Backpacking the Sierra After 6 Weeks of Training — Am I Stronger Now?
After six intense weeks of endurance training, it was finally time to trade the gym for the trail. I headed into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to hike the Mono Pass Trail—my first real test above 12,000 feet.
Trip blog post: https://buymeacoffee.com/adventuresandreams/out-progress-bar-just-presence
I spent weeks in the gym, but was the training enough? Would I feel stronger? In this video, I put myself (and my gear) to the test in one of the most beautiful corners of California’s high country.
This trip wasn’t just about miles or elevation—it was a chance to reconnect with why I hike in the first place. From wildflower-covered meadows to rocky ridgelines and glacial valleys, the Sierra delivered its usual magic.
Along the way, I talk about how endurance training has shaped my approach to backpacking, share a few gear updates (including new guylines that actually stay tight), and reflect on what it means to slow down and truly enjoy the journey.
Trail: Mono Pass Trail, Little Lakes Valley, Eastern Sierra
Trip Type: Solo backpacking
Inspired by: Training for the New Alpinism https://amzn.to/3HiONJz
If you enjoy backpacking stories, high-elevation trails, and building strength in the mountains—don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to follow along on the journey!
// RELATED LINKS
• Read the blog post I mentioned – https://tinyurl.com/2mz236jz
• See my full backpacking training series – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlizgcc7ctqs69xzS-LS_NMyBQpGUm_B5
// PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, we’ll receive a small commission.
Guylines: https://amzn.to/3IYG9R1
Sleeping pad: Therm-A-Rest https://alnk.to/d3DWloW REI https://rei.pxf.io/vPveDj Amazon: https://amzn.to/3X5fQx1
Pillow: Therm-A-Rest: https://alnk.to/cSHYgYF REI https://rei.pxf.io/aOz3NM Amazon: https://amzn.to/4fMbuCk
Quilt: https://amzn.to/4mvQNNL
Tiny towels: https://amzn.to/4lkbsDu
// OTHER GEAR
Backpack: https://tinyurl.com/nhfv2pzr
Tent: https://tinyurl.com/ywz2htfr (my review: https://youtu.be/IlcksrEBVKY)
*Clothes & boots*
Pants: REI: rei.pxf.io/POm64j Amazon: https://amzn.to/3q9h4te
Fleece jacket: REI: rei.pxf.io/Wy2G9Z Amazon: https://alnk.to/7BfeQza
Sun shirt: https://amzn.to/45Zvlcn
Hiking socks: REI: rei.pxf.io/2aVWXa Amazon: https://amzn.to/42IUkxz
Hiking boots: Salomon https://salomon.pxf.io/55GOjN REI: rei.pxf.io/Qj26zM Amazon: https://amzn.to/45vVO12
*Eating & Drinking*
Stove: REI: rei.pxf.io/09Rd1P Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MRWQNo (my review: https://youtu.be/hGSGCbv6hcA)
Nalgene bottle: REI: rei.pxf.io/N926mv Amazon: https://amzn.to/432ymql
Water bottle: REI: rei.pxf.io/xLzNRd Amazon: https://amzn.to/3J1SNvV
Water filter – Katadyn BeFree: REI: https://rei.pxf.io/XmRzdX Amazon: https://amzn.to/45qJ2AT (my review: https://youtu.be/ItCNh_Kbdc8)
Replacement cartridge: REI: rei.pxf.io/K0yZYn Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qcHNVY
Utensils: https://amzn.to/43CwMvO
*Cleanliness & Health*
Trowel: https://amzn.to/3qFgbsA
First Aid: https://amzn.to/3NrDsHv
Camp soap: https://amzn.to/43C3n4V
Wet wipes: https://amzn.to/3Pbr5k3
Kula Cloth: https://kulacloth.com/pages/faqs
Safety & Repair*
Satellite Communicator: REI (v2) rei.pxf.io/gOaWX9 Amazon: https://amzn.to/45GYEjZ
Headlamp: Fenix: https://alnk.to/dWcwa43 REI: rei.pxf.io/N92632 Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MuPzBT
Sleeping Pad repair kit: https://amzn.to/3NrNdoY
Bear bag: REI: rei.pxf.io/xLzNDv Amazon: https://amzn.to/423TUlo
*Weather & Insects*
Chapstick with SPF: https://amzn.to/43UyisS
Mineral Sunscreen: https://amzn.to/4l7p9W4
*Comfort & Power*
Ultralight chair: REI: rei.pxf.io/5517Nn Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MyQlOd
Solar Panel Goal Zero: REI: rei.pxf.io/OeymJn Amazon: https://amzn.to/45G23zs (my review: https://youtu.be/el6GeOFCn0Y)
Anker MagSafe Charger: https://amzn.to/3MUHIij
// RECORDING EQUIPMENT & MUSIC
You can get a 30-day free trial for Epidemic Sound here: https://tinyurl.com/mryxdp4c
iPhone 15 Pro Max: https://amzn.to/3UFUZPO
MagSafe mount for iPhone: https://amzn.to/3MAkVHa
Wireless mic: https://amzn.to/3RcEYOA
Sling pack: https://amzn.to/3BU69pL
// CONNECT WITH ME
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2aphz8xe
Forthwall Store: https://tinyurl.com/mr3xmp6c
Buy Me A Coffee: https://tinyurl.com/3cb57jxp
Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/ym2vt95b
TikTok: https://tinyurl.com/2p8v68pp
// CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:49 Trail & drive
1:29 Day 1 hike start
3:28 Wildflowers
6:01 Geological history
10:40 Camp arrival & setup
12:39 Guylines
13:23 Sleep gear
15:47 Evening
16:58 Little towel
19:56 Special supporter shoutout
21:04 Day 2 morning
// VIDEO CREDIT
Relaxing Scenes – Driving: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEb14goX8KE
#Backpacking #SierraNevada #MonoPassTrail #HikingVlog #TrainingForTheSummit #HighSierra #BackpackingTraining #FourteenerPrep #SoloBackpacking
4 Comments
You belong to the wilds. I’ve seen mountain views before, but you frame it w/ peace & elegance.
If you want to help me reach my goal to summit a 14er in the Sierra later this year, please consider buying me a coffee. It helps so much. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/adventuresandreams
Read the related blog post here to dive deeper in the story: https://tinyurl.com/y3a52be6
Amazing! Really great storytelling and shots!
Hello from Oregon!
My list of amazing hikes to take into the Sierras keeps getting longer. Thanks for a look at Ruby Lake. Looked like an amazing spot. Will look forward to Part II. Good choice on the Western Mountaineering quilt. I usually add 10 degrees to a bag or quilt's rating as the lowest temp I would take it. This technique has served me well over the years to be sure I have a little leeway in case the temps drop more than expected.