Glad you showed a snake, when I was there my friend didn't believe they were at that elevation. Hope to complete it solo in 2012 in my 50s. Thanks for sharing the gear list. Lite is the way to go!
One of the best videos of this kind that I've seen and I've seen shit ton of them. Nice Nationl Lampoon's Vacation reference. Too damn funny. Also good improvisation with the underwear on your melon.
@supercj8899 Just google JMT resupply. You can mail resupply to Tuolumne Meadows post office, Red's Meadow and Muir Trail Ranch. Lots of options for the second half of the trail as well, but most involve hiking out for your resupply.
@supercj8899 You should get Tom Harrison's maps (just google his name) but the trail is easy to find and follow everywhere, almost impossible to lose it. Unless there is a lot of snow and then you've got a whole new ballgame and better know how to use a map and compass.
Loved the video. I've done a solo of the JMT about 10 years ago. I am very excited to be planning another trip this year. Your video was VERY inspiring. I'm going to try and do ultralight approach this time around. Last trip I'm guessing my pack was around 40 pounds. I don't want to be anywhere near that weight this time. Any suggestions?
@jonskiles Thanks for the kind words on the video! Going light: Just don't skip and put yourself at risk. Bearikade canister (pricey but you can rent). Resupply at both RM and MTR for sure,, and OV if you've got time. Wear wool clothing, Icebreaker/SmartWool. Trail running shoes, NO BOOTS! I used a 15 degree bag from Marmot and a full Z Lite. Gossamer pack and tent- (only used tent two nights). Count every single ounce. Happy to send my packing list if you want. Happy trails!
Hey! Loved your video - one of the best, edited well, mixing pics with live shots, etc. I'm into solo hiking also; 15 lbs 3 season weight before food, fuel & water. Here in Colorado we also have lots of water so I usually don't carry much. I've done long solo trips also - just wanted to say I appreciate your vid. Maybe one day I will upload mine - I've made some short vids. Yours was very inspiring.
@Loraxtribe Thanks for the feedback and kind words, glad you enjoyed it! I have recently relocated to Boulder and am looking forward to exploring some high country trails in the area once the snow melts this year. But as nice as I know they will be, the Sierras will always feel like Home to me.
@hobbes95811 My suggestion is to go light, light, light! Keep your pack as light as possible (without putting yourself at risk) and you will be so much happier. My base weight, without food and water, was 14.2 pounds and there wasn't anything I wish I had brought. Definitely possible to go lighter, but not without sacrificing too much comfort for me. Best of luck with planning your trip- it's a journey you will never forget!
@acf530 thanks i am currently going ultra lite, so i hope from now until aug i will be able to try out things to see what i need and dont need.....i'll probably bug u again soon...thanks again
@hobbes95811 Nice! I just checked my gear list- I carried 38.5 oz of extra clothing in addition to what I wore day to day, which was another ~40oz. About 1.75-2lbs of food per day and a half liter of water (there's water everywhere, no need to carry more than that. I would filter about 1.5 liters and then drink 1 liter of it before getting going) You're already lighter than 95% of the people you'll see on the trail. I got my permit a week or two ago, can't wait for August!
Thanks for posting, it almost felt like being there with you. Great music, production and cool lightweight Gossamer Gear UL equipment. Doood, that hike up Mather pass must have been brutal! If you don't mind me asking. . . where did you resupply? TM, Reds, VVR, MTR? I'm planning on going N to S this summer, and your vid has got me psyched to get on the trail. Peace!
@saintannsbeach Glad you liked the vid! Yeah, Mather seemed to go on FOREVER! I resupplied 3x- RM, MTR and hiked out over Kearsarge and hitched into Bishop. An extra 15 miles round trip, but it was gorgeous and worth it to not have to carry 120 miles of food out of MTR. I did go to VVR, but only because I heard such great things about it on the trail. Personally, I was not impressed and wouldn't go back. RM and MTR are easy in/out and only 50 miles apart. Safe travels!
@tarwood88 Thanks for checking out the video, glad you enjoyed it. I started the trail mid August, I think the 17th. Hoping to be out there around the same time this year.
What's up aaron?! It's Justin (the long-haired kid hiking with two other people). Looks the rest of the trip was amazing, I definitely regret backing out now at Muir Ranch even more than I did before seeing this video. Anyway, it was great meeting you on the trail this past summer, and maybe I'll see you on the trail again this summer?
@surfbum188 Hey man, nice to hear from you! I was worried about the changing weather, but it wasn't too bad. It did get really cold (15 or so) for a couple nights when that front came in, but other than that it was a great second half of the trail for me. I'm definitely planning on being out there again this year, my mom is actually planning to do the trail as well, so hopefully I'll see you out there. Take care!
@KJ6DRG Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I started sometime in mid-August, 16th or 17th I think. I had perfect weather and the mosquitos were not bad at all. My only advice (not that you asked) would be to go as light as possible, it makes ALL the difference. I'm hoping to be out there again this year around the same time, maybe I'll see you guys. Good luck with your trip, it's an unforgettable experience.
@acf530 I've just started backpacking and am really interested in getting my base weight down as much as possible. I think I liked your video a lot in part because I've been planning on a GG pack and a z-lite! You mentioned in a previous comment that you only used your tent for two nights, what was your normal sleeping setup? I was thinking about sewing a lightweight quilt and just using the z-lite with a piece of tyvek for a ground cloth and, if needed, a tarp to keep any rain off my head...
@KJ6DRG My set up was a tykek type ground cover, z-lite (full) and a Marmot Helium 15d bag (31oz) I slept under the stars and was perfectly comfortable, with minimal clothing, even when waking with the bag covered in ice. I used the tent for two nights because the temp dropped into the low teens and snow was poss. It's heavy for a "light" bag, but that's not the place to skimp in my opinion. Met some PCters who had 40d bags who were miserable. I think a light quilt and pad would be a mistake.
I hiked the JMT solo in July of 2009. I'm going back in 2011. It's really cool to watch other people's videos because everyone who has hiked the trail has stood in the same places and seen the same views. I even recognized a tree or two. If you get the chance I would like to know what camera you used, and how you liked your pack (Gossamer Gear Gorilla or Mariposa Plus?), and The One tent.
@hamishmackenzie4 Thanks for checking out the video. I carried two cameras; a small and simple digital camera from Canon, a bit smaller than a deck of cards. The video was taken on a Contour HD Helmet Cam. I carried extra batteries and memory cards for both. The GG Mariposa was fantastic, no complaints at all. Same for the tent although I only used it two nights when it got really cold, but it worked perfectly and was easy to set up. Maybe I'll see you out there next summer!
Glad you showed a snake, when I was there my friend didn't believe they were at that elevation. Hope to complete it solo in 2012 in my 50s. Thanks for sharing the gear list. Lite is the way to go!
mexmaxify 1 week ago
at 1:01 was completely snow when i was up there
jamese888 4 weeks ago
Great video...really enjoyed it!...
Thanks for sharing!
MnktoDave 1 month ago
Excellent! Great use of music and editing! Really captured the feel of the high country. But dude, how did you lose your spoon?
RayBayFilmStudio 1 month ago
Well Done! Congratulations!
borderraven 1 month ago
Congrats on your hike Aaron. Fantastic job on the video. Truly inspiring. Thank you. Best wishes and Happy Trails, Greg
mtgarfield74 3 months ago
Very Well Done!!! Makes me wanna do it again...
40intrek 3 months ago
One of the best videos of this kind that I've seen and I've seen shit ton of them. Nice Nationl Lampoon's Vacation reference. Too damn funny. Also good improvisation with the underwear on your melon.
rowdybeaver33 4 months ago
Nice Nationl Lampoon's Vacation reference. Too damn funny.
rowdybeaver33 4 months ago
If there are resupplying stations, PLEASE tell me where they are. And i loved your video.
supercj8899 5 months ago
@supercj8899 Just google JMT resupply. You can mail resupply to Tuolumne Meadows post office, Red's Meadow and Muir Trail Ranch. Lots of options for the second half of the trail as well, but most involve hiking out for your resupply.
acf530 4 months ago
@acf530 I have another question- is the trail recognizable for most of the hike, or can you get lost easily?
supercj8899 4 months ago
@supercj8899 You should get Tom Harrison's maps (just google his name) but the trail is easy to find and follow everywhere, almost impossible to lose it. Unless there is a lot of snow and then you've got a whole new ballgame and better know how to use a map and compass.
acf530 4 months ago
@supercj8899, Google Maps "John Muir Trail with Re-Supply Points"
small url "g*co/maps/3m6ab" (*=dot)
borderraven 1 month ago
lol 8:55 thats from Stand And Deliver
tortillaflat1 5 months ago
@tortillaflat1 Nicely done!
acf530 5 months ago
Amazing experience to say the least, lucky guy.
cameraguy1968 5 months ago
that was a truly awesome video. One of the best hiking videos I've ever seen! I think I need to add the JMT to list of hikes I must do before I die!
davidnhvtme 7 months ago
Thank you for sharing this video.
Could you please share you packing list and what food did you carry with you
EL90291 8 months ago
I would love to take a look at your gear list. I am going back and forth between the Gossamer G4 and the Gorilla. Thanks again!
jonskiles 9 months ago
Loved the video. I've done a solo of the JMT about 10 years ago. I am very excited to be planning another trip this year. Your video was VERY inspiring. I'm going to try and do ultralight approach this time around. Last trip I'm guessing my pack was around 40 pounds. I don't want to be anywhere near that weight this time. Any suggestions?
jonskiles 9 months ago
@jonskiles Thanks for the kind words on the video! Going light: Just don't skip and put yourself at risk. Bearikade canister (pricey but you can rent). Resupply at both RM and MTR for sure,, and OV if you've got time. Wear wool clothing, Icebreaker/SmartWool. Trail running shoes, NO BOOTS! I used a 15 degree bag from Marmot and a full Z Lite. Gossamer pack and tent- (only used tent two nights). Count every single ounce. Happy to send my packing list if you want. Happy trails!
acf530 9 months ago
Iv,e been in colo for 5-long years. Can,t Wait to get BACK to High Sierra,s ,Forever!!!
highsierraking 10 months ago
Totally awesome really enjoyed your video journal of such a beautiful place.
medicjimr 10 months ago
Hey! Loved your video - one of the best, edited well, mixing pics with live shots, etc. I'm into solo hiking also; 15 lbs 3 season weight before food, fuel & water. Here in Colorado we also have lots of water so I usually don't carry much. I've done long solo trips also - just wanted to say I appreciate your vid. Maybe one day I will upload mine - I've made some short vids. Yours was very inspiring.
Loraxtribe 10 months ago
@Loraxtribe Thanks for the feedback and kind words, glad you enjoyed it! I have recently relocated to Boulder and am looking forward to exploring some high country trails in the area once the snow melts this year. But as nice as I know they will be, the Sierras will always feel like Home to me.
acf530 10 months ago
wow i was supposed to write 15 lbs without food and water
final answer is 25 with everything
my wilderness pass is thru aug 14 to aug 31
hobbes95811 11 months ago
im thinking of doing the jmt in 2011 around mid aug. any suggestions for me..cool video and i hope to see you on the trail
hobbes95811 1 year ago
@hobbes95811 My suggestion is to go light, light, light! Keep your pack as light as possible (without putting yourself at risk) and you will be so much happier. My base weight, without food and water, was 14.2 pounds and there wasn't anything I wish I had brought. Definitely possible to go lighter, but not without sacrificing too much comfort for me. Best of luck with planning your trip- it's a journey you will never forget!
acf530 1 year ago
@acf530 thanks i am currently going ultra lite, so i hope from now until aug i will be able to try out things to see what i need and dont need.....i'll probably bug u again soon...thanks again
hobbes95811 1 year ago
@acf530 im now at 15lbs without clothes, water, food. im still figuring out the ultralite thing
hobbes95811 11 months ago
@hobbes95811 Nice! I just checked my gear list- I carried 38.5 oz of extra clothing in addition to what I wore day to day, which was another ~40oz. About 1.75-2lbs of food per day and a half liter of water (there's water everywhere, no need to carry more than that. I would filter about 1.5 liters and then drink 1 liter of it before getting going) You're already lighter than 95% of the people you'll see on the trail. I got my permit a week or two ago, can't wait for August!
acf530 11 months ago
@acf530 that 40oz of day to day includes shoes.
acf530 11 months ago
@hobbes95811
wow i was supposed to write 15 lbs without food and water
final answer is 25 with everything
my wilderness pass is thru aug 14 to aug 31
hobbes95811 11 months ago
Thanks for posting, it almost felt like being there with you. Great music, production and cool lightweight Gossamer Gear UL equipment. Doood, that hike up Mather pass must have been brutal! If you don't mind me asking. . . where did you resupply? TM, Reds, VVR, MTR? I'm planning on going N to S this summer, and your vid has got me psyched to get on the trail. Peace!
saintannsbeach 1 year ago
@saintannsbeach Glad you liked the vid! Yeah, Mather seemed to go on FOREVER! I resupplied 3x- RM, MTR and hiked out over Kearsarge and hitched into Bishop. An extra 15 miles round trip, but it was gorgeous and worth it to not have to carry 120 miles of food out of MTR. I did go to VVR, but only because I heard such great things about it on the trail. Personally, I was not impressed and wouldn't go back. RM and MTR are easy in/out and only 50 miles apart. Safe travels!
acf530 1 year ago
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saintannsbeach 1 year ago
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saintannsbeach 1 year ago
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saintannsbeach 1 year ago
Great vid! I did the JMT in 2010 by myself as well! What month did you go?
tarwood88 1 year ago
@tarwood88 Thanks for checking out the video, glad you enjoyed it. I started the trail mid August, I think the 17th. Hoping to be out there around the same time this year.
acf530 1 year ago
What's up aaron?! It's Justin (the long-haired kid hiking with two other people). Looks the rest of the trip was amazing, I definitely regret backing out now at Muir Ranch even more than I did before seeing this video. Anyway, it was great meeting you on the trail this past summer, and maybe I'll see you on the trail again this summer?
cheers
surfbum188 1 year ago
@surfbum188 Hey man, nice to hear from you! I was worried about the changing weather, but it wasn't too bad. It did get really cold (15 or so) for a couple nights when that front came in, but other than that it was a great second half of the trail for me. I'm definitely planning on being out there again this year, my mom is actually planning to do the trail as well, so hopefully I'll see you out there. Take care!
acf530 1 year ago
Loved this video! My buddy and I are hopefully doing the JMT this August and I'm so amped I can't stand it. What date did you start?
KJ6DRG 1 year ago
@KJ6DRG Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I started sometime in mid-August, 16th or 17th I think. I had perfect weather and the mosquitos were not bad at all. My only advice (not that you asked) would be to go as light as possible, it makes ALL the difference. I'm hoping to be out there again this year around the same time, maybe I'll see you guys. Good luck with your trip, it's an unforgettable experience.
acf530 1 year ago
@acf530 I've just started backpacking and am really interested in getting my base weight down as much as possible. I think I liked your video a lot in part because I've been planning on a GG pack and a z-lite! You mentioned in a previous comment that you only used your tent for two nights, what was your normal sleeping setup? I was thinking about sewing a lightweight quilt and just using the z-lite with a piece of tyvek for a ground cloth and, if needed, a tarp to keep any rain off my head...
KJ6DRG 1 year ago
@KJ6DRG My set up was a tykek type ground cover, z-lite (full) and a Marmot Helium 15d bag (31oz) I slept under the stars and was perfectly comfortable, with minimal clothing, even when waking with the bag covered in ice. I used the tent for two nights because the temp dropped into the low teens and snow was poss. It's heavy for a "light" bag, but that's not the place to skimp in my opinion. Met some PCters who had 40d bags who were miserable. I think a light quilt and pad would be a mistake.
acf530 1 year ago
Someone's seen "Vacation" a few thousand times :) Great video.
anne37 1 year ago
Thanks for posting. Great Video acf530.
I hiked the JMT solo in July of 2009. I'm going back in 2011. It's really cool to watch other people's videos because everyone who has hiked the trail has stood in the same places and seen the same views. I even recognized a tree or two. If you get the chance I would like to know what camera you used, and how you liked your pack (Gossamer Gear Gorilla or Mariposa Plus?), and The One tent.
hamishmackenzie4 1 year ago
@hamishmackenzie4 Thanks for checking out the video. I carried two cameras; a small and simple digital camera from Canon, a bit smaller than a deck of cards. The video was taken on a Contour HD Helmet Cam. I carried extra batteries and memory cards for both. The GG Mariposa was fantastic, no complaints at all. Same for the tent although I only used it two nights when it got really cold, but it worked perfectly and was easy to set up. Maybe I'll see you out there next summer!
acf530 1 year ago