Backpacking West Fork: Arizona's Gem Canyon
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- čas přidán 12. 08. 2023
- My Packing List for this trip:
Ultralight Backpack: bit.ly/3OSaBN9
Quilt: bit.ly/45tOhPv
Sleeping Mattress: bit.ly/446XITC
Bivy Bag: bit.ly/3s6qu9Z
Water Purifier: bit.ly/3YtySfH
Stove:
Cookpot: bit.ly/3OnddkO
Merino Wool hoody: bit.ly/45k9iwt
Headlamp:
Trekking Poles: bit.ly/44lQcop
Footwear: bit.ly/3YtWyAH
Camp Pillow: bit.ly/3qy32BN
Compression Dry Sack: bit.ly/3KDx8uq
Dry Bag (the one that worked!): bit.ly/45r6VYm
Packstack Pro: bit.ly/45r7nG2
Hyperlite Camera Case: bit.ly/3QCa3MF
Locals know of the notorious beauty of West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon just outside of Sedona, Arizona. It's one of the most popular day hiking canyons in the area. But very few people experience it in its full, rugged nature, by hiking it from the top all the way down to where the crowds are. Join me and my friend as we backpacking through this spectacularly beautiful canyon.
Ya know… this might be the perfect new format. A super well produced hiking trail video/vlog, and following videos can then talk about the gear, how it worked, why you used it for that adventure, and what you would do differently and where the brand/manufacturer and gear could be better.
Erik… this might have nailed it.
Jarrad! Thank you so much! I love all your encouraging comments here. I'm planning on exploring this format more for adventure + videos about gear around an adventure. I think it might connect with people! I like where your heads at.
So right! I’ve already unsubscribed from several because gear reviews are so many & I’ve known what I want & have most of it. Not rich or unenviromental (not a word) wasting.
Loved this video & format is refreshing & different. As always photography is wonderful & I enjoy videos w/ friends seems to be more real.
That is the most adventurous hike I have ever done - it is one of the few that combines swimming, wading, bouldering, bushwhacking and hiking.
I love how you're showing stuff the small things like pouring the water out of your pack after swimming... it just makes it a lot more "approachable" (for lack of a better word). Whereas other channels only show the shiny nice views, seeing some of the nitty gritty makes this feel a whole lot more like "yeah... I could do this too".
Great job, Eric - I'm already loving the new channel!
As a Southeastern dweller the environments you guys are hiking in are simply unimaginable here.
it's a wild place here!
What a great video! I know gear videos are a youtuber's bread and butter, but personally, I love a good trip video, especially when it's something new, different, and epic!
I'll have my share of gear videos too, but yeah, I really want to have a steady dose of beautiful and fun adventures in the mix!
@@eric_hanson this was such a great video. Would you mind sharing where you got your hat? Thanks!
I love the videos of trips right here in North America. The international trips are fine on occasion but I prefer to see places that I might have a chance to visit someday. Keep up the good work!
Yeah very accessible place!
Never have I ever saw so much green since southern Indianapolis and brown county!!!
The production value on your own channel is even greater than on BackpackingTV. Looks awesome!
Thank you! It's been fun diving into the cinematics of CZcams videos.
What a great trip. Never seen a float-pack-and-swim trip on any other channel. Being from Michigan, I love seeing the different terrain and weather elsewhere in the US. Sure, I like the gear videos. But, it is the trips that I love the best. :)
You’re doing such a good job of overlaying audio over other clips and the right volume and tone for music. Erik… this is spectacular brother❤
I am so excited for more of your independent content! Loving it! Music choice perfect 😍 Thankyou
Well thanks! I'm enjoying diving into this style of video more.
Yeah, this might be the best backpacking video I've seen on CZcams. The cinematography, the story, the music, all incredible. My favorite shots were with the sunlight reflections dancing on the canyon walls
Well thank you very much! Very honored to hear you say that. Glad you enjoyed my work!
There is another really great one on Lonewolf902
I've always watched Heliconia videos and thought they were the best. It looks like you have taken over the throne Eric!! Interesting to see what you do with your newfound freedom.
Gorgeous shots! Quite a feat while still doing the hike 👏👏👏
What an amazing hike, more like an adventure. With no trail I imagine it makes you feel like you’re the first people to ever go through there. I love places like that.
That was quite the adventure ... Thanks for sharing it with us ...
You’re welcome!
I've learned a lot watching your gear videos, but I prefer this format so much more. I love learning about new places to visit more than what new gear is out there. I hope you continue with more of these.
There will be more! Glad to hear it.
Wow! Growing up in Flagstaff, my friends and I went through some of those areas way back in the late 80’s. Never had more than a trickle of water in most places then, but it was a really dry year. Kinda wished there were swimming holes like my dad told me about, but as with most adventures, timing was everything. Glad to see water in the canyon again.
Plenty of water in there! It's a healthy canyon!
Great hike amazing adventure, and a right proper hat. Happy camping my friends
The hat is my friend
@@eric_hanson As so it should be, with great hope your sun exposure is at just a glance and you overcome .
You look dang sharp with it and I believe it fits well I might add.
Blessings to you and your family and friends. We'll see yall soon, anticipating more journeys friend!
That was amazing. Waiting for more adventures!
Thank you! More comin'!
Dos amigos, un río......la Vida!. Gracias por compartir Eric.
👍🌿🌿🌿😎
Es un placer!
Wow what an amazing adventure. So much fun living vicariously through you and your inspiring backpacking trips. Makes me think of what I need to pack for those unexpected trips. I have always considered a large garbage bag for various reasons not including a situation like this… and it would serve other purposes like being a garbage bag if needed. But as your other viewer said… pack cover is a good options to float your pack.
Great channel… happy to see you branch out and level up your production Eric!
Thank you! This was a fun one. A trash bag is a very helpful ultra cheap option to have on hand for extra protection.
This is absolutely mind blowing bud, brilliant cinematic experience!
Well thanks! That's what I'm going for!
Most excellent!!
Beautiful film. ❤
What a beautiful adventures hike🤩
Great video and an epic location.
Great video, and Wonderful photography!!!
Thank you so much!
What a gorgeous hike!
It's a beautiful spot!
Loved it! Thanks for taking us along!
With pleasure!
I started my hiking life a couple of years ago, and I learnt so so much from you. You have given so much valuable info. I have forgotten half but still walk with confidence because I remember the other half. I sincerely hope your new solo channel blows up and you have more viewers than before. Love and respect.
Aww shucks. I appreciate this! Thank you!
Wow nicely done
Amazing trek. Adventure by definition.
Thanks! It was a good'n!
S+ tier quality content! Can’t wait to see whats next!
S+? That's like, way below failing grade.
Outstanding adventure love what you are doing with the channel. Cheers
Thank you so much! I'm excited for all the adventure ahead.
Amazing adventure Eric
Great hike
What a great video. Have you considered packing a few contractor or compactor grade trash bags to put your pack into when you have to float your pack? If you are able to control the pack, they work well. Have a great day.
Great vid 👍
This was just such an excellent format. Loved the balance between amazing photography/videography + gear review. I hope to see more and more of these moving forward and feel like it was super unique.
So glad to hear that! I'm working on more videos of this format. I hope others like it too!
The West Fork was where my love of backpacking began. Spent many a night hiking the lower half, back in the days when Mayhew's Lodge was still there. Not nearly as many people as there are today. Never got around to doing from the top down. Thanks for sharing and bringing back some wonderful memories.
You're welcome! Yeah it's gotten a taaad busier in the last few years.
Great video Eric! Also gotta love that hat!!!!
Thank you! I'm enjoying the new hat style
Man good job on making a pack water proof. This is something you don't see on other channels. Haven't done that sense my army days. Great job.
Thank you so much! Although I didn't test one of my old dry bags I rummaged up before the trip and it definitely was not leak proof! Luckily I had some extra insurance with other dry sacks inside.
Great video. One of the best hikes in Arizona. I did it about 10 years ago as a day hike. It was a LONG day.
Thank you! I know some people that have done it in one day and that does not sound fun to me!
That OV pack is awesome!!!! Definitely an epic trip 🔥 I literally just ordered that same quilt and should have it by my next trip. I’m super excited to get it in and take it out. Welp, another dandy of a video Eric. Cheers bud and enjoy your Colorado trip 🤙🏽
Thanks Mike! Enjoy that quilt! It's rather nice. And yeah, definitely enjoyed the pack too.
@@eric_hanson great to hear sir
Yay 🎉 More adventures! This looked so amazing! I can't imagine doing something like this myself. It looks really crazy. But fun. Except that bivvy. That didn't look fun. 😂
Amazing and inspiring! 😊
Great video, Eric! I’ve been considering the outdoor vitals shadow light pack. This video just may have helped me make my decision. Looks like a great pack!
Yeah I really have enjoyed the Shadowlight. More comfortable than I expected it to be and nice functionality, love the center zip access point.
Nice adventure!
Thank you! It was a great time.
Looking forward to the upcoming dry pack review video :)
haha, fail!
‘… super cool.’ No joke Erik!!!!
Well done sir! 🇺🇸
Thank you!
Absolutely stunning! Please keep these trips and videos coming. May I ask what's that Rab jacket you were wearing?
im from tucson and thats one of the best
it's an all-timer!
I'm glad to know my shadowlight will float if need it to 😂
haha yeah! Just make sure you have a dry bag or trash bag inside to protect your stuff and give it some better buoyancy.
Good call on Skee--Lo
Yeah, creating your own channel was a good decision. Nothing against BP TV, it just seems like these are more "you" and whatever you want to show. Great video! Also cool to see you trying out some OV gear. Ive been using the Shadowlight and quilts for a few years.
thank you so much. I'm enjoying being on my own here. OV gear is great!
I just went on my first day hike today. :) I'm also in AZ
Congrats! Welcome to the hiking club!
Great vid! Do Pariah Canyon next
Thank you! I love Pariah and Buckskin Gulch. I did it about 7 years ago but it might be time for a revisit!
“Ewa Marine bags” maybe of interest to you for your camera. They have been around since the late 40s. I’ve been using them since the late 70s.
Nice work shooting & surviving the trails -> canyons.
interesting! Thanks for the recommendation.
couple months ago I watched the video you posted years ago when you got stuck in a flash flood , scary stuff!
Yeah that experience crossed my mind!
Glad to see the Shadow Light floats. Did you tape over the hydration hole at the top? Thanks for continuing to provide hiking/adventure videos.
It floats with dry bags sealed up inside that traps some air for buoyancy.
Such STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL scenery! WOW! Question: Were those bats flying around near dusk where you camped? Delightful/awesome video! :D
Thank you! And yes, they were bats!
Great video. Love the format and flow, awesome job! I hiked 5 miles in on that trail from the parking lot. I take it you started on the west end? Did you need a 4x4 to get in there!
Yeah I started from the top, it's a washboardy dirt road but most anything can make it.
I’ve watched a few people that pack pool floats for their packs to keep them dry in those water crossings.
yeah that works too! I coulda busted out my air mattress. But this was all part of the fun.
East Clear Creek is similar - should put that on your agenda too
OH yeah. I have done some parts of that one and had an even bigger beat down! Amazing place though.
One of my favorite places. I need to do the entire thing one of these days. What camera are you using? Beautiful footage
It's right up your alley! I'm using the Canon R5 and RF 15-35 2.8. Beautiful combo.
Could you share what the pack is on your chest for your camera? I have a connector so my camera hangs from my shoulder strap, but would love to add an actual pack that protects it like that.
Thank you for showing West Fork from the top down! Have wondered what its like further up the canyon. What an awesome adventure!
Yeah! It's the Camera Pod from Hyperlite (the large version fits my DSLR and lens perfectly): bit.ly/3QCa3MF I totally recommend it for camera carrying backpackers. West Fork from the top is sooo coool!
I bet you have some new opinions on dry bags now. Could you give us a run down of the good dry bags and ones to avoid?
thank you for this youtube
are you thanking me? Or CZcams? haha
👍🏾
What size did you decide to use for this CRAZY and wonderful adventure
Wow, very jungly! I certainly enjoy a Bivy from time to time but why not bring a tarp instead? They weight around 10 oz, pack up just as small, provide a dry kitchen for camp and for your hiking friends and most importantly provide way more of a shelter for the rain. I guess I could see the downside of having to find a different spot to camp.
Btw I live in Estes Park for the season and randomly saw one of your videos on my last plan flight to Vermont.
Cheers
I debated a tarp but the real constraint was where I might be able to set it up. I was planning on the distinct possibility I'd have to just tuck into a little nook in some rocks where setting up a shelter would've been impossible. Glad you caught one of my shows!
This video is amazing. Thank you for taking us along, Eric.
Question for you: what do you do for blister prevention? I notice you are in and out of the water through the whole video, you must be doing something.
When I get my feet wet a lot, I get blisters. Any tips??
When I know I'm gonna be in and out of the water like this I take shoes that won't hold water for long. Really enjoyed the Merrell MTL MQM here. But I do take Glacier Gels which are blister care products and they are magic. Highly recommend them.
@@eric_hanson thank you for your help.
Scary water
Great video. Just one question. Why not blowing up one sleeping pad to keep your backpacks afloat?
Inflating an air mattress would work! I didn't want to do it as there were some places that could've popped a mattress. Plus I wasn't super worried about stuff getting wet with how warm it was. But if getting wet was riskier then maybe I would've made a float.
We have hiked that canyon for many years the 89A way never the way you went in. I have always wanted to but after seeing your amazing video....that's not for me. Did you park a car at the top and leave it. Is it well marked at the top where to start? Did you see others backpacking in that way. Thanks for letting me see what the other side looks like.
It's a lot of bushwhacking for the top half for sure, not for everyone. We had a friend drop us off at the top and pick us up on the 89A.
Epic trip. I’m really enjoying the cinematic style trip videos. You’ve got a great eye for the shot.
Did you use this pack since it was lighter than one of the Bridgers?
Thank you! I'm enjoying diving into the cinematic style. I've been meaning to get more use out of the Outdoor Vitals pack and this seemed like the perfect excuse to take it out. Still enjoy the Bridger pack of course but this was the perfect adventure for the Shadowlite
@@eric_hanson Thanks for the insight. You and Dan Becker have been a huge help as I get back into backpacking after a 25-year gap.
Picked up a Bridger 45 for my wife and a Terraframe 65 for me.
Oh Snap Erik… a Shadowlight!!!!
And??? How was it? Compared to light weight (not ultra light because this is not) what did you think? And God, what an multi level hike to test a bunch of gear on your back
I really enjoyed the Shadowlight. It performed really well and was quite comfortable. I think it's up there for me for lightweight packs.
Hebat channel nya boss
Would you be able to do this trip with any backpack as long as you had the dry bags or would you recommend only using the pack you had? Really cool video though, I definitely want to try this backpacking trip.
You could do it with any pack. Although going lightweight is very important. As others have pointed out you can bring a big trash compactor bag and for your while pack into it so it stays dry.
@@eric_hanson thanks for the reply, I’ll try that out!
Wow, we got lucky when we did it bottom-up. There was hardly any water and perfect weather.
Try using your pack cover to help float your pack.
Good idea. I didn't bring a pack cover but yeah that would've been helpful!
I’ve hiked the lower canyon many times (once in February), and loved it. But the crowds have ruined the experience, so I no longer go there. Going from the top was a good choice, but where did you end up? Did you hike out through the crowds of people to the lower parking lot?
Yeah I don't go in much from the bottom because of crowds. But the top down is a fantastic way to do it if you're keen on adventure. And yeah, we finished at the lower parking lot and had someone pick up us on the 89A highway.
How did you like the grayl stove vs a pocket rocket?
So far I really like the Grayl stove! At 1 ounce it's as light as they come and just as functional as the Pocket Rocket.
Would it have been worth blowing up a sleeping pad to float your gear?
How do you make a pack float? Or do they naturally float?
I had two dry bags inside my pack all sealed up with a little bit of extra air to provide the buoyancy. A normally packed backpack without dry bags inside or some air capture would not float!
Could you possibly show that in a video? It's techniques like that that I'm not familiar with. I pack in the PNW. I'm used to packing to just stay dry.
what is the name of the camera bag that you carry in your chest? thx.
Whoops I forgot to put that in the description! It's the Hyperlite Camera Pod (large) bit.ly/3QCa3MF It's sooooo helpful!
@@eric_hanson yes thx eric_indoors
whats the shorts you're wearing, look comfy!
They are! They're just Viouri board shorts I picked up ages ago.
what hat do you have in this video ? plz
All the comments, Sorry Erik.
New question or video: what dry bags worked? Why? And what you learned? No one has talked about that.
Leeeches?!?!?!
Don't apologize! I'll probably do a gear round up video after this one settles a little.
Love your stuff, though PLEASE use some image stabilization software 🤮😢
I used my tripod as much as I could for the given conditions
@@eric_hanson sorry I forgot to add the word 'software'. We couldn't get past the first few minutes, too dizzying. Big TV probably didn't help though... I'll try again and skim to stable bits. Thanks!
I wish I could watch this, it looks fabulous. But it is so shaky, I get motion sick watching it! Blair witch...okay managed to fast forward through the handheld bushwhacking shots and the rest is spectacular! Hope not everyone watching mobs the place.
What's that mysterious liquid falling from the sky? Some kind of chemical?
Dihydrogen monoxide, crazy stuff!
I don’t think I’ve ver seen a bivy bag…
Keep wearing the hat. We've got to normalize preventing cancer.
I'm with ya! The only downside is that sometimes it annoyingly rubs my backpack.
Agreed
Wouldn't want you to get ate by a grizzly
Wish you wouldn’t have opened this special place to the world. It will never be the same.😢
Good to see real men not ultralight packing at least sometimes.
What a great video. Have you considered packing a few contractor or compactor grade trash bags to put your pack into when you have to float your pack? If you are able to control the pack, they work well. Have a great day.
Putting the whole pack into a contractor bag would've been a solid idea.