I like it!

Do moderators actually read these? How about taking some hints from your readers? I believe the unertones here are; Hey! how about letting us send in some videos!! I am sure more than a few of us can actually use a camera correctly and may "teach" a few things in the process. Limiting the contributers to your staff tends to invalidate your good intentions. Most of the staff videos I see here remind me of upper middle class folks who always have the money for the best gear, or can pay their way through things. Like having GPS and SAT trackers, ect. The majority of us can't buy all of the sometimes highly priced goodies. And have to make do with inferior gear. I Believe this might be a pretty cool thing. And with the right moderator, I think you will see results. (Loyal news stand reader)

I have done several backpacking trips and hunting trips in the "Frank Church Wilderness". I can truly appreciate his experiences and concerns. It is rough country out there. I thoroughly enjoyed the video. Considering that he was a novice backpacker, he held it together very well.

I would not use this guy in any capacity if you're interested in keeping any credibility at all for your magazine. Sure, anyone can get lost. But his comments showed an almost total lack of outdoor knowledge, either about navigation or about survival skills. He adds a big "dufus" factor to your product.

I read the comments. Most are fair, some are not. I agree with the "average joe" mentality for this piece. Yes there was alot of complaining. It didn't help that Jim sounds like an affemanant Ben Stein. Even though he referenced "hot chicks on surf boards at the beginning. The point: Serious backpackers use this mag. I feel a real survivalist should do a piece to "TEACH" the readers how to survive in these situations. Not a contributing writer whom at best hits the level 1 weekend trails for some "hard walking". The peice had a great message. Just wrong deliverer. Glad you got back safe Jim. Stay on the weekender trails.

I am new here. I give him a lot of credit!! I would like to know how we can find out what gear he was given to survive with. What tent, etc.

People are too hard on this guy! I wouldn't want to take him on one of my trips, but for a backpacking newbie, he did alright. I have seen guys have a meltdown in far less challenging situations, not that I hike with those guys anymore! Yeah, whining is not too appealing, but then, there was no one else there to help or support the guy so he can be forgiven if he got a bit defeatist. Also, some people do better solo than others. We all have different tolerance of loneliness and different amounts of confidence and self-reliance.

Great Job getting out of the wilderness of no return. I'm not sure that I had gained any insight as to what possible solutions/problems I may have for a similar scenario though

Hmmmm...Lets compress 6 days of anyones life into 15 minutes and see how much whining we can display. People whine and complain about everything...this comment section proves it. Lost, cold, alone....not usually the script for comedic entertainment, especially when someone else edits your footage. Give the guy kudos a job well done.

Jim Thornton is a hoot. Over my 35 years backpacking I think I've moaned about each situation he was in. It is impressive that he fit it all into one trip.

On a side note, the recording was excellent and gave a "blair witch project" feel to the presentation.

I was laughing the whole way.

I've seen this guy on Signfeld!

One person said, "He wined too much." What an understatment! He wined about steping over trees? This whole project had great potential, but his acting was horrible, I have to believe he was acting, because there was too much wineing. Almost as if he had to make it seem worst than it really was. His article was better than the videos.

Awesome job dude. Lends a little weight to the old saying " we're not out of the woods yet!"

Looked like fun! He whined a little too much, especially with all that gear! Would have liked to have seen him utilize some of the resources in the area, found some food in the streams etc. I've been lost before for real and I KNOW that the fear is very real!

Wow, what a Whinging Pom.

Jim actually reminded me a little of Alan Arkin - & a nice dry sense of humor. I think it's easy to forget how scary being lost can be. Think back to when you were a little kid and got "lost" in the grocery store or at the mall. I have to imagine that it's a similar feeling when you somewhere in 2M acres of wilderness. Like others, I read the article first and then watched the video. Well done all the way around. Cheers to Jim for being a good sport as novice backpacker and volunteering for this challenge.

I do not do much more than a day (or wkend) hike, but even then I bring more than necessary for that hike in case something unexpected happens. The only high tech I carry is a 2 meter ham radio (modded for upper 2m -government/Forest Service freqs). So I always have communication at hand. That and having served as a Fire Lookout for several seasons, I am a map enthusiast and generally can find where I am within about a mile or less.
That said, I think this guy (more experienced hiker) sure does whine a lot. Right off the bat, he was whining... Good Idea for Backpacker Mag, but pick someone else next time.

Again reading some comments, it seems they don't realize that this is the video of someone who really isn't 'in' to this sort of thing. The best equipment around doesn't mean much when you don't know how to use half of it, and you are too tired to care. All in all, an entertaining piece.

I thought it was a good video (honest about issues and struggle but he tried to remain positive)Most "regular Joe's" i know, would have had the same amount of fatigue and general anxiety in his situation. Maybe the other readers don't realize that Regular Joe's (or Regular Kati's) read Backpacker too. As a regular Joe, I just returned from a 3wk trek to EBC on Everest so I can appreciate his sense of "!!!!!!!!!!!" Good Video. Great Magazine.

only six days? if winter storms we're not a threat, I don't see a reason to panic. but a hike through snow would be good reason to worry.