Solo Backpacking and Landscape Photography in the Desert

[@PereaPhotography]

Check out Seadon here: www.seadon.co/mikepereaphotography and don't forget to use discount code "MIKEPEREAPHOTOGRAPHY" for 25% off your purchase!

[@SeadonClothing]

Thanks for spreading our brand and mission to the world, Mike! -Carson, Founder.

[@PereaPhotography]

Correction: I am using the Katadyn BeFree water filter. NOT the Sawyer Squeeze. The Sawyer sits in the closet since I got the Katadyn. It’s much better!

[@blivieriphoto]

I'm with Chris, but I'm glad to watch you enjoy your experience. ☺️.

[@brucedixon5185]

Love the Superstitions. One of the seven wonders of Arizona, in my opinion.

[@kayhi9588]

I'm really glad you shared this video. I've been looking more into backpacking, lately. I still have a ton of gear to purchase. It's nice to see backpacking from an experienced photographer/videographer such as your self.

[@old4004]

Glad you talked about "us" and "our", letting Chris be a part of the trip.

[@PereaPhotography]

She was there in spirit!

[@DesertPackrat]

I have hiked alone for over 30 years. I am fortunate that I have not been seriously injured in those years. I have had a couple close calls with dehydration and hurting knees. I do not recommend hiking solo for the inexperienced, and I also recommend detailed instructions to family where you are going and when. Provide them maps and backup times when they should call rescuers. Consider trails that are not too remote and not technical. This is also not the time to sacrifice water or equipment over weight. This is hard because too much weight is a danger but too little equipment could be hypothermia. Most important thing Mike said was that he knew these mountains very well. Happy hiking.

[@PereaPhotography]

Some great advice here and agree completely. You know as well as I do that the desert can be deadly. I made Chris Chris new which hike I was doing, where I was camping, and when I’d be back. The one thing I need to get is the Garmin In-Reach.

[@ervinslens]

Stunning upload man, views are simply outstanding. Great video, love it.🙌🏻🥾🥾

[@yoannao9707]

I love this, solo backpacking is definitely challenging, and documenting every step makes it even harder. So pleasant to watch you explore these beautiful canyons, no human around.. so peaceful..the sleepless windy night sounds adventurous and scary at the same time. Awesome work once again!

[@PereaPhotography]

Thank you Yoanna!! It was a mix of epic adventure, exhausting hiking, and sleepless night. It had it all haha.

[@csotoperspective]

This videos just make me regret more and more leaving Arizona. I sure hope in near future I can move back. Miss those mountain views. Here in CT I can't find a trail I can be in peace, most trails are crowded and they all lack those beautiful views that Arizona offers!!

[@gregs2466]

I have been watching you and your wife's videos for a few months now because you almost always wear my favorite baseball team's hat! I have been a Boston fan for many years and at one time, I lived in West Warwick, Rhode Island when I was 20 years old.

[@PereaPhotography]

Go Sox!

[@phynx2006]

I'm so jealous, a couple of days to just get away from it all, and as a bonus, beautiful scenery for photography 👍😎👍

[@PereaPhotography]

Thanks Dave! It was definitely nice to get away!

[@amnonsuodai9145]

Hello again Mike. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@nrlondon7959]

Mike, another awesome video. I am not a hiker either. If I can't drive, there I don't go. I love the backroads of Death Valley. I seldom see anyone on those drives, but I do see things others never see. I put together some adventure videos. I discovered how much work is. Unfortunately, I only got a few viewers. Haha. Every time you took a video, I kept thinking how you had to return to camera and pack it up before moving on. Again, another awesome video. You have helped me to see beauty in the desert. Thanks for sharing.

[@roberth9672]

What a great shot of Weavers Needle Mike. That creek leading in from the bottom of the frame, great light just well done. I hope you do more of these backcountry trips to showcase the beauty and ruggedness of Arizona. I hiked and backpacked around Arizona for a lot of years. I worked in the outdoor recreation business as well. Selling hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, and rescue equipment. I found out through trial and error that I enjoyed the trip a lot more if I slept and ate well. I had to go through a lot of sleep systems (sleeping bag, mattress, pillow) to find the right. I also knew that if it was going to be windy there's less tent flapping if I guyed-out the tent fly. More guy lines less flapping. I also take ear plugs to help combat the noise issue and I sleep in the middle of the tent so I don't have a tent wall flapping up against me all night. Having been born and raised here I really enjoy these desert videos you make Mike. Just another great video all around!

[@PereaPhotography]

Thanks so much Robert!! Yes I thought the same thing last night. Ear plugs are a must. And good point of the guy lines. I’ll definitely be making sure I take care of that next time. More trips this year for sure!!

[@philipculbertson55]

Wow, what an awesome trip Mike. Enjoyed the video a lot.

[@TerjeLeinMathisen]

Lovely video. You have put so much effort in the filming and telling a story. I look forward to more like this. Maybe Chris would join in when she see the result

[@IamUke]

Nice video. Good job not launching yourself over the side of Battleship. Labarge does have a nice spring, reliable water. Thanks for sharing!

[@josephh4532]

I enjoy some medium length hikes along with the photography. As you note, there is a sense of peace out there. Also a sense of accomplishment for the hike! Backpacking is definitely another level of commitment, but you also see things you never would otherwise. Beautiful area and images - really enjoyed it!

[@PereaPhotography]

Thanks Joseph!

[@thomastuorto9929]

Thanks for the views.

[@BrentHall]

That was fantastic! Brittany doesn't really want to go backpacking either, so I'll definitely go with you anytime.

[@PereaPhotography]

Let’s do it man! I’ve always wanted to do one of those hikes to the beach in Olympic. Maybe a summer/spring trip!

[@BrentHall]

@@PereaPhotography I'll be there with fresh tea and second breakfast! I know a great trail that leads to some awesome secluded sea stacks in ONP that would be perfect for us. Just hit me up and tell me when you want to go and I'll come get you.

[@PereaPhotography]

@@BrentHall absolutely brotha that sounds awesome.

[@lauraslanesvanandphototravels]

I hope to check those out one day...not fit enough and I have no one to backpack with right now...it looks amazing in there.

[@trentb4631]

Buys a travel trailer and then decides he wants to do more back country camping 🤣. Thanks for bringing us along on your adventure Mike, great video.

[@PereaPhotography]

🤣🤣🤣

[@scottman895]

That looked like quite an adventure! I haven't slept in a tent since I was kid, so I would have no idea how well I would sleep in one, lol! The photos you got look incredible! The overnight hike looked totally worth it!

[@ok_marcussharcus]

Nice change of pace from the typical photo vlogs, Mike! Very entertaining and I hope you do more of them in the future. Well done, friend!

[@johnkaper1129]

Loved your video, I have backpacked the Sups and gone in by pack horse numerous times and have camped where you did in Labarge Canyon in the late 60s until the late 80s. Beautiful country. What you need to buy is one of the Garmin InReach handheld GPS as it has satellite communication. You were exactly right when you on the side of Battleship Mtn , if you or some one else got hurt in your party you can be in serious trouble. The satellite communication has a 911 function where you get help, you subscribe for the service, but it can be a life saver. check it and keep up the fantastic work. Happy trails

[@PereaPhotography]

Thank you John! I’m definitely looking at getting the InReach.

[@jrlong3490]

Nice job Mike. Pretty back there in Superstitions canyons and valleys.

[@PereaPhotography]

Thanks Robert!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

What a great adventure Mike. I can see why you'd want to get out there all by yourself. Magnificent stuff. There's something really special about seeing the behind the scenes of such a trip . .although it probably made it twice as long filming all that B-roll ...!!!

[@PereaPhotography]

Thanks Richard! Definitely some extra miles walking back to get the camera 🤣

[@michaelgoulding4425]

Great stuff Mike, and fair play to you for getting out on a solo adventure, takes a bit of nerve! Beautiful images also

[@robertphillips5051]

Excited for you. Hope you will continue to go out on some short overnight adventures. Believe you can help others learn the does and don’t s of taking on such adventures. Show what equipment you learn to rely on etc as well as teach us good camera techniques. Good luck and keep us informed.

[@chadroberts44]

awesome video and great photos. I'd like to visit that area some day. I live up in the Northern part of the states

[@randyschwager84]

Nice job! Looks like great fun! Good to see you being cautious!

[@newfoundlandscenery3568]

Really nice 👌!Congrats!

[@guykerr8111]

I find the first night always a struggle to sleep. After that it seems to be fine. Unless the wind is blowing of course. My goal this year is more pack trips too. Nice!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

What an adventure! Hats off to the solo effort. Takes a lot of courage to go into the desert like that. Loved the video and inspiration 👍🙏

[@PereaPhotography]

Thanks man!! Hopefully more to come this year!

[@robnarwidphotography7754]

Mike, it looks like a great fun photography trip and an amazing place to explore. I’m going to have to plan a trip out there one day.

[@PhilipScheetz]

Looks like a great time! I backpacked in this exact area back in 2020 on a group trip led by REI. We camped not too far from the area at 5:00, I think you may have even walked right through our campsite. It was in November and there was a lot less water, but there is a spring if you follow that sign to second water trail about a quarter mile, and that’s where we filled up. If I recall correctly, our guides said there is water there almost year round even when other water sources are dry. It looks like you hiked deeper in than I did. It makes me want to go back and backpack there again for sure!

[@PereaPhotography]

Thanks Philip! Good to know about the spring. I’m hoping to really explore the area more here in the near future. Cheers!

[@georgeisenbarg8302]

Love all your videos Mike. I wonder how many extra miles you do just to get video of you walking towards or away from your camera? You ever think about getting in and out of places on a motorcycle? Thanks for the video...

[@DaveMorrow]

Nice video Mike!

[@PereaPhotography]

Thanks so much man!! After seeing your videos in the PNW, it’s definitely high on my list of places to backpack!

[@DaveMorrow]

@@PereaPhotography Anytime! PNW is real solid backpacking.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I'm gonna be in the area this May so I look forward to your videos as scouting material. I'll be in a nice Scottsdale resort though; no camping for this city kid! 😉

[@PereaPhotography]

Haha you’ll be out here just in time for 100 degree weather and Milky Way season!

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

@@PereaPhotography I'm hoping for Milky Way, maybe some late Spring flowers, and wildlife. First week of May; hopefully not overly brutal!

[@midnightj1994]

Excellent job Mike! Love your content

[@PereaPhotography]

Thank you!

[@christian.irmler]

Hi Mike, what a fantastic adventure! But why did you even take your bed with you at ~04:30? :-) The area is so beautiful and your shot at ~16:28 is just amazing. I like all the textures in it and this awesome sense of depth due the tonality and contrast. Such a tranquil mood. Really cool! Nice greetings, Christian

[@PereaPhotography]

Haha I was so confused when I saw it! Thanks buddy for watching!

[@tyeeggleston6159]

Great Video Mike....Its nice to get away from the "hustle and bustle" to out in the middle of nowhere. Peaceful and serene....I was curious were you able to capture some Astro photos?. Im betting the sunrise was spectacular there also...keep capturing these great vids and photos...be safe and careful.

[@PereaPhotography]

Hey Tye! I only got the Astro Timelapse there, which was technically about 450 photos 🤣

[@markjensen663]

Nice little overnighter Mike. I bet Second water goes well with 2nd breakfast.😂. Curious how well the Fstop bag worked for all you photo and overnight gear together?

[@PereaPhotography]

🤣 I see what you did there. The f stop bag did ok. But any more than one night, and I’ll definitely get a different bag. It just isn’t really made for backpacking. The pockets and accessories on a proper backpacking backpack is the better way to go I think.

[@as616]

Do you have a satellite messenger like a Spot or In Reach? I keep mine clipped to my camera bag. Great peace of mind and it is easy to do a check-in message along the trail. Great images, BTW.

[@PereaPhotography]

Thanks Andy! That In-Reach is next on my list of gear purchases!

[@kenlamb4430]

Awesome. Going out solo, exactly the best knowledge is to know when to turn back try again later -- the rocks will still be there! Can you say what month the year you were out there?

[@PereaPhotography]

My thoughts exactly Ken. This trip was just a few weeks ago. Right at the end of January.

[@ericcoulter95]

Amazing images like always and that looked like a amazing adventure. One thing I would like to know is how the weather proof is on that nemo hornet tent because i am looking at buying that tent is why I am asking since this is a photography channel. But I love all the videos and images and keep up the hard work.

[@PereaPhotography]

Thanks Eric! Well, the only thing I can speak to is it holds up great in heavy winds. I’ve never had it in the rain, but I’ll be taking it with me on my trip to backpack Iceland in July, so I’m almost certain I’ll find out quick how good it is haha.

[@ericcoulter95]

@@PereaPhotography hahaha that is definitely true but from reviews they say it does good as long as you open the zipper on the door a little for extra ventilation but you will find out one way. But thanks for letting me know and hope you have a awesome trip and keep the videos coming I love everything you and Chris do.

[@tomkat1214]

Nice video Mike.... Can we expect more in the near future. I see your little brother occasionally but haven't seen you in decades it seems like. You still jeeping around? We should do some trailing sometime if you do. My Rubicon can use more trail time. Keep up the awesome content.

[@PereaPhotography]

Hey man! Yeah lots more adventure to come! I sold that keep along time ago. I have a 2010 4Runner now. Sometimes I miss that keep and driving with the top down. Well, not so much in summer haha. Those Rubicons are pretty sweet! One of these days we’ll have to go rompin’

[@tomkat1214]

Any time you want brotha... Those 4runners are pretty sweet too man! Do you have any other content up already I can check out. You gotta do a Peria canyon vid and I can think of a few others that would be great re-visits from our scouting era... Crater tanks, or even a large scale eagle eye would be awesome content for those less experienced with compass and map coordinate skill... I am stoked you have a channel up man! Congrats. Do you have a patreon account set up as well?

[@PereaPhotography]

@@tomkat1214 oh yeah Paria Canyon has been on my list for a few years. I definitely need to get back there with the camera! As far as Patreon, it’s something I’ve considered, but probably not soon. Maybe later this year when I can commit more time haha. I’m barely able to get one video a week on YT, so it would be tough to make additional content for patreon.

[@leojphilip732]

Beautiful adventure Mike! Did you carry two tripods for the hike?

[@PereaPhotography]

Thanks Leo! Yes I did. A Benro slim and a Benro fgp18c

[@A1P2]

13:52 😂

[@PereaPhotography]

Haha she wants no part of that nonsense 🤣

[@TheThomasites]

I would suggest a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) if you are going alone.

[@PereaPhotography]

Thank you! Looking into the Garmin In-Reach

[@TheThomasites]

@@PereaPhotography not a bad idea, but that requires a subscription and may cost you if rescue is needed. A PLB will be free and faster and usable throughout the world if you need rescue, and unless abused, free of charge* See local laws for your location if true. It is in most places though...check it out. A plb has a one time cost and can be registered with your local beacon registry.

[@PereaPhotography]

@@TheThomasites thank you I’ll definitely look into it!

[@briestockwell5402]

Looks like you got a lot of miles in Mike! I’m in the process of planning it an overnight trip somewhere and would like to do a couple this year. How did your backpack work out?

[@PereaPhotography]

It’s good for a night trip, but I really like the idea of “right tool for the job.” It’s great for carrying camera gear, but I fully plan on getting a proper backpacking backpack. The accessories, structure, features etc are specific for backpacking. I didn’t have any room left in the F Stop Sukha bag. It was packed full, and I was only gone a night.

[@DaveMorrow]

@@PereaPhotography Great video Mike! Let me know if you need any equipment tips for doing multi-night trips. Excited to see that you're getting into wilderness photography.

[@PereaPhotography]

@@DaveMorrow will do! Thanks Dave, big fan of your channel!

[@Claudsenlol]

Funny how you’re more scared of chris than falling of the clifs. 😂

[@PereaPhotography]

🤣 I don’t mess with the Swiss!!