When Desert Backpacking Goes Wrong

[@krisnorbraten]

I like that you actually told a story here, not just spouted off information. I also appreciate your honesty, which really helps others.

[@wtwivell6520]

My husband and I were members of a college outdoor club more than 50 years ago. In the years since we have backpacked all over North America and canoed in the BWCA and Quetico. Having been a canoe guide in college I can talk to you about those lakes without needing a map! That said, we have many old friends with whom we have shared our wilderness travels. For example, you would love my college roommate who lives in Park City and knows Utah like the back of her hand. In later years when we have gotten together, when the embers are turning red in the fire, we drag out the stories. They fall under the category -- how I almost died in the wilderness. While your story isn't that bad, welcome to the club!

[@middleofwherever7157]

Thanks! It really wasn’t that bad. We’ve had worse. We just weren’t filling those trips!

[@milanimacc3939]

Respect ✊🏾 you messed up great lessons learned great teamwork great checking in !!!

[@Berserkeroffroad]

Great job keeping the camera rolling even when things went sour. Takes discipline to do that.

[@tsizzle]

Desert backpacking trip definitely needs to be researched and planned. I hope to be able to do the Hayduke someday, but finding water sources is one of the most critical factor... thanks for sharing the lessons and great views. P.s. Kate was super tough for enduring all those miles with her blisters. I also wonder if additional treatment of the water would have made a difference: filter first with bandanna, then filter with sawyer, then a drop of bleach per liter or even boiling.

[@JM-xu6pl]

You guys definitely gotta make more videos.

[@Querenciatv]

Nice Video! Thanks for uploading. Can't wait to see more content 😍

[@NickedOff]

An epic journey forever remembered!

[@middleofwherever7157]

Very memorable! We need to go on a backpacking trip together sometime soon.

[@courtneywilson4252]

Ooof. Glad you're all okay! My feet were a lot like Kate's after my first trip into the canyon and it suuuucks.

[@middleofwherever7157]

Thanks! After the trip, we had custom orthotics made for Kate’s feet. We also bought her better shoes from a company called Topo Athletic. Haven’t had any problems since! Glad we were able to figure out what the problem was.

[@jgefoo]

Lovely camera work ! Really caught the beauty. What time of year was it ? Never heard of Crack Baby going dry. Did you try the creek-left side canyon of Kanab, the first one below the Jumpup confluence ? Usually a huge pool back in there.

[@middleofwherever7157]

This was late April. We were just as surprised that it was dry as well. We checked everything around the confluence. Then all the tributaries as we worked our way up canyon. Everything was dry.

[@jgefoo]

Wow, that's discouraging. Also, I can't seem to find the link for your followup video you mentioned.

[@middleofwherever7157]

I haven’t made it yet. I’m working a lot right now. But I’m working on it. We’ll post it as soon as it’s finished.

[@jgefoo]

Looking forward to it !

[@jeremysoto1159]

Me and my girlfriend are in suspense looking through the comments trying to figure out where the follow up video with your tips and tricks are. 😅

[@katelynadams8146]

What a bummer. Great learning experience though. Thanks for sharing your struggles! Beautiful videography per usual 🥰🥰

[@katelynadams8146]

If you guys ever plan to hike the PCT hit me up! I cant convince anyone to go with me 🤣

[@middleofwherever7157]

Thanks! We’ve considered doing the Sierra Nevada and the North Cascades portions of the PCT. You make friends quick on trails like that. You could start alone and have buddies to hike with by the end of the first day.

[@TravelingGranny]

I am a new subscriber! I am loving your skill captioning the priceless scenery! So very sorry you all had a difficult time finding clean water! Now that you all went through such a difficult time finding clean water what would you do different? Stay safe❣️👍🙏😘🇬🇧

[@TopNotchTravelVideos]

I found you on Instagram I hope to find more great content made by you!

[@csn583]

Oof, this is why I always both filter AND bleach (Aquamira) my water. And people tell me I'm paranoid!

[@Maxmilion6004]

why did u guys stop making videos?

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Good stuff, running out of water is no fun!

[@middleofwherever7157]

Thanks! Btw, you make great videos. Keep it up!

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Middle of Wherever thank you, appreciate it🙏

[@joshuajohnson3431]

did you ever tell us what the noise was?

[@csn583]

20:10

[@trevlapse]

Couldn’t y’all have maybe used a shirt to filter larger particles then boil the water?

[@middleofwherever7157]

Uranium and arsenic are common water contaminants in water sources in the Grand Canyon and are the contaminants we were concerned about. Filters used for backpacking don’t get rid of uranium or arsenic. Boiling won’t get rid of them either. Reverse osmosis is recommended for arsenic and uranium. But a reverse osmosis filter is big, heavy, and costs $300 or more.

[@trevlapse]

Middle of Wherever great video & cool transitions 👍🏼

[@middleofwherever7157]

Thanks!