First Backpacking Trip! 23-Mile Loop on the Susquehannock Trail (STS West Branch Connector)

Join me and my son-in-law Brandon as we take on the northern loop of the Susquehannock Trail, using the West Branch Connector to form a 23-mile circuit through Pennsylvania’s wild and beautiful STC region.

This was Brandon’s first-ever backpacking trip, and we planned it as a 3-day, 2-night hike—but plans changed when Brandon surprised me with the idea of tackling a big-mile day. We ended up hiking the final 17 miles on day two, making it a two-day adventure instead.

We camped after 6.6 miles the first night and enjoyed some fishing both at camp and along the trail the next day. Most of the video is from camp, where we relaxed, cooked, fished, and talked—so this one’s got more of a laid-back, conversational vibe. If you like chill evenings around the fire and real talk from the trail, this video is for you.

📍 Trail: Susquehannock Trail System (STS) - Northern Loop
🥾 Distance: ~23 miles
⛺️ Nights: 1
🎣 Fishing: Yes!
🎥 Format: Campfire conversations, gear use, trail updates, and candid moments

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My Backpack - https://liteaf.com
My Food Bag - https://collabs.shop/8di7dy
Dirty/Dry Bags - https://hilltoppacks.com/backpackingadventures
Poop Trowel - https://collabs.shop/ytx2zi
Red Tail Hammock - https://hemlockmountainoutdoors.com
Hammock Tarp - https://hammockgear.sjv.io/KeQ1Oz
Top Quilt - https://hammockgear.sjv.io/qnPJmq
Under Quilt - https://hammockgear.sjv.io/QOkoA9
Under Quilt Protector - https://hammockgear.sjv.io/Ao4bY1
Durston Xmid Pro 2 Tent - https://durstongear.com/product/x-mid-pro-2p
Hoka Speedgoat Trail Runners- https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-trail/speedgoat-5/1123157.html
3 Season Sleeping Pad - https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=7709108a-b467-4795-a111-fbfeffd18a72&website_id=5a99d84d-85f6-498a-b25f-3942e43add05&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thermarest.com%2Fsleeping-pads%2Ffast-and-light%2Fneoair-xlite-sleeping-pad%2Fneoair-xlite.html
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Pillow - https://amzn.to/2ulzkCQ
Fleece Peloton 97 Hoodie - https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=74abdbc7-5cd7-4518-9fcb-9b0bf7ee96a2&website_id=5a99d84d-85f6-498a-b25f-3942e43add05&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kuiu.com%2Fpeloton-97-fleece-zip-t-hoodie%2F20031.html%3Fdwvar_20031_color%3DValo%26cgid%3Dpeloton-97
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Garmin InReach Mini - https://amzn.to/3dTKuRc
Nitecore NU25 Headlamp - https://amzn.to/2tHp7Ar
Nitecore NB 10,000 Battery Bank- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JH5SKQ8/ref=nosim?tag=backpacki080b-20
Nitecore NB 20,000 Battery Bank - https://amzn.to/41z6ZEJ
Knife Leatherman Squirt - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0032XZW9G/ref=nosim?tag=backpacki080b-20
Anker 30 W Charging Block - https://amzn.to/30s3CBF
Knife - https://amzn.to/3azTcTa
Rain Jacket - https://amzn.to/2RIVpTA
Trekking Poles - https://amzn.to/2TM9RNn
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