Backpacking John Hayes Backpacking John Hayes

Great Divide Trail - Justin Outdoors

I have been following Justin’s epic hike on the Canadian Great Divide Trail. Justin is open about his challenges, mood, and successes on this through hike on the daily videos. He doesn’t sugarcoat it but rather is honest about his trip. A great series to follow.

Justin also publishes excellent gear reviews from Calgary, Alberta, and offers a behind-the-scenes view of planning, training, and enjoying backpacking excursions.

Looking for a great backpacking YouTube channel to follow? Justin Outdoors is an awesome one.

 If you want to get my monthly newsletter, subscribe over on the left; no spam, just what I’m thinking about, doing, and tackling for the month.

Read More
thoughts, Backpacking John Hayes thoughts, Backpacking John Hayes

Youtube is a Positive

YouTube is a positive influence. YouTube has motivated me to act. YouTube helped move me from should to action. As a result, I am once again backpacking.

unsplash-image-MHS7g_q-6mE.jpg

 I started getting backpacking videos in my feed and started watching them. As the algorithms work, the more you watch, the more they are served up in your feed. What was remarkable is that I got so motivated that I got off my ass and did something about it. I started hiking with my wife to get in shape. I talked with my older son about going on a trip. We started planning an epic trip to the Grand Tetons. I got my old gear out from the early 2000s to see what I have. Got my old MSR Whisper lite stove up and running. Yes, she still burns strong.  

I acted. I was able to take the sedentary action of consuming online content and move to action. I now use YouTube for product reviews and information on location hiking. 

It has transformed me from sitting on my ass to move. Yes, YouTube is a good thing. Countless channels provide content on people’s passions. It helps you get that little bit of dopamine, and you feel good to move you to action.  

 YouTube also helps exercise your judgment skills (good from the bad). You need to discern for yourself is something a good behavior vs. bad.  Remember, YouTube only publishes the content. YOU make the decision to consume it, let it affect you, and ultimately act on it. We all make decisions, and where you are now is solely based on actions and decisions you made.  

YouTube is a positive influence for me – but you make the decision.

Is YouTube a positive for you?


Read More