Hiking trails, hidden gems, and gear reviews
Subscribe on YouTubeWhy "Our Own Route"
Guided tours are great in small amounts. Usually we would rather wander around on our own -- finding things as we go. Being outdoors and enjoying various activities keeps us alives. We're not extremists or daredevils - we simply love to be out and about.
Choose your route
Every trip on the channel falls into one of these buckets.
Fresh off the trail
Yosemite Backpacking Day 2: Waterfalls and the Long Hike Out
Day 2 of our Yosemite backpacking trip: a morning near Glen Aulin, Tuolumne River waterfalls, and a 13.39-mile day ending back at the car.
Yosemite Backpacking Day 1: First Miles on the Tuolumne
Day 1 of our Yosemite backpacking trip: permit pickup, a bear canister surprise, heavy packs, river miles, thunder, rain, and Vung's first night in the backcountry.
The Best Way to Pack for a 3-Day Backpacking Trip
A practical packing walkthrough for Vung's first 3-day backpacking trip, covering food, cooking gear, clothes, sleep setup, pack fit, and trail-tested lessons.
San Francisco's Hidden Staircases: 9 Climbs, One Day
Nine of San Francisco's hidden public staircases in one day — mosaic art, 360° views, and streets you can only reach on foot.
Is this Katadyn Filter (Hiker Pro) Worth It?
I'll unbox, assemble, and prep so you can see exactly what is needed. Then I'll test it in the wilderness!
This Bear Canister Failed Our Yosemite Test | Here's Why
We put an adjustable-size bear canister to the test in Yosemite — here's why it didn't hold up.
The Perfect Trail Tea Break: Finding Peace by the River
A quiet tea break backpacking along Yosemite's Tuolumne River — a small pause to remind us why we're here.
Santa Teresa County Park | The Most Relaxing Hike Near San Jose
A peaceful, dog-friendly 4K walk through Santa Teresa County Park's open hills in South San Jose — no narration, just the trail.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Historic Train
The Roaring Camp beach train through Santa Cruz's Henry Cowell Redwoods, crossing a 1909 steel trestle bridge.
This Seattle Park Has A Massive Troll Sculpture
The Fremont Troll in Seattle — a giant sculpture tucked under a bridge, and where to find it.
Pinnacles National Park Cave's | Most Hikers Miss This
Inside Pinnacles National Park's talus caves — a side route most hikers walk right past.
ZERO Crowds at These Northern California Hidden Gems
A clear, calm river spot in NorCal that's perfect for swimming — and somehow still empty.
This Peaceful Trail Is Right Under Most People's Noses
A quiet creekside trail with a footbridge crossing — proof you don't need to drive hours to find a good hike.
Gear from the videos
Bear canisters, water filters, and everything else that's actually been on a trip.