**A QUICK DISCLAIMER ABOUT THE VIDEO BEFORE I AM FLAMED BY THE MASSES**
We are well aware that you are supposed to unclip your chest and hip belt on river crossings and we did on many (see hip belt at 00:17 of the video). On the other hand I have also read articles saying you don't because it'll throw off your balance making the crossing even more dangerous, which we did as well. Every one of the river crossings was discussed prior to crossing and we were very calculated in our approach. What is important is getting out of your pack and making it safely to the river bank which our friend did once the water calmed around the bend. During this swim he remained calm, talked with us as he floated away and decided to keep his pack on as it was working as flotation due to all the gear being packed in a dry bag inside the pack.
Also, I am not making light of the situation or trying to minimize the very real dangers of crossing a river while backpacking. Laughing at your mistakes is part of the learning process. Be careful out there, things can change fast!
Jacks River | 16.8 Miles | 42 River Crossings | "we had a problem" | Filmed September 2021
Shot in 4k @24fps on an iPhone Pro and GoPro HERO7.