David Gray Media

Backpacking, Videography, Photography, Adventures

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David Gray

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David Gray
View and purchase my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ Check out my website at davidgraymedia.com. The website has blog posts describing most of my trips. For the third trip of the 2025 season Carl, Travis and I got together in Gatlinburg for a three-day, two-night hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Our original plan was to do a hike in a new area on the south side of the park, but that trip had to be cancelled and instead we did a hike two weeks later in the Elkmont area of the park. Like our 2022 and 2023 Smokies hikes we started and ended at the Elkmont Campground. The hike was entirely along the Little River on the Little River Trail with nights in campsites 23 and 21. This was my fifth hike in that area of the Smokies but I have found that every hike in that area is unique and wonderful. Making this hike unique were swarms of bees in campsite 23, a gnarly thunderstorm the first night with some of the heaviest rain I've ever experienced in a tent, three black bears coming into our camp at campsite 21, and my first time witnessing the Smokies 'synchronous fireflies'. For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a bit under an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3Q3Gsco Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/3znpOP7 Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backpacking (TN) - May 2025
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLlNRX1VTOVlYY19B

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backpacking (TN) - May 2025

11K views

#glaciernationalpark #glacier #davidgray View and purchase all my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ Check out my website at davidgraymedia.com Continuing with my 'throwback time' series of re-edited older videos. This is a fresh look at my first 'epic' western mountains hike, the 2013 Glacier National Park 'Great Northern Circle' hike. I did this hike in August 2013 with my son, Christian. My 'refresh' process was to start from scratch with the 'fresh-from-camera' video clips, stabilize the video using off-board image stabilization software, re-edit the entire video, clean up the audio, and re-process all the slideshow still pictures into 16:9 format. Glacier National Park may be the best area in the world for backpacking, and the Great Northern Circle is arguably the best hike one can do in Glacier. It's also likely the most difficult Glacier backcountry permit to obtain, especially for a hike in 'prime time' mid-August. Being my very first experience with Glacier's permit process I had no idea how incredibly fortunate we had been until midway through the hike when some Glacier 'veterans' explained our good fortune to us. The hike was 52-miles done over five days and four nights. Each day included at least one 2000+ vertical foot climb. Our campsites in order were Granite Park, Fifty Mountain, Stony Indian, and Elizabeth Lake Foot. Our last day we did the 2500 foot climb to the legendary Ptarmigan Tunnel, a perfect ending to a truly 'bucket list'-worthy adventure. For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - 45-minutes in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3Q3Gsco Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/3znpOP7 Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
#TBT - Glacier National Park (Montana) Backpacking - August 2013
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLjhkdGRINlRhMXVr

#TBT - Glacier National Park (Montana) Backpacking - August 2013

5.9K views

#charitcreeklodge #bigsouthfork #davidgray Visit my website at davidgraymedia.com View and purchase my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ Travis and I decided to start the 2025 season with a short hike in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Of course, no trip to the Big South Fork is complete without immersing yourself in the 'time machine' that is the Charit Creek Lodge. This video is mainly an immersive look at what one can expect with a two-night stay at the Lodge, though we did manage to squeeze in about five miles of hiking, including a trip up to Twin Arches nestled on the ridge above the Lodge. I first discovered the Big South Fork and Charit Creek Lodge back in 2015. That trip, with my dogs Jaden and a one-year old Bailey, didn't go exactly as planned - the tent never made it out of the pack - but the part that did go well was the night we spent at Charit Creek Lodge. It was pure magic. The experience was much like taking a time machine back to 1850. No electricity, no heat except what you can obtain from a wood fire in a cast iron stove, oil lamps for light, and staying in a very authentic backcountry lodge built in 1817. OK, there is a bath house with showers, flush toilets, and propane heat, ice cold beers, and gourmet meals served to you.... but that just makes the experience even more amazing. Each of my stays at Charit Creek Lodge has simply gotten better. Greg, the proprietor for all of my stays, makes sure that you're experience is everything you could hope for. He is in motion non-stop doing everything from maintaining the complex, to doing the housekeeping, to cooking the gourmet breakfasts and dinners that are included with your stay. Boomer, the uber-chill lodge dog, who I met as a puppy in 2015, was still around making the rounds keeping the guests company. Boomer even has his own 'merch' now! For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - 30-minutes in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3Q3Gsco Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/3znpOP7 Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Big South Fork NRRA (Tennessee) Backpacking - Charit Creek Lodge - January 2025
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLi1xRVBRUXFXS2NV

Big South Fork NRRA (Tennessee) Backpacking - Charit Creek Lodge - January 2025

8.6K views

#bronco #overlanding #davidgray View and purchase my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ Visit my website at: davidgraymedia.com A return to Colorado for some off-roading fun was the destination for the 4th trip of the 2024 season. Jeremy - YouTube channel @All_Things_Out_Doors- invited me to join him for a sequel overlanding adventure to our 2022 Colorado trip in his highly-capable Ford Bronco. I thought we had done all the off-roading one could do in Colorado on that trip, but that was certainly not the case. In 2022 we hit most of the 'signature' trails in Colorado - on this trip we did the rest! The highlights included Red Cone Peak, Tincup Pass, Cinnamon Pass, Stony Pass, Clear Lake, and a redemption visit to 'The Wall' on Poughkeepsie Gulch. This video again turned out to be a collaboration with Jeremy, and I want to thank him for allowing me to use many of the video clips he created with his DJI Mini-2 drone. It's not easy to capture video while overlanding, especially when you're driving, and our videos wouldn't have been possible for either Jeremy or I without sharing our clips. Jeremy has also created a video of our trip - please check it out at on YouTube @All_Things_Out_Doors. The trip ended up being 7-days/6-nights, and we spent about 30 hours in the Bronco on offroad trails all over Colorado, from the Buena Vista area to Silverton. Even though the physical exertion isn't nearly as extreme as a backpacking trip in the mountains, off-roading is surprisingly exhausting. We were both pretty spent by the time we found our way back to camp each night. Unlike our 2022 trip, where rain was our companion the majority of the time, the weather on this trip was nearly perfect. After a rain and hail storm our first night of camping, every day was blue skies and sunshine. For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a bit over an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3Q3Gsco Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/3znpOP7 Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Colorado Overlanding - Montezuma, St. Elmo, Silverton - July 2024
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLkdjZzZfVENkTU44

Colorado Overlanding - Montezuma, St. Elmo, Silverton - July 2024

9.4K views

#sawtoothmountains #stanleyidaho #sawoothnationalforest Visit my website at davidgraymedia.com View and purchase my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ There you'll find book-length trip reports of most of my trips as well as gear reviews, trail stories, and travel information on memorable lodging, restaurants, and attractions I've experienced. A backpacking trip to the Sawtooth Wilderness of Idaho had been on my destination 'bucket list' since I started backpacking in 2010. The opportunity to do an Idaho hike came up in May 2024 when Travis suggested it as an alternative to the Wind River Range hike we had originally been contemplating. Keeping with our tradition, we combined the hike with two wonderful 'tourist-mode' days before the backpacking. Our first night was in the 'Bunkhouse' at the Majestic Mountain Ranch in Idaho City. I had images of a cramped, shared space sleeping in a too-short bunk bed with throngs of other hikers. No, not at all! The Bunkhouse was a huge, luxurious space that we had to ourselves. The second night was spent at the Redfish Riverside Inn in the small, vibrant town of Stanley, Idaho. Complementing our Stanley experience was magical time spent at the Redfish Lake Lodge a few miles south of Stanley. Our plan for the hike was to do the super-popular 25-mile Alice Lake-Toxaway Lake Loop starting out of the Tin Cup Trailhead. Campsite availability (actually, lack of availability) was a major concern. But we caught a break and ended up at what was likely the best campsite on the entire loop. The mountain views in all directions were epic. With air temperatures above 100 degrees, and with worries about being able to find a decent campsite at Toxaway Lake, we changed our plans and decided to simply stay put in our 5-star site at Alice. For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - 45-minutes in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3Q3Gsco Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/3znpOP7 Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Sawtooth Wilderness (Idaho) Backpacking - July 2024
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLnhUZmNvTC1DODdF

Sawtooth Wilderness (Idaho) Backpacking - July 2024

27.4K views

The second trip of the 2024 season took me back to the Charles Deam Wilderness southeast of Bloomington, Indiana. The original plan for this trip had been to do a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but a number of factors made a return trip to Gatlinburg not feasible. Fortunately, Christian had returned to Indiana to join us on a Florida spring break trip so he was able to join me for the short overnighter in Deam. Also joining for the hike were our two dogs - chocolate lab Bailey, who has been on many hikes previously, and trail 'newby' (and family dog newby) Millie, a rescued 4-month old puppy terrier-black lab mix. (I talk more about Millie's story in the intro to the video at the beginning) I've done many previous hikes in the Deam Wilderness going back to my first backpacking trip in 2010. Numerous Peninsula Trail hikes plus a 2021 hike to the same Tower Ridge/Sycamore Trail area of the Deam where this 2024 would take place. My plan was simple - get out for a night in the woods around the campfire with Christian and the dogs, blow the dust of the gear in preparation for my upcoming 2024 hikes, and see how Millie would respond to her first backpacking trip. Hiking in late May in Indiana is a bit of a 'long green tunnel' experience, without the great views you would find in the mountains or even on the AT. So this trip was all about simply a 'therapeutic' night in the woods, providing information for anyone that wishes to hike in that area of the Deam Wilderness (specifically campsite #,4 on the Sycamore Trail Loop), and perhaps provide a vicarious experience to those unable to experience a night out themselves in the 'Deep-Woods Off'-type Indiana forest-'jungle'. For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same immersive style, though shorter than typical at only 20 minutes in length and without a slideshow at the end. My goal is to make the viewer feel as if they were along on the hike with us. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3dHJvni Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Deam Wilderness (Indiana) Backpacking - May 2024
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLjdxYlRmT0d3RVlF

Deam Wilderness (Indiana) Backpacking - May 2024

16.3K views

Check out my website for articles I've written about plus links to all my social media sites: davidgraymedia.com View and purchase my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ #overlanding #bronco #landbetweenthelakes The 2024 season got off to an early start, in contrast to what was a down year in 2023. With only two trips in 2023 - a May Smokies hike and a July Yellowstone hike - I was eager to get 2024 off to an early start. The opportunity came in January 2024 when Jeremy (YouTube channel 'All Things Outdoors' - https://www.youtube.com/@All_Things_Out_Doors) invited me to tag along on a large group overlanding trip to Land Between the Lakes. The trip was a repeat of my first overlanding trip with Jeremy to LBL in April 2022. We had no set plans, other than to meet the group on the first night at the large dispersed camping location on Clay Bay. In all, there would be 16 people and 8 vehicles ranging from Jeremy's beast of a Ford Bronco (with 38" tires) to a 1950's era authentic Willys Jeep, and every form of off-road vehicle in-between. We travelled as a pack and somehow managed to get all the vehicles through some tight, gnarly terrain, downed trees, and deep mud pits - all without injury, towing or damage to any of the vehicles. The weather was nearly the exact opposite of our first LBL trip in 2022. On that trip we had sunshine, 80-degF temperatures, and relatively dry trails to 'play' on. This trip we had constant rain the entire drive down, the entire first night in camp, and an icy frigid rain was with us the entire last day. Fortunately, in between, on the one day the overlanding took place, was mainly rain free. But the LBL trails were generally a mess and many trails in the area were closed due to flooding. With a heavy, all-day rain falling on day #3 we decided to cut the trip one day short rather than press our luck. For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - 40 minutes long (including slideshow), intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy a five minutes of just pictures and music. Check out the YouTube channels for the other YouTubers on the trip: https://www.youtube.com/c/AllThingsOutDoors16 (Jeremy - All Things Outdoors) https://www.youtube.com/c/Thathikingguy (Chris - That Hiking Guy) https://www.youtube.com/@JeremiahStringer (Jeremiah Stringer) https://www.youtube.com/@BackpackingWithJason (Backpacking with Jason) https://www.youtube.com/@lstmate (I'm Wandering Not Lost) https://www.youtube.com/@TrailMedic911 (Trail Medic) https://www.youtube.com/@CarlsonAdventures (Carlson Adventures) https://www.youtube.com/@BrianWest58 (Zone 58 Adventures) Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3dHJvni Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Land Between the Lakes (Tennessee) Overlanding - January 2024
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLmR6NENRTTUxNTQ4

Land Between the Lakes (Tennessee) Overlanding - January 2024

4.6K views

#yellowstone #yellowstonenationalpark #nationalpark View and purchase my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ Visit my website at davidgraymedia.com. There you'll find book-length trip reports of most of my trips as well as gear reviews, trail stories, and travel information on memorable lodging, restaurants, and attractions I've experienced. In late June 2023 I continued the hiking season with (only) my second hike, but it was to a special destination - Yellowstone National Park. I joined up with my son, Christian, and Travis to do a long-anticipated hike in the Black Canyon area of Yellowstone along the Wyoming-Montana state line. After two wonderful pre-hike 'staging' nights at the Absaroka Mountain Lodge near Cody, Wyoming, and a repeat visit to the magnificent Madison (car) campground inside Yellowstone NP, we did a 3-day, 20-mile Black Canyon hike starting at the Hellroaring Canyon trailhead. It wasn't what I expected going in. I had images of a Grand Canyon-type hike and instead the hiking was primarily across wide-open, hot, exposed, bone-dry open scrub land. It had a magnificent unique beauty to it, but not what any of us expected. Yellowstone doesn’t have the type of spectacular mountain views that you find in Glacier, Colorado, the Winds, or the Sierra, but it has a unique ‘wild’ feel. We didn’t end up running into any ‘large animals’, but there was never a moment on this hike you weren't keenly aware we were no longer on the top of the ‘food chain.' The 'High Bear Activity' signs and non-stop bones from past kills left no doubt we were in active grizzly country. For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3Q3Gsco Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/3znpOP7 Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming) Backpacking - June 2023
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLnFCUmRyZ25XYXpn

Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming) Backpacking - June 2023

41.7K views

View and purchase my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ Immerse yourself in my written words on my website at davidgraymedia.com. There you'll find book-length trip reports of most of my trips as well as gear reviews, trail stories, and travel information on memorable lodging, restaurants, and attractions I've experienced. The 2023 hiking season got off to a very late start, the latest I've ever done a first hike since I started backpacking. Like 2022 I started the year with a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Unfortunately, Travis couldn't join us for this hike, but Carl was able to make it as well as Christian, who was home from Colorado. This trip was another in the western section of Great Smoky Mountains NP. Our intent was to experience the many streams, creeks, and waterfalls in that area of the Park, as well as immerse ourselves in the unique 'primordial' forests you find in the backcountry of the Smokies. Like our 2022 hike we started and ended at the Elkmont Campground. The hike was entirely along the Little River on the Little River Trail with nights in campsites 21 and 24. It was the lowest mileage backpacking trip I've ever done - 3-days, 2-night, and just over 10 miles with some additional day hiking. The miles were low but the smiles were plentiful! As always the Park was gorgeous, the campsites and campfires were wonderful, and the ever-present sound of mountain streams soothed the soul. For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a bit under an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3Q3Gsco Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/3znpOP7 Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backpacking (TN) - May 2023
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLlVnb2NFSjNuNXdz

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backpacking (TN) - May 2023

30.1K views

View and purchase all my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ Check out my website at davidgraymedia.com (Book-length trip reports of most of my 'big' hikes, stories, reviews of my favorite places I've stayed and eaten, and gear reviews. There are many unlisted Youtube videos embedded within the articles). This video covers a 'day hike', training hike that I did on the Three Lakes Trail in Morgan-Monroe State Forest near Martinsville, Indiana. The hike was actually done over two days. I call it a 'backpacking' trip because I did carry my full backpack for the entire hike, though backcountry camping is not allowed on the Three Lakes Trail I originally planned to publish this hike as part of a 'Hiking Indiana' series I planned to do which would cover many of the great non-backpacking trails that Indiana has to offer. In the end I never completed any more videos in that series, and didn't end up publishing the Three Lakes video. But I do think it's an interesting video because I did a ton of 'walk through' shots that makes it almost feel like there was a separate film crew along with me in spots (there wasn't!). Also, I used a wireless microphone for many shots which adds some 'color' as well. Hiking in Indiana is never going to compare with hikes in the mountains out west, but for anyone interested in hiking the Three Lakes Trail, or for anyone interested in 'tagging along' with me, I think you'll find it an entertaining video. And it was also a hike with both my Labs, Jaden and Bailey, so that's always fun! Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3Q3Gsco Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/3znpOP7 Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Three Lakes Trail (Indiana) "Backpacking" - June 2017
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLjh2cFQ0SDVnUUpR

Three Lakes Trail (Indiana) "Backpacking" - June 2017

3.5K views

View and purchase all my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ Check out my website at davidgraymedia.com (Book-length trip reports of most of my 'big' hikes, stories, reviews of my favorite places I've stayed and eaten, and gear reviews. There are many unlisted Youtube videos embedded within the articles). Continuing with my 'throwback time' series of re-edited older videos. This is a fresh look at my first significant Midwest hike, the Knobstone Trail in southern Indiana. I did this hike in March 2011, with my dog, Jaden. The Knobstone Trail starts about 10 miles northwest of Louisville, Kentucky, and heads north-northwest for 46 miles through Clark State Forest and Jackson-Washington State Forest. My original plan was to do the hike in four days but I ended shortening it to three days - ouch! The second day was 19 miles with some of the most difficult terrain in Indiana. This video is a great example of our early 'learning' trips, in which there was every bit as much fun and excitement as actual backpacking knowledge (perhaps more!). I really enjoy watching these early trips because at this point we had never experienced any 'lessons' that teach you that things can actually go wrong on backpacking trips! The learning was coming at us in 'firehose' fashion at that point, and that knowledge paid off in a big way in all of our later trips. This trip was a long time ago. Jaden was five years old (now 17 and nearing the end of his 'hike' in life) and I was twelve years younger and a complete backpacking 'newb.' Little did I know at the time of this hike what incredible backcountry adventures would be in my future. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3Q3Gsco Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/3znpOP7 Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
#TBT - Knobstone Trail (Indiana) Backpacking - March 2011 - Re-Edit
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLkdGV3haRXYyZm5j

#TBT - Knobstone Trail (Indiana) Backpacking - March 2011 - Re-Edit

3.2K views

View and purchase my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ Check out my website: davidgraymedia.com Christian, Bailey, Jaden, and I took advantage of Christian being home for a fall visit to Indiana to squeeze in an overnight backpacking trip on the Peninsula Trail in the Deam Wilderness of Indiana. And that's right... my old trail partner Jaden was able to join us, which made it an extra special night in the woods. Jaden is now 16 years old (and 'change') so a bonus hike with him was beyond my wildest expectations. I made a trip with Jaden on the Tecumseh Trail in October 2021 and another on the Peninsula Trail in June 2022. For both of those hikes I was sadly expecting they would be Jaden's last backpacking trip. But he handled both those hikes fine, and he still handles our daily walks well. So once again I was confident he could handle another Peninsula Trail hike. He has certainly slowed down a bit, but overall, he did well. I'm getting the impression Jaden doesn't want his hiking career to be over! The Peninsula Trail is a 10-mile out-and-back hike to the shore of Lake Monroe, southeast of Bloomington, Indiana. The Indiana weather in late September can give you anything from cold and rainy to 90-deg and humid. We were fortunate to hit a window of ideal weather - clear, 70 degF, and low humidity. The highlight of any Peninsula Trail hike is watching the sunset while enjoying the campfire in your camp. We were treated to a magnificent sunset and a perfect evening with the dogs around the fire. Overall, it was a wonderful, unexpected night in the woods with Christian and the dogs. For those who have watched my other videos, this one is done in the same style - 25 minutes in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride,' and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3Q3Gsco Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/3znpOP7 Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Peninsula Trail (Indiana) Backpacking - September 2022
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLlFNazg1aGgzaDhn

Peninsula Trail (Indiana) Backpacking - September 2022

7.7K views

#bronco #overlanding #davidgray View and purchase my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ Colorado was the destination for the 6th trip of the 2022 season, and specifically the Ouray, Telluride, Silverton area in southwest Colorado. There was no backpacking on this trip - overlanding/offroading was the adventure this time. I joined up with Jeremy (YouTube channel @All Things Out Doors) and his amazingly capable Ford Bronco to do a bunch of the best offroad 'trails' in the area - Corkscrew Gulch, Mineral Creek, Poughkeepsie Gulch, Imogene Pass, Black Bear Pass, and Engineer Pass. This video turned out to be a collaboration with Jeremy, and I want to thank him for allowing me to use many of the video clips he created with his GoPros. It's not easy to capture video while overlanding, especially when you're driving, and this video wouldn't have been complete without Jeremy's video. Jeremy has created a two-part video of our trip - please check it out at @All Things Out Doors. The trip ended up being 5-days/4-nights, and we spent about 30 hours in the Bronco on the offroad trails in the Ouray area. Even though the physical exertion isn't nearly as extreme as a backpacking trip in the mountains, it is surprisingly exhausting. We were both pretty spent by the time we found our way back to camp each night. There are many enjoyable aspects to overlanding but one of the things I realized on this trip was the amount of incredible Colorado backcountry you can explore. The scenery we stumbled upon was breathtaking, and we ended up summitting four different mountain passes (five if you count the two trips over Hurrican Pass) - it would have been impossible to cover all that ground on foot in the five days we had. The one downside to the trip was the weather - it was awful! It rained a good chunk of every single day. Fortunately, the mornings were generally decent, and we got an early start each day. The rainy weather didn't prevent us from doing any of the trails that we had planned to do. The weather 'misery meter' peaked at the end of the trip during our planned stay at Alta Lakes - we ended up bailing to a hotel in Silverton that night. For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3Q3Gsco Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/3znpOP7 Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Colorado Overlanding - Ouray, Telluride, Silverton - July 2022
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLkVidUJyTWRaT2xr

Colorado Overlanding - Ouray, Telluride, Silverton - July 2022

54K views

A quick 'trailer'-type video (a.k.a. YouTube shorts) of the Black Bear Pass section of our recent overlanding trip in Colorado. Full length 'normal' YouTube video coming soon, probably late August 2022. I'll create some more 'shorts' videos of the various trails were completed on the trip. My first venture into the world of 'shorts' - fun!
Black Bear Pass Overlanding (Colorado) #bronco #blackbearpass #shorts
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLm5xVWpzZFVoRldr

Black Bear Pass Overlanding (Colorado) #bronco #blackbearpass #shorts

10.1K views

#glaciernationalpark #glacier #davidgray View and purchase my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ For my 5th trip of the 2022 season, I returned to majestic Glacier National Park to do a hike in the Belly River area with Carl, Justin, and Travis. This was my fourth backpacking trip in Glacier and the earliest time of the year that I had ever hiked there. It turns out that 2022 was a heavy snow year for Glacier, and the Park had a 'barely open' feel to it. The Going to the Sun Road was still closed, as was the Ptarmigan Tunnel. Many campsites and passes were effectively closed (in 'winter conditions') due to lingering deep snow. Fortunately, the Belly River area in the northeast corner of Glacier was one of the areas of Glacier that was 'open for business'. Aside from snow in the Poia Lake campground which closed one of the four campsites, the only snow 'sketchiness' we encountered was on the climb to Red Gap Pass. Thanks to Travis's efforts we were able to secure reservations at both the Lake McDonald Lodge and the Many Glacier Hotel. This was my first experience staying in iconic National Park lodges but I'm certainly hopeful it won't be the last. Those two special nights will be etched in my memory every bit as much as the hiking. We started the hike at the Poia Lake Trailhead, about a mile east of the Many Glacier Hotel. The original plan was to do a 4-day 30-mile hike with stays at Poia Lake, Elizabeth Lake, and Glenn Lake, but it ended up being a 3-day hike - bypassing the night at Glenn Lake (as well as the 10-mile out-and-back additional hiking away from our main route). You won't see it in the video but we ended up spending that extra night at the Many Glacier Hotel, a special evening that capped off the trip perfectly. I don't know that I would recommend planning a hike in Glacier any time before mid to late July, but we had no choice in timing since early July is the latest Travis can plan trips due to his job in the NFL. It may have had an 'early season' feel to it, but Glacier is a magical place whenever you get the opportunity to experience it. I've tried to get a permit to do a hike in Glacier every year since my last trip there in 2018, but my luck with permit lotteries is abysmal. I'll keep trying and my hope is that there are many more Glacier hikes in my future. For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3Q3Gsco Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/3znpOP7 Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Glacier National Park (Montana) Backpacking - July 2022
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLmJ2dVlIeDBLZkVz

Glacier National Park (Montana) Backpacking - July 2022

54.7K views

View and purchase my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ Check out my website: davidgraymedia.com Christian, Bailey, Jaden, and I took advantage of Christian being home for the Indianapolis 500 to squeeze in an overnight backpacking trip on the Peninsula Trail in the Deam Wilderness of Indiana. And that's right... my old trail partner Jaden was able to join us, which made it an extra special night in the woods. In October 2021, I made a trip with Jaden on the Tecumseh Trail, and at that time, I was pretty confident it would be Jaden's last backpacking trip. But he still handles our daily 3-mile walks reasonably well, so I was convinced he could handle a Peninsula Trail hike. And I'm happy to say that he did very well. It wouldn't surprise me if he could get out on another trip with me soon. The Peninsula Trail is a 10-mile out-and-back hike to the shore of Lake Monroe, southeast of Bloomington, Indiana. The Indiana weather in early June can give you anything from cold and rainy to 95-deg and humid. We were fortunate to hit a window of ideal weather - clear, 75 degF, and low humidity. The highlight of any Peninsula Trail hike is watching the sunset while enjoying the campfire in your camp - we were treated to a magnificent sunset and a perfect evening with the dogs around the fire. A Peninsula Trail hike is generally pretty 'tame' compared to a hike in the Winds, Glacier, or Colorado, but this hike did give us a couple moments of 'excitement' (I won't spoil the 'surprise' here!). Plus, I brought the drone along to capture a few aerial views along the lakeshore. Overall, it was a nice, unexpected night in the woods with Christian and the dogs. For those who have watched my other videos, this one is done in the same style - 30 minutes in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride,' and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3Q3Gsco Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/3znpOP7 Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Peninsula Trail (Indiana) Backpacking - June 2022
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLmRlcUZtN3liNU1J

Peninsula Trail (Indiana) Backpacking - June 2022

5.2K views

View and purchase my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ Bailey and I got together with Travis to do the third hike of the 2022 season in the Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia. Dolly Sods is Travis's 'home turf' as he grew up in West Virginia and has hiked there many times. It's also a special place for me because it is where I met Travis for the first time when we did a hike there in 2017. Sadly, I decided to leave my old trail companion, Jaden, at home for this one. Jaden can still handle our daily three-mile hikes, but I knew this one would be a bit too much for him. I wasn't sure how Bailey would handle being separated from Jaden for the hike - it was a bit of an 'experiment' - and, frankly, Bailey didn't handle it well. She was 'off' from the time I put her in the car to leave until we arrived back home. It seemed like her heart wasn't in it this time, which is very unusual for a dog that lives to be on the trails with me. The plan for the hike was to start at the Bear Rocks trailhead and do about 20 miles in 3-days /2-nights. We wanted to stay at different campsites than the ones we used in 2017. Travis knew of a 'primo' campsite on a branch of Red Creek upstream from the popular 'Fork' area - that would be our destination for night 1. For our second night camp, we planned to stay at Lion's Head or perhaps down the hill from Lion's Head (near water, and day hike up to Lion's Head). Weather-wise, it looked like it was going to be hot. The forecast for Davis, WV (the nearest town to where we would be hiking) was for temperatures in the 90s - not ideal, especially for the dogs. Fortunately, with the higher elevation at the Sods and a constant breeze blowing, the temperatures never got that warm, and hiking conditions were pretty good. For those who have watched my other videos, this one is done in the same style - a bit under an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride,' and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3Q3Gsco Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/3znpOP7 Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Dolly Sods (West Virginia) Backpacking - May 2022
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLkl2Y0w2bnJleVZ3

Dolly Sods (West Virginia) Backpacking - May 2022

11.7K views

View and purchase my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ #overlanding #bronco #landbetweenthelakes I'm expanding my 'horizons'... In 2021 I took on a canoe trip, and now I've done an overlanding trip. For the 2nd trip of the 2022 season I got together with Jeremy (Youtube channel 'All Things Outdoors') and Chris (Youtube channel 'That Hiking Guy') to do an overlanding trip in the backcountry of Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area in Tennessee. Long ago we rented jeeps while we were on a family camping vacation near Silverton, Colorado. On that trip we did the famous Alpine Loop 4-wheel-drive trail as well as another above treeline drive up to Ice Lake. I loved it! Since then I have always wanted to get out and do something similar, and the opportunity presented itself when Jeremy invited me along on the LBL trip. Overlanding is basically backcountry exploration via some sort of vehicle capable of driving on some really gnarly roads, and, in fact, the gnarlier the better! Not only do you get a backcountry experience similar to backpacking, but you also get to do it without torching your legs and body. On top of that having a vehicle enables many of the 'luxuries' that are impossible on a backpacking trip - 'real' food for every meal, comfy camp chairs, ice cold beer, unlimited water, and numerous other amenities. Overlanding is something that you get adjusted to VERY quickly! :-) On this trip we had no set plans, other than to meet Chris on the first night at a nice backcountry campsite he had stay at previously on Clay Bay. After that the agenda was wide open. For the next couple days we explored all day, with a mixture of as many nasty roads as we could find sprinkled with some very enjoyable touristy type stops. If we saw something we were interested in, we checked it out. There was no set agenda, no timetable, and no deadlines. It was really nice! The weather turned out to be absolutely perfect for the entire trip. It rained on the drive down, and it rained on the drive home, but the whole time we were in Land Between the Lakes it was sunny, blue skies, with temperatures in the low 80's. It would have been a little toasty for a backpacking trip, but with little walking required, no packs, and air conditioning in the Bronco it was actually quite pleasant. This was my first overlanding trip, but I really (really!) hope it's not my last. For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a bit under an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Check out the YouTube channels for Jeremy and Chris: https://www.youtube.com/c/AllThingsOutDoors16 (Jeremy - All Things Outdoors) https://www.youtube.com/c/Thathikingguy (Chris - That Hiking Guy) Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3dHJvni Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Land Between the Lakes (Tennessee) Overlanding - April 2022
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLmp2QkpSNHByU1ZR

Land Between the Lakes (Tennessee) Overlanding - April 2022

10.9K views

View and purchase my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ To start the 2022 hiking season I once again got together with Carl and Travis to do a spring-time hike in iconic Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I have hiked in the Smokies multiple times in the past but I had never done a hike there in early Spring, and it was fantastic to experience the park reawakening from the winter and without the normal summer/fall jungle-like leaf canopy. Green shoots of new growth and spring flowers covered the forest floor, views were abundant, and sunshine blanketed the trails. This trip was in the western part of GSMNP, and the intent was to experience the many streams, creeks, and waterfalls in that area of the Park, as well as immerse ourselves in the unique 'primordial' forests you find in the backcountry of the Smokies. We started and ended at the Elkmont Campground, hiking the Jake's Creek, Cucumber Gap, Little River, and Goshen Prong trails and spending nights in campsites 23 and 30. It was a relatively tame 3-day, 2-night, 22 mile hike, with the biggest challenges being a few sketchy stream crossings in the vicinity of campground 30. For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a bit under an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3dHJvni Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backpacking (TN) - March 2022
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLmNwZ0NoZHJvRFo0

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backpacking (TN) - March 2022

25.5K views

I recently published a video of my October 2021 Tecumseh Trail hike that included several 'flashback' videos to trips I have taken with my dog, Jaden, over the years. This video is just the hike portion of that video, for people interested in a shorter video of the hike alone, without 'tribute to Jaden'.
Trip Only - Tecumseh Trail Backpacking - October 2021
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLjZaUzVKWGo0TGNJ

Trip Only - Tecumseh Trail Backpacking - October 2021

3.7K views

First, my old yellow lab Jaden in not dead! At 16-years old, he is getting really old, but he's still doing OK. (I've realized sometimes when I say 'tribute' or 'memorial' people suspect the worst, which I can understand.) As I contemplated a 2021 season-ending hike in October 2021, it dawned on me that Jaden might not have many (any) more backpacking trips in him, especially with the long Indiana winter upon as. I wasn't sure what kind of shape Jaden would be in as we got into the 2022 hiking season. So, I decided to use that October 2021 trip to make a video that combined the quick overnight hike on the Tecumseh Trail along with some 'flashback' clips of the many backpacking trips that Jaden and I have done together. At the time it seemed like a great idea, and relatively straightforward, but it turned out to be a rather epic video editing task which partially explains why it took me five months to complete the video (sorry about that!). All of the original videos I intended to include clips from were roughly one hour in length, but my plan was to include just a couple minutes of 'highlights' from each of the 20+ trip videos. That meant that I had to effectively 're-edit' each video entirely, a task that was pretty complicated and ended up taking a ton of time. But I feel the effort was worth it because the resulting video allows you to re-live Jaden's entire hiking 'career' in a relatively short and concise format. In addition, I've included some previously unseen photos of Jaden's puppy days along with a short video of Jaden meeting 8-week-old puppy Bailey for the very first time. Despite my best 'optimizing' efforts, the video turned out a bit longer than I was hoping for (1hr 18min) but I do feel that it flows quickly, and the viewing time goes by fast. However, I plan to publish a separate video with just the Tecumseh Trail hike (no Jaden flashbacks) as well as another video with only the Jaden flashbacks plus a still-picture slideshow (no trip video) for those wishing to view the two separate portions separately. So, with that, come along as Jaden, Bailey and I enjoy a late-season night out in the woods of Indiana as well as re-visit the hiking career of an exceptional trail dog and hiking companion.
Tecumseh Trail (Indiana) Backpacking and 'Tribute to Jaden' - October 2021
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLjB6VzdWU2JMT3ZV

Tecumseh Trail (Indiana) Backpacking and 'Tribute to Jaden' - October 2021

10.2K views

For the fifth trip of the 2021 season we returned to the Wind River Range in Wyoming to do a hike very similar to the hike Carl and I did in the Winds in September 2019, with one notable difference - an added day hike up to the magnificent Titcomb Basin. Carl and I have always regretted that we didn't make it up to the Basin on our 2019 Winds hike, and when we were talking to Travis about a 2021 western US trip it didn't take much convincing to come to a consensus that a return to the Winds, and the Titcomb Basin this time, was the hike we would do. My son, Christian, was also available and eager to join us, and Jeremy (YouTube channel 'All Things Outdoors') from the 2020 Adirondack hike rounded out the team. Check out Jeremy's video from our Winds trip at YouTube channel 'All Things Out Doors': https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWihKp5VJbsNctYi5ZC5O1A As we did in 2019 this year's trip was a 3-day, 30-mile hike that took us back to the spectacular Island Lake / Titcomb Basin area, with the addition this time of a 7-mile out and back day hike to the Basin on day #3. This section of the Winds offers truly breathtaking scenery reminiscent of what you find in Glacier National Park and the Sierra Nevada of California. Beautiful alpine lakes and granite mountains that rise sharply from the surrounding terrain. The weather was absolutely perfect. Highs in the 70's, lows in the 30's/40's with clear, deep blue skies for the entire hike. We did get some smoke from western US forest fires rolling in while we camped at Island Lake, but it didn't really impact our experience or the views we had (it got much worse in the days after our hike). For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style – an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3dHJvni Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Wind River Range (Wyoming) Backpacking - July 2021
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLi10LWNweU9aQ2xr

Wind River Range (Wyoming) Backpacking - July 2021

43.7K views

The still pictures from all my trips can be viewed and purchased at https://davidcgray.smugmug.com. My fourth 'hike' of the 2021 season didn't involve much hiking, but it sure required a lot of paddling! When I was growing up in Michigan my family took a number of multi-day canoe trips on the Au Sable River, and they were great times. Fast forward to my early days of backpacking when I would talk with Bob about all things 'backcountry' - I knew Bob was a veteran of multiple Boundary Waters canoe trips and I took every opportunity I could to pick his brain for tips and techniques. He also had a huge Boundary Waters map on his office wall and we would talk about his routes and various lakes that he had explored. Ever since then a trip to the Boundary Waters has always been high on my 'bucket list'. The opportunity to go presented itself in 2020 when Rick, a co-worker of mine from the old Delphi days, asked me if I'd be interested in going with him on a Boundary Waters trip in the fall of 2020. I was interested, but unfortunately the torn meniscus in my knee from the 2020 Adirondack trip forced a delay in our plans. But as soon as the snow melted in early 2021 we got right back on the planning for a 2021 trip. We settled on a 6-day, 5-night trip starting at the Seagull Outfitters on the Gunflint Trail, 55-miles inland from Grand Marais, Minnesota. Our plan was to start on Saganaga Lake, head down through Ottertrack and Knife Lakes to the South Arm of Knife Lake, and then head back northeast to the outfitter through Ogishkemuncie and Seagull Lakes (as well as a ton of smaller lakes, all involving portages). In all we paddled for approximately 60 miles, including our travel time as well as many side trips and fishing excursions (according to the app on my Apple Watch). Despite my canoe trips on the Au Sable river long ago (45+ years ago!) I started the trip as a complete canoeing 'newb' and, frankly, I was more than a bit intimidated by what I had gotten myself in to. I likened it to taking a person who had never backpacked before on a 6-day trip in the Rocky Mountains - probably not a great plan! But I was game to give it a shot, hoping that my comfort level would increase quickly, and, fortunately, it did. By the end of the trip I was quite comfortable during our long days in the canoe, and my paddling muscles had come into their own. It was certainly a different sort of experience from a backpacking trip, but I (eventually!) loved it. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is incredibly beautiful, and the fishing is fantastic. We caught multiple Walleye, Bass, and Northern Pike, and they were all big (tasty too!). For anyone planning to take a trip to the Boundary Waters I think this video will give you a great start, and a good idea of what to expect. For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a little over an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3dHJvni Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (Minnesota) - June 2021
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLkt0VjRsOHZCZ0tv

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (Minnesota) - June 2021

98.2K views

My long overdue third hike of the 2021 season kept me local, to the Charles Deam Wilderness southeast of Bloomington, Indiana. The original plan for my annual spring hike was to head to the Appalachian Trail in late April, but on the very weekend I had planned to hike Mother Nature hit us with six inches of snow followed by two weeks of miserable, cold weather. So I delayed the hike to May and also decided to do something closer to home so the dogs would be able to join me (Jaden's backpacking days are getting close to an end). My previous two Peninsula Trail hikes and videos also took place in the Deam Wilderness, but for this hike I decided to head to a different area of the Deam - the Sycamore Trail in the northeast section of the Wilderness. The plan was pretty 'loose' but I went in thinking about doing 3 days, 2 nights, and 20 miles or so of hiking. I thought I would probably do the 4.7 mile Sycamore Loop plus some other 'sightseeing' on day #1, and then the Axsom Branch Trail and perhaps another go at the Peninsula Trail on day #2. In the end I decided to skip another hike and video on the Peninsula Trail and cut the hike to two days (the weather was pretty miserable with temps in the 80's, swamp-like humidity, and intermittent rain). Hiking in May in Indiana is a bit of a 'long green tunnel' experience, without the great views you would find in the mountains or even on the AT, so this hike and video was more to provide information to anyone thinking about hiking the areas I hiked in the Deam. But even without mountains and views, it was great to get out into the woods for a couple days with the dogs - I'm not sure how many more hikes I'm going to be able to do with Jaden, so that made this hike extra special. For anyone thinking about doing this hike, I tried to include as much footage as possible of the various campsite options, water sources, and the trail conditions. For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a half hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3dHJvni Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Deam Wilderness (Indiana) Backpacking - May 2021
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLnEybG5ocnZ4SG9v

Deam Wilderness (Indiana) Backpacking - May 2021

10.1K views

I want to thank Cathy Miller, owner of InCycle Spin studio in Carmel, Indiana for the inspiration to put this slide show video together. She played the song I have used to accompany the slide show, 'Perfect Symphony', sung magically by Ed Sheeran and Andrea Bocelli, as the final song of an 'inspiration' play list. I got lost in the music, and my head was flooded with images of beautiful scenes of our countries indescribably spectacular backcountry. I came home and immediately put this video together, and in the end it nicely matched my vision for it. My videos normally take 2-3 weeks to edit and finalize - this one took less than an hour! I hope you enjoy it.
Perfect Symphony
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLjB0dDc3NWU4WjJ3

Perfect Symphony

5.2K views

The second hike of the 2021 season took me south, to the Cheaha Wilderness of Alabama, for a hike with Carl, Travis and the dogs. It's hard to believe but it had been nearly 10 months since I last met up with Carl and Travis for the 2020 Cranberry Wilderness hike (thanks to Covid crushing our 2020 western trip plans). I'd been wanting to get down to the Cheaha Wilderness for a number of years, and actually had a trip planned there in 2019 to do the popular Pin-Chin-Sky Loop hike (an 18-mile loop consisting of the Pinhoti Trail, Chinabee Silent Trail, and Skyway Trail) but with bad weather in the forecast then I decided to hike the Red River Gorge in Kentucky to shorten the drive. When planning this trip we looked at three different options: (1) the Pin-Chin-Sky Loop, (2) a north-to-south, point-to-point hike from the Cheaha Trailhead to the Adams Gap Trailhead entirely on the Pinhoti Trail, and (3) the hike we eventually decided upon - a 3-day 15-mile loop hike starting south on the Pinhoti Trail from the Cheaha Trailhead, to the Odom Scout Trail, connecting with the Nubbin Creek Trail, and then Cave Creek Trail back to the cars. After hiking in the Cheaha Wilderness I'm certain any of these options would have made for a great hike, and we all plan to get back to explore the other hike options in the future. Aside from a gnarly, seemingly endless stretch of rock-walking on day #1 (ok, probably a mile or so - seemed much longer!), the trails were very pleasant to walk on - fairly smooth and gently graded, and the views were outstanding (aided by the early-season lack of vegetation). Campsites were fairly plentiful, but water was not. But, thanks to the awesome Guthook app 'Pinhoti Trail' download, we knew that there likely would be no water until we reached camp on day #1 at the 7-mile mark, and had planned accordingly. On day #2 we had no Guthook app 'coverage', and no advance knowledge of the trails or water conditions, and that added a bit to our stress level, but in one of those amazing 'the trail provides' moments we came upon a group of two hikers heading in the opposite direction that gave us great 'intel' on water and a campsite for night #2 (for those thinking of doing this hike, there were only two water sources on day #2, and one source on day #1, so three viable water sources on the entire hike - all shown in the video). For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a little less than an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3dHJvni Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Cheaha Wilderness (Alabama) Backpacking - March 2021
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLlRlak1IUmRVZXlB

Cheaha Wilderness (Alabama) Backpacking - March 2021

28.7K views

The dogs and I got an early start to the 2021 backpacking season with a January trip to the Land Between the Lakes (LBL) Recreation Area near Paducah, Kentucky. Jaden and I had done a trip to LBL during my early days of backpacking, way back in October 2012, and, coincidentally, I just published the video from that trip back in mid-2020 as part of my #TBT series. That 2012 trip didn't go very well and I had always wanted to get back to LBL, with more knowledge and better prepared, and the opportunity came up when Jeremy from All Things Outdoors asked me if I was interested in joining a bunch of other Youtuber's on a winter LBL hike. There were nine of us total on the trip and it felt very much like the Ohio YouTuber's Meetup trip I did in November 2019. I've included the links for all the channels down below. There must be something about the Land Between the Lakes for me because I had a number of things 'go south' on this trip as well: (1) 24mm Nikkor Z lens broke in half (yes, really!), (2) the zipper on my Zpacks 20-degF sleeping bag broke off, (3) my headlamp batteries died, (4) the shock bands on my Rode Stereo Videomic Pro microphone snapped, and (5) my Exped air pillow popped. None of these proved to be overly serious, and like all times you encounter 'challenges' while backpacking they all proved to be learning experiences in one way or another. (I now know my Apple iPhone makes a decent backup camera!). The Land Between the Lakes was very much like hiking in Indiana or the midwest - not a ton of great views, mostly flat with a few small ups and downs to deal with, and a lot of the time just traipsing through the woods. There was surprisingly little time spent along the Lake, or even in view of it. But despite all that I did have a great time, and I'm glad that I got back to LBL. It was great to be out in the woods, even though winter time hiking is still not a favorite of mine! And what a great group of guys to hike with - the time in camp around the fire, sharing endless stories of everyone's adventures, is what always makes these backpacking trips so special to me. Here are the links to everyone's channels: Jonathon Slider's 'Trailblazing Hope Outdoors' organization: www.trailblazinghope.com Jeremiah Stringer Hikes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/JeremiahStringer Jeremiah's 'The Backpacking Podcast': https://www.youtube.com/channel/TheBackpackingPodcast All Things Outdoors: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWihKp5VJbsNctYi5ZC5O1A Backpacking with Jason https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCobwtnc4-EUkVZzo1RaaLrA Outlan: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoeABQsQUd32yFYQveNDFUQ Restless Outdoors: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt4OAc9qACdRnAuMA_gLsA Hunter's Trip: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdv1KKpXzx_rOmxXuAp_hpQ Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3dHJvni​ Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo​ Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg​ Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp​ Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu​ Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj​ Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v​ Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ​ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7​ Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5​ Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB​ Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW​ Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC​ Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3​ Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh​ Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I​ Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e​
Land Between the Lakes (Kentucky) Backpacking - January 2021
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLi1vYWRKYy1xSGY0

Land Between the Lakes (Kentucky) Backpacking - January 2021

8K views

View and purchase all my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ Continuing with my 'throwback time' series of re-edit older videos, this is a fresh look at my second Colorado backpacking trip, the South San Juan Wilderness in July 2012, with my son, Christian, and our dog, Jaden. I recently published a long-overdue video of our first Colorado backpacking trip, the 2011 Zirkel Wilderness trip, and though that trip was a bit of a disaster from a planning and logistics standpoint, it did provide us valuable lessons that made the 2012 Colorado trip much more successful. We ended up doing about 40 miles over 5-days with a two day side-trip to take in the summit of 13,150-foot Conejos Peak. Along the way we had an excellent off-trail, bushwhacking day on the Continental Divide plus more 'off-trail' hiking on the way to Conejos Peak. There was also fishing in Blue Lake and the usual amount of camp and campfire fun. This video is a great example of our early 'learning' trips, in which there was every bit as much fun and excitement as actual backpacking knowledge (perhaps more!). I really enjoy watching these early trips because at this point we had never experienced any 'lessons' that teach you that things can actually go wrong on backpacking trips in the Rockies! The learning was coming at us in 'firehose' fashion at that point, and that knowledge paid off in a big way in all of our later trips. But on this trip we were both basically Colorado Rockies backpacking newbies. This trip was a long time ago and I had forgotten what an incredibly beautiful and special place the South San Juan Wilderness is. It takes some work to get there, but after watching this video I'm guessing you might just give some thought to adding it to your trip 'bucket list'. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3dHJvni Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpack Arc Blast 52L (me), Exped Lightning 45 (Christian) Tents: Nemo Meta2P, Zpacks Hexamid Solo-Plus Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
#TBT - South San Juan Wilderness (Colorado) Backpacking - July 2012 - Re-Edit
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLjlXcEtldDRoa0kw

#TBT - South San Juan Wilderness (Colorado) Backpacking - July 2012 - Re-Edit

9.6K views

View and purchase all my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ This is the previously unpublished video of my 2018 Indian Peaks Wilderness trip (Colorado) with my son, Christian, and the dogs. The trip didn't go well, and there were only a few miles of actual backpacking, which are the reasons it has remained unpublished until now. You may recall that in early 2018, while the snow was still falling here in Indiana, I made my first (and only) full-year trip agenda video. Nature was against me all year in 2018 - with frequent rain, flooding, fogged-in vistas, swarms of mosquitos, and one of the coldest moments I've ever experienced (night at Boulder Pass, Glacier NP) - but I managed to complete every trip and make a video of everything mentioned on that initial agenda video... except one - this 2018 Indian Peaks Wilderness (Colorado) video. People have asked me in the YouTube comments 'what happened to the 2018 Colorado trip?', and this video will answer that question. Illness was the culprit on this trip, and it made me realize how lucky we had been throughout the years to never have a trip disrupted before due to illness or injury. We actually did start the hike and made it to the start of the brutal 4-mile climb up to Pawnee Pass, but I realized that pressing on further at that point would be dangerous and reckless, so I pulled the plug on the backpacking. We did carry on with some stellar car camping after that, having luck finally fall our way and scoring the absolute primo campsite at the primitive Rainbow Lakes car camping campground quite near the trailhead in Ward, Colorado. The lack of actual backpacking on this trip had thus far convinced me to not publish it, but I realized that it was still a fun Colorado road trip plus there is some nice information on staging this trip out of Nederland as well as some glimpses of what the trailhead situation is like at the Brainard Lake Recreation Area (i.e. 'challenging'!). Oh, and for anyone interested in primitive car camping in that area, the clips showing the Rainbow Lakes campground and adjacent area should be of interest. (And since 2020 was the first year since 2011 that I haven't been able to do a western US backpacking trip - my 'happy' place! - re-editing and publishing this video filled a little bit of a western trip 'vacuum' that I've been suffering through). Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3dHJvni Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpack Arc Blast 52L (me), Exped Lightning 45 (Christian) Tents: Nemo Meta2P, Zpacks Hexamid Solo-Plus Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Indian Peaks Wilderness (Colorado) Backpacking - August 2018
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLkZ1dm9SSW5ld2Nz

Indian Peaks Wilderness (Colorado) Backpacking - August 2018

10.8K views

View and purchase all my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ 2020 has certainly been an 'interesting' year, and it got even more interesting for me personally after the June 2020 Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness hike. On that hike I took a fall coming down the uber-steep descent from The Gothics, and my left knee twisted underneath me in a sort of elongated 'hurdlers stretch'. It certainly didn't feel good but I was fortunately able to finish the hike (otherwise you might have been able to watch a helicopter evacuation to end one of my hikes!). Well, it turns out that I tore the medial meniscus in my left knee during that fall. The ensuring series of surgeon visits, x-rays, MRI, surgery, and recovery effectively eliminated, for me, the 'prime' 2020 backpacking months of July, August, and September. But if there was ever a year to go on 'injured reserve' during that period it was 2020 - 'The Year of the Covid'! By the beginning of October the knee healing was going well, and I was chomping at the bit to get out into the woods to enjoy the fall foliage colors. So Christian, the dogs, and I decided to head out on a local overnight 'test hike', and in choosing a destination we decided to head back to where backpacking started for me back in 2010 - the Peninsula Trail in the Deam Wilderness near Bloomington, IN. I recently did a re-edited remake 'Throwback Time' video of my original 2010 hike, and I incorporated a little of that old footage into this new video. The contrast is fun to see. The hike we did in 2020, a 5-mile out and back to the shore of Lake Monroe, is identical to the 2010 hike, and we camped within 50 yards or so of my original camp on that first hike. It wasn't a perfect replacement for an epic 2020 western hike, but it was still great to spend some quality time in the woods with Christian and the dogs. That night in front of the fire, eating grilled Spam and hot dogs, watching the sunset will always be a special memory for me. And the fall colors were really spectacular. For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a half hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3dHJvni Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Peninsula Trail (Indiana) Backpacking - October 2020
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLmJvdU1CNnEwVTVz

Peninsula Trail (Indiana) Backpacking - October 2020

8.3K views

View and purchase all my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ I have wanted to do an Adirondack hike since the 1960's, when we would visit my grandparents in New York. We would talk about how beautiful the area around Lake Placid was, and I always dreamed of getting there someday. I finally got my chance in June 2020 when I joined up with fellow youtubers Jason Wish, All Things Outdoors, The World According to Goat, and It's Good in the Woods. They all made videos of our trip and they're all great - I recommend you take a look because all of our 'styles' are completely different. I've included the links to their channels below: All Things Outdoors: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWih... The World According to Goat: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTn_... Jason Wish Wishwell Farms: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNfj... It's Good in the Woods: https://www.youtube.com/channel/It'sGoodintheWoods Having lived through the epic 1980 Winter Olympics that took place in Lake Placid, and also being a big history 'buff', I was anxious to spend some time visiting Lake Placid and the various Olympic sites in and around the city. So this video turns out to be part travel 'vlog' and part backpacking trip. If you want to skip ahead to the start of the hike, it begins at 16:00. Our plan was to do a 3-day, 2-night variation of the 'Great Range Loop' which would take us over the summit of 7 of the 46 4,000-foot+ mountain peaks in New York. What I didn't know is how difficult the trail conditions were, and how slow our hiking pace would be (about 0.5MPH). In the end I decided to bail out after summiting three peaks in eight+ hours of hiking - Upper Wolf Jaw, Arnstrong, and the Gothics. But even with the shortened hike, what I did experience was spectacular. For those thinking about doing this hike this video should give you a very good idea of what to expect, and the type of training you should do in preparation for the hike. The stretch of 'trail' along the top is as much rock climbing as it is hiking, and minimizing pack (and body) weight is important (unfortunately, I didn't do either!). In many places upper body strength is just as important as lower body conditioning. In addition, there is no water along the entire stretch along the top, and when combined with the incredibly slow hiking pace it can create a big issue - carry plenty of water! For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - about an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3dHJvni Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: REI Flash 55 Tent: Nemo Meta2P Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness (New York) Backpacking - June 2020
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLlU1Mm5SWkpidWIw

Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness (New York) Backpacking - June 2020

32K views

View and purchase all my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ After a couple months of Coronavirus quarantine 'lock-down' we decided to make a jail break! Carl, Christian, Travis, the dogs and I decided the various state restrictions had eased sufficiently that a backpacking trip was in order. Travis is originally from West Virginia and one of his favorite hiking destinations is the Cranberry Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest. He had attempted a trip there a couple weeks prior to our visit, and the trip had to be called off early. So we decided a Cranberry 'do-over' was in order. Our plan was to do a 3-night/4-day 21-mile counter-clockwise loop starting at the North South Trail trailhead, and taking in the North Fork, Middle Fork, Laurelly Branch, and North South trails. Instead of the normal hotel/restaurant 'indulgence' the night before the hike, we opted to camp very near the trailhead which allowed us a night of 'real' food and car camping luxury before we started the hike in earnest. Trail conditions proved 'difficult' (ok... brutal!). We encountered long stretches of ankle deep mud, continuous rock sections, moss covered roots, overgrown trails, and sketchy stream crossings. But by far the most challenging, and exhausting, obstacle we encountered were hundreds of downed trees across the trail, which were made especially difficult because of the three dogs we had with us - the dogs had to be lifted and helped over/under/around/through each downed tree. But despite the difficulties it was a great hike. The Cranberry Wilderness is incredibly beautiful, with diverse vegetation and topography, and its hard to describe just how good it felt to get back out into the woods after everything we have all been going through the last few months. For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - about an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3dHJvni Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: REI Flash 55 Tent: Nemo Meta2P Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
Cranberry Wilderness Backpacking (West Virginia) - May 2020
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLjJGbmxCcWlkZEFz

Cranberry Wilderness Backpacking (West Virginia) - May 2020

28.1K views

This is a previously unpublished video that I did on a backpacking trip to the Land Between the Lakes in October 2012. The idea to hike this location in the fall came to me from an article in the August 2012 issue of Backpacker Magazine, which gave details on water sources and campground locations. Unfortunately, I never found the campsites listed in the article, and the water sources were all dry, which ended up making for a long, pretty miserable first day of the hike. In addition, rough weather was forecast to come into the area the night of the first day. It ended up holding off that first day, but was coming in for certain the afternoon of the second day. All of this contributed to deciding to shorten the trip by a day. Instead of retracing our steps back to the car on the North-South Trail, I decided to do a shorter road walk on the 'Trace' roadway, hoping we could catch a ride at least part of the way back. All the problems we encountered are what led me to decide not to publish the video originally, but I do think it is a good look into one of my earlier backpacking trips with Jaden and can provide some good information to anyone thinking of doing a hike in the Land Between the Lakes area.
Land Between the Lakes (Kentucky) Backpacking - October 2012
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLnFvR2R5MEhRMGEw

Land Between the Lakes (Kentucky) Backpacking - October 2012

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View and purchase all my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ Continuing my 'Story Behind the Picture' series of videos, this is the second of four 'story' videos that I will be doing covering pictures from my September 2015 hike in the Ansel Adams Wilderness in the Sierra Nevada. The Sierra Nevada hike was a big 'leap' for me. It was my first solo backpacking trip out west, it was my first solo trip without the dogs, and it was the first solo trip I did without being able to make a campfire - something that serves as both 'nature TV' to me and as a sort of 'comfort blanket'. With more than plenty of 'alone time' this trip proved to be much more of a mental challenge than a physical challenge. But this trip also provided the most spectacular scenery I had experienced, mile-for-mile, in my lifetime. I plan to do four of these 'story' videos in a row on pictures taken during this Sierra trip. Only Glacier and the Winds can probably compete with that concentration of 'winning' pictures. I plan to complete the videos in the order that I captured them on the trip, with the 'Camp at Garnet Lake' picture the second in the series. The first video, 'Sunrise at Ediza Lake', has already been published, and the last two videos - 'Sunrise at Garnet Lake' and 'Cowboy on the PCT' - will be published soon. My hope is that you enjoy this 'deep dive' into some of my favorite images I've captured over all the backpacking years, and I certainly welcome any feedback you have to offer to help me improve the future videos I have planned on this theme. Equipment / Gear List: Still Camera: Nikon D700 https://amzn.to/3bhNghP Lens: Nikkor 20mm f2.8 lens https://amzn.to/2KjnSvX Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Boom Microphone: Sennheiser MKE600 https://amzn.to/2xvobRV Audio Recorder: Zoom H5 https://amzn.to/3eubI1f Microphone Stand: LyxPro SMT-1 https://amzn.to/2KhN2Lv Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Photo Organization / Editing Software: Adobe Lightroom https://amzn.to/2XQokKt HDR Software: Photomatix Pro 6 https://amzn.to/2Vg987p Screen Capture Software: ShareX (open source and free) Base image exposures (all taken at 200 ISO): _D7D5735 (normal exposure): 1/160 sec f6.3 _D7D5736 (-3EV): 1/500 sec f11 _D7D5737 (-2EV): 1/320 sec f9 _D7D5738 (-1EV): 1/250 sec f8 _D7D5739 (+1EV): 1/125 sec f5.6 _D7D5740 (+2EV): 1/80 sec f4.5 _D7D5741 (+3EV): 1/60 sec f4
Story Behind the Picture - Camp at Garnet Lake - Sierra Nevada (California) - September 2015
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Story Behind the Picture - Camp at Garnet Lake - Sierra Nevada (California) - September 2015

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Continuing with my 'throwback time' series of re-edit older videos, this is the second preparation hike my son, Christian, and I did getting ready for the July 2011 Zirkel Wilderness (Colorado) hike. In this video we traveled to southeast Ohio to hike the Shawnee Backpack Trail. This trip did not go well! The most significant mistake we made was even attempting to do the hike at all. An early summer heat wave had arrived in the Midwest and temperatures were forecast to be in the mid-90's with extremely high humidity. In addition the trails were heavily overgrown making progress slow and exhausting. But as bad as it was for Christian and I, it was even harder on Jaden. We did what we could to keep him comfortable, taking off his pack very early on the first day and using a good portion of our water to keep him cooled off, but it was just too hard on him. Midway through the second day he laid down in the middle of a forest service road and wouldn't go any further. We got 'the message' loud-and-clear, and flagged down a passing truck to give us a ride back to the car. Though the trip didn't turn out as planned it was a great learning experience early in our backpacking 'career', and great preparation for our first Colorado trip a few weeks later to the Zirkel Wilderness. This re-edit of the original video was done starting from the raw captured video clips, with off-board image stabilization applied, and created in 1080HD. I hope you enjoy this 'fresh' look at the Shawnee Backpack Trail. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3dHJvni Still Camera: Nikon D700 https://amzn.to/3bhNghP Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Lens: Nikkor 20mm f2.8 lens https://amzn.to/2KjnSvX Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Arcteryx Altra 75 Tent: Nemo Meta2P Sleeping Bag: Montbell 30degF Super Stretch Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e Still Camera: Nikon D700 https://amzn.to/3bhNghP Lens: Nikkor 20mm f2.8 lens https://amzn.to/2KjnSvX Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Boom Microphone: Sennheiser MKE600 https://amzn.to/2xvobRV Audio Recorder: Zoom H5 https://amzn.to/3eubI1f Microphone Stand: LyxPro SMT-1 https://amzn.to/2KhN2Lv Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Photo Organization / Editing Software: Adobe Lightroom https://amzn.to/2XQokKt HDR Software: Photomatix Pro 6 https://amzn.to/2Vg987p Screen Capture Software: ShareX (open source and free)
#TBT - Shawnee Backpack Trail (Ohio) Backpacking - June 2011 - Re-Edit
YouTube Video VVVmZnRrUHpIMC1sUzlqV25iQ19USFdRLmFpQVRTbHJZbWx3

#TBT - Shawnee Backpack Trail (Ohio) Backpacking - June 2011 - Re-Edit

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Glacier National Park Backpacking – September 2018

Glacier National Park Backpacking – September 2018

by | Sep 14, 2018 | , ,

My third backpacking trip to Glacier National Park, in September 2018, proved to be one of the most mentally challenging ‘adventures’ of my life. It was a solo trip, possibly ill-advised in grizzly country and discouraged by the Glacier NPS. My original plans for the trip had already been cancelled when I decided at the last moment to ‘re-engage’. I entered into it with the least amount of confidence and mental commitment I had ever had for a significant Western backpacking trip. In the end it proved to be one of my greatest life challenges overcome, and one of the best backpacking trips of my life.

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LeConte Lodge, Gatlinburg, TN – June 2017

LeConte Lodge, Gatlinburg, TN – June 2017

by | Jun 30, 2017 | ,

It is extremely difficult to secure a reservation for a night at the LeConte Inn, at the top of Mount LeConte in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And rightly so. It is a unique and magical experience in every respect. But getting to LeConte Lodge is not easy. You have to hike in the backcountry of the Smokies to get there, and the shortest trail to the top is the 5.5-mile Alum Cave Trail which ascends 2750 feet on its route to the LeConte Lodge. The effort is worth it, though, as a cherished stay at the LeConte Lodge is a ‘bucket list’-worthy experience.

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Mountain Harbour Bed and Breakfast – May 2016

Mountain Harbour Bed and Breakfast – May 2016

by | May 1, 2016 | , ,

Anyone contemplating a hike in the Roan Highlands section of the Appalachian Trail needs to know about the Mountain Harbour Bed and Breakfast in Roan Mountain, Tennessee. It sits right at the bottom of the descent off Hump Mountain and is the perfect place to start (via parked car and shuttle) and finish a 50-mile section hike of the Roan Highlands. Mountain Harbour is also the place known as having ‘The Best Breakfast on the AT’ which, by itself, is well worth a visit.

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David Gray

David Gray

I am a ‘content creator’ with a passion for backpacking, creating videos, photography, and writing – with a healthy dose of all things outdoors on the side!