Solo Backpacking The West Virginia Wilderness

Join me on a spontaneous 3-day solo backpacking trip in Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia — one of the most rugged and beautiful areas in the Appalachians. With no finalized plan, 50mph wind forecasts, high creek crossings, and some of the newest trails added to the Sods, this trip was all about adapting, exploring, and just getting out there. 📍 Trip Overview: Location: Dolly Sods Wilderness, Monongahela National Forest, WV Duration: 3 Days | ~25 Miles Conditions: Cold nights, wind gusts up to 40mph+, high water, rain, and lingering snow Terrain: Rocky ridges, creek crossings, and remote wilderness trails New Section: Dobbin Slashings — recently acquired land, now part of Dolly Sods 🎒 Gear Featured: Zpacks Arc Air 50 backpack Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo tent (hammock left behind due to high wind forecast) Warbonnet Diamondback quilt + Nemo Tensor pad Stowaway Gourmet freeze-dried meals Water System: CNOC Vecto 2L bag + Platypus QuickDraw (and thoughts on Sawyer Squeeze) Lowa Renegade GTX boots vs. trail runners discussion 🔍 Highlights in this video: Night hiking into the backcountry Scenic Red Creek campsites Deep water crossings New trail exploration (formerly private land, now public!) Honest backpacking food reviews (and price vs. calorie thoughts) Tips for hiking safely in unpredictable weather Reflections on the mental health benefits of solo backpacking 🧠 Trip Theme: “Just Do It.” This trip almost didn’t happen — no plan, limited time, and sketchy weather — but it turned into one of my favorite solo experiences. If you’re hesitating to get out there, this is your sign to just go. 🎥 More Adventures Coming: Subscribe to see future trips from 8+ states and upcoming long-distance hikes out West. Tons of trail-tested tips, trip reports, and honest gear reviews. #DollySods #BackpackingWestVirginia #SoloBackpacking #ZpacksArcAir #SixMoonDesigns #StowawayGourmet #UltralightBackpacking #BackpackingGear #RedCreekWV #MonongahelaNationalForest #BackpackingInTheRain #LeaveNoTrace #HikingLife #NewTrails #CampingWV 🎒 Full Gear List (Pack Wizard) https://www.packwizard.com/s/3Fn9yY8 🗺️ GPX File with Routes + 30+ Campsites — Add it to your GPS app of choice! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ORQq...