I remember my first "solo" backpacking trip; it was quite an adventure. I saw myself as a nomad and acquired a vast array of camping gear. Looking back, I realize that none of it was genuine backpacking or ultralight equipment. Once I had collected what I believed was necessary, I told my mom about my backpacking intentions. "Where to?" she asked. "The Colorado Trail," I answered. She laughed, "You do know that's a 500-mile trail?" I hadn't known, but I pretended to be confident and embarked on the journey. Five days later, I had to summon my brother for a rescue. It was a truly eye-opening experience. Fast forward 20 years, with far more experience and three attempts behind me, I finally conquered the 498-mile trail in five weeks. That's when I discovered who I am and what I'm capable of, and now my friends are disappointed when I choose to hike solo rather than with them.

@fibsniper786

19 күн бұрын

dude, beautifully written - felt every bit of that ending sentence. . .

Yes I’m a single girl wanting to hike and go backpacking but I’m scared too ! Love your videos you inspire me to get out there and enjoy my life solo

@carolyncabrera3271

2 ай бұрын

Thank you 😊

@TroyGarcia-fm9sh

2 ай бұрын

Get a dog too take with you...I don't have time too care for a dog, but when I go camping or hiking alone I take my cousins dog with me..not only did he enjoy it, he was a great company but he alerted of other animals ...specifically a mountain lion

@OverlandOne

2 ай бұрын

I am on the road full time, and I am always armed. Between bear, mountain lions, and a few wack job humans, I am prepared. Better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it. After reading about those girls murdered in their tent on the Appalachian Trail a while back, and those Boy Scout killed by a bear, I would suggest being armed, especially if female and alone. I am male and can take care of myself unarmed but not against an apex predator. Make no mistake, man is also an apex predator. I do not want to scare anyone as most of the folks I meet are really nice, and I have not had to shoot any mountain lions or bear, and hope I never do. But when you are alone, way out in the boondocks at night, and you hear an unfamiliar noise, it is very comforting to know you can handle it if it turns into a bad situation. I sleep well at night. Safe travels.

@Im_With_Stupid

2 ай бұрын

Nothing to be scared of, so do it before life starts getting in the way and you can't anymore.

@Hunterblackwell

Ай бұрын

Please, please, please train yourself, or have a male in your life that you know, train you how to use a pistol! It’s not even about the wildlife (Granted it’s always good to be prepared) but today especially from California up to Montana there are thousands of girls that get kidnapped! The cartel has moved all the way up and the most vulnerable targets are females by themselves! Just please don’t become a statistic and learn how to defend yourself!

I highly recommend a GPS Tracker like "Spot". If something goes wrong, your friends know where you are within 15 feet. I use mine when kayaking because I go into places that are so remote, no one would ever find me. Great channel!!

@kellyhays23

2 ай бұрын

Those are great! I use a garmin Inreach mini. It’s similar but I can text from it and it has an SOS button

thank you for showing all the parts of your trip that no one else ever seems to show! I'm just now getting into backpack hiking, with plans to spend a few days on the AT next April. I've been watching videos, reading all I can, and following hikers on FB...but you have put the pieces together for me! I know it sounds silly, but it's good to see how everything comes together, from setting up your camp, to cooking your meal. Thanx

Every video posted lately I learn how much more interesting and exciting your hikes and adventures are. Feel like the future videos will be a must watch! Gotta get one of those knives for myself.

Loved that trail. The scenery and views were amazing. You picked a great place to camp and I loved all the sounds of nature 😊

I do almost all of my backpacking solo. It can be a bit nerve racking sometimes but also there is no greater sense of freedom! Thanks for sharing!

The ultimate 'head clearing', peaceful, nature experience !! The BEST !! 🙏👍🏞💯

Yes make a video on how you got comfortable backpacking by yourself ! Love your videos ❤

Finally a backpacking video that actually involves backpacking and not just the gear. I love backpacking in Idaho because there are many lakes to hit that most people will never see.

Kelly!!! Great hike!! Thanks for taking us along. I always look forward to seeing where “we” are going next. 😂 Making a video about solo camping and how to be safe and comfortable with it is a great idea. I think it would be helpful to many people. Lots of us women let being alone hold us back from getting out there and enjoying nature. And it shouldn’t be that way. Just using some common sense and letting someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return is the biggest thing. I’m so looking forward to the CDT, Kelly! Can’t wait! ❤

Thanks for sharing your trip. I'm looking forward to my first solo backpack trip soon!

Arkansas is the BEST- one of our favorite getaways close to home. That loop includes all the classic features of AR- thick forests, wildflowers, POISON IVY (yuck), clear waters with aqua pools, waterfalls, & rock cliffs. We were just there, camping at Long Pool Rec. Area. Thanks for this great video showcasing the trail and some of your new gear!

@josephbrown-ut9ty

2 ай бұрын

Long pool is just a few min up the road from me, really like camping there.

@joanncoopertroupe3506

2 ай бұрын

Enjoy your Solo Back Packing Kelly . Stephens ,Mom from Daddy Daughter Shadow Camping In North Florida .I love your Amazing Videos. I watch Cody and Kellie too. I love Camping. Even though these days I rarely get to go Camping. Stephen and Izzy today's doing it .God Bless you Kelly Be safe..I have a GranDaughter Destiny in Ft Smith Arkansas.😎😎😎😎😎😎 Take care .. JoAnn age 66 Lake CityFla.

Portable Fishing Rod Kelly. Fun and Food. CDT GREAT IDEA 🎉

You have definitely came a long ways in your 4 years of vlogging. Been fun watching you grow so much professionally and personally in all your videos. Keep going and growing! God Bless ❤💪🏽

I'm really looking forward to the CDT videos. Arkansas is beautiful. I have family in southern MO near the AK border and the Ozarks are gorgeous. I spent 3 months in Hot Springs on a project about 12 years ago and enjoyed that area tremendously.

Beautiful area. Thanks for the video. Just have situational awareness when out alone. Nice campsite. Stay healthy and happy.

Arkansas is a beautiful state! Beautiful camp site for the night--I’d have to fish though! I applaud your courage and sense of adventure. I’m a female too and go out alone. All we can do is prepare ourselves correctly and be smart while we’re out there.

Loved the little butterfly moment! Great job on your first solo backpacking trip!

Nice video of the area. Did the trail last year a nice relaxing trip. Always best to carry water away from creeks for dishes & things. Good luck on the CDT

Thank you for posting, it was so cool to see that loop trail.

Beautiful scenery on your hike Kelly

I’m an Eagle scout and have done a tone of camping and hiking to include a 100 mile hike in New Mexico in 06. I haven’t done any hiking since, but just finished doing a portion of this trail this morning I ended up doing 16 miles although I didn’t do the complete 15 mile loop I did a bunch of side hiking. It’s in rough shape right now due to all the rain they’ve got and a lot of down tree that make it hard to follow the trail. But I thank you I’ve watched this video atleast ten times. I highly recommend it.

You definitely made the right campsite choice! You giving that raccoon a brow beating was hilarious! 😂 Hopefully the MRE didn't induce an emergency cat hole diggin'. Love the new gear. 👍 This has to be your most serene vlog yet. So peaceful. Thanks a million Kelly! ✌️

Absolutely love the tranquility of this hike! The way you captured the morning light filtering through the trees is just stunning. I recently did a similar hike in Northern Minnesota and was blown away by the peacefulness and beauty of the trails there. I've been uploading my own hiking videos to share the beauty of nature as well. There's something truly magical about immersing oneself in the outdoors. Thanks for sharing this incredible journey!

Great job, Kelly! Awesome content! Learning so much!

Yes, I'd love to see a solo backpacking tips video! 😊

Thank you, Kelly for the video. It is a good way to test out new equipment before the CDT. As for the water filter, well when I hiked and camped there was no such thing. We either boiled the water or used halazone tablets. Yuck the tables had it taste like chlorine. Waiting for more videos. Happy trails.

@kellyhays23

2 ай бұрын

Hahaha that’s what I was thinking about the whole time I was boiling water! About how this is how folks used to do it!! ❤️

Yes please, share your solo precautions, thank you!

would love to go camping with you Kelly. Looks like you are safe and having fun in the great outdoors. Lots of good places here in Michigan. Thanks for the adventure

Absolutely another great vid Kelly, thank you for bringing us along💜❤️

I might try my first backpacking trip this year. I hope it goes pretty much the same as this video. I can't believe you only had one human encounter on that trail! That's awesome. And I loved that little raccoon and the way you handled it lol

We are so blessed to live in a country that has such beautiful state and national parks. Thank you for sharing this beautiful hike with us. God bless!!🙏🏼

Thank you for showing us such a wonderful video! The great scenery your solo backpacking trip. I feel so happy watching your adventure! I look forward to your next work! Have a safely out there, my friend.. 👍👍

That sounded so realistic. I love that. No music at all. The thing is a lot of people will cover up the sounds of nature with video music and it is nice to bee able to hear the actual stuff that is going on. I am a pianist but it is really nice to hear just the sounds of all that is going around you when yo sure backpacking.

@kellyhays23

2 ай бұрын

For sure! Most of my backpacking videos I don’t use music at all!

That cliffs camp area was my favorite. If I get into camp to early, it is definitely nap time for an hour. It feels good and kills time. Take care Kelly. Looking forward to the CDT.

Very Beautiful...the landscape's not bad either !lol. Looking forward to your CDT hike, everyone seems to underestimate its fun and challenge !

I'm enjoying your adventures and your smile brighten up my day. Stay safe and be careful.

Great video. Be safe out there girl. Beautiful place.

Looks like you hiked the trail counter clockwise. You got lucky with weather. Nice video. Lovely hike.

Amazing trip. Loved the campsite. You are awesome!

The sounds of the forest in the morning were so peaceful!

Nicely done, congrats!! I want to take my wife and backpack the Butterfield for her first backpacking trip in general! Also, good luck on the CDT, you got this

I use to solo camp / hike all the time, it is the best way to clear your mind. From an old paranoid camper, who has camped in some sketchy areas. Try to wait till the last minute to set up camp. Strangers walking by seeing a campsite all set up may get ideas aboug returning later. Thanks for the Great video Cheers,beers and whiskey 🤠 🥃

i'm glad you had a great hike and can't wait for your CDT stay safe you beautiful person

Nice job on your first solo overnight! Couldn't believe it was your first time solo when you mentioned it. Craaazy! Will definitely have to check out this trail sometime with Loki. Thanks for sharing!

Such a beautiful and unique storytelling a dnd filming! Love it 👏👏

Love your interaction with the animals at the campsite 😂. The gator in FL was my fav. “Go on, git”

I always love your vlogs! This was a fun one!

Love watching your videos Kelly! Nice work!

That looked like a beautiful area to relax and reset. The MRE nearly gave me PTSD. Be sure to drink plenty of water when you’re eating those. Good luck on your adventures!

This was my first time seeing your vid and I think it was awesome! I haven't been camping since I was a kid and I'm almost 60 yrs old but the more I watch people camp on KZread the more I want to do it also. It looks so relaxing. I'm gradually buying camping gear and it will be a while before I have everything I need but I can't wait. I think I would enjoy camping in the winter so I have time to get ready. I want it to be snowing when I go but I live in Dallas so I'll have to go a little North for that. Oklahoma maybe where you were in Arkansas. Thanks for sharing your adventure and I look forward to the next one!

I'm following some hikers that are nobo on CDT right now. Some are starting to reach Colorado. Tons of snow up high still. I'm in northern NM and planning some trail magic this weekend with a freind I was on CDT with in 21. The CDT is one hell of an adventure! Happy trails!! -Beeine

lol I remember your first vids, one of which was you camping by yourself at a decently crowded campground where your neighbor had fairly noisy children. ( BTW the eye rolling when one of the kiddos started crying was epic 🤣) I remember you mentioning how scared you were to be going solo. You’ve come a looong way. Very cool to watch the growth 🤙

@kellyhays23

Ай бұрын

! I remembered that day when I was camping out this day. Thank you so much for sticking with me through it all!

This video was a lot of fun to watch! And such a sweet spot!!! I was expecting the raccoon to make a midnight raid! And those Skittles!!! Too funny. I'm looking forward to following your CDT hike!

You are an awesome person, I really enjoy your content & just wanted to say you are amazing 💯😎

My favorite Arkansas trail - love the Butterfield...

I do most of my hikes solo, but I have a friend who does a hike with me every year. We are doing the Black Forest Trail Pennsylvania the last week in May! Happy hiking Kelly 💪

Beautiful area! Thanks for sharing your journey.

Over night, hike/camp is cool. Taste of the outdoors is nice. Do more, maybe. Excellent as usual. Good luck on your CDT hike. Have fun, take care.

Fabulous scenery with all the new greenery.. Best admired in with only natural birdsong.. PS. If you hung that expanding mattress vertically instead of horizontally it would be les distracting visually, & less likely to catch on something..

@kellyhays23

2 ай бұрын

Thank you!!! Ive hike 1,000+ miles with it horizontally and I’ve never had an issue!

We were smart as a country to protect our natural wonders especially decades ago. May we do that in an ongoing fashion. Backpacking solo is a thrill. That's how I started backpacking. It wasn't til much later I went with friends. You are stuck with your own thoughts it seems much more than other activities. So having something to read is nice (or swimming is great). The water sounds are calming.

Howdy Kelly! Beautifully done and so looking forward to the CDT! Thanks for the share! Saddle up! 🤠🇺🇸🇨🇱🙏

good to do some short shakedown trails...and solo's good too if you plan on doing longer solo trips.

Love your channel and content about hiking. Food is my largest concern, at 61 a thru hike ages us... best of luck on the CDT ! I'll definitely be tuning in 😂!

Good practice overnighter. Hope you had a wet/dry notepad to make notes of forgotten items, etc. Notes help me out. Great hike

Great job … I been solo many times and a lot of times I prefer it this way. Very relaxing… love ya kel…❤ be safe out there!

I love Arkansas but agreed about the bugs. We normally drive up from new orleans to camp and hike a few times a year. Bugs were pretty bad at night, definitely do not want to be camping in May.

Chili Mac, Tabasco, cheese and crackers, and pound cake are the bomb MRE, we used to raid a case in the army and pull out our favorites. Not the best food, but those were my favs, and M&M's were a major score.

Check out the Custom ULA CDT pack for your CDT hike. You can customize it how you like, you can get it with a frame (removable if you want it frameless) and load lifters. Also has trekking pole loops on the back like you like. I love my CDT. I run it frameless w/o load lifters (I even remove the hipbelt) but if you call them they will do what you want, if you can't get it through the custom options on their websites. Great packs.

That was a very nice video. I like some of the views and the waterfalls. Some day you need to hike the North Shore in MN.

Thank you for taking us along. You just made us really miss tent camping.

@kellyhays23

2 ай бұрын

We still all need to go on a backpacking trip together!!!

Beautiful hike Kelly!

Looks like a great hike good job Kelly 👍👍

Restless Kiwi(PCT19) and ChilliBins(AT2019) both made their packs and did videos showing how they did it. I think that they are both from New Zealand. MRE stands for Meals Rejected by Everybody. I preferred the old C Rations from my first 15 years in the Army. The accessory pack should have a small compressed packet of toilet paper. Save it for in your survival kit. A raccoon out in daylight is suspect to have rabies. You should carry water purification tablets incase your filter fails. On the CDT, I strongly recommend that you carry a basic survival kit in a neck pouch. Good video. Happy Trails. Good Luck, Rick

I have that Xmid. Only spent 2 nights in it but I love it. I'm 6'3" and have plenty of room. You might look at ULA. They do custom work and have packs specific for women. That's a beautiful trail. I'll have to drive down from southeast Kansas and do it an Eagle Rock.

Washing your pot in a water source is against LNT. Wash dishes 150 to 200 ft from the water source, and either dispurse the water, or dig a hole and dump it in there. Or, better yet, drink it for extra hydration 😁 Pretty camp spot, and looks like a nice trail. I love solo backpacking and camping. I find it very relaxing.

@kellyhays23

2 ай бұрын

Ohh I could never drink dirty pot water! & I’m sure the fishies didn’t mind the specks of food!

@rockytopwrangler2069

2 ай бұрын

... NEVER drink unfiltered water .....

@musingwithreba9667

2 ай бұрын

@@kellyhays23 you get used to it 😅

New subscriber here. I've just binge watched the entire AT thru hike, outstanding! Looking forward to your CDT hike, as well as the upcoming ultra marathon. Which reminds me.. did you ultimately maintain the woman's third place in that last ultra Marathon you did? That was impressive!

@kellyhays23

2 ай бұрын

Awesome!!welcome to the channel! Thanks for watching! And yes I did!

Couldn’t sleep tonight. Found your vid and really enjoyed it. Thank you.

That looks like a lot of fun!

Literally was thinking exactly that when you said “I know what you may be thinking!”

Love watching your hiking videos.Look forward to seeing your videos of the CDT trail.I grew up in some areas of VA that you will go thru.Also,you are looking pretty as always.

I would definitely be interested in hearing your solo hiking safety tips.

Nice video! I have a few MREs...they are great for float trips! Thanks for sharing your adventures!

Perhaps testing the temp of the drink/food is most helpful. Keeping water also gives more direct contact with contents. From a food safety aspect, there's your next test.

Haha Kelly. Really enjoy checking out your vids from time to time. Glad you’re doing the cdt. Also…most importantly…enjoy your humble nature and natural way of approaching hiking/camping. See you up trail sometime. Sailor jack.

Really beautiful scenery on your hike

6:17 Amazing. love the snot rocket, oh and the video too 😆

Congrats on your first solo! FWIW I found those Mayfly sandals kinda hazardous on even a small slope.

You might want to consider a larger pack (50-60L) capable of carrying 30-35#. There are places on the CDT you will be carrying 4-5L water and 7-9 days of food. Look at ULA Ohm2.0 or GG Mariposa.

I ate that MRE almost every day while in OIF 2003 and 2008. So good!!!

What a pleasant way to wake up on a Sunday, with Kelly Hays Hikes! Whoo hoo!

@nickfaw2840

2 ай бұрын

Hell yeah I solo backpack all the time it's peaceful and setting up a tent or hammock next to a river is the best feeling that's what you need to do is a solo hammock overnighter

6:17 my face after you did that xD didn’t help I’m chewing on taffy 😂

Continental trail? That’s like an hour from my home. New Mexico is beautiful. I hope you will enjoy your hike. ❤

Looked like a chill trip. Nice camp spots there.

Met Cody and Kelly today at fort Pickens. We would love to meet upbeat you before your cdt hike. You have been such an inspiration to us.

Chili mac is the goat, one of my favorite meals during basic.

New to your channel. After watching a few videos I have to say you have a good eye for photography. You frame stuff well, and stay on a shot long enough for us to notice. From this photographer... keep pushing and experimenting.... you got it!

@kellyhays23

2 ай бұрын

Thank you!!!

Finally someone in my generation that likes hiking and has experienced the skittle bars and expired chili mac.. Trick for the heater- water in, roll the top, shake it up, and lay on its side for a few minutes. Expired ones can be useless, but when they work, they're great for butting in your bag at night too Happy trails

You're hilarious with the MREs. I had enough of those things after 20 years, but look for the new menus like beef enchiladas, beef tacos, BBQ burger, even pepperoni pizza. Happy camping!