One thing I like about this cat is he goes out there and does the activity. Too many people with sizable channels doing equipment and advice videos and very little actual backpacking videos. This is a great way to express equipment variety, technique and personal skill testing
I think it was worth mentioning that you're a *very* experienced winter backpacker, and just because *you* can do this with the gear shown doesn't mean anyone else should try it. I was most concerned about that traverse without traction devices or an ice axe. I hope you realize you're an influential person, and people will emulate you.
Of course he’s an influential figure. but if someone with no experience tried to do this and failed, that’s on them. Justin is not encouraging everyone to do this.
Winter is one of those times where I don't skimp on gear. Usually I car camp with a big hot tent, but I actually started backpacking in the winter after watching your channel. I'd need a lot more experience before I start going ultralight, but it's interesting seeing how you approach that.
That's great to hear that you've started backpacking in the winter after watching the video! It's important to prioritize safety and comfort when camping in extreme conditions. If you're interested in quality gear for winter camping, I highly recommend checking out Segway's Portable PowerStation Cube Series. It's an amazing powerhouse that provides ample power for different devices and appliances, with features like massive capacity, armor design, and super fast recharging. It's definitely worth considering for your outdoor adventures!
I recently started winter motorcycle camping and it's a nice in between that let's be get way out and not leave a car somewhere it might get broken in to.
A tip from a grizzled old-hand... If you're going to experiment with gear in serious cold weather, best to stick to areas with an easy retreat till you can build confidence in your setup. The escape route from this camp looks serious, so he was taking a significant risk here. Oh - and in winter I'll always take a hard-core torch, so that if I do have to retreat in the dark I can see where I'm going. There's light and then there's stupid light - skimping on the torch is one corner that I personally would never be cutting to save a couple of grams.
Leaving the micro spikes behind might not have been the wisest choice there buddy. Great video though and very helpful for a trip I’m planning in the uk this winter
Yea that’s on item id probably never leve behind in the winter. In less there’s a good base of snow and I’m not hiking in the mountains I might just bring snowshoes but I’d probably stil bring them.
@@derekhand7904 I’m just researching gear for a winter camp on my channel, are snow shoes worth it? We get very little snow in the UK so can’t see it getting very deep
@@Craigsoutdooradventures here in new York we are required to use snow shoes if there’s more then 8in of snow. So if you don’t get over 8inches of snow very often I wouldn’t worry about it.
@@Craigsoutdooradventuressnow shoes are not necessary in the UK. Spikes are fine but if you’re going on any kind of snow covered hill, take an ice axe and flexible crampons. Learn how to use them beforehand.
I love winter hiking so much more than any other time of year. It's the air and the wrath of nature is more dangerous in the winter and everything is so beautiful. I find I get way too hot during the summer and I always am super warm hiking in the winter, sometimes I end up hiking in just a tshirt and snowpants. I love it.
I agree on the quilt solution. You don't want to have anything other than a bag to put your body in outside wintertime. You can leave your quilt duvet's at home. Bring a quilt you can zip up like a sleeping bag, or bring a proper sleeping bag. Personal choice of course. But for the majority, this is not the kind of conditions to choose a sleeping system you can't cover 99% of your body. It's a great demo though. Lightweight in the cold. It can be done.
It's possible now to carry a pretty light pack and still have really warm gear and clothes thanks to lighter materials. Not that long ago, multi-day ski mountaineering trips meant 80lb packs, but about 10-12 years ago we saw a serious revolution in warm gear that is also much lighter. My last big multi-day ski mountaineering trip I started a four night trip with a 15kg pack (33lbs) and that included climbing gear - an unimaginable pack weight compared to 20 years ago. Everything is lighter. 800-900 fill power down, dyneema, reflective-tech sleeping pads, skinny (but still safe) climbing ropes, 100g harnesses, and on and on. We took the MSR Reactor stove, which is heavy compared to the tiny BRS-style summer stoves, but as a winter cooking system, a fraction of the weight of white-gas and an XGK. Okay, I'll never part with my XGK, because there are still trips where nothing else will do, but those trips are the exception now, not the norm.
Thank you for your hard work and your dedication. It is greatly appreciated. You make great content that is very enjoyable to watch. Idk if it makes some of the suffering worth it but you are making great videos.
What do you do about filtering water. You said you had running water nearby. In particular, I'm wondering what you do to prevent your water filter from freezing up.
For the Nemo/ Xtherm comparison use the TENSOR MUMMY shaped pad. It we be apples to apples. Or use the xtherm square pad. The extra volume is a big factor especially when there is an apples to apples from each brand.
Hope you are up to speed on your avalanche safety if you are traveling this type of terrain in winter. The catch with avalanche safety techniques is it almost all requires a 2nd person. Be safe out there please.
A comment on winter tents - if you have a double-wall tent that can be set up fly-only, you have a winter tent already. I bring just the fly from my Lanshan-1 for winter camping, along with a .7mm plastic groundsheet, and it's comparable (IMHO) to a purpose-built floorless/bugnetless winter tent, for no additional cost.
Do I understand correctly that single wall is preferred over double in winter? Beacuse of condensation? Double wall is warmer, right? I have a Lanshan as well, but the two, so I'm curious how you see this. I'll go winter camping, beginner style, soon. Did it in Sweden before with some degrees freezing at night and summer inner tent. I'm considering to buy a winter inner. But I was wondering about maybe more condensation.
@@d.2110 No, just that a bug net isn't required when there are no bugs in winter, so you can save weight by leaving the inner at home. Double wall with a bug net inner isn't warmer, but can help keep your sleeping bag off the tent fly.
I absolutely love your videos. I appreciate everything you put into them, and I understand how much work each video is to produce. With all of that said, I’m really disappointed that you didn’t bring spikes and snowshoes. I think a lot of people who are less experienced and less aware of their own capabilities follow your lead, and that could put them in an extremely dangerous position. - Regardless of that, thank you for all the content you create!
Thanks for taking risks and documenting your experience so we can all learn! Always enjoy your videos. Also just placed an order through GGG through your link.
Justin, you are braver than most people who wouldn't even consider doing what you did, let alone do it! Thank you so much for sharing the most awesome Canadian Rockies! They are breathtaking to see. I can't believe you went up that rock scree without micro spikes and I'm impressed that you slept through the night without being too cold. 😉
It's not about bravery but unreasonable risk. Everyone is very brave until emergency, then cursing the hour they took the stupid decision in running into the trouble. My problem with this: There are people trusting Justin and might attempt similar with no experience, and here experience will only play role in managing the stress WHEN it gets wrong. Anything else is here pure luck. And this amongst other reasons(like Justin becoming a full time youtuber with the according ad-dependency etc.) is why I unfollowed this channel.
How do you think those trousers would be in milder temperatures? I'm looking for something tough and breathable but I don't need quite that level of protection from the cold
I've never winter camped in a tent with no floor, but then again, I've never backpacked anywhere in the winter at all. I wonder if a groundsheet would be something worth packing. I don't think I'd skip the spikes. Just based on my own limited experience, I'd want something that could bite into the snow a little better than boot treads, unless the base is less than a few inches. I get not packing snowshoes, though. They're damn near worthless in shallow snow or when you're trying to scramble up a hill like that. I do like the idea of packing a synthetic top quilt to keep moisture/frost out of my down bag, and I think I'll pick one up. Have you ever tried a bag or quilt treated with moisture-repellent down? I've been wondering how well those work in the winter compared to my regular down bag.
Justin is very experienced. Beginner winter campers should never do what he did. Please, don't leave out stuff that could save your life, just because a youtuber was able to leave things out.
And what if 24 inches of snow suddenly dumped on his campsite at night. No spikes, no snowshoes. Weather is unpredictable in the mountains... This is not a game. I know experienced hikers and climbers who nearly lost their lives and they were more prepared than you. I know several who lost their lives. Don't let the ego get in the way of common sense....
Excellent video. What is temperature rating (comfort rating) of each quilt you used? How do you add them together to get the combined comfort temp rating. You mention -20 C.
What makes a winter pack 50lbs?. Mine weighs 20lbs excluding food and water including a 65L Rucksack (2lbs), Tent (Akto) (4lbs), -20C sleep system (3lbs).
Hi Justin thanks for the videos and gear reviews, I am considering the rei helix because of your reviews. I would love to see you review the haven hammock tent, it is my go to shelter and sleep set up. It seems to be the only way I can get comfortable in the woods. I would love your take on it.
Would my Western Mountaineering 20 F. mummy PLUS my light does jacket and down pants keep me warm at -20 F? With my solo tent (Tarptent Moment DW) and an R8 + insulated air mattress I'd say yes. But I would also be wearing a warm fleece balaclava and glove liners. (Yes, glove liners. You'd be surprised how well they keep you warmer.) BTW, that Fire Maple Blade 2 is great for old weather canister use with its vaporizing loop. I bought one for my grandsons B/C the stove (and thus the pot) are on the ground and being low means careless teens are less likely to tip it over.
Would you know if the Nemo pad is ASTM certified at 8.5 r value or just a number they picked out of a hat. Propane works well for a camp stove. Good to 30 below. Thanks for posting. Th
Hey Justin! Curious if you have any experience with the Serratus Pace UL 40 pack by MEC. It’s uses an interesting fabric blend of nylon and dyneema. Looks like a great budget-friendly answer to HMG packs at almost 1/4 the price!!!! Very strange, deep side-pockets though. That’s my only hesitancy. I’m very close to getting one … waiting to see if it goes on sale this week. Would love to see a review of it sometime if you get your hands on one!
I bought it this summer and do not like it. Pros - very comfy and lightweight. Cons - useless hip pockets as they are too small and do not stretch (cant even fit a phone into pocket without a wrestling match), shoulder pockets are nice but are flimsy and already falling apart. Side pockets on pack have no stretch and are too narrow (I can't even fit my trekking poles in them), the mesh stuff pocket is also not stretchy enough and when the pack is full it is almost useless except for small items, the small top zip pocket is also very small, and does not even have a clip for car keys, the various compression straps and waist straps are too long and you end up having straps flapping all over the place. A poorly designed pack in my opy
@@maxwellerickson7066 - That helps, thank you! I was wondering how people could get such low base weights. The moment I added stuff like bear canister, fuel, food, and water I was well above those weights.
My first backpacking trip from Canada into the USA only needed fig leaf as gear. I ended up going to place called the rainbow gathering and only found out when I got there that it was a huge nudist colony. Oh yeah.
Depends on which country you are from. For example, in Australia, it is illegal to freecamp, and fires can only be lit in designated areas or you face fines and imprisonment if caught.
Hey Justin, i always enjoy your videos! So nice to see a Canadian perspective as we (Canadians) all know American versions of gear testing and real life use often are difficult to compare to the conditions we deal with north of the border. Just curious which conundrum you were using. The -12, -17, or -23 version... Also, are you using a 850 or 950 fill down? Cheers!
Does this gear weight (5.5 kg) includes clothes? If no, how much does the clothes weight? Including mid layer and underwear. I mean anything added to the naked body.
this summer i went on a day hike in mid june and on our way down the back side of the mountain we came across about 4ft of snow blocking the trail. we fell through a few times but thankfully made it out safe. what kind of gear or knowledge should someone pack in case of unexpected snow? it is so hard to predict most of the time and we dont know any other people who hike in the same part of the south canadian rockies.
That's the Decathlon Simond mountaineering brand of down parka, the hood is designed to accommodate a helmet but adjusts front & back for when ur not wearing one. It's Decathlon's warmest down parka, good to -29°C with 3D baffles vs sewn thru quilting. Durable sleeves & double front zip for wearing a harness. Pairs nicely with Simond down mountaineering mitts. Wrigley. Whew. Thought I forgot what it's called... The Outdoor Research Wrigley cap, I think it's discontinued, but there's a Canadian shop that specializes in past seasons gear, that one I do forget, sorry 😅
Do you think the limitations you experienced with your stove are because of the stove or because it is uses isobutane canisters which tend to be not as efficient at the temperatures you were in?
The boiling point of ISO Butane is -11.7C, so MSR blends 20% propane with this product so it will work in colder temps. I blend up to 30% percent with n-butane for when I know I will be using my Fire Maple in extreme cold, but you risk forming an avulsion on the bottom of the canister with that ratio of propane in a canister meant for butane however.
What boots did you use? Socks? Gators? I think a lot of hikers/hunters are interested in staying dry while hiking in snow and you seem to have that under control.
My inflatable failed on my last summer trip. Exped Flexmat ordered for fall and spring camping, don't want to even take the risk! (Not quite at winter camping yet.)
17:51 ohhhh boo reveal. After watching all that, you didn't even sleep on the ground. Lol. Also, what temp rating, down fill version, dener count, of the bag did you use?
This is a good topic. Think my Western Mountaineering Megalite large girth down 3 season 20 F. mummy bag COULD work down to -10 F. ir I work my polyester polar weight base layer and my down pants and down jacket along with my R5.3 insulated air mattress. Below that I'd have to use my -20 F. down mummy and closed cell Ridge Rest mattress beneath the R5.3 air mattress. With the down clothes that mummy would take me to -35 F. but I need to be inside my Tarptent Moment DW (Double Wall) solo tent. Also I'd need my MSR Whisperlite Universal in white gas mode beyond -10 F. PLUS my -30 F. down parka and mittens with DACHSTEIN boiled wool liners and SOREL felt pack boots.
I have instant solution to hikers heavy backpacks---- answer is do not pack, do not set up camp, do not walk any further than to the vehicle, and don't go backpacking. I used these solutions for myself years ago and have never worried about heavy backpacks again. I Hate to be cold and cold and wet, so I just don't go where it's cold and I stay where it is not so wet.
I know this video is to showcase what you can do with ultralite setup but did you bring any comforts. I love winter camping but this hardly seems fun. Different strokes and all that and if you enjoy all the power to you. My winter camping is a whole different thing lol Good on you though.
cool idea with the synthetic quilt on top of the down one. and i gotta get me some down pants and booties hehehe. also did not like the look of that traverse, its worth warning people about exhaustion and bad decisions going hand in hand.
I've been up to that area about a dozen times now, and there always seems to be moose tracks around hidden lake. Makes me nervous. Those dense trees aren't where I wanna run into a moose. 👀
You are clearly very knowledgeable and experienced but for people just starting out, Hiking and travelling lighter is always going to be better, however, cutting your weight down without compromising safety is always the best way to go. A lot of people are obsessed with ultralight but for me that compromises safety, comfort and enjoyment.
For a simple overnight, loss of loft from moisture shouldn’t have made a noticeable difference. If it had, it would have been indicative that you were dressed too heavily and sweated. Based on the down camp clothes, you could have left the top quilt at home and just slept in those puffy down layers, which really decrease the amount of dead air space around you to warm, then added the Conundrum on top of that, probably without straps, unless there was a lot of wind. I would have brought Microspikes and a headlamp for sure. Those are safety items as much as anything else. Even Yaktrax would have been better than nothing, though maybe they wouldn’t have fit around your boots.
I saw this a couple of weeks ago and was going to leave it, but an article came through my email this morning that kind of summarises my thoughts on your video (I will put a link at the end, you will figure out where in the world I am) While I appreciate the effort and intention of this video, I do not think the message of not carrying Microspikes (or any other piece of safety related equipment) just to save weight not one is one to put out there, especially for winter hiking. After watching the video and what you chose to show in terms of the terrain (I will reserve any judgement about your route, crossing what looked like avalanche terrain and your physical state once getting to the campsite), from my perspective you put your safety at risk just to save a few grams, and that is not a message that anyone without a good degree of knowledge or experience should hear. As someone who does a good amount of winter hiking/ low level mountaineering (admittedly in locations were carrying Micro spikes/ crampons/ ice axes/ avalanche kits is a bit less of a subjective in deciding on taking and more of a must have), I have more than one occasion come across Hikers without the necessary gear and are putting themselves at risk. Every once and a while I will read an article in the news about such people who do not take, what should be necessary, gear and end up getting into trouble (injury or in the worst-case death). I appreciate that the intention was to produce a gear review video and that there should be a fair amount of personal responsibility, but as a content creator (and to be honest from what I have seen, it is just not you) there should be a lot of thought put into the audience and the messages you are inadvertently putting out there. www.wildernessmag.co.nz/how-light-is-too-light/?ml_subscriber=2369149645369644529&ml_subscriber_hash=q4w4&Newsletter%20-%20MailerLite&Email&
I feel this video needs a warning. Hey folks Justin is very experienced backpacker in the rockies. Don't head out in Rockies with little gear and alone and don't go up steep mountain slopes where there is Avalanche danger. I was nervous for you. Always be safe in the backcountry!!!
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One thing I like about this cat is he goes out there and does the activity. Too many people with sizable channels doing equipment and advice videos and very little actual backpacking videos. This is a great way to express equipment variety, technique and personal skill testing
I think it was worth mentioning that you're a *very* experienced winter backpacker, and just because *you* can do this with the gear shown doesn't mean anyone else should try it. I was most concerned about that traverse without traction devices or an ice axe. I hope you realize you're an influential person, and people will emulate you.
agree. This would be extremely dangerous for the avererage camper.
Lmao. What a lying simp.
It's also super mega duper expensive
Like a 500$ quilt "for the quilt curious"
I wish hiking UA-camrs would have been more money awere
Of course he’s an influential figure. but if someone with no experience tried to do this and failed, that’s on them. Justin is not encouraging everyone to do this.
It’s an important point, but it’s also not his job to keep everyone safe.
Winter is one of those times where I don't skimp on gear. Usually I car camp with a big hot tent, but I actually started backpacking in the winter after watching your channel. I'd need a lot more experience before I start going ultralight, but it's interesting seeing how you approach that.
That's great to hear that you've started backpacking in the winter after watching the video! It's important to prioritize safety and comfort when camping in extreme conditions. If you're interested in quality gear for winter camping, I highly recommend checking out Segway's Portable PowerStation Cube Series. It's an amazing powerhouse that provides ample power for different devices and appliances, with features like massive capacity, armor design, and super fast recharging. It's definitely worth considering for your outdoor adventures!
@@ARLGD shut up bot
I recently started winter motorcycle camping and it's a nice in between that let's be get way out and not leave a car somewhere it might get broken in to.
A tip from a grizzled old-hand... If you're going to experiment with gear in serious cold weather, best to stick to areas with an easy retreat till you can build confidence in your setup. The escape route from this camp looks serious, so he was taking a significant risk here. Oh - and in winter I'll always take a hard-core torch, so that if I do have to retreat in the dark I can see where I'm going. There's light and then there's stupid light - skimping on the torch is one corner that I personally would never be cutting to save a couple of grams.
Amazing onsite and hugely useful! Thanks
Leaving the micro spikes behind might not have been the wisest choice there buddy. Great video though and very helpful for a trip I’m planning in the uk this winter
Yea that’s on item id probably never leve behind in the winter. In less there’s a good base of snow and I’m not hiking in the mountains I might just bring snowshoes but I’d probably stil bring them.
@@derekhand7904 I’m just researching gear for a winter camp on my channel, are snow shoes worth it? We get very little snow in the UK so can’t see it getting very deep
@@Craigsoutdooradventures here in new York we are required to use snow shoes if there’s more then 8in of snow. So if you don’t get over 8inches of snow very often I wouldn’t worry about it.
I had the same thoughts. Micro spikes plus an arrest ax. Safety should never be left out of the equation.
@@Craigsoutdooradventuressnow shoes are not necessary in the UK. Spikes are fine but if you’re going on any kind of snow covered hill, take an ice axe and flexible crampons. Learn how to use them beforehand.
YOU'RE A MADMAN!! Absolutely loved that, one of my favourite videos for a while. Thanks so much for posting!!
I love winter hiking so much more than any other time of year. It's the air and the wrath of nature is more dangerous in the winter and everything is so beautiful. I find I get way too hot during the summer and I always am super warm hiking in the winter, sometimes I end up hiking in just a tshirt and snowpants. I love it.
Good job. We need more ultralight winter videos on UA-cam.
love the video man, was a joy to watch. be careful out there!
I’m such a creature of comforts that I prefer car camping. I love your adventures and kudos to you for sharing this experience with us!
I agree on the quilt solution. You don't want to have anything other than a bag to put your body in outside wintertime. You can leave your quilt duvet's at home. Bring a quilt you can zip up like a sleeping bag, or bring a proper sleeping bag. Personal choice of course. But for the majority, this is not the kind of conditions to choose a sleeping system you can't cover 99% of your body.
It's a great demo though. Lightweight in the cold. It can be done.
what a beautiful spot. would love to do winter camping one day. great video, thankyou.
0:30 Great song choice, I used it on my Dolly Sods Wilderness video from over the summer 👍👍
It's possible now to carry a pretty light pack and still have really warm gear and clothes thanks to lighter materials. Not that long ago, multi-day ski mountaineering trips meant 80lb packs, but about 10-12 years ago we saw a serious revolution in warm gear that is also much lighter. My last big multi-day ski mountaineering trip I started a four night trip with a 15kg pack (33lbs) and that included climbing gear - an unimaginable pack weight compared to 20 years ago. Everything is lighter. 800-900 fill power down, dyneema, reflective-tech sleeping pads, skinny (but still safe) climbing ropes, 100g harnesses, and on and on. We took the MSR Reactor stove, which is heavy compared to the tiny BRS-style summer stoves, but as a winter cooking system, a fraction of the weight of white-gas and an XGK. Okay, I'll never part with my XGK, because there are still trips where nothing else will do, but those trips are the exception now, not the norm.
I was doing 10 day snowshoeing trips in the North Eastern Seaboard in the 70s
Also temps of -40
Huge weights
Doubt folk could do that now
Nice to see you got a calm day! Everytime I head up that way the wind just punches me at hidden.
Amazing trip, have to say going up looked sketchy but as always you handled it like a pro, super like.
try alcohol stove. has a few cons but one pro: it works in all tempuratures.
Thank you for your hard work and your dedication. It is greatly appreciated. You make great content that is very enjoyable to watch. Idk if it makes some of the suffering worth it but you are making great videos.
Glad to see the tensor improved hopefully gonna snag one for myself this winter
What do you do about filtering water. You said you had running water nearby. In particular, I'm wondering what you do to prevent your water filter from freezing up.
For the Nemo/ Xtherm comparison use the TENSOR MUMMY shaped pad. It we be apples to apples. Or use the xtherm square pad. The extra volume is a big factor especially when there is an apples to apples from each brand.
Hope you are up to speed on your avalanche safety if you are traveling this type of terrain in winter. The catch with avalanche safety techniques is it almost all requires a 2nd person. Be safe out there please.
Absolutely agree, but would agree that there was this one point before the scramble that looked avanche prone.
😮wow what an ultralight, nothing gear but climbing like The Everest trail.
Brilliant video Justin.
A comment on winter tents - if you have a double-wall tent that can be set up fly-only, you have a winter tent already. I bring just the fly from my Lanshan-1 for winter camping, along with a .7mm plastic groundsheet, and it's comparable (IMHO) to a purpose-built floorless/bugnetless winter tent, for no additional cost.
Do I understand correctly that single wall is preferred over double in winter? Beacuse of condensation? Double wall is warmer, right? I have a Lanshan as well, but the two, so I'm curious how you see this. I'll go winter camping, beginner style, soon. Did it in Sweden before with some degrees freezing at night and summer inner tent. I'm considering to buy a winter inner. But I was wondering about maybe more condensation.
@@d.2110 No, just that a bug net isn't required when there are no bugs in winter, so you can save weight by leaving the inner at home. Double wall with a bug net inner isn't warmer, but can help keep your sleeping bag off the tent fly.
I bought the winter inner, so I'll see whether it makes a difference to have the winter inner or no inner. Condensation and wind wise. @@Chris-ov4zc
I absolutely love your videos. I appreciate everything you put into them, and I understand how much work each video is to produce. With all of that said, I’m really disappointed that you didn’t bring spikes and snowshoes. I think a lot of people who are less experienced and less aware of their own capabilities follow your lead, and that could put them in an extremely dangerous position. - Regardless of that, thank you for all the content you create!
yesss, no room for error in these types of environments
most definitely earned a subscriber with this one!
Thanks for taking risks and documenting your experience so we can all learn! Always enjoy your videos. Also just placed an order through GGG through your link.
Justin, you are braver than most people who wouldn't even consider doing what you did, let alone do it! Thank you so much for sharing the most awesome Canadian Rockies! They are breathtaking to see. I can't believe you went up that rock scree without micro spikes and I'm impressed that you slept through the night without being too cold. 😉
It's not about bravery but unreasonable risk. Everyone is very brave until emergency, then cursing the hour they took the stupid decision in running into the trouble. My problem with this: There are people trusting Justin and might attempt similar with no experience, and here experience will only play role in managing the stress WHEN it gets wrong. Anything else is here pure luck. And this amongst other reasons(like Justin becoming a full time youtuber with the according ad-dependency etc.) is why I unfollowed this channel.
Wow. That was some scary footage. Made me think of Julian Sands.
How do you think those trousers would be in milder temperatures? I'm looking for something tough and breathable but I don't need quite that level of protection from the cold
I've never winter camped in a tent with no floor, but then again, I've never backpacked anywhere in the winter at all. I wonder if a groundsheet would be something worth packing.
I don't think I'd skip the spikes. Just based on my own limited experience, I'd want something that could bite into the snow a little better than boot treads, unless the base is less than a few inches. I get not packing snowshoes, though. They're damn near worthless in shallow snow or when you're trying to scramble up a hill like that.
I do like the idea of packing a synthetic top quilt to keep moisture/frost out of my down bag, and I think I'll pick one up. Have you ever tried a bag or quilt treated with moisture-repellent down? I've been wondering how well those work in the winter compared to my regular down bag.
Justin is very experienced. Beginner winter campers should never do what he did. Please, don't leave out stuff that could save your life, just because a youtuber was able to leave things out.
And what if 24 inches of snow suddenly dumped on his campsite at night. No spikes, no snowshoes. Weather is unpredictable in the mountains... This is not a game. I know experienced hikers and climbers who nearly lost their lives and they were more prepared than you. I know several who lost their lives. Don't let the ego get in the way of common sense....
Hi, Justin. I'm curious, did you use only one layer of clothes while sleeping, because it was not really clear to me. Thanks!
How much extra hiking do you do to set up and retrieve your camera?
Looks like a lot of fun
Excellent video. What is temperature rating (comfort rating) of each quilt you used? How do you add them together to get the combined comfort temp rating. You mention -20 C.
Justin - what was the temperature rating and weight of your down quilt?
What makes a winter pack 50lbs?. Mine weighs 20lbs excluding food and water including a 65L Rucksack (2lbs), Tent (Akto) (4lbs), -20C sleep system (3lbs).
Beautiful country and terrifying to watch!! A little bit of a nail biter when you were climbing!!
Where did you go Justin? What trail is this?
The reflective mat that you used underneath the stove--is that a MYOG piece or can that be purchased?
Hi Justin thanks for the videos and gear reviews, I am considering the rei helix because of your reviews. I would love to see you review the haven hammock tent, it is my go to shelter and sleep set up. It seems to be the only way I can get comfortable in the woods. I would love your take on it.
Do you think the same trail would be possible with maybe 10 lbs more and snowshoes? Would it more/less dangerous on the steep parts?
Would my Western Mountaineering 20 F. mummy PLUS my light does jacket and down pants keep me warm at -20 F? With my solo tent (Tarptent Moment DW) and an R8 + insulated air mattress I'd say yes. But I would also be wearing a warm fleece balaclava and glove liners. (Yes, glove liners. You'd be surprised how well they keep you warmer.)
BTW, that Fire Maple Blade 2 is great for old weather canister use with its vaporizing loop. I bought one for my grandsons B/C the stove (and thus the pot) are on the ground and being low means careless teens are less likely to tip it over.
Justin, why don't you use two poles? (Or is one pole always in selfie stick mode?)
Correct, one pole is used as a tripod
I was a bit concerned, that traverse looked sketchy as hell. But then I realized that the cameraman never dies. Nice vid buddy.
Justin, this is such a great video. Game changer for my winter trips. Is it possible for you to post a link to your lighterpack for this trip?
@studiopiko
Havnt checked yet but Im sure it’s on packwizard :)
Justin, Have you done any videos on Avalanche protection? How do you approach snow pack in the winter?
Would you know if the Nemo pad is ASTM certified at 8.5 r value or just a number they picked out of a hat. Propane works well for a camp stove. Good to 30 below.
Thanks for posting.
Th
So you sleep in both: your dawn jacket and trousers?
Hey Justin! Curious if you have any experience with the Serratus Pace UL 40 pack by MEC. It’s uses an interesting fabric blend of nylon and dyneema. Looks like a great budget-friendly answer to HMG packs at almost 1/4 the price!!!! Very strange, deep side-pockets though. That’s my only hesitancy. I’m very close to getting one … waiting to see if it goes on sale this week. Would love to see a review of it sometime if you get your hands on one!
I bought it this summer and do not like it.
Pros - very comfy and lightweight.
Cons - useless hip pockets as they are too small and do not stretch (cant even fit a phone into pocket without a wrestling match), shoulder pockets are nice but are flimsy and already falling apart. Side pockets on pack have no stretch and are too narrow (I can't even fit my trekking poles in them), the mesh stuff pocket is also not stretchy enough and when the pack is full it is almost useless except for small items, the small top zip pocket is also very small, and does not even have a clip for car keys, the various compression straps and waist straps are too long and you end up having straps flapping all over the place.
A poorly designed pack in my opy
Where did you get that hat? Looks great for cold weather days.
Dumb newbie question: How do you calculate base weight? I assume everything but consumables (food, water?) or is it something else?
That's exactly right -- everything except consumables (water, food, gas) and what you're going to be wearing the whole time.
@@maxwellerickson7066 - That helps, thank you! I was wondering how people could get such low base weights. The moment I added stuff like bear canister, fuel, food, and water I was well above those weights.
Great video! Where did you get that intro music, sounds great! 👌👊💪
What campsite is that? Very nice.
My first backpacking trip from Canada into the USA only needed fig leaf as gear. I ended up going to place called the rainbow gathering and only found out when I got there that it was a huge nudist colony. Oh yeah.
Hey Justin - What did you use for scene illumination while at camp?
What is the temp rating of your EE Down Quilt?
Very cool :) how do you decide on which winter hikes/ camps to go for?
Depends on which country you are from. For example, in Australia, it is illegal to freecamp, and fires can only be lit in designated areas or you face fines and imprisonment if caught.
What cap with the ear flaps is that?
Did you go down that snowy scree that you went up?
What were the degree rating for each of the quilts you used? Thanks.
Hey Justin, i always enjoy your videos! So nice to see a Canadian perspective as we (Canadians) all know American versions of gear testing and real life use often are difficult to compare to the conditions we deal with north of the border. Just curious which conundrum you were using. The -12, -17, or -23 version... Also, are you using a 850 or 950 fill down? Cheers!
Does this gear weight (5.5 kg) includes clothes? If no, how much does the clothes weight? Including mid layer and underwear. I mean anything added to the naked body.
Base weight is everything non consumable carried in your backpack (plus the backpack itself) so clothing/shoes you wear aren't included
The extherm, you need to figure the air pressure if your arm is falling asleep. Going a little softer is the trick. I adjust it when I'm on it.
this summer i went on a day hike in mid june and on our way down the back side of the mountain we came across about 4ft of snow blocking the trail. we fell through a few times but thankfully made it out safe. what kind of gear or knowledge should someone pack in case of unexpected snow? it is so hard to predict most of the time and we dont know any other people who hike in the same part of the south canadian rockies.
I’m interested in what parka and cap you used on this trip. The cap fits very well and looks warm. Love the deep hood on the parka.
That's the Decathlon Simond mountaineering brand of down parka, the hood is designed to accommodate a helmet but adjusts front & back for when ur not wearing one. It's Decathlon's warmest down parka, good to -29°C with 3D baffles vs sewn thru quilting. Durable sleeves & double front zip for wearing a harness. Pairs nicely with Simond down mountaineering mitts.
Wrigley. Whew. Thought I forgot what it's called... The Outdoor Research Wrigley cap, I think it's discontinued, but there's a Canadian shop that specializes in past seasons gear, that one I do forget, sorry 😅
Do you think the limitations you experienced with your stove are because of the stove or because it is uses isobutane canisters which tend to be not as efficient at the temperatures you were in?
The boiling point of ISO Butane is -11.7C, so MSR blends 20% propane with this product so it will work in colder temps. I blend up to 30% percent with n-butane for when I know I will be using my Fire Maple in extreme cold, but you risk forming an avulsion on the bottom of the canister with that ratio of propane in a canister meant for butane however.
What boots did you use? Socks? Gators? I think a lot of hikers/hunters are interested in staying dry while hiking in snow and you seem to have that under control.
My inflatable failed on my last summer trip. Exped Flexmat ordered for fall and spring camping, don't want to even take the risk! (Not quite at winter camping yet.)
17:51 ohhhh boo reveal. After watching all that, you didn't even sleep on the ground. Lol. Also, what temp rating, down fill version, dener count, of the bag did you use?
This is nuts! How can you find a trail in all that snow? Not for me! I got scared just watching this.
This is a good topic. Think my Western Mountaineering Megalite large girth down 3 season 20 F. mummy bag COULD work down to -10 F. ir I work my polyester polar weight base layer and my down pants and down jacket along with my R5.3 insulated air mattress.
Below that I'd have to use my -20 F. down mummy and closed cell Ridge Rest mattress beneath the R5.3 air mattress. With the down clothes that mummy would take me to -35 F. but I need to be inside my Tarptent Moment DW (Double Wall) solo tent. Also I'd need my MSR Whisperlite Universal in white gas mode beyond -10 F.
PLUS my -30 F. down parka and mittens with DACHSTEIN boiled wool liners and SOREL felt pack boots.
SOUNDS COLD!
Great video! I'm all for sacrificing some gear weight, but not safety. Microspikes would be with me no matter what my weight goal is.
🙂
I’m trying to find the sketchy portion. Looked exhausting , but pretty chill
I used the Firemaple Blade 2 at -15 C but it just barely worked. If I go again at those temps or lower, I’m bringing white gas.
Justin... how did you forget a headlamp in the winter???? OMG
I have instant solution to hikers heavy backpacks---- answer is do not pack, do not set up camp, do not walk any further than to the vehicle, and don't go backpacking. I used these solutions for myself years ago and have never worried about heavy backpacks again. I Hate to be cold and cold and wet, so I just don't go where it's cold and I stay where it is not so wet.
Thats wild you're not using crampons if not ice boots and an ice axe. With a guy of your experience i was appaled to see how unprepared you were
I know this video is to showcase what you can do with ultralite setup but did you bring any comforts. I love winter camping but this hardly seems fun. Different strokes and all that and if you enjoy all the power to you. My winter camping is a whole different thing lol Good on you though.
cool idea with the synthetic quilt on top of the down one. and i gotta get me some down pants and booties hehehe. also did not like the look of that traverse, its worth warning people about exhaustion and bad decisions going hand in hand.
How do you occupy yourself when it is dark so early and so cold? And how can you poop when it is so cold?? I cannot imagine this
What temp rating was the Apex quilt?
I've been up to that area about a dozen times now, and there always seems to be moose tracks around hidden lake. Makes me nervous. Those dense trees aren't where I wanna run into a moose. 👀
Do you wear anything other than a beanie at night on your head?
Aster Lakes is aeesome!
You are clearly very knowledgeable and experienced but for people just starting out, Hiking and travelling lighter is always going to be better, however, cutting your weight down without compromising safety is always the best way to go. A lot of people are obsessed with ultralight but for me that compromises safety, comfort and enjoyment.
sounds gnarly bruh
For a simple overnight, loss of loft from moisture shouldn’t have made a noticeable difference. If it had, it would have been indicative that you were dressed too heavily and sweated.
Based on the down camp clothes, you could have left the top quilt at home and just slept in those puffy down layers, which really decrease the amount of dead air space around you to warm, then added the Conundrum on top of that, probably without straps, unless there was a lot of wind.
I would have brought Microspikes and a headlamp for sure. Those are safety items as much as anything else. Even Yaktrax would have been better than nothing, though maybe they wouldn’t have fit around your boots.
I saw this a couple of weeks ago and was going to leave it, but an article came through my email this morning that kind of summarises my thoughts on your video (I will put a link at the end, you will figure out where in the world I am)
While I appreciate the effort and intention of this video, I do not think the message of not carrying Microspikes (or any other piece of safety related equipment) just to save weight not one is one to put out there, especially for winter hiking.
After watching the video and what you chose to show in terms of the terrain (I will reserve any judgement about your route, crossing what looked like avalanche terrain and your physical state once getting to the campsite), from my perspective you put your safety at risk just to save a few grams, and that is not a message that anyone without a good degree of knowledge or experience should hear.
As someone who does a good amount of winter hiking/ low level mountaineering (admittedly in locations were carrying Micro spikes/ crampons/ ice axes/ avalanche kits is a bit less of a subjective in deciding on taking and more of a must have), I have more than one occasion come across Hikers without the necessary gear and are putting themselves at risk. Every once and a while I will read an article in the news about such people who do not take, what should be necessary, gear and end up getting into trouble (injury or in the worst-case death).
I appreciate that the intention was to produce a gear review video and that there should be a fair amount of personal responsibility, but as a content creator (and to be honest from what I have seen, it is just not you) there should be a lot of thought put into the audience and the messages you are inadvertently putting out there.
www.wildernessmag.co.nz/how-light-is-too-light/?ml_subscriber=2369149645369644529&ml_subscriber_hash=q4w4&Newsletter%20-%20MailerLite&Email&
12lb base weight but what’s the full load weight?
Boots/ pants/ leg layers? Socks?
As long as you have a great sleeping bag and ground cover you are fine.
I feel this video needs a warning. Hey folks Justin is very experienced backpacker in the rockies. Don't head out in Rockies with little gear and alone and don't go up steep mountain slopes where there is Avalanche danger. I was nervous for you. Always be safe in the backcountry!!!
Once you started crossing the snow fields was really feeling for you sans ice axe and crampons/spikes
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