Stark Reminders For Your Next Backpacking Trip!

[@wolfeadventures]

Checking your ego has been a skill I have tried to constantly improve upon. It’s taken years for me but I realize bailing on a trip for safety or health reasons may be a bummer at the time but it is much better than not coming home at all.

[@GenX_outdoors]

This was one of the best, most thoughtful hiking videos I’ve seen in a long time. Great work. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@ColbyontheTrail]

I love the planning emphasis Devin. I have really enjoyed tools like OnX Backcountry and FarOut (for applicable trails). I honestly think the planning and preparing is my favorite part of the trip, haha. I enjoy pulling out the spreadsheet and using OnX to plan routes, water, campsites, etc. etc. etc. Planning doesn't mean trips will go 100% perfect, there are too many things that our outside of our control, but it certainly can reduce the risk associated with being in the backcountry.

[@vshybeej8756]

Loved this video. Thanks for the stark reminders. That was actually quite the vital information. Thanks Devin! Utah is such a wonderful playground. I love living here. -Shybee

[@SurvivalGal]

The Five Essential Steps: 1- Planning 2- Preparing 3- Proficiency 4- Backups 5- Basic survival (concepts and strategies) PLANNING is a research intensive activity! A map is a good start, but don't stop at just one map. Remember, a map is ONE person's snapshot in time of the basic terrain, but it still can't tell you the STATE of that terrain (i.e. slides, overgrowth, tree fall, etc.) In any case, sure, electronic maps are quick and easy, and old school map and compass should be compulsory, but people tend to NOT take the time to MEMORIZE important features like water sources and landmarks. Even so, and more generally, you need a plan, an alternative plan, a backup plan, and even a plan to stop and go home. Remember, you don't have to plan for "ANY" emergency, only LIKELY emergencies.

[@ervinslens]

So nicely put together man! Great film 👏👏

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thank you!

[@isabelledrolet4297]

I got served a big portion of humble pie on a kayak camping trip last summer. Neglected to take into account the water level in a section of a river, which made it too risky for our group skill levels. It was a trip ender one day early, but it wasn't worth risking our lives so deep in the back country. Took us half a day to paddle back to an exit point. Had we took time to think about it a bit more, there was another route available and we would have been able to complete our trip. It was a dumb mistake fueled by overconfidence...

[@BackcountryExposure]

Really appreciate you sharing that story. Great example. Thank you!

[@Phillip-Barker]

Super great reminders, and cool and useful details about your trip planning! Thanks, Devin.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thanks dude!

[@davidcooper8390]

Even with a detailed plan, there is no way to prepare for everything. That is what makes the thrill of being outside. Even the same place/trail/camp can present different challenges on different trips. Excellent reflection on your journeys.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I agree 100%! Thank you my friend! And thank you for being with me on the beehive trip through that whole experience. You rock!

[@jorisev]

Couldn't agree more. Slippery or unbalanced rocks can be very tricky. One time I was hiking with a larger group in Kyrgyzstan and someone in the group fell when the rock she was standing on suddenly shifted - happened during a short break as well, so it was just a tiny lapse of focus. Gashed her forehead, at least a day away from any civilization. Luckily we had multiple first aid kits and an experienced guide to take care of it. Another time I slipped on a rocky traverse in Greenland, again super far from any potential help. Got damn lucky that I only ended up with some abrasions on my hands and legs, nothing serious. In short: it can and will happen, and you never expect it to.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yikes! That's a great example of truly things unexpected can happen even when you're doing everything in your power to avoid. I had acquaintance lose his life recently while scrambling up an area near his camp and the ledge he was standing on gave way and he fell. Very sad and a huge bummer. Got to be careful out there, but don't let it stop you from having a good time and exploring.

[@Wilderhood]

Good information and reminders. Thanks!

[@dmn3773]

Good info in this video! Thanks Devin. 👍

[@BackcountryExposure]

@@dmn3773 thank you!

[@jonarific8504]

Really apreciate this. I guess staring at maps doesnt make a good video in the world of content creation.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thanks! I’d be happy to record myself staring at a map for 20 minutes to see what you think. 😂😁

[@dmn3773]

@@BackcountryExposure Never know, could go viral and your channel explodes!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Totally could. There's videos of people sitting reading books, silently, or studying, silently and have wildly high views!

[@Plummchild]

umm is this video in AI Italian for anyone else after the first few seconds

[@christimartin8512]

No.