What the Biggest Hiking YouTubers Didn't Tell You

Check out the other channels:
@JustinOutdoors
@MirandaGoesOutside
@ElinaOsborne
@grimgranite
@BryceNewbold
@JeffPelletier
@TaysonWhittaker
@sintax77
Definitely don't go check out @DanBecker
This is the tent I used: alnk.to/aWCXcuI
Pillow: alnk.to/2uGA7lP
Sleeping Bag: alnk.to/g3aVEb9
Jacket: alnk.to/4BFFT9X
Hiking shorts: alnk.to/eZGnLiE
My other go-to backpacking gear list:
Tent: alnk.to/dewIvwL
Ultralight Quilt: bit.ly/49DyIqm
Sleeping Mattress: bit.ly/48q8re7
Backpack: alnk.to/aANlNfL
Pillow: alnk.to/2uGpU7b
Adventure Hat: bit.ly/43LodQ9
Camp Chair: alnk.to/2uGuTWj
Water Filter: bit.ly/48NaAAR
Headlamp: alnk.to/hhAbYme
Hyperlite Camera Case: bit.ly/3QCa3MF
Cookpot: bit.ly/3OnddkO
Camp cup: amzn.to/3VUa2Xb
FlipFuel Canister device: bit.ly/3EcUsvP
First Aid Kit: bit.ly/455arrv
Baselayer Top: bit.ly/4bfNZ26
Alpaca Wool Midlayer: bit.ly/3xxhrSa
Alpaca Beanie:bit.ly/3VWZ8Qe
Puffy Jacket: bit.ly/49H3DST
Hardshell Jacket: bit.ly/45t77X1
Hiking Belt: bit.ly/3KBHFXf
Hiking Pants: bit.ly/3ULaK8s
Hiking shorts: alnk.to/9mo5POk
Hiking Underwear: bit.ly/3s7bett
Hiking shoes (great for water hikes): alnk.to/74ufiDz
Backpacking Meals: bit.ly/4914fTT
Rehydration pouch: bit.ly/3U0Y5wf
Outdoor Vitals, the gear company making ultralight backpacking equipment, invited a bunch of backpacking KZbinrs out to Southwest Utah to go on a backpacking trip together. I've looked up to the people that I found myself hiking with and hanging out in the KZbin house with. By now, a handful of these videos have already come out from the various personalities that were present, but I tried to show a side that hasn't been shown yet.
The above are links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This is a great way to support creators you enjoy!

[@the_average_backpacker]

Love the recognition of "competitors" - honestly, each of you differentiates yourselves on the perspectives you bring. I end up watching everyone's videos to get a multidimensional take on a piece of gear. So, I'm hoping you all keep supporting each other and collaborating!

[@chrishughson4511]

Honestly, it's the videos of the backpacking/outdoor adventuring community coming together, i.e. the collaborations, that make the best content. Without the interactions, it is sort of competitive. Every channel is basically: 1. Go for a hike, 2. Enjoy some views, 3. Cook some food, 4. Talk about gear, 5. Talk about camping-related topics like where to set up, permits, campfires, staying dry, staying hydrated, bears, blisters, etc, 6. Hike out. Whoever does the best job presenting those things gets the most views/subs... until there's a collab. Then everyone wins by increasing exposure across everyone's channels. I already subscribe to several of you, mainly from your interactions, not your content or "the algorithm" (I found Eric via Miranda via REI). I'll be checking out some other folks on the list for the first time thanks to this video. Not because I don't like Eric's content and I want something different, but because I do like it, and if he thinks these people are cool, then they're worth checking out.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Those sunset shots and that star lapse though! Dang! What a rad group of humans!!!

[@eric_hanson]

We missed you out there buddy! Had a blast and it was certainly gorgeous!

[@JHarv901]

Wow, what a fun video Eric! I have been following your videos and several of the others for years and to see all of you in one spot enjoying each other's company was awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

It's really interesting seeing the contrast between each of these youtuber's videos. I think I like your story telling the most, out of the videos I've seen so far. Nice work.

[@memathews]

Eric, you are a great storyteller and your camerawork just amazes me. This bts was a great cap on this OV event. I've watched most of the videos the group has put out, they've been entertaining and should informative on the gear and the personalities. I hope there is more future collaboration and that OV sends you a proper invitation next time so you don't have to sneak in the back door haha!

[@jpriddle]

Loved what everyone in this group brought in their videos. But yours fully brought all aspects of the journey. AND answered some burning questions I had about the impetus of this gathering.

[@Iblk13]

Thank you for all of the incredible insights. Thanks to your tips in backpacking tv, i had great gear in my first backpacking trip in the kings trail in Sweden. And thanks to your new Chunnel i got inspired to plan a trip in tour du mount blanc this summer. Thank you for what you do, and i love your new long form editing style.

[@eric_hanson]

I'm so glad my videos have helped! And the TMB is so good, you're gonna love it!

[@pivana]

Oh my heart! This storytelling and editing makes me feel I am part of the gang! One can really feel all the fun you guys had! Simply beautiful!

[@MountainGirlwIPA]

Such a brilliant idea to get all the cool kids together. I so appreciate all the hard work to make this happen. ❤

[@PaulBeiser]

Great job, Eric! Great to see this and the great synergy. Really missed your buddy Dan B. Take care! Paul

[@QuadzillaHikes]

First one of your videos I've come across, I really like the story telling and editing, very engaging!

[@Engearment]

What a fun video! I am so bummed that I missed getting to meet you and the other peeps at this event. It would have been amazing to share the trail with you. Love your work too!

[@obikedog]

So fun to watch the interaction! I watch a few tubers but of this group I was only following Justin. I saw one of Miranda's hikes a couple days ago so the algorithm has me now!

[@lakorai2]

Eric leaving BackpackingTV and especially Miranda leaving REI was the best thing to happen to these creators. Eric Artz is destroying REI. And it's really nice to see Miranda trying out and reviewing cottage brands and stuff not sold at REI.

[@eric_hanson]

Thanks! If you can't tell, I'm having a lot of fun making videos on my own. Both Miranda and I have enjoyed the change of scenery!

[@Feribrat99]

I quit watching the Backpacking TV channel after about 3 of the new one doing it, She is kind of meh, Just hard to sit through the videos with her doing them, no panache to her style. Maybe she will get better but I think they settled and did not enhance their channel with her as their choice.

[@SebOevre]

Thanks for being amazing! So jealous of you to go on such a fun trip! Stay awesome and keep the content coming!

[@ervinslens]

Absolutely brilliant presentation. This was captivating and professionally put together!

[@timkirkpatrick9155]

What a fun idea take sealevelers to high altitude! Love it! Notice the automatic snore distance spacing. Neat seeing people I watch interacting!

[@ryanpgiron]

Another awesome collaboration.

[@Floki1624]

I would love an uncut entire-time video of this trip from whoever filmed 24/7 :) Loved OV for a long while now.

[@SomeoneVx]

Ive watched two other channels here there good. You opened my eyes to more. Ill check a few more out . . But I must say your content is what I prefer! Keep up the good work!

[@sheilahenry7279]

100% agree!

[@QuirkHikes]

Jason is a genius bringing all of your great personalities together. Love the comradery, smiles and personalities. Happy Trails

[@jadasakura]

Miranda is the best 😂 and so are you Eric! Thanks for the great content

[@StuntMulisha]

Great video as usual. Can’t wait to watch everyone else’s perspective on their channels also. When’s Dan’s video dropping? Lol😂

[@1anita1m]

How fun....Beautiful views. 😍 Thank you so much for sharing. 😊

[@billybert3506]

Hey Eric, Thanks for this post. Entertaining as usual, and helpful as well.

[@jerryfife2015tacoma]

I enjoy your videos very much. How did you like using the outdoor vitals one person trekking pole tent? I've been considering getting I so I did purchase the using the link you provided. Thank you

[@iliansanchez9992]

All my favorite youtubers together that's great ❤

[@grimgranite]

You are amazing, friend! I loved every moment of this. So much fun!

[@eric_hanson]

haha thanks Gordon! You set the bar so high with your video. I had to do my best to compete!

[@mattjosh69]

Would have been really nice to see more of the group chat around the fire at night, if think it’s the one thing that pretty much all hikes leave out. An it looks like such a great group of people, I could watch a whole hour of just that.🙏🏻

[@carldwyer6058]

"isn't sponsored...flew me out" Ok, ok, I know what you mean.

[@skyblue-lb9kr]

Big Fun! and loved the sunday church music :)

[@antnguyen]

Wow, that @9:49 Timelapse, dude!

[@85torello]

Great collab! If you’re able to share, was this shot in the water canyon wilderness? Thx

[@kevinkreisher8287]

Where is Dixie from homemade wanderlust

[@suegill2079]

Fun video! All my favorites together.

[@eric_hanson]

Can you tell that we had some fun out there?

[@StephenSkoutas]

Love these multi-creator collaborations.

[@tiannagangloff4457]

I love these collab videos! 😊❤

[@Yeswecanoutdoors]

Bro yall a hoot! I love how you advocate for everyone to succeed on the YT platform Eric! You’re definitely an inspiration brotha. How’d you get that pillow to stay lol, I have the same pillow and the oblivion pad, and my slides like an ice cube 😂 (We definitely appreciate how funny you are as Justin mentioned)

[@beeveedee9355]

Great group, but hey, where was Homemade Wanderlust? She was the first one to draw me into hiking videos. Clearly an oversight. 😊

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Amazing video. Thank you for sharing. 👍

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

Extreme ownership telling the audience of our mishap inviting you 😳 As usual, incredible story and edit! Your the man! Even if your average at ping pong 😉

[@eric_hanson]

The people have to know when mistakes are made. Thanks Tayson, I noticed you were on the sidelines filming the ping pong, which I think meant that you had already lost?

[@lindab8774]

Great video! Love seeing those KZbinrs. Hello Amanda!!!

[@lindab8774]

I meant Miranda (autocorrect 😠

[@davidweidemann7275]

cool video, thanks Eric!

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

What a fun time with fellow YTubers! TY!

[@Rygor2440]

Great video! What’s the song at around the nine minute mark?

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

That had to be such a rad experience

[@Spotog28]

This is where it’s at! I love watching your videos while I’m on my route delivering the mail

[@eric_hanson]

That's so cool! Glad to hear it.

[@Funkteon]

At 0:22 - Why is no outdoor KZbinr's heroes guys like Harmen Hoek or Kraig Adams or Erik Normark? Those three are the absolute GOATs of cinematic hiking footage spanning hundreds of kilometers... Their channels are about the artistic possibilities of the adventure and not about trying to sell outdoor gear.

[@RainerGolden]

I think it's a pervasive misconception that any of the KZbinrs in this video, plus others, are concerned with selling anyone anything. People have questions about gear and so KZbinrs with access to gear try to answer them as best they can. Really that's it most of the time. The truth is that KZbinrs just want to make their audience happy, and they endeavor to do that in their own way. Sometimes it's by recommending a cool product, sometimes it's by showing an inspirational adventure.

[@eric_hanson]

I love Harmen and Kraig, don't know Erik. But I get lots of questions specifically about gear. It's expensive and people want to feel like they're getting the right stuff for what they want to do. A lot of us out there are just trying to be as helpful as possible. As for why those guys weren't there, I couldn't tell you. I know Outdoor Vitals invited quite a few other people too. Some just couldn't make it.

[@Funkteon]

@@RainerGolden I guess my frustration with these KZbin videos comes from years of watching influencers promote gear designed entirely for hiking on well-defined, marked trails. I wish there was just ONE channel focused on long-distance hiking across unmarked terrain, where there aren't convenient stops like gas stations every 40 miles. When I solo trekked across the Caucasus Mountains during the winter a decade ago, I had to conserve my food for 6+ days at a time. I wish there was a KZbinr who also did this...

[@thepandaknows]

When I've traveled with a group of photo friends, we all just yell "BANANA" any time one of us gets in another's shot. Efficient, gets attention, and helps us keep our heads out of our viewfinders ;-)

[@yourejustjelley]

Looks like so muuch fun. We got home to montana last night. We road tripped 21 days! Alot was in that area! How cool. We joked, it would have been amazing to run into you. Apparently we werent as far apart as i thought!

[@lanecountybigfooters5716]

I subscribed already to most of you, but went and subbed to the rest! Fun video. I have the OV UL 45L pack and I LOVE that thing. I have other packs, but I always come back to it. Cheers!

[@tridoc99]

I would definitely have accidentally tried to get back in the wrong tent after a late night bathroom break given that every tent looks the same.

[@TonyStark-or3er]

Loved this episode!

[@kimb8348]

Really enjoying everyones videos.

[@eric_hanson]

Everyone has a different take! It's fun to see.

[@WSGustafson]

Do you mind sharing the trail information?

[@andr101]

What any of these big youtubers didn't really tell me is where to buy Outdoor Vitals backpacks in Europe.

[@tinad2847]

Weirdly, I just watched this video after returning from a trip to the same area (and flying into the same airport). This video was posted while I was there…to meet 4 friends for day hikes (and a little biking) in and around Zion NP and Bryce Canyon. Of course, that means that y’all wouldn’t have been there when we were. But, fun stuff nonetheless. 🤓

[@AndrewB416]

Oh wow, behind the scenes stuff. It's almost like KZbinrs are real people when they're not making content! :P

[@BouwmanAdventures]

The crossover event of the decade! 😂🙌

[@TheJkilla11]

I'm pretty certain that Miranda is a feral human....

[@MrSportdiver]

That jacket from OV looks awesome!!!

[@eric_hanson]

The jacket is great!

[@BouwmanAdventures]

This is super fun. Love it!! 🫶🙌

[@Putzinator]

Anyone know what trail this is? Or area? Like South of Zion or...? Love St George and that Navajo Sandstone. Would love to go backpacking there! (Sorry if I missed it in the video)

[@eric_hanson]

You get there through Colorado City, south of Zion. Head up through Water Canyon. Good luck!

[@Putzinator]

@@eric_hanson That was perfect it popped right up! Thanks so much!

[@peterjohnson6273]

That was fun. :>)

[@mountaineer5596]

No Dixie?

[@musingwithreba9667]

That must have been an amazing trip! Great group of people. Poor Bryce...I watched his video the other day. When you asked how he is and he said "fine" I said out loud "he's lying!" Go watch Bryce's video.

[@eric_hanson]

It was honestly so much fun! But yeah, both Bryce and Gordon had a tough time and never told anyone until their videos came out! They toughed it out big time.

[@musingwithreba9667]

@@eric_hanson I'm not familiar with Gordon, but I may just have to go look him up!

[@RainerGolden]

Great video Texas-based actor Eric Hanson!! Love your channel!

[@jimizxztheorginal]

I've always wanted to go to St. George, Utah to skimboard the rivers

[@eric_hanson]

Skimboard the rivers? Like the Santa Clara? Or the Virgin? Didn't know you could do that.

[@jimizxztheorginal]

@@eric_hanson Yeah the Virgin River is famous in the super niche sport of "inland skimboarding"

[@ericwilson4553]

Did you love the zipper access on the shadowlight?

[@inthehouse1960]

Tennis is a great band. They're on my Spotify playlist. Great content, Eric. But why with the PBS and Roku TV shows etc.. do you only have 31k subscribers? Come on, people. Show some love.

[@eric_hanson]

Tennis is the best band of all time! Also, I left the production company I worked for to start my own channel. So I started over about 8 months ago.

[@Funkteon]

At 1:51 - I can't believe the LDS cult members in Utah called that place 'Zion National Park' - It's a true testament to how geographically and intellectually insular religious people in the US are.

[@johncheeseman6764]

So are you going to go winter backpacking in Canada with Justin?

[@eric_hanson]

We've each got an open invite with each other, I'll probably try to get up north this winter to do something with him.

[@trakyboy5128]

It's almost like being on the PCT 😂❤

[@kellymccarter6032]

Where was Jeff p?

[@Penny-mk7fv]

I recognize none of these people other than Justin and the OV guy. 😂

[@michaelvosbein7524]

Brilliant marketing. Bravo!

[@nilesdelta8636]

Is that heaviest without the bag!? lol

[@jmax850]

Where is Dan!? You, Miranda, Justin, and Dan are my Mt. Rushmore.

[@eric_hanson]

I armwrestled Dan for his spot on this trip. So... thank you! I'm honored to be lumped in with that amazing crew!

[@LucyBarnard]

Yeah. That was pretty cool. 🤘

[@CraigCalabrese]

good day worked out last night got up put the full pack on did fast hike out across the desert to canal and back fast pace ready fredy FEELING GOOD HAVING BREAKAST post hike

[@thisguy7201]

We need to get "Uncle or Grampa" Dan Becker on board😂😂

[@eric_hanson]

haha yes!

[@sarahhagen2051]

What fun!

[@eric_hanson]

We had a blast!

[@Slow_poke_hiker]

All-Star Line-up: Beards and Braids

[@rodrigosilveira4360]

Why Dan B. didn't go?

[@Protect-Privacy]

🎻 for Dan in the thumbnail. 😢😂

[@carolineray2155]

So what didn't they tell us??????

[@Stewbphoto]

Its like MTV hiker real world

[@eric_hanson]

plenty of shenanigans!

[@Alex-yx8wb]

No Dixie ? 😢

[@eric_hanson]

The invite went out to more people. Some just couldn't make it.

[@Feribrat99]

Her first hike was on the eclipse since she got a release from her medical things.

[@noblelegrand331]

if one person thinks they can tell it all they full of it we need thoughts of gear testing kinda people in every category

[@summittaedae2323]

Subbed to all.

[@KC3YCU]

AKA: Eric totally doxxed Miranda

[@LenserX]

Only in YT and the NFL does paying for travel, accommodations AND gear not equal sponsorship. 🤣

[@eric_hanson]

ha! kind of a weird space, but yep!

[@OliverHikes]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone with Outdoor Vitals gear. However, KZbin is well saturated with their ads. Not saying it’s bad gear, but who is buying it?

[@Neotidus]

I like how you X’d out your boy there lol

[@eric_hanson]

Dan got canceled.

[@soopy5364]

Holy shit I love Tennis!! That’s so wacky! Love from Australia 😋

[@eric_hanson]

Pat and Alaina are so wonderful! Cheers!

[@lox1835]

Wait, did I miss it. What didn’t they tell me?!?

[@chrispurser820]

What was your favorite piece of gear?

[@swimteamlifestyle7337]

Did that 24 lbs include water???

[@eric_hanson]

it did, yes.

[@dbb6106]

Hi

[@eric_hanson]

hello!

[@deKampeerwijzer]

If they gave you stuff, and did buy your ticket, it's a sponsored video.

[@leviantuna8553]

The Avengers infinity war of backpackers

[@eric_hanson]

haha the movie is coming