Hiking the PCT Campo to Lake Morena

Hiking the PCT Campo to Lake Morena is a challenging introduction to the trail. If this is your first time to take a thruhike, this is quite a sobering way to begin the trek. In other words, many hikers realize at this early stage that hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is a lot different to their initial expectations.

That being said, with the right attitude, this is a fantastic stretch. I really enjoyed this trek from Campo to Lake Morena on the PCT and look back on this day as one of my absolute favourites.

But what does this mean to you?

Well, it means that if you arrive to hike PCT Campo to Lake Morena with the right gear and attitude, you will do just fine.

In this post, I will relay some of my own experience as well as everything you need to know about hiking the PCT Campo to Lake Morena section:

Hiking the PCT Campo to Lake Morena

Campo to Lake Morena is precisely 18.6 miles. The Campo PCT trailhead is just one mile south of the town and the section ends at the Lake Morena Campground. Overall, the trail is considered moderately difficult but first timers, this can require a real effort to complete. Check out the post linked above for more information on Campo and the trailhead itself.

How Long Does it Take to Hike from Campo to Lake Morena?

Most hikers take one day to hike from Campo to Lake Morena. However, some hikers decide to split this day into two.

Where Can You Find Water Between Campo and Lake Morena?

Nowhere. In fact, too many hikers underestimate how much they will need and end up running out. Take everything you will need with you to the trailhead and carry as much as possible.

About Lake Morena Campground

Lake Morena Campground is well used to hikers and has enough space to cater for a very large crowd. Many hikers decide to skip over this campsite and continue further toward Mt Laguna but honestly, I recommend that you stay here overnight.

After all, just up the road you will find an excellent little cafe that serves really good fast food. There is also a small general store and the locals are super friendly around here.

As for the campsite itself, the showers and toilets are excellent while the grass is near perfect throughout.

Note: Lake Morena campground costs $5 per person.

Tip: Have some 25c coins for the shower and there is a small charging outlet on the hexagonal building next to the shower block.

My Own Experience Hiking the PCT Campo to Lake Morena

Although I had planned on hiking the Pacific Crest Trail for almost two years, I had researched precisely zero in terms of logistics. That is to say, even when I set foot on the border of Mexico in California, I still had no idea where I would be sleeping that night. Why? I did not feel it necessary as long as I knew there was enough water in my backpack.

But I did not hike the PCT Campo to Lake Morena in just one day. Instead, I hiked just four miles on my first day and camped next to what looked like an abandoned railway. There was also a *shallow creek here so I refilled my seven litres of water and settled in for a quiet night. It was late in the afternoon so only one of two hikers passed at this time and none of them seemed interested in camping after just four miles!

Needless to say, that first day was extremely leisurely. However, there was a rather lengthy climb the next morning or at least that’s how it felt at the time.

*Do not rely on this creek.

Meeting Fellow Hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail

My first encounter was with an elderly lady named Linda. She was travelling extremely slow and had little to say in our first meeting so I continued onward. I soon caught up with a Canadian, Lyle, who was sitting in the shade and when I stopped to enjoy a snack with him, Linda joined us for a chat. It was nice to meet fellow hikers on the PCT – I had concerns about there being too many people on the trail but ended up finding this a comfort rather than a hinderance of any kind.

Rattlesnakes on the PCT

I had also wondered if I would see any rattlesnakes on the PCT and in hindsight, this was quite a stupid question. After all, I saw four on only my second morning. Ironically, the first of these was immense and looked like an actual dinosaur as I approached. It was crossing the trail and as I moved closer to take a picture, the rattle sounded which was more than enough reason to stay back. Shortly after, I needed to jump over a rock next to a cliff side to avoid walking past quite an angry and smaller version but this was more than enough experience to know there are many rattlesnakes in the Mohave.

Water Between Campo and Lake Morena

Once again, I cannot highlight the importance of your water carry. I gave Lyle a little bit of my water on this day but overall, I was very shocked to find that so many hikers brought so little water. As a rule, I think hikers should carry at least 7 litres and drink as much as possible along the way. Further, you should expect a steep descent into Hauser Creek and a very long ascent back up the other side.

What would I advise? Don’t feel like you need to hike this in just one day. Many people laughed that I took two days to hike the PCT Campo to Lake Morena section. And most of these people ended up quitting their own hike for one reason or another.

You Can Watch a Video of my First Day Below:

My Big Three For Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018

As you may know, I will be using this Pacific Crest Trail Blog to document the upcoming trip and before it starts, I would like to let everyone know about the gear I will be using for this journey.

Believe it or not, while this trek will take more than four months to complete, the preparations can take a lot longer. In this sense, I have already spent many months researching the best ultralight outdoor gear for the trip. That being said, I have also spent just as much time researching the logistics of the hike which involves bear canisters, ice equipment, and the best electronic devices for outdoor adventures.

In terms of the cost, I figure the trip will cost approximately $12,000 after flights and insurance. However, one of the most notable costs for the Pacific Crest Trail packing list itself is what we know as “the Big Three”. In case you might be asking yourself, this refers to the tent, sleeping bag, and the backpack. Anyway, here are my big three for the PCT:

My Big Three for Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018

Backpack – Osprey Exos 58

My Osprey Exos 58 has featured on many Microadventures Ireland and I intend to take this on one last hike in Vietnam this week. Either way, this is an incredibly reliable and durable backpack which has endless features which make it suitable for multi-day hiking trips. Although I believe a new version is being released shortly, I am already satisfied with my choice of backpack for the PCT.

You can read my full Osprey Exos 58 Review Here

Tent – MSR Hubba Hubba NX

Although I had initially planned on buying a Big Agnes Coppur Spur UL2, the Hubba Hubba NX has impressive reviews which suggest the material is more durable. I have not slept in one of these yet but either way, this is a huge upgrade from my Vango Banshee!

Sleeping Bag – North Face Blue Kazoo

I had wanted a Revelation Quilt for the PCT but decided on the North Face Blue Kazoo instead. I have used this in particular cold weather already and was incredibly surprised by how warm it was in this sleeping bag. On colder nights, I will wear thermal gear but overall, I think this will prove to be a wise investment for the PCT.

Have you any of the above outdoor gear? Please let me know in the comments!

Disclosure: Please note the trust my audience has for my advice is of utmost importance to me. Hence, I will only recommend equipment I love from brands that I trust. I was not paid to review the above items and I purchased my own equipment. I am also without obligation to leave positive reviews for these products, I just know that this equipment work really well for other outdoor adventurers and so they are likely to work for you too. This page contains affiliate links meaning I might receive a small amount from the supplier should you decide to purchase an item through one of my links. Thank you for supporting me.

Why I Will Not Be Using My Vango Tent for the Pacific Crest Trail

I genuinely love this tent but allow me to explain why I will not be using my Vango Banshee tent for th Pacific Crest Trail.

You see, I am a sucker when it comes to romanticizing over my outdoor gear. For example, I bought my Vango Banshee 200 several years ago for one reason – it was cheap. As you might expect from the pictures, it was also quite small for carrying around which also appealed but honestly, I bought the tent because it was one of the cheapest I could find.

Storms and Wild Camping in Africa

Since then, I have taken the tent into many wilderness areas but most notably, I have used this backpacking tent in the wilds of Africa. Why is this important? Well, you come face to face with every terrain and logistical matter when you go camping in places like the Serengeti. Terrain is rugged and unspoiled in these areas but the weather is also particularly unpredictable.

On one occasion, I was stood in the middle of a rain storm holding the corner or two tents in each hand while the occupants took shelter under a nearby tree. Seriously, I was pretty much flying two kites as the weather attempted to claim these two tents and send them flying into the wilderness. In case you might be asking yourself, I was leading an adventure tour at that time and fully responsible for the safety of my clients. In hindsight, this was an extremely dangerous as the Serengeti is home to some of the most spectacular lightning storms you are likely to encounter.

Anyway, throughout this episode, my Vango Banshee sat quietly in the corner and let out little more than a whimper as a storm raged around us. In fact, I remember looking back to see how it was doing and laughing at the resilience of my “cheap tent”. After all, the two tents I was holding had a combined value of more than $1500.

Why I Cannot Use My Vango Tent for the Pacific Crest Trail

You see, I am very attached to my outdoor gear and eventually, each piece becomes what seems like an important part of a story. From wildlife corridors and immense volcanoes to deserts, mountains and abandoned buildings; the Vango Banshee was with me for so many outdoor adventures and never let me down.

Alas, I am taking a long distance trek next month from Mexico to Canada and as you will probably see on my Pacific Crest Trail Blog, the weight and size of every item counts. In the case of the tent, my Vango weighs almost 2lb more than the one I have my eye on and this is quite a lot on a long distance hike. In fact, as far as weight goes, this would be considered quite a heavy backpacking tent for the Pacific Crest Trail.

More importantly, the inside of a Vango Banshee is very compact and confined. If you are looking for the best tent for microadventures, this is definitely a good shout in my option, and cheap too. However, while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018, there are likely to be times when I will need to wait out storms or rest up for the day in the tent and simply put, this is when space will matter.

For this reason, I will be leaving my Vango Banshee somewhere safe and purchasing a new home made of fabric. No mortgages here, my friends.

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Do you have a favorite backpacking tent? Let me know in the comments – I love to hear about other peoples experiences with their outdoor gear!

5 Outdoor Adventure Movies You Should Actually Watch

In the past few months, I have spent many hours trawling through YouTube looking for inspiration and the best Outdoor Adventure Movies. While I tend to prefer documentaries nowadays, I still appreciate outdoor movies and how they continue to inspire (and sometimes instigate) my own outdoor adventures.

5 Inspiring Outdoor Adventure Movies Worth Watching

In fact, the first time I watched “The Beach” with Leanardo Di Caprio was the very same night I decided to travel the world. At the same time, I find there are not so many movies which capture the essence of travel in the same way as that particular movie. Similarly, this is the reason I rarely stumble across worthy candidates for the best outdoor adventure movies. With this in mind, here are some outdoor adventure movies you should actually watch and why I think you should watch them:

1. Tracks (2013) – Robyn Davidson Walks Across Austrailia

In 1975, Robyn Davidson began walking 1,700 miles across Australia with four camels and her dog. From Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean, this is a truly one of the epic outdoor adventure movies and one which really surprised me. As someone who takes quite a number of long-distance solo adventures, I can relate to Davidson’s yearning for solitude. However, absolutely anyone should appreciate the cinematic experience and the way this amazing story was recounted.

Why I think people should watch Tracks – There was no internet in 1975 and literally no inspiration to compel an individual to take an adventure of this kind. The movie, story, and journey are also touching in every regard. However, as with WILD above, I feel that this story breaks down a lot of barriers related to solo female travel and provided a very clear message for what can be achieved through determination alone.

2. The Edge (1997) – Three Men Are Stranded in Alaskan Wilderness

Following a plane crash in the middle of an Alaskan Wilderness, three men are stranded and without hope of a search rescue. However, Charles Morse (Anthony Hopkins) has an eidetic memory and recalls numerous survival techniques to aid his party in their time of misfortune.

Why I think people should watch The Edge – The Edge is cheesy in many ways and I was surprised to learn that it was filmed in the 1990’s rather than the 1980’s. While a little lacking in terms of depth and storyline, the movie perfectly captures the importance of staying calm in a survival scenario.

3. Wild (2014) – Cheryl Strayed Hikes the Pacific Crest Trail

While the book and author of this particular movie have been on the receiving end of much criticism and hate, each of them is extremely successful. Following novice hiker, Cheryl Strayed, the movie depicts an emotional story as the hiker navigates the extremities involved with hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Flipping back and forth between the trail and the hikers past, Wild is as much a story about hope rather just the outdoor adventure at hand.

Why I think people should watch WILD – In spite of what seems to be a common opinion from thru-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail, WILD successfully tackles the reason “Why”. That is to say; WILD is not just about what happens on an outdoor adventure but also the internal struggle which everyone goes through in their own way, at some point in life.

4. Into the Wild – Chris McCandless Treks into an Alaskan Wilderness

When Christopher McCandless walked into the Wild more than twenty years ago, nobody could have predicted the incredible reach of his story. In fact, it is still one of the most common topics of discussion for outdoor adventurers today. In short, the first part of the movie is a “coming of age” period which begins with a college graduates disillusion for life before following him on a series of outdoor adventures. In the second part, the movie follows McCandless into an Alaskan Wilderness where he intends to “Live in the wild”.

Why I think people should watch Into the Wild – Unfortunately, the movie fails to portray the book and is severely lacking in terms of the full story and what motivated the subject’s journey. However, this is still an engrossing insight into a very real outdoor adventure and as outlined in the movie; how “happiness is only real once shared”.

5. North Face (2008) – True Story About Two Men Climbing the Eiger

An incredible true story about a race between climbing teams (nations) to summit the famous Eiger Mountain in the Alps via the north face. Following two German climbers, the movie is poignant and set during a time when Nazi propaganda was reaching a climax.

Why I think people should watch the North Face – This is an incredible true story about two hopeful climbers who were willing to battle against all odds to do what they truly love to do. With that aside, the cinematics are impressive and the backdrop of the story (Nazi Germany) is fairly engrossing.

What did you think of these movies? What am I missing? Please let me know in the comments below!

Do You Ruminate In The Outdoors?

– a deep thought about something or philosophical ruminations about life and humanity.

Rumination

In my own instance, rumination can be described as the regurgitation of negative feelings, significant events and times of hurt from the past. Whatever way I try to replay these events and scenarios, the outcome is always the same – anxiety, depression or feelings of low self-worth.

I spend quite a bit of time ruminating, something I try to avoid as much as possible but nevertheless, something I do often.

Rumination Studies at Stanford University

Several years ago, professors in Stanford University created a study in which hundreds of students were tasked with an afternoon stroll in one of two locations – a city neighborhood and a grassy woodland. Having spent one hour in either one of these locations, the subjects were then handed a questionnaire which was designed to calculate a specific level of rumination.

Without going into any great detail, the findings of this study clearly demonstrated how the walkers who spent this time in nature, produced a distinctly low level of rumination compared to those who remained in the city. Furthermore, the professors concluded that nature enables one to see the world in a different light and hence, encourages people to ignore rumination for the sake of realizing any given moment.
Continue reading Do You Ruminate In The Outdoors?

What to Pack for a Microadventure Packing List

Wondering what to pack for a Microadventure? Honestly, this is a super straightforward process but you should still take care not to exclude any important items on a Microadventure packing list.

A Microadventure is short and simple. It is usually a local adventure and requires little money, yet the location of these adventures will often involve some exposure to uncertain elements in the outdoors. For this reason, you still need to prepare and have a reasonable idea in terms of what to expect. Here, you will find that I have laid out the bare essentials and what to pack for a Microadventure but please be aware the detail of this list should change accordingly.

Essentials Items On a Microadventure Packing List

Packing for a Microadventure is only complicated if you allow this to be the case. As always, the main objective should be to have a fun, stay safe, and find reward in an outdoor adventure. In some cases, you may not need everything on this list but at the same time, you should always expect the unexpected and approach a Microadventure packing list with caution.

Here is a basic checklist of what you will need to squeeze into your backpack:

Tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping mattress
Warm clothing and hat
Rain jacket and waterproof trousers
Headtorch
Food and water
Optional – Credit Card

While circumstances will be slightly different in every instance, this is all you really need to enjoy a rewarding Microadventure.

Detailed View of What to Pack for a Microadventure

Sleeping bag

If you plan on spending a night outdoors in the middle of Winter, you will need the best sleeping bag for a Microadventure. Depending on the season (warmth) of the sleeping bag, you could always take a number of sweaters and thermal underwear to make up for the difference.Either way, never underestimate the importance of keeping warm. Read more information about the North Face Blue Kazoo ProDown Sleeping Bag

Bivvy bag

Bivvy bags are essentially an alternative to taking a tent. However, they are not always ideal and are often the choice of those with a little more experience in the outdoors. There are several types of bivvy bag and each one is suited to different circumstances. As you can see from the image, they are very small and super lightweight but certainly not ideal for particularly harsh weather. Check out an example of a Bivvy Bag here

Backpack

I am embarrassed to have taken so many long-distance trips with a terrible backpack. When I picked up the Osprey Exos 58, I realized the pure joy that comes with investing the best backpack for a Microadventure. Although lightweight, the frame is rigid and the backpack has endless features. There are also several sizes with 48L and 58L (Litre) being the most popular. I recommend 58L for those who might be interested in taking multi-day hikes in future. You can read my review of the Osprey Exos 58L here.

Headtorch

With 350 lumens, you can be guaranteed it lights up the night but there is also a rechargeable battery which came in handy on more than a few occasions. Keep in mind, headtorches are extremely useful for keeping your hands free and this is especially important when setting up a tent in the dark – which happens a lot. Check out the Petzl Actik Here

Sleeping mattress

You need this one for warmth just as much as comfort. Many camping enthusiasts will swear by inflatable therma-rests. However, for me, these are just frustrating to setup and pack away. I love the simplicity of Z-Lite but also how it radiates heat upward back into the body. which is especially important on cold nights when the mattress prevents warmth from escaping into the ground beneath. Check Out the Z-Lite Mattress Here

Tent

Aside from the bivvy bag, the tent is obviously one of your main pieces of outdoor gear for a Microadventure.

Also, this will be the heaviest item in your pack, even if you do go for a lightweight tent such as the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2. Either way, the best tent for a Microadventure is quite a personal choice. Check Out Big Agnes Tents Here

Clothing and Footwear Essentials

You do not need to look fancy or beautiful on a Microadventure, but it is crucial that you wear comfortable clothing that can withstand the elements on an adventure. Here are the main items you need to include on a Microadventure packing list.

Warm gear

If you are without proper thermals, your sleeping clothes can consist of shorts, thick pair of socks, leggings and a long sleeve as the base layer. You should also ensure the warmth of your jacket is sufficient and if it happens to be too warm, you will be thankful for going with a smart layer system. As a rule, it is okay to be too warm but not the other way around.

Day clothing

Again, you do not need to look fashionable on a Microadventure (trust me, nobody out there cares). However, comfort is crucial and every hiker will eventually realize the importance of having the best hiking shoes for a Microadventure. Having a spare pair of socks is a good idea but make sure you keep these somewhere dry with a spare set of clothing

Waterproof Gear

Keeping everything dry is crucial for both enjoyment and safety. You should always have a rain jacket just in case and rainproof trousers are something which you will also find at the top of my Microadventure packing list.

While the rainjacket is important, please do not forget the pants/trousers

Optional Items

There are also certain items that you may want to include on a Microadventure packing list, even if they but seem entirely unnecessary. Often, these are luxury items which you could easily do without but at the same time, that could make your journey that little bit more exciting, comfortable or even fun.

Pillow

Another item that I went without for years and for the life of me, I cannot understand why. Pillows are extremely small and considering the importance of a good nights rest, this should be considered on a Microadventure packing list. Many inflatable options are favored by adventurers but for me, I just care about the fabric and how it feels against my skin.

Camping Stove

One of my favourite things to do at the end of each day involves either a warm cup of tea or a hot meal (sausages). For this reason, when it comes to my ultralight stove, I never have a second thought regarding what to pack for a Microadventure. You can get by without it, sure, but nothing can substitute something warm for a cold night camping.

Towel

Well, it may come in handy at the end of a very wet day but more importantly, how about after swimming in a river?

Microfibre towels are always popular given the slight amount of weight they hold. Furthermore, while you may be concerned that these particular towels stink, there are now many microfibre towels which remain odorless after use.

Please know that this list is certainly not extensive in any way and merely a guide in terms of what you will need in general. Every destination and circumstance will have different requirements so please tailor your research for each trip rather than picking outdoor gear and hoping for the best.

What have you got on your Microadventure Packing List? Have I missed something? Please let me know in the comments.

Disclosure: Please note the trust my audience has for my advice is of utmost importance to me. Hence, I will only recommend equipment I love from brands that I trust. I was not paid to review any of these products and I purchase this equipment myself. I am also without obligation to leave positive reviews for any product, I just know that this gear works for me and it is likely to work for you too. This page contains affiliate links meaning I might receive a small amount from the supplier should you decide to purchase an item through one of my links. Thank you for supporting me.

My Big White Thighs and Me (Outdoor Film Trailer)

Is this a contender for the most interesting outdoor film in 2018?

It certainly looks like it. My Big White Thighs and Me has just won at the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShaFF) and looks set to inspire a horde of adventure seekers to get out of the living room and into their swimsuits.

My Big White Thighs and Me – A Film by Hannah Maia

In short, the story follows a “young-ish woman” who has fallen out of love with her physical appearance. For this reason, Hannah Maia sets herself the goal of swimming in open water at least once a month for one year. As a result, the film follows Hannah as she searches out wild and beautiful places to keep her promise in hope that it will lead to a greater change.

Life is indeed better when you wear a swimsuit

At the same time, this is not just an outdoor adventure film, and more of a personal story about womanhood, miscarriage, healing and loving your own skin. The truth is, most of the words above are borrowed from Hannah’s description of her own film which is self produced at Maia Media. Furthermore, I obviously know nothing about womanhood or the reasons for which any healing might have been necessary in the first place.

However, I can appreciate a meaningful story and while the stunning scenes in this trailer are nothing short of mesmerizing, I feel as though the simplicity is what grips me and compels me to know more.

My Big White Thighs and Me is currently screening in various parts of the UK and due for release on digital download at a later date.

How To Deal With Post Adventure Blues

Something very strange can happen when you finish an adventure, most especially if it involves a long period of time or a great deal of preparation. In spite of it being such an incredible experience, you can feel disappointed or disillusioned, possibly even depressed when it comes to an end.

I refer to this period or these feelings as “Post Adventure Blues”.

Dealing with Post Adventure Blues

For this reason, I have been watching intently, as an online acquaintance comes to terms with the end of an epic adventure. I am watching because I know what can happen at the end of an outdoor adventure in particular and how returning to conventional life or “normality” can feel disillusioning after so much excitement.

In most instances, these experiences are so filled with joy, uncertainty, fun and deep-rooted emotions that when the journey comes to an end, all these feelings grind to a halt, and it can feel rather confusing.

However, I also know from experience that these unsavory feelings should be expected and that this is what happens in the aftermath of any meaningful journey. Whether you return from an epic backpacking adventure or finish training for a marathon, maybe you just finished cycling around the world or took a challenging quest in aid of charity – a sense of disappointment can ensue.

Can The End Be The Beginning?

When I finished a year-long bicycle ride across Africa some years ago, I moved to Canada and took up the role of a travel consultant. It was somewhere entirely new but at the same time, I was still back working nine to five and in the midst of the very cycle from which I had been so determined to escape.

In spite of my “life-changing journey”, I was back at the start and with no idea what I should do about it.

In the end, I decided to leave this particular role and pursue the life of a travel writer. At this time, the prospect of turning my dream career into a reality seemed almost impossible, but then the thought of persisting with a such an unsatisfying lifestyle was even more unbearable.

With this in mind, I sometimes recognize a similar struggle with friends, family or online acquaintances. That is to say, when they reach the end of an adventure of their own, they experience the same disillusion.

At this time, it can feel as though nobody will understand why you feel so disappointed and the truth is, it’s all too easy to fall right back into the way things were before this adventure.

Regardless, gone is the excitement and sense of freedom which brought meaning during the adventure and here you are back in the good ol’ real world.

And it feels disappointing, right?

Finding a Way Past the Glass Ceiling

Because when you embark on a grand adventure or achieve something significant in life, it is very difficult to go back. In other words; this particular experience was so enjoyable, fun, exciting and meaningful that you rule out any possibility of going back to the way things were before.

However, when this adventure is over and you find yourself back where you began – post adventure blues can make it frustrating, confusing and twice as difficult to know what to do next.

But this is exactly when I believe you must remember something.

When every journey comes to an end, rather than feel upset that the trip is over, it serves better to remember that this adventure was not enough, that this journey was not “it” and that there is always something more, bigger and rewarding to go after in life.

How to Deal with Post Adventure Blues

And so it is here, in the midst of fond memories and times gone by, when I find the most important thing to remember at the end of an adventure – that “it” is never really over. After all, there is always an opportunity to create more memories and evoke these same feelings of uncertainty and excitement.

For this reason, I believe that in order to overcome these post adventure blues and get back to that particular place, it is important to be thinking of now. As in, right now. It is important to be thinking about doing more stuff, planning more adventures and leaving the memories for a time when you are unable to get out there and chase them anymore.

More specifically, I believe that the best way to overcome these inevitable feelings of disappointment and disillusion is to put away the excuses, dust yourself off and start preparing for the next one.

5 Truly Inspiring Outdoor Adventure Documentaries on YouTube

The truth is, I spend a lot of time looking for inspiration and outdoor adventure documentaries on YouTube are a great place to start. At the same time, they are also disappearing fast as Netflix and the platforms purchase the rights to the best videos in order to sell them back to viewers.

Anyway, here are five of my favourites videos and the most inspiring outdoor adventure documentaries on YouTube.

Inspiring Outdoor Adventure Documentaries on YouTube

Deep Water

A vastly inexperienced Donald Crowhurst enters a Round the World Yacht Race.

When Sir Francis Chichester became the first person to sail solo around the world in 1967, the United Kingdom was gripped by sailing fever. In the wake of his record breaking journey, the Sunday Times advertised the first Round the World Yacht Race.

Eight seasoned sailors signed up for the competition and Donald Crowhurst, a struggling electrician with dreams of defying both the odds and competition.

Some think of Donald Crowhurst as an unlikely hero, others as an irresponsible prat. I prefer to appreciate the sense of adventure in this journey and a time when the world was gripped by the simplicity of outdoor adventures.

The Road from Karakol

An enthusiastic Kyle Dempster cycles across Krygistan while climbing first ascents.

The Road from Karakol is arguably the most interesting start I have ever seen in terms of outdoor adventure documentaries on YouTube. In many ways, this is also what I found so appealing in the Road to Karakol, for Kyle’s enthusiasm has a tendency to grow on you.

While the camera work is often shaky and lacking in quality, this is one of the few times when the story and search for adventure overshadow everything else. I found it especially interesting when he happened across an unexpected police checkpoint where he was forced to join them for vodka and ended up sleeping off his hangover in a nearby cave.

Kyle went on to become quite a well-known climber in the years following this outdoor adventure documentary on YouTube but sadly, he died tragically in a climbing accident last year.

Into the Empty Quarter

Two intrepid adventurers attempt to drag a cart across the Empty Quarter desert

Alastair Humphreys is responsible for pioneering and promoting the concept of “Microadventures”. However, he has also taken some absolutely insane long distance journey’s around the world. Indeed, so too has Leon McCarron – an adventurer and filmmaker from Northern Ireland.

Anyway, this is possibly my favourite of all the outdoor adventure documentaries on YouTube. I might be wrong but I believe this is also a trimmed down version of the original which was initially a pay-per-view movie.

There were as many times I laughed out loud in this one as when I felt inspired, and while their experience for facing adversity shows, their inexperience in other regards is often the highlight.

Touching the Void

A remarkable true story about two climbers and a desperate situation in the Peruvian Andes.

If you have yet to watch this one, put the kettle on and get ready for an incredible story.

Having run out of fuel for cooking on the ascent, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates decide to descend the mountain. However, as bad weather approaches, Yates is required to lower his climbing partner down over the North Ridge. They had tied to 150ft ropes together but the join could not squeeze through the metal belay leaving Simpson hanging in mid-air.

In short, Yates is faced with an awful decision and decided to cut the rope. The rest is now part of climbing folklore and it makes for one of the most gripping outdoor adventure documentaries on YouTube.

I Want to See the World

Iohan Gueorguiev cycles to the Arctic Ocean

Amateur camera work and a fine piece of storytelling in this outdoor adventure documentary on Youtube. I remember watching this and thinking “I want to do this” but in reality, this must have been a rather miserable place for long periods on Iohan’s trip. Either way, I love this story and especially for the fact that he did not realize it was possible to cycle to the ocean. That is, the freeze during winter means that the rivers turn to roads which allowed him to travel so far.

What am I missing? Do you have any favourite outdoor adventure documentaries on YouTube?

Please let me know in the Facebook comments below!

5 Best Tents for Microadventures

Are you looking for the best tents for Microadventures? When I embarked on my very first outdoor adventure, it would be a first in every sense. After all, I decided to ride a bicycle through Africa without any prior cycling experience. At the same time, I was also extremely inexperienced when it came to camping or choosing the most reliable and adequate outdoor gear.

You may have noticed, for the past two years, I have been carrying a small green Vango Banshee 200 as my shelter. Although it was never the case that this Vango was the best tent for Microadventures. In fact, I just knew very little regarding alternatives. However, I have spent the past twelve months researching the best ultralight backpacking tents and there have been many on my radar in this respect. That being said, there are very few which can rival the following options which I believe to be a good shout for the best backpacking tent for Microadventures:

Best Backpacking Tents for Microadventures

MSR Hubba Hubba NX Tent

MSR have finally created an ultralight tent which is not red, luminous orange or any other colour that looks rather bizarre in the midst of nature. Either way, this is also an extremely smart tent which weighs just over 3lbs. It features plenty of space for sleeping inside and two large vestibules on either side for your backpack or outdoor gear. This particular tent is also one of the best reviewed you will find online and a safe option for a long term tent for Microadventures.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

The Big Agnes Copper Spur is one of the most popular tents for long distance thru-hikers in the United States. Why is this important? It’s not but I thought you might be wondering why you never heard of it. While there is a lighter version (Fly Creek), the Copper Spur UL2 is a nice spacious option for the solo hiker. Yes, it was originally designed for two people. However, this is a tight squeeze which is why I recommend it as an excellent option regarding solo backpacking tents for Microadventures. Featuring durable material, lightweight poles, and ample space inside, this is my dream ultralight backpacking tent on the market.

Find out more about the Copper Spur HV UL2 here

Vango Banshee 200

When compared to other backpacking tents for Microadventures on this list, it must be said that the Vango Banshee 200 is a bit behind. While reasonably lightweight and compact, the Banshee 200 is very small in terms of the interior and the side vestibule is also quite small. That being said, the tent has a low centre of gravity. This feature enables it to withstand windy or rainy conditions, while the material is solid and the set up is extremely fast.

Naturehike Double-layer Backpacking Tent

Again, this may not be a long-term option or a tent for a long distance thru-hike. However, it is certainly a great choice regarding a backpacking tent for Microadventures. Weighing just 3lbs 7 ounces, the lightweight nature is a big plus for hikers. Furthermore, it can also fit two people a lot better than the previously mentioned Vango. Either way, as far as lightweight and affordable tents for Microadventures are concerned, this is right up there with the best options.

Just a side note, I had a lightweight Naturehike sleeping bag for two years. It was certainly not suitable for cold seasons or outdoor adventures where conditions are likely to change. Yet, it was perfect for the hot climate in which I was sleeping at the time.

Z Packs Duplex 2 Person Tent

Arguably the most popular ultralight backpacking tent for Microadventures and long distance thru-hikes is the Z Packs Duplex Person Tent. While you will need two hiking poles to set this one up, take comfort in the fact that this tent weighs in at just 1.25lb. Yes, you read that right. Featuring an extremely easy setup and a very watertight design, this is the lightest and most adaptable tent I have ever come across. It just depends on whether you use trekking poles or not.

Find out more about the Z Packs Duplex 2 Person Tent here

Have I missed anything? Do you have a favourite backpacking tent for Microadventures? Please let me know in the comments!

Disclosure: Please note the trust my audience has for my advice is of utmost importance to me. Hence, I will only recommend equipment I love from brands that I trust. I was not paid to review these tents and I purchased my own tents. I am also without obligation to leave positive reviews for the product, I just know that these tents work really well for other outdoor adventurers and so they are likely to work for you too. This page contains affiliate links meaning I might receive a small amount from the supplier should you decide to purchase an item through one of my links. Thank you for supporting me.