Solo Overnight Camp
Watch in 4k with headphones
It’s been some time since my last hike/camp/cook. I got out into the mountains more casually with my dad and brother, but that was more about having a good time and less about filming. I have spent a lot of time filming more ASMR type videos and getting comfortable with my audio recorder and stereo mic, and I was out for about a month with another minor surgical procedure and lost a lot of my in-shapeness, but I’m back and ready to go. As usual I started this camp out a little hung over, tired, dehydrated and generally not prepared physically. One of my big goals for this camp was to get some ASMR footage with high quality stereo audio, and *spoiler alert* that ended up not happening.
Loaded with gear
When I was filming down on Heeia shore my big and bulky stereo microphone slipped off my camera and dropped briefly but terribly into the ocean. I was able to grab it immediately, and the actual microphone itself was protected by the various windscreens I use, but the cable and connection got soaked with salt water. I got everything into rice right away and hoped for the best. Fast forward to this hike, and as I busted everything out and got set up for an epic shot I heard choke crackles and pops coming from the mic, basically rendering any hi def audio recording useless. Now I was stuck carrying about 6-8lbs of expensive audio recording gear that I couldn’t even use. Was kind of a bummer.
Mixpre 3ii with Audiotechnica BP4025 microphone and rycote BBG with windjammer
Every time I go out and try to camp and film there’s always some kind of setback. Something goes wrong whether it’s in my control or out of my control. Each time I head out I think, “this is going to be the one that does it for me,” and every time I come back disappointed in some way. I thought about turning around, since I was now carrying dead weight and still had a lot of the hike to go, but I kept going. I had turned around the previous 2 times I tried go out because of bad weather, and I needed a win, any kind of win.
Making it to the campsite and setting up was a win
From there things were straightforward- I got to the camp practically dead and slightly nauseous (as usual) and was able to get camp set up pretty easily. The menu for this trip was simple mountain stew with pork and wine and veggies, delicious and easy to make. I did it a little differently this time, opting for a more broth-like stew rather than thick and hearty. I kept my veggies whole, and didn’t cook any rice (GASP). It was easier to prepare and easier to digest as well. That hot and flavorful broth really hits the spot once it starts to get a little cooler.
Braddah Cody’s famous Mountain Stew- this one was mayjah
I brought a beer from Hana Koa brewing, Snoop Pogg, and boy it hit da SPOT! In my flask I had some tito’s vodka instead of my usual whiskey, gotta change it up sometimes right?
Hana Koa- Brewed for adventure
It only stormed very briefly in the very late night/early morning, and I stayed dry. Instead of a traditional sleeping bag I used a homemade sheet sleeping bag that my mom sewed for me. It got a little cold, but I still have all my toes. I think the sheet sleeping bag is only for the absolute warmest summer days.
POV inside my hyperlite mountain gear ultamid 2
On the way out I tried to get some nice shots of the trail, but with the limited on-camera audio it wasn’t really what I wanted. I did see quite a lot of people coming up the trail, and spent a good amount of time in conversation. Having a big mountain man beard can be somewhat of a struggle, but it definitely gives you some credibility on the trail. I talked story with an interesting dude wearing circular shades who had proposed to his fiance up at the Ko’olau summit. I talked story with a cool guy who was breaking in an osprey pack for his upcoming trip to Colorado. I talked story briefly with a big dude who greeted me “Sup BrAh” and was planning (forebodingly) to hike all the way up the trail to the summit ridge to a spot he couldn’t even pronounce, and out a different way even though he got a late start. I wished him good luck and god speed, but I hope that he turned around. I even cut a strawberry guava walking stick for some aunty with a bum ankle.
Hopefully that braddah made it out before dark.
This time was really a simple camp, but for a simple camp it sure was heavy. Heavy with malfunctioning gear, heavy with the extra flesh I carry and heavy with the brief but poignant glimpses into the lives of strangers. I don’t usually talk as much with people on the trail, but with great beard comes great responsibility. I take solace in the fact that with the right training, heavy things eventually become lighter, and with the right solution, problems with malfunctioning gear and malfunctioning lives can eventually be remedied.
Koʻolau Mountain Man
Gear list:
Camera: Sony a7siii
Lens: 16-35 GM
Tripod: Peak Design Carbon Fiber
Mic: Rode VideomicNTG
Pack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest
Tent: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2
Cot: Thermarest ultralight w/ mesh
Inflatable Pad: Thermarest Uberlite
Cook system: Trangia 27 with Billy pot and gas burner
Knife: Tops Shadow Tracker II
Stick: Bamboo from da forest grove
Beer: Hana Koa Brewing Snoop Pogg
Hards: Tito’s Vodka
If you haven’t already watched the video, go ahead and watch it. It’s my best one to date, and even though my really good microphone wasn’t working I did manage to get some nice ASMR scenes. Do me a favor, like and subscribe to my YouTube channel and keep an eye out for my members only section. If you appreciate these videos then please consider donating to the new equipment/hot meal fund below. Big mahalo to the first person who donated (you know who you are), that money is already spent on a new cable for my microphone.
Aloha
