Solo Backpacking for the First Time as a Complete Beginner

I went on my first solo backpacking trip to get a taste for what it's like, and I wanted to share the experience! It was a short and sweet trip - perfect for testing out all of my brand new gear, and getting a feel for what I'll be able to do in the future.

The trail I ended up doing in Virginia is called Mount Rogers and Appalachian Trail Loop.

Check out my other channels:
Video game goods: @ItsMinnow
More casual game stuff: @MinnowStream

I hope you enjoy!

- Use code "MinnowTank15" for 15% off!
- "I love the pump" - Arnold Schwarzenegger

Chapter list:
0:00 Intro
0:37 Trailhead
1:26 Appalachian Trail
4:06 Campsite for The Night
4:48 A Peaceful Morning
5:55 Reflection
6:37 My Pack List
7:54 Subscribe :)

Music:

- softy x Lucid Green - Lazy Afternoon

- Ornithology x juniorodeo x Azula - Birdwatching

- Towerz x hi jude – something to cherish

- Softy x Banks - And December

- Yasumu - Voyage

^^^ All above: Provided by Lofi Records ^^^

Local Forecast - Elevator · Kevin MacLeod

Outro song:
- Music : Way Home by Tokyo Music Walker
- Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

#solo #firsttime #backpacking #hiking #camping #minnow #minnowtank

[somerandomguy]

That's quite the loadout for a first timer, clearly you did a lot of research. I think most everyone carries too much on their first trip, but if you were sitting around 30 lbs total that's pretty good for a first time, you just now know what it's like to bring a week's worth of food. Stick with your current base gear for a while until you figure out what you like and don't like. Everyone's preferences are different. I never could get comfortable on even the plushest of sleeping pads, so I use a hammock, for example. If your goal is to slow down and smell the roses so to speak, you might want to add a camp chair and more amenities for around camp. Lots of the backpacking youtube space is centered around thru hiking so it doesn't always give an accurate representation about what's best for weekend long trips where the goal is something other than miles.

[christianobrien]

I’m an avid backpacker and have watched basically every backpacking video ever made and I found this to be one of the most enjoyable I have seen. Quite simple overall but very well edited and the commentary was great. I found myself smiling throughout the entire video. Excellent work !!

[hognigylfason]

One thing i recommend doing is keeping your headlamp somewhere easy to reach, and not tucked away in a dry back in your backpack. When it gets dark sometimes you have to reach for it in almost complete darkness so then its good to know exactly where it is

[mjxx]

Dude, this is your first video? That’s unbelievable! Can’t wait for more! Keep up the great work!

[baxter]

Well done. I remember my first backpacking trip in Shenandoah National Park back in 2007. Something that I had desired to do since I was a kid. Then at 43 years old I did it and it was a successful 2 night trip and I absolutely loved it. I’ve done so many more trips since that year and every time I still get apprehensive the night before I head out. Not because of the negative possibilities during a trip so much but because I mostly go solo and that I’ll be out of my environment. Once I hike for about a mile from the trailhead, all that apprehension fully disappears and a beautiful calmness enters my soul…a particular calmness you experience only when solo backpacking. Thanks for the video.

[Soccerkid]

"Peaceful friday on the 13th of October" 🤣🤣

[mellowmoo]

As someone who’s planning to go on their first solo backpacking trip, this videos perfect.

[Fyin_Hawk]

This was a awesomely filmed and narrated video! Your ability to concisely tell the story while interjecting it with jokes is great. I'm looking forward to the next journey :)

[rickkaylor]

Nice video. It brought back some feelings and emotions I had when I first started solo backpacking. I've been solo backpacking since I was 18 (I'm 67 now). No matter how long you do it there is always something to learn. Occasionally I still make stupid mistakes despite having over 50 years experience. Although I backpack with friends I savor my solo experiences. Despite going to some pretty remote places I always run into people. The only time I had multiple days of solitude was in the Uinta mountains in Utah were I didn't see anyone for 4 days. It was awesome. Keep at it!

[misanthrope]

One of the most amazing and down to earth backpacking videos I have ever seen, good luck on the many awaiting adventures!

[bandwanewash]

watching while being wrapped in blanket feeling cozy and satisfying

[tonysantiago]

As an experienced backpacker I constantly think back to my first section hike in the AT with horrible shoes and Walmart gear. Was a terrible night but really opened my mind to the hobby. Glad you did your research on gear and enjoyed your trip!

[xxZettyxx]

I loved this video, I am currently researching set ups for my first backpacking adventure before i pull the trigger and fill out an amazon card out of impulse! I loved the perspective you gave on actually taking in all of the wonders of the trip rather than just worrying about the completion of the trip! 10/10 video in my opinion!!

Thanks for sharing dude!

[Pete]

Cheers to your hike. Kudos to your humor and pleasant commentary. Bravo to your confidence and determination. This is helpful. I plan on doing a 100 mile AT section hike beginning south in Feb or March. Wishing you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!

[breackingbad]

one of the best videos i have watched recently. holds my attention and is not repetitive. you got my like and subscribe. transitions are really good man keep it up.

[pottingsoil]

This is arguably one of the best backpacking videos I've watched. Looking forward to more videos when you get the time!

[joaopedropressatofreitas]

Loved the video!
I'm a trail guide in south Brazil, you showed a great way to get into it! Overnights are always a awsome way to enjoy nature, and you live in amazing landscape!
Just one tip, have a trusty knife 4 or 5 inches not too heavy but strong, it's one of the Best do all tools you can have.

[nudistbuddhist]

Just did my first backpacking trip a few weeks ago with my roommates and I think I may do a solo over spring break! This has persuaded me to commit to it! great video.

[RickyBobbyNASCARLOVER]

The subway was the best meal I’ve ever seen anyone take backpacking, i loved the video!

[CozyFernweh]

Your storytelling pace is so good. Simple yet effective. You really inspired me to go out there now!