Comments on: The Real Backpackers of YouTube

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 01:35:53 +0000

In reply to Ted Heistman. I think that is truer on the well-known trails. Go obscure, or make up your own route, and I think the experience is different.

By: Ted Heistman

Ted Heistman — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 20:55:05 +0000

I was a backpacker before I became a thru hiker, and though I greatly enjoyed thru hiking I found there to be a lot of peer pressure and shaming about not having expensive ultra light gear. I was percievec to be inexperienced, even though I had spent quite a bit of time in the woods because I had a Coleman tent etc. Backpacking is more of a solo, go at your own pace, activity. Thru hiking seems to be driven more and more by fkt chasers. Even though most won’t get an fkt.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 20:10:49 +0000

In reply to Jim Austin.

Thanks!

I made a point not to criticize, or even name, the popular YouTube channels as they do instruct. And I am not going to begrudge their popularity.

I think their popularity is due to the culture we currently reside. Meaning, as John Muir said, we are frazzled, tired, burnt out. And our culture often means we find have less energy “to do” and often consume instead.

Watching videos of what we aspire to do, I think, is a large reflection of the trend.

By: Jim Austin

Jim Austin — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 16:20:16 +0000

This is a fantastic thought-provoking topic that you are to be commended for raising. I’d like to see some of the more popular YouTube backpacking people (I tried to come up with a more clever identifier like infotainer, guru, cyberstar, etc. but they do provide a worthy service and entertainment so idk…) chime in and bring their audiences with them.

There are perhaps three or four YT favorites I follow semi-regularly and admit that since I’ve moved back to the Blue Ridge at least a couple of them have inspired me to do specific hikes and were the catalysts to replace certain heavier ’90s-era gear. Both will be expanded upon in 2019. When I lived at the beach the YT phenomenon more often took the form of voyeurism.

–Skyline

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 16:05:11 +0000

In reply to Scott.

Time is the big commodity of these days for most of us over 30, or in my case 46.

Indeed. I am going to be 45 this coming year. In an alternate universe, our lives are similar.

I was lucky this year to get out for 13 trips and focused on 15-25 mile loops that I could get in 28-30 hours leaving work at 4:00 driving an hour and a half and hiking until twilight.

Pretty damn good! Most people who have a fraction of your obligations don't get out that much. Get however you can and whenever you can is the key!

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 04:27:20 +0000

Time is the big commodity of these days for most of us over 30, or in my case 46.
With a 50+ hour work week and kids under 12 getting out for more than 2-3 nights isn’t in the cards right now.
I was lucky this year to get out for 13 trips and focused on 15-25 mile loops that I could get in 28-30 hours leaving work at 4:00 driving an hour and a half and hiking until twilight.
Using YouTube and sites like yours gave me some great ideas on trip planning and visuals on where I would be going.
After pursuing a career and having kids I have gotten bit by the bug to get out in the backcountry more.
When I transitioned back my gear was from the 90’s and was far from lightweight.
I have found great info to help transition to 10-12 lb set up and found a good deal of reviews to be helpful.
My next step will need to be longer loops or sections 1-2 times per year and hopefully get my kids into it as they get older.
I dream of having time for a thru of the CT or Oachita before I hit 50 and must admit that I do contribute to the popularity of the YouTube culture.
I try to make the most informed gear purchase to avoid buying items repeatedly and try to get outside every week even if it’s near home.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 22:00:32 +0000

In reply to Misti.

So many local parks are under-utilized and well, you don’t need to take a week off to go hike in them.

When I was on call, I used to go to a local bird sanctuary just for that reason. A 10-minute drive with a 4G connection just in case. Often enough to clear my head. And two of my favorite photos came out of that place! I'll tell Joan you said "HELLO". I convinced her to do a guest post based on a topic she suggested. I have to get her to write it now. :)

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 21:57:43 +0000

In reply to doug.

I wasn’t physically exhausted, I was mentally exhausted and being outdoors cures that.

I found that to be true as well! My friends and I often did mid-week, after-work hikes, followed by beer. A reset sorely needed. When I started losing my mid-weeks hike due to my job, I noticed not only did I gain weight, but my stress and energy levels became out of whack. No coincidence I quit my job not long afer!

By: doug

doug — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 21:00:17 +0000

Yes indeed. I felt the inbalance in my own life so I made a personal rule- actual time doing must equal or surpass actual time planning, preparing, etc. And yes, exhaustion plays a part in the imbalance for me, but I’ve also realized that if I get outside after work, I wasn’t physically exhausted, I was mentally exhausted and being outdoors cures that.

By: Misti

Misti — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 20:31:59 +0000

I wish even half the people absorbed in this would even just go to their local parks or nature centers and take a hike. So many local parks are under-utilized and well, you don’t need to take a week off to go hike in them.

I’ve only recently realized how much hiking YouTube has taken off and I just don’t have the time to watch hours of YouTube. There’s also garden YouTube which could probably take me even further down the YouTube vortex if I let it.

Say hello to Joan—I miss her writing.