These Berries Make Gin! Plant Science Backpacking Trip

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I've always wanted to explore what kind of nature there was outside of Vegas. One usually thinks of desert landscapes, rocks, and cacti when thinking Nevada, but I was so surprised to find actual pine forests just 45 minutes away from the city. In today's episode, I explore forests under Mt. Charleston, while showing you the ins and outs of fire making, and of course some biology along the way. This was such a surprising find, I was happy to get it all on film. Enjoy!
For the royalty free music I use:
Epidemic sound - share.epidemicsound.com/z5nkc2
Film:
Camera:
Sony a6400 - amzn.to/3LIhAUk
Shotgun mic - amzn.to/3jgpF6A
Wide angle lens - amzn.to/3DQcP8E
Nice lens - amzn.to/3ujgOaM
Wireless mic - amzn.to/3KmU13p
Drone - amzn.to/3Kxlz5W
Backpack:
Granite Gear Blaze 60L - amzn.to/37qhH8i
Tent:
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2
Great Alternative:
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL - amzn.to/3KnhVeT
Sleep System:
UGQ Bandit Quilt - ugqoutdoor.com/top-quilts/ban...
Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme Thermolite Mummy Liner - amzn.to/3Kn3wiS
Therm-a-rest Neoair Xtherm - amzn.to/3LMdzhH
Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Pillow - amzn.to/3uYish7
Goosefeet Gear Down Socks - goosefeetgear.com/products/do...
Cooking System:
MSR PocketRocket Ultralight Stove - amzn.to/3jdSikK
EVERNEW Titanium Non-stick Pot - amzn.to/35StqfA
TOAKS Titanium Long Handle Spork- amzn.to/3jkH0v2
Sawyer Squeeze Filtration System - amzn.to/37qihTw
MSR Dromedary Bag Water Reservoir 4-Liter - amzn.to/3Kkk237
Food Storage:
BearVault BV450 Bear Canister - amzn.to/3jdZj55
Seal Line Dry Bag - amzn.to/3rc5bAt
Fire Making:
Ferro Rod - amzn.to/3xcxiDs
Pocket Bellows - amzn.to/3DNKPTf
Sharp Things:
Morakniv Companion Kniv - amzn.to/3KnIkJB
ESEE Izula II OD Green Knife - amzn.to/3DY7vQM
Silky Saw Big Boy - amzn.to/3jfKKOB (new model)
Misc:
Therm-a-rest Z Seat - www.thermarest.com/seating/se...
Lights:
Black Diamond 350 Spot - amzn.to/3DNKQqc
Luminaid Packlite Firefly - amzn.to/3jfKGOR
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:19 On My Way
1:10 Juniper Breakdown
2:44 Great View
4:43 Camp Set Up
7:00 Fire Attempts
13:37 Day 2
14:45 Mistletoe Biology
16:15 Leaf Surface Area
17:39 Final Thoughts

[@caydilemma3309]

this is becoming one of my favorite channels really really quickly.

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

That means a lot! Thank you and I’ll keep the videos coming! 🙏🏾

[@torbenkramm2725]

Im at my third video and i guess i have just fallen in Love x)

[@AlePala]

Your Bonsai Tree video was recommended to me and I'm hooked been watching your other videos now so surprised with the amount of subscribers you have. The way you film and edit your videos made me think you had a millions of subscribers. You videos are for sure motivating me to go hiking and just go outside, can't wait for more videos!

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thank you so much! I feel like I'm just getting started. And that's amazing! You for sure need to go out and experience nature.. If you have any questions let me know. Thanks for the comment 🙏

[@citratune7830]

Described my past 40 minutes too well. Like word for word well.

[@nhojnoyanob5504]

bro same gahagahahahha

[@whitzala]

Omg same

[@michelleferguson5580]

'It's OK to fail, if anything, it's requited' Wise, honest and encouraging words. Good for backpacking and for life in general. Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Words to live by 🙏🏾 thank you

[@larryherem2572]

Just discovered your channel today, and I must say i'm very impressed. The camera angles, the commentary, the music. It just give off really good vibes, it helps me relax at least. Keep up the good work my man, you'll get big eventually

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thank you so much! That’s the goal, and I’m glad my vids relax you! Cheers 🙌🏾

[@21fomby]

Such a great video. Really well done! I love the vulnerability & how informative it was.

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thank you Caitlin 🥰

[@ervinslens]

Simply gorgeous upload man, so nicely edited and filmed.

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thank you!

[@PlutoniumDG]

i can just agree

[@vincentutorials]

Broooo! Your videos are amazing, can't believe you don't have more subs! Cheers, you gained a subscriber.

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thanks a lot Vincent! I feel like I'm just getting started :)

[@GWL420]

I get juniper in my property in a the much colder Canada where they grow in rocky outcroppings and never reach that size.

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Whoa, I didnt know they grew that far up north! That's awesome!

[@ptrz_b]

Love your videos. Seems like the YT algorithm is shaping your branches with its algorithm wires. Escape little Bonsai, may your channel grow into a well nourished tree! :D

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

AHAHAHA this is the funniest comment of all time, I'm dying. Thanks Ben, i really appreciate it

[@Someone-ig7we]

I love seeing you explain cool things about the mistletoes and the junipers and stuff :D Love learning about it!!!

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

haha thanks! Hopefully when you go hike you can teach someone else, thats the goals!

[@Rémy-130]

The fire starting POV is relatable 😂 love your videos and wisdom 🙏🤓

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thanks man :) we've definitely had a hard time starting a fire one time or another lol

[@PNWBonsai]

Yoo this is a side of Las Vegas I've never even thought existed lol! Thanks for sharing dude keep em coming!

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Not many people do! Thanks for watching :)

[@indaygiliw8312]

Love the video, the biology lesson and the Good/Bad judgement that was really cool.

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@Asoukes]

Came from the bonsai video, staying because of this one. =]

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thanks! I love making these backpacking vids too :)

[@Asoukes]

@@TheBackpackingBiologist You're quite welcome lol. And thank you for creating content, I'm very much looking forward to watching more of your stuff!

[@5vxz]

Hey man, I love your channel so much. It really is great. Hope you're doing well and looking forward to your next adventures and interesting videos. Lots of love from the UK.

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thanks a lot! I appreciate you

[@JoseHernandez-jh7ht]

You have such a cool channel your very informative..stay well sorry about your break up you need a lighter and some fire starter just as a back up what you did was cool keep up the good work my friend

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thank you so much! And you’re right, I should always have a lighter just in case, lesson learned!

[@marceloabreucultura]

Great video! I loved all the things you said about the places you went and the different trees and plants you came across.

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thank you! I’m glad you like it :)

[@KanadeKiryu]

This video is so wholesome and relaxing! Love it!

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it! :)

[@ChrisSaidIt]

Love your videos man, so chilled and I always learn something. Thanks for the video, all the best from England 👍🏻

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

I appreciate that Chris! Thanks man and take care 🙏🏾

[@birdingwithrivercorcoran]

Yes! awesome video. love it.

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thanks River!

[@WareyBear]

Just came across your channel and subscribed. Love your energy!!

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thank you! You’re too kind 🙏🏾

[@RonnelB.]

Hey! sorry to hear about your breakup. You're a handsome, intelligent and interesting guy. You'll eventually find someone who fits you better. Thanks for the content.

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thank you Ronnel, I appreciate it 🙏🏾

[@luckyowl859]

Love your content man

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thanks for watching!

[@1stadams264]

Beautiful video and wise words ✌🏼 I love plants and the planet i hope we can save this somehow forever Im in education for gardening and landscaping and i think it helps a lot understanding plants and Nature

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

I hope so too!

[@808danimal]

Found your channel from the Bonsai video and like other viewers I’ve definitely found your content very easy to watch and very informative. You’ve also got me inspired to go hiking/camping. Biggest takeaway from this video was definitely 12:52, looking forward to more great content, thanks for the inspiration and motivation 🥾🌲😁🤙🏾

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thanks so much man, comments like yours keep me going. I hope you get to hike and camp soon! You from HI? I figured with the 808, but I know theres plenty of places to connect there, so beautiful! Shoots 🤙🏾

[@808danimal]

@@TheBackpackingBiologist Hey, it’s videos like this by creators like you that keep me inspired so it’s definitely a mutual thing. Also I am originally from Hawaii but currently live in Vegas so this video was ringing a lot of bells for me. Thanks again 🙏🏾😁🤙🏾

[@the_real_x]

Don't give up my man ❤️🙌

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thank you!

[@mohammedaffan594]

Man your so underrated 😕 your deserve more 💯💫

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thanks man! It'll come some day haha! I appreciate it 🙏🏾

[@mohammedaffan594]

I'll pray for you 🤲 you made my day by replying me❤

[@srushruthk4793]

i was wondering has is ever gotten hot to the point u couldn't sleep? also found your channel yesterday love your videos keep doing what your doing.

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Hi! Firstly, thanks for the kind words 🙏🏾 I’d say technically no. The only place and time it would get that hot would be in the desert during summer, but even then, nights are mild and I’ll just sleep with a blanket or sheet, so going to sleep isn’t an issue. What really gets you is when the sun rises 😂 it’ll get to 80 degrees F at 8:30 in the morning, you’re sure as hell waking up.

[@heavenly2k]

Based off the music you played, I think you'd like this band called Enemies. Anyways these videos are bangers. Very high quality, there's definitely an audience for this kind of content. The videos are even better because of how knowledgeable and charismatic you are. How did you get the sound so well? No matter how far you were from the camera I could hear your voice clearly. And how did you get them crazy aerial shots? Either way they just add to the quality. Keep up the good work (: can't wait to see your channel grow.

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

I'll check them out! you have a specific song rec? I have a super good shotgun mic, I think it's called the Rode NTG, I could be wrong but I have it written in my description. I'm suuuuuper happy with it, I do all my voice overs with it too. I do have a drone, its the DJI mini 2, perfect for backpacking :) Thanks a lot, I appreciate the support!

[@heavenly2k]

@@TheBackpackingBiologist I'd for sure check out Glow, itsallwaves, and Play Fire. Lol I love catching youtubers before they blow up because they actually respond to comments 😅

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

😂 it’s the perk of not having many comments!

[@otherpatrickgill]

it's not only gin, you can use juniper "berries" (cones) to flavor all kinds of things from pork to certain desserts. That toxic ephedra is from a species used to make desert tea in China and you can also use it to cook up a batch of meth at home (not reccomended!) Camping is like sex, if you do it right, it can be fun, even life-changing... but if you've ever had to do it for survival, it kind of negatively impacts upon your enjoyment. Is it safe to walk alone in your country? I wish you well, I hope you recover, I'm also recovering from covid symptoms

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Haha you're quite knowledgable Patrick! I appreciate you. My covid symptoms are all gone now. I got the delta a while back and it knocked my socks off. Hope you recover soon

[@LittleRavenSonofMatt]

What software do you use to edit your videos?

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Adobe Premiere Pro!

[@burningjoe]

what's your altitude at your Camp Jon?

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

The campsite was around 8,500 ft elevation with 1,200ft of elevation gain

[@burningjoe]

@@TheBackpackingBiologist ah ok. I was curious about your elevation as you talked about the heat rising on day two.

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

For sure. Day 1 was hugging the mountain and day 2 was walking towards the desert. It was insane what kind of difference it made.

[@citratune7830]

This is incredible content, and I just wanna make a small suggestion, check out odysee and consider uploading there along with here. KZbin just really isnt a great platform in this decade.

[@TheBackpackingBiologist]

Thanks! Not many people find their way to my backpacking vids, glad you came across them. I'll check out Odysee, I've never head of it.