FIRST TIME BACKPACKER // Appalachian Trail // MY EXPERIENCE

__L I N K S__

Watch my backpacking GEAR VIDEO:

__P O P U L A R V I D E O S__

Winter Camping - COLDEST NIGHT YET

Installing a CUBIC MINI WOOD STOVE:

30 Things I Quit Buying

We Live in the Forest

__E L S A L I N K S__

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[ElsaRhae]

I’m very lucky to have been able to join Ali and Stacy. This hike was the northern 40 miles of the AT through the Smokies. They did the southern 30 miles together 5 years ago and both times ended at Clingman’s Dome, the highest point on the Appalachian Trail. I’m very proud of this video and hope you’re all able to take something from it. Please enjoy!

[ericabuesing]

"There is something about sleeping in a room of people that make you less afraid of bears."
That just about sums up humanity.

[VivaLaRitz]

Beautiful storytelling, watching this was so immersive it allowed me to experience it alongside you.

[crunchy_mystery_meat]

You narrated this hike as if you were a teen in a coming-of-age nature novel. Genuinely beautiful.

[delporteart]

As a green vest at REI I too find it disheartening when I hear people speak negatively about someone's gear... the sawyer squeeze is an excellent choice. There are pros and cons to all products and I would never second guess someone while on trail... only make suggestions to solve problems. Sleeping pads are one of my specialities as I consider sleep first aid... anyway... excellent commentary... wonderful to see your epic adventure!

[Umuliuz]

This may be the most interesting youtube video I have watched this year. I love your inner thoughts, and your "too much-not enough"-recipies :p

[mindofaseekerpersuerofknow]

As a cancer patient I just found your channel and since I am stuck at home and cant experience these things right now. I am really grateful for you sharing them. Hope to see another soon.

[timknaak]

This is the reason why I'd rather watch youtube over regular television/streaming

[arctic_angel]

That shelter journal entry with the guy who encountered a bear is legendary glad hes okay

[IShallNotBeSilent]

Elsa, Your writing skills are off the chart! You really brought me into and had me totally engaged in the whole experience. It was wonderful!

[kaylawoodruff]

I love how humble and true you are. You’re not afraid to let your followers know you cooked something and it didn’t turn out how you were hoping. Most YouTuber’s strive to make themselves out to be all-knowing in everything that they do. It’s very refreshing

[thewildoneoliver]

The cinematography made it seem like a movie 10/10

[Ndouglas]

"There is ego in the shelter" dude yes.

[legendsofabhaile]

THANK YOU for sharing this. I straight up had my life ruined by a drunk driver, and will never be able to do this type of stuff again, which is where my heart really is. I live a little through you, so appreciated.

[Jeswingify]

The "neither judgement accurate" portion really hit different. It shows that the small parts you see of someone's journey doesn't truly spell out the whole picture. I really loved your editing style and hope to see more from you!

[ReadObituaries]

“They worked when I filled it with sunbutter but not so much with tequila”

The two types of people in the world.

[fermalt]

Who else wants to go on a hike right now? 😊 great video👍

[markmccann]

I have to say, as a writer and a guy who has made these kinds of documentaries, this is my absolute favorite hiking video to date! The way you put together your story with the narration, music, large and small views - it was truly an inspired effort! Just the way you used your trail journal with the narration, intermingled with the little visions of what you experienced, was amazing. You pulled me right into your journey and I was sad to see it end when it was all over. You must be a writer, at least at heart. You have a keen eye and a deep insight to telling a story. Even the way you added titles and words to the video was done so well. You were humble, open, honest, and so relational that you captured this little part of your life in a way that allowed your emotions to spill out. You truly immortalized your experience very well. Such a great video! So well done! I look forward to seeing more! God bless!

[daybyday]

I have watched tons of AT videos and never seen a “tutorial” on that first bit of mileage. Awesome sauce, and thank you. So glad I found your channel.

[rosedowning]

Oh, If only I could do my life over again. This is one of the things I would do. It's too late for me, now. But I thank you, so much, for taking me along on your journey.