Backpacking Gear Basics - Clothing

In this video I go over the layering system and what I find typically works best for most people out on the trail.

I will be covering:
Socks
Footwear
Base Layers (shirts/pants)
Insulation
Outer Shell (rain jacket)
Hats and Gloves

Please excuse the chicken clucks and the wind. Not my best video production, but the information is there. I hope this will help those looking into buying backpacking clothing to pick what's right for them.

Enjoy the video!

Backpacking Gear Basics

Jacki and I decided, with the suggestion of a few friends, to make a short series on what one needs to go backpacking out on the trail. So, we've start planning and filming a six (seven including the intro) episode series to help those new to the hobby.

The information we present is from our own research and experience. It is by nature, our own opinion, and style. I highly recommend doing a lot of research and short excursions to find what's right for you.

That said, I hope you enjoy the introduction to "Backpacking Gear Basics"!

Great AT Documentaries

Disclosure: I did NOT make these videos! But watch them anyway. :D

Jacki and I just finished watching the AT documentary, "Appalachian Impressions" by Flager Films. It was extremely well done! I wasn't sure what to expect from it in terms of the type of documentary it was, but I had heard good things. The film is basically a very, VERY, informative guide of the Appalachian trail. For anyone watching who is unfamiliar with the trail, you'll learn all there is to know besides actually hiking it. For those of us planning the hike the trail, it's an exciting look ahead into our near future. And to all those who've already completed their journey, it is a reminder of what you've experienced and accomplished, all the good times, and all the fantastic people. I highly recommend this film to anyone who has ever had a desire to learn about the AT. We will be forcing all of our family members to watch this at some point. :)

Here's a preview of the film.



You can order the film at flaglerfilms.com


Another great AT documentary is, "Trek: a Journey on the Appalachian Trail" by Cirque Productions. This was the first documentary that I watched about the AT (about a year and a half ago). It's more of a story based documentary, which I think is great for getting immersed into the trail experience. The story follows fives friends as they make their way along the 2000+ miles. Although not as informative, it is very inspirational. And I think most of our family has been force to watch this one already. :)

Take a look...



This film can be found on Amazon

Check them out!

The Filming Gear I Use for Backpacking

Just thought I'd share some info on the tools I use to capture our footage on the trail, or any other adventure Jacki and I go on.

Enjoy!

Foothills Trail

In an attempt to enjoy the peaceful and beautiful outdoors before heading into a bustling Christmas time, Jacki and I, plus Lyle, Abi, and Carmelita head up North into South Carolina to the Foothills Trail. The trail is 77 miles. We only hiked a small 8 mile section from the Laurel Valley Access to Lake Jacossee. This trail was beautiful and we had a ton of fun. To include the introduction of the "Glowing Man". We crossed numerous bridges, maybe 35, and saw some amazing waterfalls.

With the inclusion of my new GoPro Hero and Lyle taking his Nikon D7000, plus his photography skills, we acquired some very nice shots. I've also learned some new editing techniques and the video features some of my favorite music from my dad.

So, enjoy the video!
Click To Learn: Foothills Trail
Check out my dad's music! Don Scroggins

Time Lapse Sequence Practice

My friend, Lyle, recently bought me a GoPro Hero camera for my birthday and it gave me the idea to try some time lapse shots.  I had never done them before, so it's been kind of an experiment.  I think they add a nice cinematic touch to a scene.  However, if you have nothing but time lapses, you just put pretty music to it.  :)

Hopefully I can get some of these on the AT!

To See some absolutely amazing time lapses, check out http://timescapes.org/!

Group Hike at Mistletoe State Park

A quick snap shot before leaving camp. (TJ, Abi, Jacki, Jeremy, Lyle)

Jacki and I went out with a couple a good friends and a new backpacker.  It was a very short over-nighter (7 miles total) with little ups or downs.  However, Jacki, Lyle, and I had run a 10k race that morning in freezing temperatures.  We were already a bit worn out.  I for one, fought taking a nap all day after the race and almost fell asleep packing.  The nice thing about going on short, easy trips like this, is that you can really bring whatever you want and relax as long as you want.  It's also nice to have a more diverse conversation with others than just Jacki.  Don't get me wrong, Jacki and I can have some pretty interesting conversations and I love talking with her, but sometimes we just like to listen to people tell their stories and discus their ideas on any and every topic.  Honestly, I think we prefer going with a small group rather than alone.  As long as those with us are good people and positive, boosting the group's spirits.  It makes for a fun trip.