Solo multi-day backpack hike to: Poboktan Pass - Brazeau Lake - Nigel Pass (Part 1 of 3)

[@Stevenhy00]

Glad to see you back out there adventuring!

[@Martyupnorth]

Early summer was tough. I was helping my aging father. He had to sell his house and move to a home. Very tough for him. I got my love for the outdoors and sports from him. Dad used to run and cycle as a young adult, 50 years ago, long before it ever became popular. It brought our little family closer together. The second half of the summer was much better better. I got in a good family hike in August and this solo hike in September. Cheers.

[@MarkFugel]

love your trips MARTY...thanks for letting us come along and sharing all that beauty!

[@TyK622]

Marty ... this is the kind of trips I look forward to seeing from you ...alone or with company. Totally enjoyed this trip. Cheers.

[@Martyupnorth]

Tyboy4U I'm trying to figure out what my viewers prefer. Solo vs. group? Long videos or short? Scenery or dialogue? Know trails or totally off the grid? Any feedback is welcome.

[@TyK622]

I would say ... scenery with rough terrain. Just like this trip and part2 of it. wow!!! simply amazing. You're living the life. I'm pumped to get back on the trails. My rolled ankle is almost healed. I bought an angler's kayak ... The Pelican Catch 120 NXT... and will go out again with it stacking all my gear. I'll just camp along shorelines of lakes until I'm ready for portaging. Man... rolled ankles take long to heal.

[@chickiebanana2552]

Looking great Marty! Excellent adventures this season! Thank you for sharing your travels🤗

[@Martyupnorth]

Chickie Banana thanks. I feel good for being 50. Part 2 will be the best video. I'll post it as soon as possible.

[@silvanoprovenza8128]

Mad respect Marty. Been watching all your videos all night. Your programs are very upfront and professional. Cheers! ✌🏼

[@mfavia620]

Thanks Marty for bringing us another adventure. So looking forward to part two. ATB Mike

[@dkhcando]

i really enjoy your videos, pretty down to earth, instructive, I'm challenged and inspired by your long treks on rough trails often on your own. I am now far away but these videos bring me back home.

[@northernbeadle]

Wow, it's a neat feeling to come back to an older video of yours where I first started watching and see your blue tent and the 90L pack and your cooking set up.... how the times have changed and you've perfected your load out!!

[@northernbeadle]

Just booked Waterfalls this morning!! Two nights so that I can hike in, then day hike up to Jonas Cutoff, then back out again ... did the Brazeau keyhole loop in September last year and wanted to finish off the area. Came back here to watch this video again to see the campground and area... CANNOT WAIT to camp here this year!!

[@MeetMeOutside]

Great video man ! Looking forward to part two. Peace

[@duncanmcdermott8592]

Can't wait for part 2. That looked beautiful.

[@charlesvincett84]

Looks awesome! Thank you for sharing your passion!

[@bcal5962]

Great video Marty - I just watched this while having dinner. Very interesting area and it looks beautiful. Really looking forward to the 2nd part. (PS I did notice the shirt!!!!)

[@mrxmrp8795]

Hi Marty, just got back from an Eastern Sierra backpack trip with my daughter myself. Someday I'd like to get up to Canada. If you ever organize that 200km loop and you open it up to subscribers, I'd be in.

[@paulhiebert382]

I also love and miss the old Marty Solo hikes. Did this one 2 years ago up through Poboktan Creek as well, to Brazeau and then retraced my steps cause the weather was shitty through the pass and got a second crack at it coming back and it was so worth it. Going back in September again, only this time I'm doing WaterFalls and then two nights at Jonas Cutoff which is of course right at the junction to the two passes. So I figure it'll be nice to do each pass as day hikes on seperate days and I dont have to carry a full pack full of gear over either pass ! HA ! I like that idea a lot ! think I will strap an empty 20L pack to the back of my 70L for the trip for day hiking. Then back out through WaterFalls again. Anyone considering this hike - DO IT. its well worth it and quite empty trails in September.

[@Itchhhh]

Thanks Marty!

[@ScotWalt858]

Entire video very nicely done! Thanks for posting!!

[@dkhcando]

These videos have a warmer feel to them somehow, the scenery was really extraordinary. You mentioned about three times how the willow can get you soaked, and that is one nugget of experience that is worth repeating - I have loved those willow fields in the sun, and have not loved getting soaked when they were wet. The Seattle guy's use of a garbage bag might be good, though that willow can rip things off your pack so it might have shredded his bag.

[@theoutdoorangler1173]

Another great video. Lucky for u! Once again very jealous

[@northernbeadle]

Fantastic video, can't wait to watch the next part. Also can't believe how many Albertans have passed such a famous guy! If I had the chance to give you a ride it'd be an honour! Keep up the amazing hikes and videos and good luck getting through this upcoming winter season and adjusting to life indoors... always hard!

[@Martyupnorth]

Thanks. My goal is to try and do more winter hikes this year. I'm also thinking of doing a hike down south. Maybe I'll collaborate with another KZbin hiker. Cheers. P.S. I'm definitely not famous, though I've been recognized a few times in BAnff.

[@northernbeadle]

Back to re-watch your Brazeau videos as I'm booked in early September... not quit the same track as you as starting Nigel and ending as well but stoked to get my boots on the ground on such an epic trail!! Thanks for the video :)

[@Martyupnorth]

Welcome back! You'll love that hike.

[@northernbeadle]

@@Martyupnorth Thanks and it will be my first true solo experience that isn't a single overnight with a

[@AW-wu7tk]

Great video really enjoy seeing what and how, awesome.

[@Kirkwiillams]

Great video. Beautiful scenery. Thanks for sharing.

[@GugToptine]

Love your videos, my brother and I are planning a 3 or 4 day trip along the Appalachian trail in May or June. I can't wait. I'd be happy if the views looked half as good as these!

[@clemencedrolet1510]

Love your style of presemtation

[@yuriboiblu]

loved it Marty!

[@dkhcando]

Enjoyed these two videos (was there a part 1 that I missed?), definitely motivated to do this trip soon. I really enjoyed your additional commentary on rock formations, managing your energy level, and even the French rant (fairly random but highly enjoyable!). I dont know how you did 38 km then started driving home at 6:30 pm...

[@Martyupnorth]

This video is part 1. The 38 km on the last day was part 3. My guess is you're missing part 2, which features the most spectacular section of the hike, Poboktan Pass.

[@myadventuresincreation4741]

I highly recommend the West Coast Trail on the west coast of BC. Recently completed the 75km in a leisurely 8 days and was blown away by the beauty and uniqueness of this ocean and forest trail. Definitely put it on your list.

[@oORaveNOo]

If you have the chance, I think you would very like tombstone territorial park ( they have walk on the same day or you can reserve ) or Kluane national park ( no need to reserve only register ) and it could make a very cool hiking video !

[@bohrerbros7555]

My brother and I did this backpack last summer, and also about ten years ago. It is one of my favorite backpacks, and as like you mention, has incredible scenery. On the way in we stayed at the Waterfalls campground, then John John, and finally three nights at Brazeau lake. You were lucky not to have crowded conditions but we went on the August long weekend and there were lots of people. Did you check out the horse camp, not far from Brazeau lake, down the South Boundary trail? Beautiful meadow with horses. Nice video Marty.

[@charlesvincett84]

Awesome first night camp ground...

[@SadraMonfared]

Marty, did the very same solo hike a week after you (Sunwapta trailhead, Jonas Cut off, four points and Nigel pass trailhead). Were you successful filtering the rock flour? my filter plugged right away!! It was a lot smokier when I was there! Would love to be able to do the Great Divide Trail from Sask. crossing to Jasper one day. Let me know if you are looking for crews!!

[@peakspike]

Great video! Your videos made me get back into backpacking after 20 years off. I wish I could eat that many carbs! I have to keep it mostly all meat and fat so my 50 yo knees and back have no inflammation and pain!

[@Martyupnorth]

Sound like the Keto diet which is very popular these days.

[@Chevy-hw6lw]

You live 3 hour drive from a place like that? Lucky lucky!

[@Martyupnorth]

Clinton Gfroerer in an emergency I can get from my house to Brazeau lake in 15 hours, and that includes a 10 hour hike

[@Chevy-hw6lw]

Very nice Marty! Totally love those shots of you scooping up that fresh mountain water too!

[@ah1563]

found your channel from a shout-out in Outside Magazine! Neato!

[@Martyupnorth]

Thanks. Was that an on-line shout-out or in print? I'd like to return the favour.

[@ah1563]

It was in the September 2017 print issue. This one: www.outsideonline.com/2237196/outside-magazine-september-2017. If you want my copy I can send it to ya.

[@Martyupnorth]

I'll keep that in mind. I'm flying tomorrow, and airports tend to have good magazine selections. I'm in Quebec right now, and everything here is mostly French. Cheers.

[@Martyupnorth]

By the way, thanks for stopping by and welcome to my channel. I'm focused on solo backpacking in Alberta's mountain parks. I love interacting with viewers. I find that 99% of the comments are overwhelmingly positive. I love answering questions and I often help people organize trips to Alberta. I love the outdoors, but I'm definitely not an environmentalist. Cheers.

[@gappleton8255]

Right on!

[@filmic1]

Talk about 'loving the parks to death' Thanks for mentioning about the water. I took a swig from that kind of water near Jasper and it made me quite nauseous. Thought it might have been the rock powder, or the minerals or both. That's a Garmin 15 HRM you have? Thanks for all the trouble taken to post these vblogs!

[@Martyupnorth]

You'll understand why when you see part 2.

[@stanelywilliams1392]

you weren't kidding about hitch-hiking, Is that dangerous up there? And those women from New Zealand, so trusting. Excellent video btw as usual.

[@Martyupnorth]

I'd say that hitchhiking in Canada, in general, is fairly safe. I do it often in the parks because many trails have a different start and ending. I haven't heard of someone getting in trouble hitchhiking.

[@stanelywilliams1392]

nice, look forward to your videos

[@malice21nall]

Hey Marty, I am from near Edmonton- If you are ever looking for someone to accompany you for the 200 k skyline and maligne pass. Would be an honor and a pleasure. And as always great vid.

[@Martyupnorth]

I lost that fleece shirt somewhere along the way . I'm guessing on my canoe incident in Quebec City

[@darylhicks7008]

Great video Marty. Looking forward to watching part 2 tonight when I get out of office for the day. How's the weather home? Been in Saudi since December 3rd

[@chaosplutonium21]

Nice vid marty

[@patanddebmoore233]

Hi marty more fantastic videos again really love them . Could you please tell me which north face tent you use? Yours truly Patrick norfolk uk.

[@Martyupnorth]

It's a discontinued Lunar Light. There's nothing like it on the market right now. It's held up incredibly well after 10+ years of constant use. A testament to NorthFace engineering and quality.

[@Martyupnorth]

I still didn't have an inflatable pillow in 2017.

[@twochordcool]

REI sells fleece-lined stuff sacks (I recommend the larger one) and I stuff a down jacket in it...it weighs very little, it stuff down to nothing and makes for a fantastic pillow.

[@drewgb]

LOL, f'n birds! I've had grouse attack me descending from my the alpine. Another reason to rock poles on the way down. Batter up!

[@matthewrichards9514]

Nice bar

[@dwaynema]

Enjoy your videos, do you filter your water? Do you carry bear spray? Hike on!

[@Martyupnorth]

I generally don't filter my water. I went 25+ years without owning a filter. Last year a company gave me a really small filter to review, and I started carrying it just as a safety precaution. Now I filter water that is really silty. I generally carry a bear spray, but I don't stress if I forget it at home. I have never had a bad encounter with a bear.

[@voges14]

Hey Marty. I've noticed that most of your hikes are towards lake Louise or further west. Any special reason you go that far as opposed to hiking closer to Banff? Maybe it's not as busy as the Banff area? Also when you you hang your food is it in a waterproof bag? If so what size bag do you find works well for 3 days worth of food? Thanks!

[@Martyupnorth]

I hate crowds, so that's why I avoid Banff. I also like to hike with my dog, and I like making fires at night. Jasper and Wilmore Wilderness just offer much more of what I seek out. Sometimes I hang the whole backpack up the pole. Sometimes I just leave it under my vestibule. 3 days of food is 6 lbs at most, so that's a very small bag (ie 5 litres).

[@voges14]

Thanks and congrats on the 2 million KZbin views! I look forward to get back into hiking this summer and backpacking with my son and your videos play a part in that. Thanks again!

[@Martyupnorth]

No one's commented on my 25 year-old T-Shirt at the beginning of the video.

[@rob_6292]

ha, I had to go back and watch the beginning because I was focused on the shirt. depending on how you eat the dinner meals, right before you leave you can put them in freezer zip locks. saves a lot of space and depending on the brand a little bit of weight. you can eat right out of them as well.

[@Rubinobill]

At our age that's a fairly relevant age for a shirt. Love these videos Marty.

[@19stoney64]

Why is it I'm always reserved about watching your videos? Because I always say, "my life stinks", afterwards. Lol..........

[@Martyupnorth]

Buddy, not sure why you're so hard on yourself. We all have our blessings. Happy New year and all the best to you and your loved ones in 2018.

[@mountainmuse]

That's a lot of plastic bags and extra weight, including cans? Just wondering, but if food is not that important then why do you bring all these heavy foods? Wow, it's such a difference with guys like Jupiter and John Zahorian (thru-hikers) they manage to keep their pack way under 20 pounds (not sure if I could do that, but I'm certainly making an effort to cut out weight). Of course lightweight gear like Katabatic is rather expensive...Nice vid!

[@Martyupnorth]

MountainMuse a few plastic bags don't add any significant weight. Thru hiking in the lower 49s where you're never more than a few miles from civilization , and always re-supplying isn't in the same league.. Quick test. Do Thru hikers get cell service? Yes. Well I don't. If I get in trouble I could be days, if not weeks without help. And it snowed this week in Alberta, even at lower elevations. Our mountains regularly get shown in every month except July and August. Good comment. Thanks for watching.

[@scottthorburn9590]

John Z just did the Great Divide Trail this year with his sub 20 lb pack. That is your area, no? Not sure if he had cell service though. But to each their own. Hike on, Marty!

[@Martyupnorth]

John and I don't have the same style, nor the same purpose. I'm not interested in setting records when I hike. I'm out there to enjoy the scenery and explore new places. I go back to some areas over and over again. I also rarely walk more than 15 km in a day. I like to leave late, stop often and check out things along the way, like cool waterfalls, unusual rock formations or just a squirrel's stash of pinecones. That said, I'm always on the look-out for smart ways to lower my weight. I know that my tent and my pack alone are two things where I can probably shed a combined 4-5 lbs. This is such a popular topic that next summer I'll have to challenge myself to see what my minimum weight can be for a 2 night trip. One last thing. Last night the Skyline trail got almost 2' of wet snow. I won't put a link here in case it gets blocked as spam. I'll put it on the thread below. Without proper gear, waking up to 2' of snow could be very threatening. Cheers.

[@Martyupnorth]

facebook.com/Jaspertrailsalliance/?hc_ref=ARRyq_wM7hEsRuAqFfwpbEilJdHpFjnevYphs1zR15SHBh9Rh_hO7ejL7q7MPL9c5D4&fref=nf&pnref=story# Jasper got a lot of snow yesterday. This is the stuff that will collapse a typical 3-season tent, and make sleeping in a hammock difficult.

[@MrJx4000]

Excellent video as usual. What are the night time temps like this time of year at your campsites?

[@Martyupnorth]

It drops to about 5 Celsius. We're high up in the mountains.

[@fatninja6099]

Do you have any plans for making another solo video?

[@Martyupnorth]

Yes. I post anywhere between 3 and 5 hiking videos a year. I wish I could do more, but I have a full-time job abd a family of 6, so we do a lot of different activities.

[@DavidWalker-wz9rl]

Hey Marty, enjoying this trip report very much (doing the same but starting at Nigel next summer) Just wanted to ask what map is that in the beginning (Gemtrak?) and number - thanks!

[@Martyupnorth]

Gem Trek #1 covers Jasper. Maps on the Jasper Park website are good enough to plan your trip. Once there the trails are well marked.

[@Bennatpjose]

Where did you get those dehydrated meal packs?

[@Martyupnorth]

Ben Jos They're readily available at outdoor sports stores. I'm Canadian, so I buy them at Mountain Equipment Coop. Bass Pro has them. Also look online. Brands are Alpineaire, Bavkpackers Pantry, Harvest Foodworks and Wise. Some are really tasty, others are like cardboard

[@zigarten]

I bought a dehydrator, for some meals it's awesome! Kijiji here in Calgary $20.00

[@smokeybear5460]

Does not being able to have a fire take away from the trip at all?

[@Martyupnorth]

It does for me in two major ways. The first I that I rely on fires for cooking. Without fires, I need to bring a stove and fuel. That adds weight. When I have a stove I'm constantly worried about fuel consumption. If I want a tea at the end of the evening I need to burn a little more fuel. When I have fires I keep water boiling all the time and have teas, coffee, hot chocolate, whatever. The second thing is the comfort, safety, and the social aspect. There's something really reasuring at the end of the day to sit around a fire. It brings warmth, a feeling of safety and it gives me something to do when I'm bored. I'm always looking for dead wood and working to keep the fire going. It makes the time go by. It's really nice when there's other people around. Everyone likes to huddle around the fire and talk. People tend to stay up later instead of just retreating to their tent. Some people, especially tourists, rarely get to experience a real campfire.

[@smokeybear5460]

I feel basically the exact same way. I've yet to go on a multi-day trip without fire, not sure if I could handle more than 1 night "fireless" - Thanks for the response and for another good video. These help me get through the work days.

[@oORaveNOo]

by the way, I really like how you make the video and keep it real!

[@matthewrichards9514]

6:57...love the painting behind you....who did it

[@Martyupnorth]

It's a simple painting that hung in my grandmother's house for years. Nothing fancy, but it has sentimental value to me. When she passed away it's the only thing I wanted. I had it re-framed, and it hangs in my dining room. My wife thinks it's "ugly", but I don't care, I like it. I should try to look-up the artist some day. Thanks for noticing it, and making me think about her today. Cheers.

[@gato7908]

Is tikka still with u?

[@Martyupnorth]

Yes. She was not allowed on this trail because of Caribou restrictions. She sings with me at the end of Part 3, when I get home.

[@gato7908]

Martyupnorth ok that's good to hear, she seems like such a perfect companion 😊

[@uclimb3]

👍👍👍.

[@views-pm8jn]

how you recharge your electronic device battery since you left city wall socket power supply recharging all your need

[@Martyupnorth]

I bring a few extra batteries for my camera. That's all I really need.

[@stephenbouchard8075]

Marty - do people fish the Brazeau Lake?

[@Martyupnorth]

I've never seen anyone fish, but there's no reason why it can't be tried. There's a good trail all along its north shore.

[@stephenbouchard8075]

Martyupnorth hey Marty. Have you thought of bringing a drone for some videos

[@northernbeadle]

@@stephenbouchard8075 Unfortunately drones are banned in our National AND Provincial parks... I was about to purchase one for my backcountry videos years ago before finding out that drones are a no-no here.. they don't want the beauty to be ruined by constant buzzing of drones and especially not having drones freak out the wildlife, but it would be incredible to have drone footage on my hikes!

[@evanhammond7305]

@@northernbeadle drones piss me off glad to hear this

[@jameshunt1221]

joe hendricks does pro videos of washington hiking and he has 800 followers. go figure, right. thanks for the videos.

[@pnwadventuresandgearreview8749]

Just an observation but your shirt says trust me I am a u of o engineer! Is that university of Oregon small world if so I am from Oregon.

[@Martyupnorth]

Hi. No, I'm a Canadian. I studied at the University of Ottawa in our National Capital. Oregon is actually one of the few states I haven't visited yet. It's on my list. I meet many people from your state that come up to visit our parks.

[@pnwadventuresandgearreview8749]

Martyupnorth if you get a chance you should it is amazing very similar to your terrain!

[@susanbrown2909]

Could you not have a pack with some wheels on ...then just lift it over the awkward areas.

[@jonbrazeau3558]

For all you Canadians, it's not Brazoo Lake it's Brazeau (Brazo), like Trudeau.........

[@Martyupnorth]

Not necessarily. The lake and the river was named after Joseph Brazeau, a member of the Palliser Expedition. Joseph Brazeau was born on March 10, 1812 at St. Louis, United States. He married Marguerite Brabant the daughter of Metis leader Augustin Brabant and his wife Angelique Lucier, circa 1845 at Edmonton. Joseph Edward Brazeau was clerk and postmaster for the HBC at Fort Edmonton, Jasper House and Rocky Mountain House. He was of Spanish-French-Indian origin, and he spoke nine languages. He was very helpful to the Palliser Expedition as their interpreter. It's quite possible that his last name had been anglicized. My last name is Belanger, but you'd be wrong if you thought I pronounced it with a French accent. And by the way, Mount Belanger is Alberta is also named after an ancestor who was a guide for the Palliser expedition.

[@evanhammond7305]

I live near and work in Brazeau County, often at Brazeau Reservoir and Fish the Brazeau River. Everyone in that area says brazoo. I guess if the locals say it that way, that's how I say it. Marty, do you want to tell him how we pernouce Trudeau in Alberta? Lol

[@Martyupnorth]

@@evanhammond7305 Quebecers have a nickname for him. They say "Trou d'cul" which literally means ass hole

[@evanhammond7305]

@@Martyupnorth lol I like trudolf or trudope or turdeau lol

[@river86012]

Love your content , but the camera shake is so bad during the video, difficult to watch. Check out other KZbinrs Matthew Posa , Joe Robinet... Might be time to upgrade your equipment. Love the content though ,commentary etc

[@Martyupnorth]

I have a new Sevenoak SKW08 Mini Action Stabilizer that I will try on upcoming trips. To be honest, I have a full-time job that's extremelly rewarding. Doing KZbin videos is just a hobby. I'm not trying to get rich doing this, not do I intend to make this a full time hobby. But I'm willing to improve the quality if it doesn't mean a lot of gear. This summer I'm doing a 200km hike, and next summer I'm planning a 350 km hike in the Northwest Territories. That will require a huge weight minimizing effort.

[@jacechamberlain1864]

this VIDEO AKA HOW TO HARASS A GROUSE