David Gray's video: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backpacking TN - May 2023

View and purchase my photos at: https://davidcgray.smugmug.com/ Immerse yourself in my written words on my website at davidgraymedia.com. There you'll find book-length trip reports of most of my trips as well as gear reviews, trail stories, and travel information on memorable lodging, restaurants, and attractions I've experienced. The 2023 hiking season got off to a very late start, the latest I've ever done a first hike since I started backpacking. Like 2022 I started the year with a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Unfortunately, Travis couldn't join us for this hike, but Carl was able to make it as well as Christian, who was home from Colorado. This trip was another in the western section of Great Smoky Mountains NP. Our intent was to experience the many streams, creeks, and waterfalls in that area of the Park, as well as immerse ourselves in the unique 'primordial' forests you find in the backcountry of the Smokies. Like our 2022 hike we started and ended at the Elkmont Campground. The hike was entirely along the Little River on the Little River Trail with nights in campsites 21 and 24. It was the lowest mileage backpacking trip I've ever done - 3-days, 2-night, and just over 10 miles with some additional day hiking. The miles were low but the smiles were plentiful! As always the Park was gorgeous, the campsites and campfires were wonderful, and the ever-present sound of mountain streams soothed the soul. For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a bit under an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures. Equipment / Gear List: Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3Q3Gsco Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/3znpOP7 Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens https://amzn.to/2QZqNOo Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod https://amzn.to/3bH3Rvg Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system https://amzn.to/2wRdusp Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 https://amzn.to/2X5dKyu Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L Tent: Zpacks Triplex Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm https://amzn.to/2yjrUlj Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite https://amzn.to/39zju6v Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL https://amzn.to/2WYE5hZ Stove: JetBoil Flash https://amzn.to/3azKRi7 Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 https://amzn.to/3dPtOL5 Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle https://amzn.to/3bF1RDB Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot https://amzn.to/2R0JvoW Buff: Merino wool Buff https://amzn.to/3dCYHSC Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger https://amzn.to/2URI7G3 Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero https://amzn.to/2xzbwgh Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek https://amzn.to/3bA3X7I Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes https://amzn.to/2JwbQ2e