“It’s Good in the Woods”By Steve Barrett, Creative Content Writer for Hilltop Packs
Justin Sylvester, an avid backpacker and hiker, is a New Hampshire native, having lived there since he was four years old. And through his YouTube channel he is enjoying the opportunities to meet others within the outdoors community across the nation and even around the world.
Justin’s YouTube channel, titled “It’s Good in the Woods,” has been a labor of love for him for the past three years, and the channel’s increasing numbers of views for the numerous videos found there show no signs of slowing down.Justin and his family – his wife and their daughter – all enjoy hiking and backpacking. The family also includes a wide array of pets and animals, including a dog and a hamster as well as chickens they raise as part of their homesteading lifestyle.
Justin refers to himself as a full-time homesteader who admits that backpacking and hiking are a major part of his world, which began when he was in third grade.“As part of a class trip, I hiked a one-mile walk at Pitcher Mountain, and that began my obsession,” he said. “I really loved the outdoors as a kid and that continues to this day.”
Of the hundreds of hikes he has walked in his lifetime, he said the most memorable trip was along Mount Liberty, when he met the woman who would later become his wife.“I was hiking with a blind gentleman by the name of Randy Pierce, which was an incredible experience, and my future wife was working on a documentary about him and his journey,” he said. “For many reasons, that hike will always mean the most to me.”
As for his YouTube channel, Justin started it in 2019 with the hopes of connecting with others within the backpacking / hiking community.“Before I committed to creating my channel, I talked with my wife, and she gave me great, simple advice,” he said. “She said, ‘just start recording and see what happens.’ It didn’t take me long to realize that YouTube is a great way to connect with others.”Justin said he didn’t honestly believe his channel was going to “go anywhere,” but within three short years the channel has accumulated over 16,000 subscribers with Justin showing nearly 200 videos.“There are a lot of YouTubers who have a great deal to offer on their respective channels,” he said. “I don’t try to ‘compete’ with anyone or claim to offer intense instruction, I just like to present natural, casual, viewer-friendly videos of me and my family or buddies hiking, backpacking, enjoying the outdoors.“It’s just me, just doing my thing.”
The videos cover a wide array of topics, and Justin said he is happy to receive feedback and comments from viewers.“The number of responses I’ve been getting has been mind-blowing,” he said. “I have met a lot of cool people and made many great friendships through the channel. In fact, I’m packing right now to go backpacking with other YouTubers.”As for his experience with Randy Pierce, Justin said it was 10 years ago when Randy – joined by his team and his guide dog, Quinn – took on the challenge of taking on all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000+ foot mountains in just one winter season.
“He wanted to do it to raise awareness of how blind people can do anything,” he said. “I was invited to go with him on this incredible journey, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience. I was honored to become an integral member of his team, and I’m honored to call him a friend.” The inspirational documentary made about Randy’s journey, titled “Four More Feet,” is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime.“We are still close friends today,” Justin said proudly. “I will always carry with me the many amazing memories I made during that adventure. It was an opportunity of a lifetime.”
When asked why backpacking and hiking are so special to him, Justin summed it up with just one word.“Adventure,” he said with a smile. “It’s all about the adventure, man. All of it – backpacking, hiking, trail running, kayaking, canoeing, just breathing and living in the outdoors – is awesome. Just get out there and do it, man. It’s all good in the woods.” You can follow Justin on his adventures on his youtube channel belowhttps://www.youtube.com/c/ItsGoodintheWoods/
6 comments on “It’s Good in the Woods” - Hiker Spotlight
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I’ve had the fortune of meeting Justin after we shared comments on our you tube channels. We have been on multiple trips and adventures since meeting. Justin is a solid dude, and his desire to adventure is contagious ! " Its Good In The Woods " One of the best you tube channels out there ! Cheers ! Craig
I met Justin on a Facebook group of which we both were members. I enjoy his YouTube channel and love his homesteading lifestyle. We’ve become friends commenting on each other’s posts although I’m still waiting to share a campfire with him if he doesn’t mind dragging a seventy something year old dude along with him. Happy Trails my friend.
My first HTP product(s)! Love them! Finally got a good food bag, holds it ALL! Tent stake bag is big, but not too big. Great quality and will work perfectly on those “frozen” finger mornings! Highly Recommended! TY Rougarou 2022 AT NOBO
I love these Dyneema bags. Great quality, look and feel. I have the bear bag kit with spoon holder and spool for the rope with the large dog bone. In the larger bag I have a jet boil with pan support and pan. A small thermos to keep things warm and cook rice with hot water. I also have the small bear bag kit for my 750ml Toaks pot with pocket rocket deluxe and 100g propane/isobutane fuel canister inside. Another small thermos, Plenty of room for food or mre's. Other bags for ditty bag and clothes. I would recommend.
I purchased the Hilltop Packs Sit Pad Ultralight because it's description indicated it was substantially lighter than my Thermarest Z-Pad and I was curious how it would compare to the Z-Pad. To begin with, my Z-Pad weighs 59 grams (2.1 oz) while the Sit Pad Ultralight I received weighs 32 grams (1.1 oz). The weight difference is primarily due to the smaller size of the Sit Pad Ultralight. My Z-Pad is 1-1/4 inch wider and 1/2 inch longer than the Sit Pad Ultralight. Additionally, the Z-Pad is slightly thicker than the Sit Pad Ultralight and is made of a more rubber-like material, which makes it a bit more comfortable to sit on when on rocky terrain. I'm not too concerned with the smaller size of the Sit Pad Ultralight. It provides reasonable coverage for my bottom and has proven effective in keeping it free of dirt and debris, which is what I want most from a sit pad. Another difference worth noting is the folded size of the pads. The Z-Pad, when fully folded, is narrower than the Sit Pad Ultralight but it is also thicker than the Ultralight. This may or may not be an issue for you. It hasn't been an issue for me. As a matter of fact, I prefer the wider folds of the Sit Pad Ultralight as it makes it easier for me to set it on edge (accordion-style) and use it as a wind screen for my stove. The only real concern I have with the Sit Pad Ultralight is with the long term durability of the pad's hinge points (fold lines). The fold line material thickness on the Sit Pad Ultralight is less than that on the Z-Pad. Only time will tell if this concern is warranted. Overall, though, I believe the Sit Pad Ultralight is worth considering, especially if you're looking for ways to shave ounces from your pack.
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