My First Solo Backpacking Trip

Рет қаралды 116,215

2 ай бұрын

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Пікірлер: 492

@970zfinest 29 күн бұрын

I remember my first "solo" backpacking trip; it was quite an adventure. I saw myself as a nomad and acquired a vast array of camping gear. Looking back, I realize that none of it was genuine backpacking or ultralight equipment. Once I had collected what I believed was necessary, I told my mom about my backpacking intentions. "Where to?" she asked. "The Colorado Trail," I answered. She laughed, "You do know that's a 500-mile trail?" I hadn't known, but I pretended to be confident and embarked on the journey. Five days later, I had to summon my brother for a rescue. It was a truly eye-opening experience. Fast forward 20 years, with far more experience and three attempts behind me, I finally conquered the 498-mile trail in five weeks. That's when I discovered who I am and what I'm capable of, and now my friends are disappointed when I choose to hike solo rather than with them.

@carolyncabrera3271 Ай бұрын

Yes I’m a single girl wanting to hike and go backpacking but I’m scared too ! Love your videos you inspire me to get out there and enjoy my life solo

@carolyncabrera3271 Ай бұрын

Thank you 😊

@TroyGarcia-fm9sh Ай бұрын

Get a dog too take with you...I don't have time too care for a dog, but when I go camping or hiking alone I take my cousins dog with me..not only did he enjoy it, he was a great company but he alerted of other animals ...specifically a mountain lion

@OverlandOne Ай бұрын

I am on the road full time, and I am always armed. Between bear, mountain lions, and a few wack job humans, I am prepared. Better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it. After reading about those girls murdered in their tent on the Appalachian Trail a while back, and those Boy Scout killed by a bear, I would suggest being armed, especially if female and alone. I am male and can take care of myself unarmed but not against an apex predator. Make no mistake, man is also an apex predator. I do not want to scare anyone as most of the folks I meet are really nice, and I have not had to shoot any mountain lions or bear, and hope I never do. But when you are alone, way out in the boondocks at night, and you hear an unfamiliar noise, it is very comforting to know you can handle it if it turns into a bad situation. I sleep well at night. Safe travels.

@Im_With_Stupid Ай бұрын

Nothing to be scared of, so do it before life starts getting in the way and you can't anymore.

@Hunterblackwell Ай бұрын

Please, please, please train yourself, or have a male in your life that you know, train you how to use a pistol! It’s not even about the wildlife (Granted it’s always good to be prepared) but today especially from California up to Montana there are thousands of girls that get kidnapped! The cartel has moved all the way up and the most vulnerable targets are females by themselves! Just please don’t become a statistic and learn how to defend yourself!

@briankane3905 Ай бұрын

I highly recommend a GPS Tracker like "Spot". If something goes wrong, your friends know where you are within 15 feet. I use mine when kayaking because I go into places that are so remote, no one would ever find me. Great channel!!

@kellyhays23 Ай бұрын

Those are great! I use a garmin Inreach mini. It’s similar but I can text from it and it has an SOS button

@amyhoeppner9344 Ай бұрын

thank you for showing all the parts of your trip that no one else ever seems to show! I'm just now getting into backpack hiking, with plans to spend a few days on the AT next April. I've been watching videos, reading all I can, and following hikers on FB...but you have put the pieces together for me! I know it sounds silly, but it's good to see how everything comes together, from setting up your camp, to cooking your meal. Thanx

@mh1972ga Ай бұрын

Every video posted lately I learn how much more interesting and exciting your hikes and adventures are. Feel like the future videos will be a must watch! Gotta get one of those knives for myself.

@rosemarymcleod4074 Ай бұрын

Loved that trail. The scenery and views were amazing. You picked a great place to camp and I loved all the sounds of nature 😊

@debbieh1895 Ай бұрын

Kelly!!! Great hike!! Thanks for taking us along. I always look forward to seeing where “we” are going next. 😂 Making a video about solo camping and how to be safe and comfortable with it is a great idea. I think it would be helpful to many people. Lots of us women let being alone hold us back from getting out there and enjoying nature. And it shouldn’t be that way. Just using some common sense and letting someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return is the biggest thing. I’m so looking forward to the CDT, Kelly! Can’t wait! ❤

@johnmorganjr769 Ай бұрын

The ultimate 'head clearing', peaceful, nature experience !! The BEST !! 🙏👍🏞💯

@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures Ай бұрын

Loved the little butterfly moment! Great job on your first solo backpacking trip!

@courtneysmit38 Ай бұрын

Yes make a video on how you got comfortable backpacking by yourself ! Love your videos ❤

@johnmcgrew946 19 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing your trip. I'm looking forward to my first solo backpack trip soon!

@david17500 Ай бұрын

Nice video of the area. Did the trail last year a nice relaxing trip. Always best to carry water away from creeks for dishes & things. Good luck on the CDT

@trailandtravel Ай бұрын

I do almost all of my backpacking solo. It can be a bit nerve racking sometimes but also there is no greater sense of freedom! Thanks for sharing!

@fightforfreedomneversurren8610 Ай бұрын

Finally a backpacking video that actually involves backpacking and not just the gear. I love backpacking in Idaho because there are many lakes to hit that most people will never see.

@Randee04 Ай бұрын

Thank you for posting, it was so cool to see that loop trail.

@RJ-ix4co Ай бұрын

You have definitely came a long ways in your 4 years of vlogging. Been fun watching you grow so much professionally and personally in all your videos. Keep going and growing! God Bless ❤💪🏽

@user-kf9fv1qj9u Ай бұрын

Beautiful scenery on your hike Kelly

@user-lp5tt9sk3q Ай бұрын

Portable Fishing Rod Kelly. Fun and Food. CDT GREAT IDEA 🎉

@user-David-Alan Ай бұрын

Beautiful area. Thanks for the video. Just have situational awareness when out alone. Nice campsite. Stay healthy and happy.

@RickINFJ Ай бұрын

You definitely made the right campsite choice! You giving that raccoon a brow beating was hilarious! 😂 Hopefully the MRE didn't induce an emergency cat hole diggin'. Love the new gear. 👍 This has to be your most serene vlog yet. So peaceful. Thanks a million Kelly! ✌️

@OakleyOriginals Ай бұрын

Arkansas is the BEST- one of our favorite getaways close to home. That loop includes all the classic features of AR- thick forests, wildflowers, POISON IVY (yuck), clear waters with aqua pools, waterfalls, & rock cliffs. We were just there, camping at Long Pool Rec. Area. Thanks for this great video showcasing the trail and some of your new gear!

@josephbrown-ut9ty Ай бұрын

Long pool is just a few min up the road from me, really like camping there.

@joanncoopertroupe3506 Ай бұрын

Enjoy your Solo Back Packing Kelly . Stephens ,Mom from Daddy Daughter Shadow Camping In North Florida .I love your Amazing Videos. I watch Cody and Kellie too. I love Camping. Even though these days I rarely get to go Camping. Stephen and Izzy today's doing it .God Bless you Kelly Be safe..I have a GranDaughter Destiny in Ft Smith Arkansas.😎😎😎😎😎😎 Take care .. JoAnn age 66 Lake CityFla.

@AbdulsCycles Ай бұрын

Thank you for showing us such a wonderful video! The great scenery your solo backpacking trip. I feel so happy watching your adventure! I look forward to your next work! Have a safely out there, my friend.. 👍👍

@stpetie7686 Ай бұрын

I'm really looking forward to the CDT videos. Arkansas is beautiful. I have family in southern MO near the AK border and the Ozarks are gorgeous. I spent 3 months in Hot Springs on a project about 12 years ago and enjoyed that area tremendously.

@DougZeiser Ай бұрын

I might try my first backpacking trip this year. I hope it goes pretty much the same as this video. I can't believe you only had one human encounter on that trail! That's awesome. And I loved that little raccoon and the way you handled it lol

@CavemanOutdoorsMissouri Ай бұрын

Believe it or not, this is where I done my 1st ever backpacking trip, 10 years ago.

@simplord3708 Ай бұрын

Great job, Kelly! Awesome content! Learning so much!

@melbrooks100 Ай бұрын

Arkansas is a beautiful state! Beautiful camp site for the night--I’d have to fish though! I applaud your courage and sense of adventure. I’m a female too and go out alone. All we can do is prepare ourselves correctly and be smart while we’re out there.

@JenScottVideos Ай бұрын

Yes, I'd love to see a solo backpacking tips video! 😊

@jamesgunn1606 Ай бұрын

Very Beautiful...the landscape's not bad either !lol. Looking forward to your CDT hike, everyone seems to underestimate its fun and challenge !

@cachemacstrailtime Ай бұрын

That cliffs camp area was my favorite. If I get into camp to early, it is definitely nap time for an hour. It feels good and kills time. Take care Kelly. Looking forward to the CDT.

@Jaxon1776 Ай бұрын

Looks like you hiked the trail counter clockwise. You got lucky with weather. Nice video. Lovely hike.

@Traveling1Native 23 күн бұрын

I’m an Eagle scout and have done a tone of camping and hiking to include a 100 mile hike in New Mexico in 06. I haven’t done any hiking since, but just finished doing a portion of this trail this morning I ended up doing 16 miles although I didn’t do the complete 15 mile loop I did a bunch of side hiking. It’s in rough shape right now due to all the rain they’ve got and a lot of down tree that make it hard to follow the trail. But I thank you I’ve watched this video atleast ten times. I highly recommend it.

@Morgan.Bentley Ай бұрын

Nicely done, congrats!! I want to take my wife and backpack the Butterfield for her first backpacking trip in general! Also, good luck on the CDT, you got this

@ervinslens Ай бұрын

Such a beautiful and unique storytelling a dnd filming! Love it 👏👏

@Bill1608 Ай бұрын

Thank you, Kelly for the video. It is a good way to test out new equipment before the CDT. As for the water filter, well when I hiked and camped there was no such thing. We either boiled the water or used halazone tablets. Yuck the tables had it taste like chlorine. Waiting for more videos. Happy trails.

@kellyhays23 Ай бұрын

Hahaha that’s what I was thinking about the whole time I was boiling water! About how this is how folks used to do it!! ❤️

@scooter2nc Ай бұрын

That looked like a beautiful area to relax and reset. The MRE nearly gave me PTSD. Be sure to drink plenty of water when you’re eating those. Good luck on your adventures!

@robmechanic Ай бұрын

We are so blessed to live in a country that has such beautiful state and national parks. Thank you for sharing this beautiful hike with us. God bless!!🙏🏼

@va6gkthaskey311 Ай бұрын

I use to solo camp / hike all the time, it is the best way to clear your mind. From an old paranoid camper, who has camped in some sketchy areas. Try to wait till the last minute to set up camp. Strangers walking by seeing a campsite all set up may get ideas aboug returning later. Thanks for the Great video Cheers,beers and whiskey 🤠 🥃

@dougdonaho 23 күн бұрын

This was my first time seeing your vid and I think it was awesome! I haven't been camping since I was a kid and I'm almost 60 yrs old but the more I watch people camp on KZfaq the more I want to do it also. It looks so relaxing. I'm gradually buying camping gear and it will be a while before I have everything I need but I can't wait. I think I would enjoy camping in the winter so I have time to get ready. I want it to be snowing when I go but I live in Dallas so I'll have to go a little North for that. Oklahoma maybe where you were in Arkansas. Thanks for sharing your adventure and I look forward to the next one!

@JackHouston0317 7 күн бұрын

Finally someone in my generation that likes hiking and has experienced the skittle bars and expired chili mac.. Trick for the heater- water in, roll the top, shake it up, and lay on its side for a few minutes. Expired ones can be useless, but when they work, they're great for butting in your bag at night too Happy trails

@rocksolidadventures184 Ай бұрын

Amazing trip. Loved the campsite. You are awesome!

@AdventuresWithLoki Ай бұрын

Nice job on your first solo overnight! Couldn't believe it was your first time solo when you mentioned it. Craaazy! Will definitely have to check out this trail sometime with Loki. Thanks for sharing!

@allenshiflett Ай бұрын

Absolutely another great vid Kelly, thank you for bringing us along💜❤️

@tonyclark6958 Ай бұрын

Great video. Be safe out there girl. Beautiful place.

@vmbean1945 Ай бұрын

I'm following some hikers that are nobo on CDT right now. Some are starting to reach Colorado. Tons of snow up high still. I'm in northern NM and planning some trail magic this weekend with a freind I was on CDT with in 21. The CDT is one hell of an adventure! Happy trails!! -Beeine

@huntertrapperdipper Ай бұрын

I do most of my hikes solo, but I have a friend who does a hike with me every year. We are doing the Black Forest Trail Pennsylvania the last week in May! Happy hiking Kelly 💪

@xaviermcneal656 Ай бұрын

I'm enjoying your adventures and your smile brighten up my day. Stay safe and be careful.

@BafMilr052 Ай бұрын

Love your interaction with the animals at the campsite 😂. The gator in FL was my fav. “Go on, git”

@pauldonathan5316 Ай бұрын

Love your channel and content about hiking. Food is my largest concern, at 61 a thru hike ages us... best of luck on the CDT ! I'll definitely be tuning in 😂!

@benjaminbrown5245 Ай бұрын

That sounded so realistic. I love that. No music at all. The thing is a lot of people will cover up the sounds of nature with video music and it is nice to bee able to hear the actual stuff that is going on. I am a pianist but it is really nice to hear just the sounds of all that is going around you when yo sure backpacking.

@kellyhays23 Ай бұрын

For sure! Most of my backpacking videos I don’t use music at all!

@sundaymorninghikes6275 Ай бұрын

This video was a lot of fun to watch! And such a sweet spot!!! I was expecting the raccoon to make a midnight raid! And those Skittles!!! Too funny. I'm looking forward to following your CDT hike!

@sonofagun9856 Ай бұрын

i'm glad you had a great hike and can't wait for your CDT stay safe you beautiful person

@carlosdanger3374 9 күн бұрын

lol I remember your first vids, one of which was you camping by yourself at a decently crowded campground where your neighbor had fairly noisy children. ( BTW the eye rolling when one of the kiddos started crying was epic 🤣) I remember you mentioning how scared you were to be going solo. You’ve come a looong way. Very cool to watch the growth 🤙

@kellyhays23 9 күн бұрын

! I remembered that day when I was camping out this day. Thank you so much for sticking with me through it all!

@carriehagstrom9777 Ай бұрын

The sounds of the forest in the morning were so peaceful!

@donnat9893 Ай бұрын

Yes please, share your solo precautions, thank you!

@andrewdorsett2160 Ай бұрын

Over night, hike/camp is cool. Taste of the outdoors is nice. Do more, maybe. Excellent as usual. Good luck on your CDT hike. Have fun, take care.

@briansmith054 Ай бұрын

Love watching your videos Kelly! Nice work!

@rbakken2999 Ай бұрын

That was a very nice video. I like some of the views and the waterfalls. Some day you need to hike the North Shore in MN.

@venturinaround Ай бұрын

Beautiful area! Thanks for sharing your journey.

@ebroskie Ай бұрын

We were smart as a country to protect our natural wonders especially decades ago. May we do that in an ongoing fashion. Backpacking solo is a thrill. That's how I started backpacking. It wasn't til much later I went with friends. You are stuck with your own thoughts it seems much more than other activities. So having something to read is nice (or swimming is great). The water sounds are calming.

@granolasteeve Ай бұрын

My favorite Arkansas trail - love the Butterfield...

@inthedirt3224 Ай бұрын

good to do some short shakedown trails...and solo's good too if you plan on doing longer solo trips.

@forrestwhite8052 Ай бұрын

I always love your vlogs! This was a fun one!

@vibelife5133 Ай бұрын

Chili Mac, Tabasco, cheese and crackers, and pound cake are the bomb MRE, we used to raid a case in the army and pull out our favorites. Not the best food, but those were my favs, and M&M's were a major score.

@brenthiteoutdoors Ай бұрын

Nice video! I have a few MREs...they are great for float trips! Thanks for sharing your adventures!

@stuartrollings602 Ай бұрын

Howdy Kelly! Beautifully done and so looking forward to the CDT! Thanks for the share! Saddle up! 🤠🇺🇸🇨🇱🙏

@jimweagant8920 Ай бұрын

Looks like a great hike good job Kelly 👍👍

@guillermosolorio1866 Ай бұрын

You are an awesome person, I really enjoy your content & just wanted to say you are amazing 💯😎

@charlesalls240 Ай бұрын

Love watching your hiking videos.Look forward to seeing your videos of the CDT trail.I grew up in some areas of VA that you will go thru.Also,you are looking pretty as always.

@dannyjamison8337 Ай бұрын

New subscriber here. I've just binge watched the entire AT thru hike, outstanding! Looking forward to your CDT hike, as well as the upcoming ultra marathon. Which reminds me.. did you ultimately maintain the woman's third place in that last ultra Marathon you did? That was impressive!

@kellyhays23 Ай бұрын

Awesome!!welcome to the channel! Thanks for watching! And yes I did!

@dougw63 Ай бұрын

Haha Kelly. Really enjoy checking out your vids from time to time. Glad you’re doing the cdt. Also…most importantly…enjoy your humble nature and natural way of approaching hiking/camping. See you up trail sometime. Sailor jack.

@CodyandKellie Ай бұрын

Thank you for taking us along. You just made us really miss tent camping.

@kellyhays23 Ай бұрын

We still all need to go on a backpacking trip together!!!

@tedmiller8498 Ай бұрын

Good practice overnighter. Hope you had a wet/dry notepad to make notes of forgotten items, etc. Notes help me out. Great hike

@ndan3746 Ай бұрын

Beautiful hike Kelly!

@Anonymous0.019 2 күн бұрын

I love Arkansas but agreed about the bugs. We normally drive up from new orleans to camp and hike a few times a year. Bugs were pretty bad at night, definitely do not want to be camping in May.

@MrsJoyism Ай бұрын

Congrats on your first solo! FWIW I found those Mayfly sandals kinda hazardous on even a small slope.

@johnelliott5923 Ай бұрын

Great job … I been solo many times and a lot of times I prefer it this way. Very relaxing… love ya kel…❤ be safe out there!

@theshuz Ай бұрын

Check out the Custom ULA CDT pack for your CDT hike. You can customize it how you like, you can get it with a frame (removable if you want it frameless) and load lifters. Also has trekking pole loops on the back like you like. I love my CDT. I run it frameless w/o load lifters (I even remove the hipbelt) but if you call them they will do what you want, if you can't get it through the custom options on their websites. Great packs.

@JasonfromEarth Ай бұрын

That looks like a lot of fun!

@richardross7219 Ай бұрын

Restless Kiwi(PCT19) and ChilliBins(AT2019) both made their packs and did videos showing how they did it. I think that they are both from New Zealand. MRE stands for Meals Rejected by Everybody. I preferred the old C Rations from my first 15 years in the Army. The accessory pack should have a small compressed packet of toilet paper. Save it for in your survival kit. A raccoon out in daylight is suspect to have rabies. You should carry water purification tablets incase your filter fails. On the CDT, I strongly recommend that you carry a basic survival kit in a neck pouch. Good video. Happy Trails. Good Luck, Rick

@jude.v25 23 күн бұрын

Couldn’t sleep tonight. Found your vid and really enjoyed it. Thank you.

@gyungkim4763 Ай бұрын

Really beautiful scenery on your hike

@rodoutdoors Ай бұрын

Looked like a chill trip. Nice camp spots there.

@feliperivas3814 Ай бұрын

6:17 Amazing. love the snot rocket, oh and the video too 😆

@iainsanders4775 Ай бұрын

Fabulous scenery with all the new greenery.. Best admired in with only natural birdsong.. PS. If you hung that expanding mattress vertically instead of horizontally it would be les distracting visually, & less likely to catch on something..

@kellyhays23 Ай бұрын

Thank you!!! Ive hike 1,000+ miles with it horizontally and I’ve never had an issue!

@parttimeyoutube Ай бұрын

Literally was thinking exactly that when you said “I know what you may be thinking!”

@birdiehiccups5347 Ай бұрын

Perhaps testing the temp of the drink/food is most helpful. Keeping water also gives more direct contact with contents. From a food safety aspect, there's your next test.

@KaileyShae Ай бұрын

What a pleasant way to wake up on a Sunday, with Kelly Hays Hikes! Whoo hoo!

@nickfaw2840 Ай бұрын

Hell yeah I solo backpack all the time it's peaceful and setting up a tent or hammock next to a river is the best feeling that's what you need to do is a solo hammock overnighter

@mattb.7307 Ай бұрын

Continental trail? That’s like an hour from my home. New Mexico is beautiful. I hope you will enjoy your hike. ❤

@donnahikes111 Ай бұрын

I would definitely be interested in hearing your solo hiking safety tips.

@chuckmadden2251 Ай бұрын

New to your channel. After watching a few videos I have to say you have a good eye for photography. You frame stuff well, and stay on a shot long enough for us to notice. From this photographer... keep pushing and experimenting.... you got it!

@kellyhays23 Ай бұрын

Thank you!!!

@quinnlogsdon8483 Ай бұрын

I ate that MRE almost every day while in OIF 2003 and 2008. So good!!!

@gow_g_rod Ай бұрын

You're hilarious with the MREs. I had enough of those things after 20 years, but look for the new menus like beef enchiladas, beef tacos, BBQ burger, even pepperoni pizza. Happy camping!

@camojak Ай бұрын

Dude! I like seeing people getting out and just doing it...nothing more peaceful than nature. I'll check out the other vids and hit that subscribe buuuuton :)

@sulkysoba7663 Ай бұрын

Chili mac is the goat, one of my favorite meals during basic.

@Bman62296 Ай бұрын

6:17 my face after you did that xD didn’t help I’m chewing on taffy 😂

@kevincrooks639 Ай бұрын

I have that Xmid. Only spent 2 nights in it but I love it. I'm 6'3" and have plenty of room. You might look at ULA. They do custom work and have packs specific for women. That's a beautiful trail. I'll have to drive down from southeast Kansas and do it an Eagle Rock.