Tough 5 Days Solo Backpacking on an Epic Island...

PackWizard Gear List: www.packwizard.com/s/huQk4Vp
👇 GEAR FROM THE VIDEO 👇
Kakwa 55 Pack: geni.us/Kakwa55
DragonFly Tent: geni.us/Dragonfly2P
Helix Sleeping Pad: geni.us/HelixSleepingPad
Mega Pillow: geni.us/MegaPillow
Magma Quilt: geni.us/MagmaQuilt
Groundhog Stakes: geni.us/MSR-Groundhogs
Snow Stakes: geni.us/MSRBlizzard
🍔 COOK SYSTEM 🍔
Toaks Spoon: geni.us/ToaksTiSpoon
Pocket Rocket Deluxe Stove: geni.us/PocketRocketDeluxe
Toaks 750mL Pot: geni.us/Toaks750
WaterCell 6L Bladder: geni.us/Watercell
FlipCap Lids: geni.us/Sportcaps
Dyneema Food Bag: geni.us/HilltopPacks
⚙️ MISC GEAR ⚙️
Nitecore Power Bank: geni.us/Carbo10k
Deploy Headlamp: geni.us/BD-Deploy
Enduro 2 Watch: geni.us/Enduro-2
3in1 Cable: geni.us/InCharge3in
Toothpaste Tabs: geni.us/UnpasteTabs
Sunscreen Stick: geni.us/Sunscreen-Stick
Flextail Pump: geni.us/TinyPumpX
InReach Messenger: geni.us/InReachMessenger
🚶HIKING CLOTHING 🚶
Astroman Sun Hoody: geni.us/AstromanHoodie
Mica Pants: geni.us/MECMicaPants
👕 CAMP CLOTHING 👖
Birkenstock Sandals: geni.us/BirkenstockEVA
Merino Toque: geni.us/Minus33Hat
Alpaca Shirt: geni.us/PakaEveryday
Fleece Socks: geni.us/AlphaSocks
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⭐ MY FAVORITE GEAR ⭐
Garmin InReach Mini: geni.us/InReachMini2
Decathlon Down Jacket - geni.us/Trek100DownJacketM
REI Flash 55 Pack: geni.us/Flash55
Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt: geni.us/enigmadown
Garmin Fenix Watch: geni.us/FenixWatch
Lanshan 1 Pro Tent: geni.us/Lanshan1Pro
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📷 MY FILMING GEAR 📷
Sony ZV-E1: geni.us/Sony-ZVE1
GoPro Hero 11: geni.us/GoPro11
Insta360 One X3: geni.us/Insta-360
Rode Wireless Mic: geni.us/Rode-Wireless
Komperdell Camera Staff: geni.us/CameraStaff
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CONNECT WITH ME!
Website: justinoutdoors.com
Facebook: / justinoutdoors
Instagram: / justinoutdoors
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This video description includes affiliate links. Affiliate links help support the channel at no extra cost to you!

[@JustinOutdoors]

👇 GEAR FROM THE VIDEO 👇 Kakwa 55 Pack: geni.us/Kakwa55 DragonFly Tent: geni.us/Dragonfly2P Helix Sleeping Pad: geni.us/HelixSleepingPad Mega Pillow: geni.us/MegaPillow Magma Quilt: geni.us/MagmaQuilt Groundhog Stakes: geni.us/MSR-Groundhogs Snow Stakes: geni.us/MSRBlizzard 🍔 COOK SYSTEM 🍔 Toaks Spoon: geni.us/ToaksTiSpoon Pocket Rocket Deluxe Stove: geni.us/PocketRocketDeluxe Toaks 750mL Pot: geni.us/Toaks750 WaterCell 6L Bladder: geni.us/Watercell FlipCap Lids: geni.us/Sportcaps Dyneema Food Bag: geni.us/HilltopPacks ⚙ MISC GEAR ⚙ Nitecore Power Bank: geni.us/Carbo10k Deploy Headlamp: geni.us/BD-Deploy Enduro 2 Watch: geni.us/Enduro-2 3in1 Cable: geni.us/InCharge3in Toothpaste Tabs: geni.us/UnpasteTabs Sunscreen Stick: geni.us/Sunscreen-Stick Flextail Pump: geni.us/TinyPumpX InReach Messenger: geni.us/InReachMessenger 🚶HIKING CLOTHING 🚶 Astroman Sun Hoody: geni.us/AstromanHoodie Mica Pants: geni.us/MECMicaPants 👕 CAMP CLOTHING 👖 Birkenstock Sandals: geni.us/BirkenstockEVA Merino Toque: geni.us/Minus33Hat Alpaca Shirt: geni.us/PakaEveryday Fleece Socks: geni.us/AlphaSocks

[@brycewalburn3926]

YESSSSSS!!! Congratulations! Baby girls are the best. Cherish every single moment. My little girl is 9 months old, and sometimes it feels like we just left the hospital.

[@Awomaninthewilderness]

Justin, this is now one of my favorite videos, congratulations to you and your wife with your baby girl on the way!

[@mikePNW]

Congratulations!!! You two will make wonderful parents. What a beautiful trail, might have just made it to my bucket list also.

[@t.bodtch7037]

Appreciate you opening up about you emotions and feelings on trail. Makes me feel better seeing someone who does this a lot more than me getting a little nervous about a trip

[@lisalandry9346]

My son and I hiked the TCT at the end of February this year (just a couple of months before you) and, you’re right, it is definitely a challenging trail. The bison caused us to make a big detour because there was such a big herd of them going right across the trail (with no plans to move apparently, even after we had waited a couple of hours). It was absolutely gorgeous, though, and we had the same campsites that you did. Definitely a bucket list trip. Thank you for sharing, and congratulations on the new baby girl that’s coming. It’s going to be an amazing new chapter of your life! 🩷

[@ervinslens]

Outstanding storytelling man, such a powerful presentation! Shots are amazing 👏👏👏

[@PrimalRenegade17]

Congratulations on becoming a dad!!! Looking forward to the baby packing videos 😁 you are going to be a great dad!

[@PSnGa]

Congrats man. You have no idea of how much your life is about to change, nor for how long. May God bless you, your wife and your daughter. :)

[@IanTheOutdoorGuy]

Great video Justin. Was smart checking the gas disposal for canisters. Loved the drone shots. What and awesome island. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@Daygo448]

Congrats on the baby girl! As a girl dad to two awesome girls, she will win you over like you never expected! Prayers for you guys on that journey together! Oh, and what a trail

[@Mwilke3789]

You remind me of my Dad, and if you're anything like him, you're going to the BEST! My Dad always took us on adventures camping, canoeing, biking, etc. Those were the best memories of my Childhood 😁 congratulations 🎉 I have 3 of my own (10, 8, &5) and we've only been camping so far. This year I finally have all my backpacking stuff and will be going solo to start. They'll come with me as soon as they can get over the fear of pooping in the woods 😂

[@brandithrall2621]

Teaching kids to poop in the woods was the hardest part😂My first backpacking trip was with my, then, 5 and 8 year olds and I vastly underestimated that part. Kids don't have the "I need to poop soon so let's look for a spot", its "I need to go noW", so if you can get them thinking about listening to their body and knowing whats coming you will do. way better than i did. But we all survived. OR... plan trips that have backcountry pit toilets to use until they get older.

[@grimgranite]

So excited for you, Justin! You will make an awesome Dad!

[@HikingwithGus]

Wow, I had no idea this trail even existed! Thanks for sharing Justin, not I have one more to add to my bucket list! Congrats on the kiddo!

[@toddkanhai3164]

Congrats Justin! It's an emotional thing having a child. Be emotional. Wonderful video as always. Beautiful place. Parenting is just like your experience hiking o this trip. Stuff will happen you didn't plan for. You adapt and carry on. And enjoy the sunshine while it shines.

[@kelseywinter-troutwine1928]

Congrats sir! So happy for you two. I hope everyone stays healthy & wish for a smooth delivery & transition as a whole.

[@GuilhermePulice]

congrats on the baby girl dude, we've made one for our selves and it's the best and harder thing i'm doing in my life!!! she's gonna love to hike by your side!

[@MariaCarol]

Congratulations! Looking forward to some Bikepacking with babies content next year ❤🎉

[@anninwhack1998]

Congratulations on your baby to come! Be a little easier on yourself. It’s beautiful space to be in.

[@memathews]

Congrats on the growing family, you both must be ecstatic! Kids were one of the best things to happen in my life (marrying up to the mother of the kids obviously being on a higher plane 😉). Enjoy the nesting process this summer.

[@RyanSchell]

Whatever mountain water you backpacking KZbinrs are drinking is crazy. Several having kids. 😂 Congratulations to you both! Kids are a real gift. My girl is 11 and it blows my mind how fast the time goes!

[@TheGibztang]

Congratulations!!! Wishing you and you’re family all the best ❤️ ✌️

[@bertman4]

Congratulations on soon becoming a dad! Great bucket list trip. Next time I hope you can take a more leisurely trip. I think my bucket list is the Kungsleden.

[@Nepomukje]

Congrats Justin. And what a lovely island trip

[@LMay64]

I just did the trail in April as well. Frankly, I stayed in Blackjack, Shark Harbor (much less busy than Little Harbor), Two Harbors and Parsons. We always plan 2 days at Parsons and day hike. Two Harbors is also great to relax. Too many people rush it. Why not just get water and wood delivered to Parsons? It’s easy to get there with just 1.5 liters and then they deliver water and wood for a beach fire for you. My pack was about 16lbs. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@nalonabrato8900]

Congratulations to you and Steph! 💗💗💗

[@malte3421]

Congratulations on becoming a dad, Justin! You have tons of amazing/difficult/unique/awesome times to look forward to. It's a crazy journey. My son is 5 months old now and while it put my backpacking plans on the back burner, I am having a lot of fun with him and can't wait to take him out camping in a few years. 😊

[@SLAMCGY]

Congratulations Justin and Steph!

[@billanthony1426]

congratulations and nice hike

[@mountainsidesoul3048]

Congratulations 🎉that’s so exciting! So happy for you guys.

[@justenbradley]

HUGE Congratulations Justin! Excited for both you and Steph!

[@Colby168]

I canoed to Parsons Landing and cowboy camped there when I was in scouts. Such a special place. We snorkeled from there to a pirate sea cave and swam inside. It was wild. I remember crawling through seaweed beds to get to it.

[@brendansnyder8872]

Congratulations man!! My daughter (first baby too) was born last year in February; it’s a hell of a thing. Planning stuff becomes a logistical juggernaut, but it is absolutely worth it for the abounding love and adorability of every little thing she does. Being a dad is the shit. Best wishes to you and yours my man!

[@DarrenYee]

Congratulations Justin, That is Awesome and the Trans Catalina Trail is also on my bucket list. Thank You

[@leviantuna8553]

Congratulations! I’m so excited for the baby gear videos.

[@82300sd]

Congrats!!!

[@tosummitup2196]

So happy to see this video out! It was so great to meet you out there 😊 thanks again for finding a fuel canister for me!

[@JustinOutdoors]

It is rare I get to chat with people on my trips and it was a really nice change of pace! Made for that much better of an experience on the TCT

[@love3V07]

Congratulations for the new addition! I hope you get a purple pant ready for her. So excited for you both! ❤

[@viscachaventures390]

Thanks for taking us along. Your next amazing adventure is about to begin! Congratulations 🎉

[@JoshM11]

Congratulations to you and Steph! I love how real you are in your videos, sharing with us your emotions and thoughts and how you overcome them. Also, out of my 8 sleeping pads i own, the Helix is my number 1, even in winter trips. Covers both warmth and comfort.

[@lindahikes2760]

This was a great video. It is beautiful there. Thanks for sharing!

[@summittaedae2323]

Great video Justin. Congratulations to you and Steph, girls are great I have 4 of them 😂. They make great camping companions for me. I love the gear your opted for on this trip.

[@UnlikelyHiker]

Congrats on the baby! Several backpacking babies this year! Must be something in the filtered water lol Dave off grid, myself and Huck outdoors did the TCT in September. It was epic. We stayed at every campsite except Hermit Gulch. It was my first time on the West Coast, and in the Pacific! Epic trip and I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

[@andreaknibbs9328]

Congratulations to you both! May your baby girl be healthy and trekking along with you! I think it’s wise to get fuel into your body and brain before you think about what is the best next step. So smart for a millennial 😉🤣

[@HuckOutdoors]

Looks like you had a good time. When we hike Catalina, we ALWAYS bring a sun umbrella. With the exposure of the trails, you really can get burnt there. Next time when you get to Two Harbors try some Buffalo Milk! It's a traditional drink for finishing the TCT.

[@coolbreezeoutdoors7177]

On point Justin, congratulations. Welcome to hiker dad life.

[@brianadventures9622]

Beautiful island trip! That fish and chips looked delicious!!

[@jk-vs3yq]

That's awesome man congrats! My son is everything to me he's the reason I breath and y im always moving forward

[@glazierd55]

Justin, your drone footage is amazing and really adds to the value and enjoyment. Thanks for sharing your bucket trip with us.

[@hutthover9350]

Love you Justin congratulations on the new chapter of you and Steph’s life

[@cathiewilliamson2807]

Congratulations, Justin!

[@Joyboyx07]

Congrats on being a dad brotha its the best blessing ive ever had my daughter is the best mini me lol enjoy every second with them.😊

[@caterlinachung185]

Congratulations to Justin and Stephanie !! Excited for the wonderful parents to be 😘What a nice video and beautiful scenery and my name pronounced same as the island too :)

[@flutingaround]

this video is just wonderful.

[@declanmckeown323]

So cool seeing the bison! Also, huge congrats on the kid, wish you nothing but the best!

[@GenX_outdoors]

I just finished the TCT last week, hiking the 38 miles over 5 days (April 16 - 20). I loved it!! Having finished this trail so recently, I have to say I'm stunned watching your video at the lack of planning. Yikes! With some research and planning I only carried 20 lbs (including food, water and fuel), since I planned on several meals and resupply at airport and Two Harbors, and water delivery at Parson's. And chairs are not needed since there are picnic tables everywhere (as you acknowledge). A lighter pack and shorter mileage days definitely makes the elevation gain easier. I quickly learned to hike in the morning to avoid the heat, and play at the beach in the afternoons. For me, as a solo backpacker, the people I met on trail made the trip extra incredible. So many people take the full 5 days, that we really bonded each night at camp with a group celebration on the last night at Parson's Landing. If you return with Steph, you definitely should extend to 5 hiking days. kzbin.info/aero/PLohqeAU3z2NIDfRtxPTj5QQZqqIlJAO75&si=oHyTbVzwjHjt57GL

[@seedmole]

I recognized it instantly, been wanting to do this forever myself. I hike in the mountains right across the water all the time and always dream of someday feeling prepared enough to do a backcountry trip on that island.

[@menotyou816]

I would love to do this. I didn't know it was a thing and I spend a lot of time fishing Catalina. Added to the list.

[@AhsanMian]

Congrats! I have a baby girl myself and love parenthood. For us, it works amazingly

[@billanthony1426]

Congratulations and nice hike

[@Medickep]

Congratulations on the kiddo!! Happy for you!

[@jamiepizz]

Great video (and congratulations!) I did this one a few years ago, and it really caught me off guard. Even though i knew the elevation profile, I didn't expect it to kick my ass like it did! You missed some good food up at the airport. 😃 I managed to snag a great spot in Shark Harbor (next to Little Harbor) - I think it was one of my favorite sites ever. Amazing views on this trip!

[@skidaddledude1997]

Congratulations Justin, about the baby girl. I am sure you will make a great dad. In the beginning of the video you connected your stove by tilting the canister. A safety tip I pass on is to keep the canister aiming vertical as you screw on the stove. I once tilted the canister over far enough that liquid squirted out over my finger instantly freezing on my skin. (It didn’t help that it was already minus 10) I stuck my finger in my mouth to warm it up but several weeks later a type of blister broke open on my finger. Please everyone keep your cylinder aiming up as you screw on the stove, it’s definitely less painful!

[@reecemcnaughten4160]

congrats dude!

[@jimdye7431]

im looking forward to the comparison video of the zenbivy and rei pads!

[@DestroyAllWaves]

Will be there soon 🎉

[@Ericidryfly]

Justin Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉 Girls are the best.. I started the trail on April 8th. It wasn’t easy that’s for sure😂😂 But beautiful

[@spawnrcandbikes]

great video! i plan on doing a camp, bike, freedive and photography trip there..... maybe a liittle hiking.....

[@absoluegreen]

The first time I ever related to you is when you called the trail stupid. Lol congratulations!

[@megkjones]

Catalina is good for throwing curveballs! It was my first multi-night trip, and I ended up camped at Little Harbor with 50mph wind gusts. My OG Drop Durston held up great tucked behind some stubby palm trees with rocks on every stake, but it wasn’t the beach experience I had imagined!

[@mell8831]

Amazing!! Truly..

[@BackpackingandBlisters]

Congratulations Justin!

[@gregnbcsd]

Too bad you didn’t have another day to break up the hike and stay at Black Jack and not make day 1 so long. The beach campsites are pretty spectacular. But that climb out of Parson’s up over the mountain is a killer. My daughter and I did the TCT last year north to south. Maybe in a few years you can go back with your daughter. Congrats to you and your wife.

[@xxdrifter925xx]

I was just there too! Must’ve missed you by a couple days

[@Luckyhikes]

I heard you mention this trail awhile back in a video, so i booked it, and Im on this trip right now watching this video that you uploaded while Im at camp on day 3 with the same itinerary. 😂 congratz on being a father.🎉

[@JustinOutdoors]

Awesome!

[@scottsugimoto8223]

Congratulations 🎉Exciting News

[@jimizxztheorginal]

When you said "Hey Google" my phone started listening 😂

[@dylanpausic5026]

Congrats on the baby and the bucket list hike Justin!

[@dylanpausic5026]

Btw, was there a reason you didn’t bring a water filter to fill up at the ocean on day 2?

[@Mike_Blanda]

Bro! I had to cancel due to a pinch nerve and it broke my heart having to cancel! Looks epic man

[@slush714]

Gotta love the TCT! I bailed on an attempt in 2017. Had the same itinerary as you but tried to go the long way around the southeast side of the island instead of going up Hermit Gulch on the first day(adding like 9 miles to the day) and gave myself a stress fracture in my foot. Lesson learned and it meant I got an extra day to relax at Two Harbors. Any thoughts on Dragonfly vs the Tiger Wall? Same price and within an oz of eachother. Starting to do more camping on rocky islands in the BWCA and have been eyeing a freestanding tent.

[@User-uj7nz]

Maybe my favorite hiking channel. I saw Catalina a long time ago and forgot about it. I need more long distance beginner/intermediate trails. If you find time as a dad, look up Oregon Coast Trail and Oregon Outback Trail. 450 and 750 miles respectively. Easy-ish...

[@Lv4_o2]

“Nice and tidy down there.” 😂 I would use bison meat for taco night, until it got really expensive…my critters would laugh when we would see bison on land near us and I’d blurt out “Oooo, look…tacos.” Crazy mom looking for the laughter moments in life…this is my parenting advice. 🤷‍♀️🤣 Nice trip vid, thanks & Congratulations! 🎉😊 I live for my trips over the border into Canada, fresh cut fries are the best…I hunt for Chip trucks!

[@spencerdavis3995]

I know they say that trip videos don’t pay off for hiking youtubers but I really appreciate them! Thank you.

[@davidshirley6850]

Catalina is one of my wife's dream vacations so super excited to see the hiking......gear question I just bought the newer osmo dragonfly bikepack tent and wanted extra stakes have you ever looked at the different nemo stakes?

[@chriseidam7319]

I learned a GREAT TIP for CLIMBING STEEP TRAILS from a guy I went hiking with just one day. Someone had told him that you should zigzag up the trail. You might only be able to zigzag 2 ft to the left, then 2 ft to the right, and so forth. Or you might be able to zigzag 6 ft to the left, and 6 ft to the right. Either way, the difference between zigzagging and going straight up is incredible. It is so much easier, so, so much easier to zigzag up a steep trail. You have to try it to understand it.

[@piracy22]

rooting for you bro on your baby girl!

[@BookwormSkates]

100% those are the best 3 campsites

[@PoptartToppart]

COngratulations!

[@WeekendsOutsideFL]

I’m enjoying the video!

[@quentenjones5513]

Congratulations!

[@rungavagairun]

Nice.

[@KurtMcScotsman]

Congrats man! Also, what are your thoughts on the sun gloves? Apologies if you've already done a video on them but I didn't remember one.

[@chad.haggerty]

Great news, buddy! I also did a solo hike before my first daughter was born (3 easy days on the Skyline Trail - Jasper). Super happy and excited for you!

[@JustinOutdoors]

Thanks! Skyline is like the Rocky Mountains version of the TCT, haha

[@chad.haggerty]

@@JustinOutdoors😂😂

[@tiuvarta]

Congrats on the baby girl. Now, about Catalina, that is not a hard trail by any means, my girlfriend did it without complaining at all and while carrying close to 40lbs. The one things I can't imagine is the back and forth to film...also, 2 days?! thats a killer! Next time, try doing it in 5. this way you can enjoy the area. Overall, awesome video.

[@rawnwild]

I’m not sure if this is a question that’s ever been asked, and if so, I apologize, but do you carry while you backpack? If so, I’d be interested to know your firearm of choice. Love the content, and be safe!

[@leebarton1143]

Congratulations man, Lee, U.K....

[@bobbafett1971]

Thanks for giving an honest report. I'm sure so many tubers wont admit to a hard day like you did.

[@IPv6Freely]

I always wanted to do this and it just never happened even with how close it was.

[@jamescull6325]

I was wondering if you confused the restaurant asking for vinegar for your fries? A lot of places in the US find this Canadian custom weird.

[@JustinOutdoors]

They did have to go get some from the back. haha

[@Alex_Coolen]

What gloves are those? I didn't see them in the description. Congrats on the girl!!

[@JustinOutdoors]

OR sun gloves!

[@Alex_Coolen]

@@JustinOutdoors thank you!