I love your approach Dan. I was so confused when you spent the night at the hotel in Stanley every night of our Sawtooth "backpacking" trip but this makes so much more sense now! Thanks for your honesty and humility!

It's nice to see a KZfaqr pull the curtain back a bit and remind people that you're just a normal dude sharing your knowledge. I think people get overly critical and try to jump on every little mistake a creator might make instead of appreciating the wealth of free knowledge you are sharing. The fact that you're a relatively new backpacker is a strength since you can more easily put yourself into the shoes of somebody just starting out and give recommendations that fit them. Your videos have been a huge help when it comes to finding the right gear so I appreciate you putting yourself out there.

Hi Dan. I am 52 years old and I am about to start backpacking for the first time this spring. Your channel has been a HUGE help with gear recommendations and trip planning. Thank you for the great content!

You should have another channel that video-for-video shows all of the outtakes, parking lots, tent collapses, etc. Just show the worst, most screwed-up bits from the trip, but edit like it’s serious (tongue in cheek). You could be the Spinal Tap of backpacking.

I appreciate your candor on being a regular guy. I'm 61, an accountant dealing with busy season. Watching videos like yours has inspired me and I'm slowly gathering my gear to try backpacking as well some kayak and SUP camping later this spring. Great channel!!

Hey man, I have a ton of respect for you and I'm a weekend hiker (or would like to think I am), and your tips and tricks help folks like me that know little to nothing about hiking and camping. I live in Lincoln, Nebraska and I always go by myself because I don't know anyone else who is into hiking and camping. Your advice really helps me with my dream of becoming a thru hiker! I'm hoping to be able to complete a thru hike of the Mopac Trail that goes from Lincoln to Omaha which is approximately 50 or so miles! I'm divorced and don't have much of a social life. I'm not into social media (other than KZfaq), so having someone who hikes and camps a lot more than me really helps out a TON!! So with that said, you're NOT a fraud in the SLIGHTEST!! Your videos are MUCH appreciated!!!

Love this channel! Vulnerability is not weakness - it is strength. This 61 year old started hiking 3 years ago thanks to channels like yours. Inca trail, multiple trails and elevations in Montana, Wyoming, South America, Hawaii, etc. Its never to late! Thanks for the inspiration, insights, and example Dan.

Dan, I first found your channel 3 years ago when I was researching my absolute first backpacking trip (I was 40) and learned a lot, though not enough to keep me from bombing out. 2 days and 18 miles later, I got home suffering from bad conditioning and a severely overloaded pack. But I knew that I loved being out there and from that point on I was hooked and head down the trail every chance I get. In fact, my son and I will be hiking Pictured Rocks over 5 days this summer. You were my intro into the backpacking world and a vital resource as I gained knowledge, and I'm grateful for the work you put in to create good content. My family has reaped the reward of this hobby.

The moment I tried to make some content for KZfaq my perspective changed. Making a compelling and interesting video is hard. Trip videos are the most challenging. Putting yourself out there and opening the door to criticism wears on you. Dan does Dan and that's cool.

Dan, I've been backpacking for 45 years. Did you really think you were fooling us? 😃 It's the down to earth, genuine approach you have that makes it a pleasure to listen and watch your videos. And nobody knows it all. We can all learn and improve because of one another. You're a good guy. Keep up this great work you're doing. And btw, do an instructional video about camping (or even backpacking) with kids! But in this spirit of mea culpa of yours, don't tell the kids the toothfairy isn't real!

This channel is definitely for me. I’m over 50 and a Army Veteran and still very new to hiking and backpacking. I’ve been out of the Army over 30 years. I’m trying to figure it all out again. I appreciate how transparent you are. You are so informative.

I knew it…knew it. I used to think all the trails in the USA were full of trampolines. Then it started to click 😂

Geez, I bought all my gear on a newbs advice? 😂 Dude, that’s the great thing about you. The fact that maybe you’re less experienced than someone who’s been backpacking their entire life give you a unique view that’s attractive to those of us who want to start backpacking later in their lives. Chill, your channel is amazing. Keep it up

Dan, you are my go to man!! I like that you show different gear at different price points, give the pros and cons. You make backpacking attainable for people who may not have $2000 to put into gear. I learn more from you and Eric Hanson than those fancy KZfaqrs!!!

And that's why we love you, Dan. A regular guy filming hiking/camping and talking about gear so the rest of us regular people can know stuff.👍

I used to be very critical of you. But after spending 5 days with Bryce Newbold in the Enchantment Lakes and numerous conversations with him about you during that time, I have a much better understanding of you. Maybe some day we can share skeeter bites and blisters. Cheers Dan! -Len ( not Gus, Gus is my dog)

Your humble nature, self deprecating personality, warm humor, and honest and transparent opinions are the best. Incredibly refreshing, useful, and much appreciated. Long time subscriber and love what you do. Thanks Dan!

Wow - what humility and integrity! You're a unicorn in a world of ego and deceit. I've enjoyed and appreciated your videos, Dan. Now I just respect you all the more. Thanks! Oh - and love your self-deprecating humor. Keep up the great work!

Dan. I am 71 year old African American grandmother/great grandmother of 9 and I love hiking and camping because I am in love with being in nature. It’s truly my happy place. I have been watching your channel for about a year and I am absolutely inspired by watching you share your amazing adventures. So, I’m 13:32 going to take a huge risk. I want to hike with you if only for an hour, day or whatever God and you allow. How about it🦋🦋🦋🦋

I think this is a great opportunity for you and Kyle to have your friendship arc

This video was awesome! I love the transparency and love even more that your channel is dedicated to inspiring as many folks out there to get out on trail and explore some of these beautiful places on their own. It was really fun to see some of the behind-the-scenes on how you shoot your videos. I'm glad I'm not the only backpacking KZfaqr out there who has had to use their backyard as a backdrop. Hahaha!!

I have to admit, as soon as I saw the video title, I had to watch this. I think what you have done here is to show that you are a real person and setting up a production like this is not easy. You give a good insight into what it's like. I'm starting my own hiking website and youtube channel soon--here in Canada, and now I know it's OK to make some mistakes along the way 😁 as long as one learns from them. Once I get going, I might have to drag you along to explore the tundra of Canada, maybe even Eric @BackpackingTV ....eh! lol.Anyway, major thanks Dan @DanBecker for this video.

I actually don't mind seeing someone wasted from going up 3000' elevation gain....That's real. Eg. If I know if I'm going to be at altitude, I also know I have to stay super hydrated. It's OK to show some suffering (like what was it, a trip w/the Schill Bros where your stuff got wet ?) That was epic and a great example of a hiker doing the right thing for the situation.

What an amazing video. Thank you for giving this behind-the-scenes perspective, Dan. At the end of the day, all creators are just normal people doing their best to create something they can be proud of. You and the team have done an amazing job with this channel and we can’t wait to see what you do moving forward!

Thanks for letting me be one of those people to plan trips for you! Ha ha!

His honesty is refreshing. "Behind the YTbe Curtain!" One tip I can make and I noticed you were doing is to buy a higher quality backpack that has a waste belt. The key is to wear it- have it situated so that the belt loads some pressure directly on your HIPS. This takes some of the pressure off of your back. My friend gave me that tip when we were hiking up to Delicate Arch in Moab. I have a photography backpack with waste belt. It makes a huge difference. Also, however much hydration you think you will need triple it...especially in dry places like Moab. I add a pinch of pink salt to the water as well which helps retain the water. I use a CamelBack water backpack. If you are in a high risk area- I am talking to you ITALY, get a pack that zips in front- touching your back. This makes it harder for them to steal stuff like cameras out of your pack. Hi Rome Italy!

@8:27 you had me dying with the minecraft sound clip! I'm also from Wisconsin and getting heavy into backpacking. There's nothing more freeing than being out in nature for days at a time with everything you need right in your pack.

We often don't realize the impact we have on others, so I'm here to explain as a senior, watching you with Eric these last three years, has gotten me out making good purchasing choices and enjoying my NH White Mountain environment. Thank you and visit anytime, happy to help plan a trip!!

I love seeing how close the Hiker/Gear/YT community is. Great to see you out there with Devin, the OV team, Eric, Stephen, etc. I feel like they are all my friends along with you Dan because of the content you all put together. Thanks for sharing and being so open and honest. Keep up the great work!

Dan, you are refreshing in these days of "social media." You're open, and from what I see, honest and fallible, that we see is a true human trait. I was a backpacker in the 70s and early 80s but then stopped while raining my family. My pack was usually around 60 to 70 lbs. I always missed it, but priorities changed to a different type of camping for me. Now my sons are adults, and they are getting into backpacking. The best part is that they want to include me in their adventures. So I look to folks like you and Eric and Steve for honest reviews and techniques to get me back in the game. Point is, you're never too young or old to enjoy the great outdoors and I appreciate your channel, but mostly your honesty and being humble when required. I honestly hope you are doing well after your GC endeavor. Take care.

I’ve been a fan of your channel for quite a while now. I’ve always appreciated that you don’t put on the “I’m an expert and I know best so listen up” hat. You’re honest with your opinions and don’t put in airs. Watching your channel,is like getting great advice from your favorite brother. Thank you for what you do!

What an awesome video! My 2023 plan is to start hiking and take at least a small backpacking trip this year. Already making plans with a friend who is some years younger and been going out on her own for a handful of years now. I figure I’ve put this all off for 65 years and now is the time. I would say wish this old gal good luck, but it isn’t going to take luck. It is going to take conditioning, and I have to say, I’m pretty much starting at ground zero. Thanks for being real 😊

What just happened? I'm here crushing chicken wings on a Saturday night and suddenly I'm so inspired that I'm tearing up?? Dan, your humble and human approach really helps my confidence with hiking. I'm only new at it, 2 years in, and it's been fun but grueling and difficult. Thank you and Emmit and everyone involved for actually keeping things real. It's so hard these days to get any content that tastes as good as these chicken wings.

I'm 39, and love the outdoors, and have really enjoyed your channel. It would be really fun to take you into the bwca for a trip. My personal goal is to show people that people my size can enjoy the outdoors. I'm 6'7" 400lbs and finding gear for me is so hard and you have actually helped me out with the different brands out there that don't typically show up in searches. I also live in Wisconsin. Mn native. You have inspired me to outline my own outdoor channel. Still in the planning phase.

I’m a flatlander (Midwest) that moved to Colorado 8 years ago. People always underestimate the altitude and low humidity here. Many a flatlander has died on our peaks due to lack of preparation, hydration, and not giving themselves proper time to acclimate. I live at 7,000 feet and I’m an avid hiker and cyclist…now. That doesn’t mean that I’m going to hike and bike at 14,000 feet this weekend. Same rule applies to people thinking they can come here for a quick vacation and not get altitude sickness. Prepare…prepare…prepare! It could save your life!

I saw your video on the Grand Canyon trip that got curtailed and I decided to watch this one too. Hope you continue to get better and good luck to you and your team!

After just watching your Grand canyon rescue video, I think they may have caught you at a few moments of, oh lets say, Not your best. Which makes you real and not fake. You bring into our homes what many may never experience or even see or haven't seen in a very long time. I used to hike and camp all the time when younger. Now at 64 and a very recent widower, I am about to embark on mini trips with my Kodiak Canvas truck tent and get back to the outdoors. Your videos are an inspiration and greatly appreciated. Regardless of it's in your back yard or not. You guys rock. You have a follower. (not, on the trail lurking behind trees because that would be kinda creepy) As always, stay safe and God bless.

Love the reality check that this video is. What we see of each other's life is often the highlight reel so it's nice to be reminded that what we see isn't the full story.

Appreciate the transparency!

Love the real perspective, makes the message you share all the more meaningful and approachable.

Dan, Dan, Dan. You’re a great asset to all of us. You introduce me to great gear and I live vicariously through your adventures. I love backpacking and camping/Overlanding. You’ve saved me thousands of dollars by giving honest opinions of gear you’ve used. Before you and a few other KZfaqrs came along, I spent thousands of my hard earned dollars on junk because I was trying out all the new stuff myself. I literally have boxes stuffed full of equipment that was highly recommended by “experts” that sucked. My only problem when listening to you is that I live in Central Texas and our climate is totally different from yours. Thanks for your video taken at Big Bend National Park although the desert is also totally different from my climate. Our only long distance Hike is in East Texas and East Texas has a totally different climate too. Anyway, since you hike in all seasons and in many places with various equipment you’re one of the few experts who can give informed opinion about equipment for every season. I just extrapolate what works for me and my area and the areas I hike.

I don’t have the money to waste on gear that “might” be great. Over the time I’ve been following you, you’ve convinced me you’re a trusted source. I’ve made several gear purchases because of your videos. They’ve all been great! I appreciate what you’re doing. PLEASE……keep it up!

Hi Dan, Emmett, and Tim! Happy New Year to all of you. Dan, yet another great video. I always enjoy your videos. You are so easy to relate to because as you said, you’re like the rest of us. A normal person. I’m 52 and only got serious about backpacking when I was 49. You’re never too old to explore and challenge yourself. Your sense of humor is great, as is your wonderful humility. I just wanted to let you know my offer to help you out with messages, emails, comments, or whatever you need, still stands. Take care, BJ

Hey Dan! Thanks for laying this all out there. I started watching you about a year ago and you have inspired me to explore my own backyard more! Appreciate your content and your sense of humour.

The honesty is really down to earth and appreciated. Keep up the great work and keep putting out content .

Hey Dan👋 As a small KZfaqr I’ve found how difficult it can be to “get the shot” when out backpacking. Camera placement and recovery alone practically doubles hiking times and distances. Maybe I should get (not hire, I’m a cheap bastard) a cameraman too. I think it’d be fun telling someone to “climb that boulder, get the shot!” or “run up ahead and wait for me, get the shot!” 🤣🤣 Then again, I don’t think my nephew would appreciate that. But there’s ONE thing that you mentioned that I might start doing and that is, plan a trip once a month. That’ll definitely get me out more than I do now. It’s tough, as I’m sure you know, getting out when you work a full time job. Great video 👍You’re always entertaining.

Thanks for the breath of fresh air. Speaking of altitude, I had a former coworker who would drive his flat lander visitors to the top of Mt Blue Sky (formerly knows as Mt Evans) at 14,000'. Tell them it was tradition to run around the parking lot. Then laugh at them when they passed out. Not cool!

The approach to your videos is spot on. Have you ever thought of doing any sort of thru hike or section hike and vlogging that? I'd love to see your persepective on the grind of a longer trip and the daily effects on gear as, and after, they're beat all to hell.

Hey Dan, great video! And thanks for putting it out there. As a (giving away where I’m from) tramper (think extreme hiking) who’s been out in the wilderness since Reagan was in office, I’ll occasionally watch you’re videos just to see what the KZfaq crowd are saying. If I can offer one piece of feedback (and TBH it’s not just you) the one thing that I suggest is, when doing gear reviews, there is no such thing as “the best”, it’s more “what works for you”, I’ve found that what’s good and what wasn’t is pretty subjective, keep it up!

I love your channel!! I started watching shortly after I had a stroke because I wanted to improve my health (obviously). Your videos inspired and taught me so much!! On my 3rd backpack and multiple gear upgrades as a direct result of you and Hansen’s videos. Have learned so much in the last year - keep the vids coming! God bless!

"My limo's here. I gotta go." 🤣 You guys are hilarious.

I've been hiking most of my life and I can tell you that I let other people plan trips for the most part. I'm open to ideas on new places to hike. I take advice from outfitters and others in my group. Honestly, I've forgotten eating utensils before, (carved a stick) as well as forgotten to fill up water bottles before starting a hike or two. Getting lost is part of the experience. Thanks for clearing things up. Experience doesn't mean no issues. Experiences help you deal with the issues.

I feel that this video was more influential to the average viewer than any other video for getting people out into the field and at the very least start doing some over nights and little day hikes for my job I live in the woods camped out year round ranging from a week to months between home visits but i still watch KZfaq and try to learn new techniques and ideas for the constant evolution of my system in different areas of the country and seeing new people get out and unplug from the world and experience the real world around them is the best thing ever and you don’t need 5k in gear to do it 100 bucks at Walmart will certainly get you through the night and get you some dirty time to decide where you want to evolve in your own direction of outdoors and decide where to invest deeper great video Dan 🤙👍

First click ages ago was for a gear review but the follow was for your personality and sense of humor. You're appreciated for exactly who you are and exactly the perspective you bring. Thanks, Dan.

Thanks Dan. I appreciate your transparency, and I’m a big fan of your channel. I’ve learned a lot, thanks to you. Keep up the great work!

Thanks for all your hard work. You've helped revive my love of camping and hiking. Starting to share it with my sons. Please keep up any videos you can offer to newer hikers or ones with young ones hiking with them.

Good stuff! People don't understand how much goes into these videos!

For me showing the failures on my hiking films is what makes them interesting and relatable, that's where the story is. I'm not sure which youtubers you are talking about but I have plenty of scardy pants, oh sh*t what am I doing up here moments I share on my channel. My story is quite literally the transformation from obese, couch potato, scared of heights gamer to adventure filmmaker. Heck, I have a full video having a mental breakdown after a semi truck almost killed me driving between trails, reflecting on how female creators in the space receive so much more support. Nothing but the truth happening over here.

Dan, thanks for sharing. I think so many people look at KZfaqr’s as hero’s, unbelievable athletes, or people that we can never be. I appreciate you being humble and showing that it’s not all glitz and glam and that some of it is “fake” to an extent. I think you are one of the good guys, and I hope our paths cross at some point in time. Keep up the good work and awesome content. You and Steve Wallis are my KZfaq “Hero’s”! (I hope you guys can sync up at some point)

Thanks for making this! Good to know. I just made my first backpacking video! Trying my own style, I'm excited to see how it evolves from now 😊

Thanks! From Diet Coke Dave planning Colorado in late June , any upcoming trips that your doing

If I hadn't seen your name as the creator I would have never watched this LOL - We've (your community) got your back. Thanks for being real - and one of us.

I'm 50 and I haven't even started backpacking yet, but I've been thinking about it. But, after having a heart attack and cardiac arrest 3 years ago, I'm hesitant. I came through that ordeal without any disabilities but I'm still cautious. Have you met any people on your adventures who had similar experiences and advice? I'm not too far away, in northern Illinois, with some state parks that I can hike in, but no real backpacking and camping. Although, one of them has tent campsites available, so someone could try to simulate an adventure by packing up and walking in circles on the trails, and set up at the campsite every day.

Really liked the behind scenes content, your openness and of course that you are a WI resident. The latter is more relatable to me, as a WI resident, vs a person from Boulder CO. I don't backpack and probably never will. But I camp and appreciate your reviews on items I might use for a better night's camp and sleep, for both myself and wife both of us retired seniors, and currently checking out your insulated sleep pad reviews.

WOW! What a video, Dan! Absolutely loved it!! So happy for you 😃

Given how refreshingly honest you are is would be wonderful to see blooper reels! Have you done some of those?

THAT video was great! I really liked the way you encouraged people to " get out more"! I've been backpacking since Boy Scouts. Iam now 73. I don't get out as much now as my wife has severe osteoporosis but I truly enjoy all the reviews and ideas you show. I live in SoCal and have hiked most of the Sierras including Mt Whitney 3 times. I watch to keep up with all the latest greatest and to see new places that you go. You present your STUFF in a way that the viewer understands without dogging on the obvious. Thanks so much for all you, Emitt and the new guy do!

I'm so proud to be the first to let a message hihihi Dannnnn I love your videos, you are so good at it, humour is always present, it feel good just to listen at you and your guys. And yes, we know you are a regular person, but you do what i can't do, well for now, working accident, right hand broken, etc, etc, etc... Well, i listen to your videos and i'm realy planning to go somewhere good when i will be heal. You give me that taste of adventure, you make me check the gears on the market so when i will go on the country i will be okay. I don,t have a big budget, well, it's more then i look right now and will probably buy later. 😁😉 But i'm so happy to see you and your videos. Soooo see you next, take care, you and your familly and your grew. Big hug.

Hey Dan, I love the new set, I think the right side of your body is a little over exposed so either use a softer soft box or turn down the brightness a bit. Just my opinion.

You and your team do a great job. Aesthetics and general quality of your content is on point. Your gear reviews are fair and Comprehensive. I’m heading out to the Foothills Trail down here in SC in a couple of weeks using a lot of equipment you’ve recommended. The Paria Bryce is sold out so I decided to buy the Zion and give it a shot. I decided to vlog it and if I enjoy doing it, I wanna keep covering different hikes in the south East and eventually try to capture a similar aesthetic as you. You’re a great inspiration to the outdoor community, keep up the good work Dave!! Jk, Dan.😂

Dan Becker, a "FRAUD"???? NOTHING CAN BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! I watch your videos BECAUSE of their (your) honesty, integrity and forthrightness! BECAUSE the videography/editing is beautiful, and REAL! BECAUSE of the goof-ups and the sometimes embarrassing levity they cause. Anyone who know anything about making a video/film, KNOWS there is much more that goes into it, besides the "finished minute." Thanks, Dan & Co., for all you do! You are the best! Cheers, my Brothers!

All YT channels are a real production, especially when arranging backpacking which requires a lot of logistics when traveling to a trail somewhere. You've provided a lot of great ideas and inspiration to myself and a lot of others to spend more time outdoors. We all make mistakes in the woods, even though I've been backpacking for many years.

Hi Dan, I am someone who seldom comments. And I would like to say Thank You for your honesty! 👍

One of the most realiest videos I've seen in a long while on YT. Thank goodness you speak the truth and it hits right near to dear to my heart. Go live life, experience, mess up and then do it again. I love it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and looking forward to more awesome videos... Cheers buddy!

Nice to hear about someone else who gets altitude sickness. When we went to the Grand Canyon, I was sick as a dog! Thankfully, it only lasted about 12 hours or so.

Loved this look into your production! As someone who has done piano videos where audio is recorded and edited prior to the video shoot, I get the KZfaqr tricks to make things look better. Most of the time my piano (which is really a hidden keyboard) is not even on when filming 🤯

Pulling the curtain back and the truth comes out! Telling a story that other people want to watch and making look natural and it was easy is not! Your either just really photogenic or you work your butt off to make it look that way. I think it would be a blast hanging out with you and if you make it out to SE Texas, I'll have a tasty coffee or an adult beverage waiting for you. Keep rolling!

Hold on there Buckaroo, Are you telling us that you actually go hiking outside of your back yard? I am pretty sure everyone watching this was convinced that you did all the work in your yard and augmented the hiking with CGI. Mind Blown, Man! Keep up the great work Dan, and many thanks.

What a cool video! Nothing better than being humble, and honest. I love watching your content, it has helped me In several decisions in gear over the years, so thank you!! My best friend and I are planning a trip to Big Bend hopefully this year, but also have a full time job, and three kiddos so....we'll see if it happens haha....and suggestions on big bend? And maybe my pal and I can reach out to ya for a hike sometime, we're here in Indiana😊😊 God bless my friend

I want to see a blooper reel!

As I was hiking last year with a good friend of mine we actually talked about people making hiking videos. All the planning and travelling. What goes into just making a video in general. You gotta make things work for you and your life. Big props to you and your team!

Hi Dan. I am new to camping and backpacking. I saw some of your videos and used your knowledge and train of thought to filter out what it was I actually needed and what it was I thought I needed. It is easy to get sucked into buying loads of new gear but I like to see the pros and cons of the products. My trips will start off small but my mindset will be large. Like you I am someone who loves the outdoors with nothing to prove to anybody but myself. I like your videos and your conversation. Keep the faith. 2BOB. 66 years old dude, but still young. Still young. 😂👍👍👍

Love it!!! Watched you all last winter! And you inspired me big time to get out and I did 4 backpacking trips, 2 of them solo which was terrifying (busy also so gratifying) and I absolutely fell I love and will be doing more this coming summer!!

I appreciate this channel. I appreciate the average guy gets in the woods feel.

Hi Dan, I'm late to te backpacking game as well. Started when I was 45/46. Your videos have been very helpful in getting gear. I will try out OnX to see how it is. Thanks for your videos.

Hopefully this isn’t in response to haters and trolls hassling you, but I take this as a disclaimer of sorts which is always appreciated. I also got into backpacking at around 35 (now 44), a dad with two kids who found a new appreciation for the outdoors and everything it offers. I even forgot my trailrunners on that first big trip to the Wind River Range and hiked it in my Converse (hence “slippers”), but have significantly improved with experience and the help of your videos. You do you and don’t let the weirdos get to you. It’s why many of us tune in regularly! Reach out if you ever want to fly into Vegas, where I’m based, and hit any of the spots around (Great Basin NP next on my list); I always have several trips planned annually, and imagine similar preferences for adventure (though I tend to tackle higher elevations 😉). Keep it up bud.

Thanks for the video, Dan! Honestly this does change my opinion of taking advice from this channel. As you don't do high miles, high elevation, hard/strenuous hikes, I don't know if I can trust your advice when testing gear. Some, maybe even most gear is fine for me to take your advice, but things that need hard days to test make it good to know where your strengths lie. Thanks again!

Dan I’ve been following you for a long time and enjoy all of your videos. I’ve learned a lot from you and appreciate all the efforts you put into your videos. Your doing great and always look forward to watching your videos. Keep up the good work.

That’s awesome. Probably best video out here I’ve seen. I’ve always liked your videos. I like seeing the different places you go vs where I go. Hey maybe make a video like this except an actual behind the scenes footage of a real day of filming. Show all the mess ups, all the crap I forgot this, all the things you tubers don’t show. That would make a good video. Idk. I’ve been hiking/backpacking I guess my entire life. I’m 41 now, been in the woods since I was 5. I take my kids to red River gorge probably once a month and they absolutely love it. We have our little routine but I always try to take them one new place every time. Just hope they continue to enjoy it

Dan, we always love your quirky sense of humor! 😁 You stand out as unique amongst other channels out there of any type. ☺️ I always get a sense of transparency from you as well. ☺️ A lot of people think it's bad or embarrassing to be brutally honest with others about their mistakes but, in reality, I far more respect someone who has the strength to openly admit their mistakes! Honesty is very respectable. Everyone makes mistakes. We move forward and try to grow from those mistakes. ☺️

I'm guessing your making this videos because people are complaining that your fake? Well my dude, if your camping in your backyard and making your videos, I really enjoy it. If your camping and hiking out in the mountains and woods and making your videos I really enjoy it. What ever you are doing and making your videos I am enjoying it. My favorites are you just being you and making bloopers and perfection. Keep up the awesome work and I look forward to all your videos. You and your other KZfaq friends encouraged me to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. I just ordered and eno hammock set up and I am planning a trip in late April for a weekend hike. Thank you!! Thank you to your editors and helpers. Keep up the awesome work/fun.

Thanks Dan. Love your accessibility and humility. Love you teaming up with Steve, Eric, Justin and others. Emmit, sorry--you have a typo on Eric's screen title.

I really appreciate this video. I've been watching your stuff for a while now and I really like your approach because you come across honest and your an average dude. Keep up the good work!

Thanks so much for this encouragement!

Thanx for being up front Dan!

As someone that enjoys being outside but isn't the most fit, you just became so much relatable to me. Thank you.

Love the video! With you touching base on backpacking in new areas can you make a video on some hiking spots that you recommend in other states like Colorado, Montana etc.

Thanks Dan, quite encouraging to getting out there.💖🙏

Ive started to follow your page because I am trying to link your content with split boarding during the winter out west. It started out with just being cheap lol cheaper to fly west if im not paying 600+ for a hotel for 4 days. thanks for the content Cool to hear your from Wisconsin!

Dan, this is awesome! As someone who is just starting a KZfaq channel, I appreciate everything you are saying. I love your videos, and I feel like you make backpacking super approachable. - If you ever get out to the White Mountains in New Hampshire and need someone to plan your trip, let me know.