My 1st time backpacking was BRUTAL | White Mountains NH

I decided to try this whole overnight backpacking thing. I figured what better time than peak fall foliage season in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I ended up getting a bit in over my head, and had some regrets along the way, but I survived to tell the tale. I tried to film as much as my non functioning fingers would allow me. Here's the video. 🥶

[dougwaites]

Having lived in the whitemountains all my life and worked on mt Washington for 15 yrs. I also was a first responder with Bethlehem EMS. I'll give you a A- for your first back packing in our mountains. I have taken part in many rescues over the last 50 years. Great video and even better preparedness. 👍

[stevedunning]

Thank you for sharing! I love how you let the images tell the story while sharing essential information with the viewer. Would love to see a part 2!

[williammcdonald]

A truly great video that accurately captured the reality of backpacking in the Whites. I've been backpacking the Whites for more than 50 years and I felt like I was there descending North Carter. The Whites are all about rocks, roots and "grease" and the steepest trails are almost all below treeline.

[garethmurphy]

So.. I took my son for his first backpacking trip early this year. He is 15 and plays High School football. He has been training and attending practice regularly since 6th grade; double sessions, weight lifting; the whole nine yards. He also took karate for a few years and is in pretty damn good shape. We hiked what is ultimately a very easy trail in The Whites (19 Mile) and he was so tired as we walked out the end of the trail on day 2 he was literally stumbling and swaying, half zonked because he was so tired and the hike was so physically taxing compared to what he is used to. Hiking in the Whites is a MASSIVE physical and mental exertion and a can be a life changing challenege. People who don't hike just have no idea how incredibly difficult it is. Marathoners are routinely humbled in The Whites. Let that sink in. "BRUTAL" is the perfect word and the only word I can think of when trying to explain to someone how hard some hikes can be. Well said !! I did a Zealand-Bonds Traverse about a month ago (my first hike like that) and it was probably the hardest physical thing I have done in my life. I am 50 years old.. Can't wait for the next one..

[hannahshikingnh]

Enjoyed this video a lot, the cinematography is amazing, was thinking of doing one of my videos in this sort of silent hiking format and this sold it for me. Along with putting in more effort to get shots of me actually walking/climbing lol. I hope you enjoyed this and that the cold weather didn’t ruin the experience too much. You’re much more prepared than many others who have backpacked for the first time

[alexandertourville]

You can expect winter conditions in the whites from October-May. Glad you packed enough and stayed safe. We've had a bunch of deaths in the shoulder seasons up here lately. Mainly people from Massachusetts who arent prepared and dont read the weather conditions for the higher summits forecast before heading out.

[karenanddogs]

Mesmerizing video. Loved the no talking, natural sounds and mysterious music. Dangerous trail for anyone. Congratulations on surviving it. BTW, it's okay to take less adventurous hikes. 😊 Brrrr.

[richdean]

Outstanding job on the video! Hiking and camping for almost 40 years I am still learning lessons about myself & my gear. You certainly gain a lot of knowlegde on this one trip! Thank you for sharing your experience.

[RhodySeth]

Heh, that's autumn in the Whites for ya. Gorgeous conditions one day, winterscape the next. Hey you made it and learned from the experience too! Take that knowledge with you on the next trip.

[hindsfeetonhighplaces]

Welcome to the addiction of Backpacking. Nothing quite like being solo in the woods for the night.

[potslite]

The Whites can be tough. I’ve been on Mt Washington in Aug w 70mph gusts and icing. Where’s your poles? And gloves? Hands in the pockets mean a total face plant when you slip and fall…Stay safe especially when solo!

[MikeWilley]

Excellent video. The Whites can humble you quickly but there's something special about being there. I did the Franconia Ridge on a solo trip and it was one of my favorite trips of all time. Thanks for sharing

[PetsAndPreps]

This was AWESOME! I’m planning a similar trip same place and this has been very helpful as it will be my first time. Great job on the camera work, intro, music, editing and content. Looks so professional. Thanks again!

[MikeJones-rkun]

Violating rule #1. Don't go alone. I always did too. 😅 Thanks for the video!

[jantefft]

Very good video. The silence with sounds of nature truly captures the essence of your trek. Thank You❤

[gingrai]

Hiking poles / sticks are really helpful. The whites are very rugged, very difficult… but beautiful!

[BobPritchard]

Congrats on making it. Sharp video skills! I think you should get an experienced hiker to review your gear - you have a huge pack, probably very heavy with likely lots of unneeded gear. I hiked the PCT, AT, all over the White Mountains and more in warm and cold weather with much less gear and weight. And hiking poles are critical to keeping you upright, whether going down steel trails or avoiding slipping on icy surfaces. If solo, I'd always want a satellite communicator like a Garmin Mini to summon help if you became injured or incapacitated - heck it's a good idea in all scenarios. The more fine-tuned your gear is, the more enjoyable and safer you will be. I'm writing this from my White Mountains house now! Good luck on your next hike!

[MikrodotsInc]

Great video. Thanks for the effort!

One suggestion for your next treck; your spare wool socks make excellent mittens or even an extra layer over gloves.

I've had to use my socks this way when going from Lakes in the Clouds hut up to Mt. Washington summit one time.

The weather turned to a "wintery mix" - temps dropped from 70's to low 30's, with freezing rain, 60mph winds, 90mph gusts, visibility less than 50 feet... 1.5 miles took nearly 3 hours because of low visibility.

That was a few years back in early August!

Mountain weather is no joke!

[Kameyko-oe]

In the habit of going through the reviews first and then then watching the videos. I very much felt that this posting is a must for me. I will allocate my best time off this weekend to AirPlay this video on my tv screen. I live faraway to the south in NYC, but white mountain and other NH’s mountains are close to my heart. I submitted the, M. Washington, did the fronconia Ridge loop hike, Mt. monadnock and already planed to do the Air line trailhead for Mt. Adam during the Veteran day weekend.

Thank you for sharing the video and kudos to all the Rescuers and rangers 👍👍👍

[williameident]

Excellent video.. The Whites are not to be underestimated, even in summer. While descending from the summit of Mt Washington I past a European couple with a child headed up Tuckerman for the summit. No water, summer slip on shoes.. I mentioned to them in a helpful way they may want to reconsider and was met with a surley response "It's only 4 miles. we do this in France in an 2 hours", having just been through dense clouds and scrambling over boulders, I just said " I wish you luck"..