to exploring your channel.

[@AdventureArchives]

+Rob Farrell Thanks! We're really glad you've enjoyed them thus far! Thanks for subbing too! ~Bry

[@AdventureArchives]

+Rob Farrell Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the wild edibles bit. Thank you for watching and subscribing! -Andrew

[@DiscoverWithDima]

Loved this film - I just found your channel very recently and am so happy I did so! It is very informative, and enjoyable to watch! The Sleeping Bear Dunes are so incredibly beautiful - can’t wait to come back there soon.

[@AdventureArchives]

Thanks so much for your kind words! We actually revisited the dunes and Manitou island in a more recent episode too :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5i5Y5ywhqearZY Thanks so much for watching!

[@mellingmichael777]

My first 18 years of life were spent in Michigan. The biting bugs are truly horrible and I won't even mention the pricker plants and sandburs. Probably it's best in the fall when the leaves are changing colors and the bugs have gone on vacation. Nice job you guys did, btw.

[@WoodsTrekkinAdventures]

Nicely done! I think the mix of action, narration, and education is just about spot on for this one. I am excited to see the next one. One thing that was special for me was the views of Lake Michigan. When I was working on my undergrad I did an organized mountain bike tour that stretched along the western coast. That was the late nineties and I was amazed at the color of the water. It was really hard to believe that I was in Michigan of all places. Lol. So, vicariously through your adventure, I was able to nostalgically relive mine. Awesome!

[@AdventureArchives]

Awesome! That lake must just permeate nostalgic vapors or something. Yeah, we actually saw lots of people riding their bikes around the park. It looks like there are nice trails. I know what you mean - it's incredible to see all of these colors and amazing landscapes in Michigan haha. I wish Ohio had a bit more stuff like that. Thanks for watching! Really glad you liked it! --Andrew

[@Rubaphilos]

recently I've discovered the bushcraft community on youtube and have been working my way through various channels watching videos. Nice videos guys. Professional format, interesting adventures and intelligent narrative. Thanks very much :-) (New Zealand Bushcrafter)

[@AdventureArchives]

Thanks for the feedback! Maybe, just maybe, one day we can go to New Zealand for an episode. I actually put that down in a random text document somewhere on my computer that is labeled "You must go here before you die.txt" -Robby

[@TheUpnorthGirl]

Dude! This is like my backyard! Cool u came to my spot on the map.! Found u via Normies. Great job on your channel.

[@AdventureArchives]

Awesome! We're hoping to come back to this area sometime and film a better video, haha. Thanks a bunch for checking us out, and thank you for watching! -Andrew

[@TheChats02]

Very good talk about plants

[@robedmunds7163]

I hope you guys are moisturising :-) Seriously it would be nice if you put all these on a dvd, I would buy it

[@AdventureArchives]

Vance Wade - I can't directly respond to your comment for some reason. But those times at the dunes sound amazing. Haha, rolling down the dune sounds kind of fun. I'll have to try hiking along the shore like you suggested. That sounds pretty amazing. How much of a swim is it from there to the parking lot? Seems like Sleeping Bear is just as nostalgic to you as it was for us. It's a pretty magical place.

[@hunterhooter2809]

sooooo sooooo gooooooooooooooooood. can't get enough.

[@AdventureArchives]

Hunter Hooter There's another coming at the end of the month!

[@MikeTempletondizzo]

You want to talk about mosquitoes, try going up to Paradise, Michigan in the U.P. The motels put electric zappers that look like tennis racquettes in the room.

[@whocarescl]

Thank you very much!

[@AdventureArchives]

Thank /you/ for watching! -Andrew

[@wendysuperfan1014]

thanks guys

[@gettemeh2o]

Michigan is truly beautiful. You might consider doing a segment on Pictured Rocks Nation Lakeshore in Upper Michigan. There are trails, waterfalls, smaller inland lakes and giant cliffs that are simply breathtaking from the water. There are caves in and among the cliffs and the lake bottom is riddled with giant boulders.

[@AdventureArchives]

Picture rocks has been on our list for a long time now! We might do it soon actually! Nothing set in stone, but we were tossing the idea around of finally heading up there. ~Bry

[@WoodsTrekkinAdventures]

As a native Ohioan, I understand what you mean. I have since migrated to West Virginia-for better or worse! (We are in the panhandle, not the eastern mountains) In college, I sought out every opportunity to get out of Northwest Ohio. One place I never spent any time, but have heard is pretty cool; is up in the Manistee National Forest. The NCT runs through there and looks, on paper, to be someplace one could off the beaten path. Also, my buddy loves the Porcupine Mountains in the Upper Peninsula. Just a FYI in case collectively you run out of ideas....not likely...just in case lol.

[@AdventureArchives]

Sounds great, we actually joked about the name Manistee the whole trip. There's a Conan O'Brien segment about horney manatees. Hahaha Google it sometime. -Robby

[@AdventureArchives]

Thank you! The suggestions are much appreciated. Yeah, we've drove past the Manistee sign on our way to Michigan and were talking about it, haha. --Andrew

[@-NateTheGreat]

I just came back from camping here. Your video was a big inspiration so i wanted to pass on my thanks.

[@AdventureArchives]

Thanks so much! Hope you enjoyed your trip :) For a moment, your icon made me think one of those biting black flies had landed on my screen, haha. Cheers! -Andrew

[@AdventureArchives]

@TheChats02- Can' respond directly to you for some reason, but thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@2lo4sno]

7:25 No way, Final Fantasy. Nice GUI. 69 HP, you naughty boy.

[@HockeyTown-fb4pg]

Beautiful video! Absolutely amazing! If you guys ever plan on coming back to Michigan, there's a lot of beautiful places here and I would gladly give you some suggestions!

[@AdventureArchives]

+HockeyTown1340 Sounds great! We would definitely love to head back some day soon. Picture Rocks and Isle Royale are two places we've been wanting to check out, but we're definitely open to other suggestions. Thanks for watching! -Andrew

[@HockeyTown-fb4pg]

+AdventureArchives I'd be glad to. Do you guys have an email or can you open up your dm's on Twitter?

[@AdventureArchives]

HockeyTown1340 You can email us at [e-mail]:)

[@benjaminotero7943]

Simply, an excellent quality video! You guys should study to become Video Makers. Thanks for sharing.

[@DoYerBest]

11:52 haha, I feel ya, man.

[@gohanrei]

Awesome video like always. The quality and the production value just gets better and better. I'm also very proud of u guys for toughing it out through the mosquitoes and the rain. In my hikes, there are times when I am too far from anything comfortable to actually go back to when things get unpleasant. All I can do is keep going and enjoy what nature was giving me. I can completely relate, but in the end, it's those small unpleasant and unexpected things that make your adventure unique.

[@AdventureArchives]

Man you know me and Andrew were talking about this the other day, but looking back on this we absolutely only remember the good parts. Like I remember how miserable those mosquitoes and the heat were, but man, watching this video all I can think is good times! Even furiously trying to put all the camera gear in plastic bags during the rain seems like the funnest thing ever. So true though, those inconveniences really make it unique and memorable. -Robby

[@grahamoddities]

What time of year was the trip? I am curious because of the mosquitoes and flies. They shouldn't be that bad after July. Great video!

[@Wowee2012]

I have that Kelty Salida 2 tent 😀

[@AdventureArchives]

It's a good one! :D

[@GG-kw1qg]

Nice

[@AdventureArchives]

Thank you!!

[@brewpacking6324]

Dat ffiv boss battle tho.

[@AdventureArchives]

Hahah

[@siebertz]

Don't you believe in using mosquito spray?

[@AdventureArchives]

we used it! the mosquitos were so dense it only barely helped, it was crazy how many there were!

[@siebertz]

Reminds me of trails in the Everglades!

[@jd0614]

id like to download a version of your theme song

[@AdventureArchives]

Hey daniel! You can listen to it for free or download it for 50 cents in our Season 1 episode albums on bandcamp: adventurearchives.bandcamp.com/

[@gohanrei]

Hey guys, it's been a while since the last video. Any idea when part 2 will be posted?

[@AdventureArchives]

Yes actually! Wednesday, but probably Thursday because of rendering and upload times. Me and Andrew worked on it till like four in the morning last night so it's really close! -robby

[@AdventureArchives]

Going up tooooodddaaayyyyyyyyyyyy!

[@AdventureArchives]

Adventure Archives Episode 5 pt. 2 - North Manitou Island here it is in case you missed it!

[@masterapplesause]

Anyone know what area of the Sleeping Bear Dunes is at 11:14 ? I'd love to come to that exact spot and take some pics of that amazing view, I just don't know what trail you have to take to get there

[@AdventureArchives]

+masterapplesause Yes, it is called "Pyramid Point Trail"

[@masterapplesause]

+AdventureArchives thanks so much! I'm really enjoying the channel, you guy deserve way more subscribers and views for the effort put into each video. Keep up the good work!

[@AdventureArchives]

+masterapplesause Thank you so much! Also, this is Robby here, totally forgot about that song, thank you for reminding me about it. Haha fun fact, the drums on there is just me banging on a wood stool.

[@IcelanderUSer]

How did the dunes form there and how did they get so tall?

[@AdventureArchives]

My first guess would be the wind patterns cause the sand to collect in certain spots

[@EnVee215]

Ff4 soundtrack!!!

[@dawnlemerand1857]

You mean "convenient" like the tent you bought?

[@_Booker_DeWitt]

Can you build a private campfire at White Pines, or is that prohibited?

[@AdventureArchives]

i haven't read anything saying otherwise, as long as you take proper precautions. The map shows only one fire ring, so I'm certain other campers have made their own private fires at one time or another, so you may see old fire rings there.

[@AdventureArchives]

I'm correcting myself, I've been informed that there is only a communal campfire ring, and private campfires are prohibited

[@_Booker_DeWitt]

I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. I'm planning to camp at Sleeping Bear Dunes, possibly North Manitou. Watching your adventures is very inspiring!

[@AdventureArchives]

I highly recommend north manitou! ~Bry

[@macbutler4941]

How much did the ferry ride cost?

[@AdventureArchives]

I actually can't remember off the top of my head, and their website seems to be down, but it was "Manitou Transit" that we used

[@macbutler4941]

+AdventureArchives thank you! Also, how do you guys go about attaining drinking water when backcountry hiking?

[@AdventureArchives]

90% of the time, you'll be backcountry hiking in an area with streams. We use a hand pumped water filter. I believe the island we ferried over to had some streams, but they also had a water spout near the dock with potable water. There are some areas where you have to pack in enough water, as it's too contaminated for even a filter or boiling. Hope this helps! -Andrew

[@MrRickroll23]

if you still care, a term you may be interested instead of biomes, microclimates or ecosystems would apply.