Couple extra suggestions 1. When possible hike into the wind when starting so you turn around you have the wind at your back. 2. Gaiters are extremely helpful for keeping the ice build-up off your boots and laces 3. Keep a backup pair of gloves in the inside chest pocket so you can rotate back and forth to warm and dry gloves. 4. Moisture management is probably the most important factor for battling the cold. A Moisture wicking layer next to the skin and wool is pure gold!
I hike with 3/4 gloves every winter hike, gardening gloves to start, warmer light gloves as temps drop then doubles gloves above tree line so when you take off those heavy mitts you still have an inner glove on that lets me take photos. And the comment on gaiters… gaiters are gold! Best addition you can add if you don’t have a pair!
Good video lots of great tips. One last winter hiking mistake I used make was not bring dry clothes and shoes to change into at the end of the hike. I often have wet feet, wet pants, wet glove after hiking through snow all day. It's nice to change into something dry, especially your socks and shoes, before getting back into the car for a long ride back home or to camp.
Great tips, the thing that continues to baffle me the most is people doing above tree line hikes when the temps are posted to be sub -20, not only putting themselves at risk but the crews who need to go rescue them. Go hike a shorter, lower, tree safe hike when it is super cold or windy. Love your comments on layering. 👍
I love how whenever you are talking about hiking or your other adventures, you are always smiling. You can tell that doing those things are something you really love.
Great tips! The 10 Essentials are so crucial, especially in the winter. It might seem like overkill for a day hike, until it’s not. I also like to carry a power bank and charging cables for my phone, headlamp and inReach.
What about this practice for choosing which comfy to take: Down comfy jacket for dry seasons and around camp. In seasons with possible precipitation use down alternatives like polyfil.
Great list and advice, Amanda! Only thing I would say is forget using a hydration bladder in the winter. Too many ways it can go wrong. It can be done as you showed, but most will be better off with wide mouth bottles in insulated pouches.
I go with bottles in the winter also. I carry them on the outside of my pack and turn them up side down. Water freezes on the top first so if I do get some freezing it will be on the bottom when I drink. If it will be real cold we start out with warm water in our bottles. Some folks who do use bladers will do the warn water thing also.
Yeah I’ve been on so many hikes where the hose freezes on people (even when blowing into I to clear it), I tell people ditch the bladder in winter, but if you must use the bladder keep a spare insulated bottle in your pack.
GREAT point about NOT getting sweaty in cold weather outdoor activities! QUICK way to get chilled to the bone, not only miserable but potentially dangerous! And BACKUPS - "two is one, one is none". 👍
Yeah I see so many people show up to winter hike wearing their winter ski jackets, too hot for base hiking and then sweaty when you reach higher elevations. Lots of layers is far better and actually easier to deal with in a pack. Heavy fleece, big puffy, outter shell for wind, all very lite to carry. Add those to your base layers, then go on a variety of short cold, very cold and super cold hikes to tune your gear for you…
Great instruction! Thanks for the hard work. I have been dealing with the frozen tube issue in particular. Not sure why this solution has evaded me until now. 🤦🏼♂️😂 Thanks again!
Hello Amanda. I've followed your videos for awhile and I have to say you are a wealth of all things outdoors. You articulate so well and your sharing of knowledge makes me think, "Yeah, I think I can do this!". Keep your wonderful videos coming and I hope in '22 I can put your advise into my own practical experience. Best of wishes for you and Nick in these crazy times. Cheers!
... Happy New Year Amanda and Nick ...Excellent advice on all these topics ,, experience is learned sometimes the hard way ,, but doesn't have to be with content like this .. For a new hiker or well seasoned one ,, take the time to learn , So much easier in the warmth of your home than out on a mountain ,in the dark and freezing .... .. I have looked a little deeper into your channel video's and content ,, along with your vlog podcasts , and WOW .. you have so much serious and quality content ,, without the BS and common copy of the general long distance hikers and bush crafters that skills and gear designs have left far behind .. . The outdoors and for me ,the mountains need to be respected or lives will be lost ... It happens every year ... Proper planning or at least preparation along with eyes open thinking will give amazing adventures to be had .... looking forward to a great year of Amandaoutside video's and adventures .......Stay Safe ,,Stay Warm and God Bless .....
Carry 2. Never know when the bulb may go, or when you run into someone who did not bring a head lamp. Not much extra weight. Likewise I always carry 2 sets of spikes, this year already have hiked 6 hikes where someone had a spike failure of some sort.
Good point about cold and batteries. Also the sawyer squeeze will freeze too and be ruined if not kept warm against your body. Also, off topic, what do you do to get your hair so long!?
Yes definitely don't want the water filter to freeze! Great point! For my hair, I think the reason it's so long is that I don't really do anything to it, so it stays really healthy as it grows out. I don't heat style it at all and I don't even brush it that often. I use Viori shampoo and conditioner bars and that's about it!
This is great information but the biggest aspect is to know your gear. Practice making a bush fire in your home grill with your emergency fire making tools. A ferro rod is not easily used as one may believe. Take a course and know before you go. Clothing wise, NEVER EVER COTTON ANYTHING EVER. An extra pair of socks to change into for the decent or second half of the day or sleeping makes the day can also be mittens if one needs.
Practice with the ferro rod before depending on it, and also practice making a fire in the snow. Where do you get dry wood and tinder? Don’t be like the guy in “To Build A Fire”, either.
I think #6 Not Turning Around Soon Enough is the most important. Today (29 december) I was doing a solo 17KM hike and there's not much daylight. Sun sets at 16h15. However during the middle of the hike I took a wrong turn and ended up wasting 1h30 going in the wrong direction. When I reached the point where I made the mistake and saw the correct trail markers, instead of abandoning like I should have, my pride pushed me to try reach the summit anyway and hurying back before the sun set. Big mistake. I did reach the summit but on the way back I ran out of steam and it took me a lot longer to get back. Half way back the sun set and it turned dark very quickly, like I could barely see my hand in front of my face dark. I also didn't have proper illumination, only my phone light.. I know stupid. There was no trail really, only markers through the woods. Also no snow, so couldn't follow my own footprints back. The only thing that saved me is that whoever installed the trail markers also affixed small reflectors to the markers, which I could see with my phone light, barely. I made it out, but this was the first hike in my life I actually got scared and though that might be it for me. I also fell multiple times in the dark, but thankfully didn't break anything. I feel very stupid (and very lucky) but sharing this anyway to tell people to NOT underestimate #6, no summit is worth your life.
Hi Amanda! Again, so love your winter stuff. I notice you have on snowshoes, as you did in your yurt adventure. Don't know much about snowshoes. Can you do something on walking in snow, (footwear, poles, etc.)?
My purple pants are pretty old so I don't know what style they are anymore, but they're by the brand Flyflow. I bought them originally for snowboarding, but they work as a hiking layer too! The mittens are also really old but they are the brand Burton. I always try to provide links in the description, but these two items are older so I couldn't link to them. Hope this helps!
Another mistake is not being opened to hear funny stories from past hiking, we can always learn from them as there is always room for one more step towards improvement (the Fool of Major Arcana)... Most people over do it... My friends and I go with the simplest gear possible, like a heavy jacket, a jumper and the normal tshirt...if there is no wind we are already wearing t-shirts after 15 minutes in...lol... One of the lads had half of his jeans froze, so funny I even have a video of it...lol... I won't even mention our food...lol
I'm SO excited to share this video with you today! 😁 What did you think? Comment below 👇
Noice video
Couple extra suggestions
1. When possible hike into the wind when starting so you turn around you have the wind at your back.
2. Gaiters are extremely helpful for keeping the ice build-up off your boots and laces
3. Keep a backup pair of gloves in the inside chest pocket so you can rotate back and forth to warm and dry gloves.
4. Moisture management is probably the most important factor for battling the cold. A Moisture wicking layer next to the skin and wool is pure gold!
Great suggestions! A good moisture-wicking baselayer definitely is key! Thanks for watching
the glove one is pure genius im using that for sure
I hike with 3/4 gloves every winter hike, gardening gloves to start, warmer light gloves as temps drop then doubles gloves above tree line so when you take off those heavy mitts you still have an inner glove on that lets me take photos. And the comment on gaiters… gaiters are gold! Best addition you can add if you don’t have a pair!
Good video lots of great tips. One last winter hiking mistake I used make was not bring dry clothes and shoes to change into at the end of the hike. I often have wet feet, wet pants, wet glove after hiking through snow all day. It's nice to change into something dry, especially your socks and shoes, before getting back into the car for a long ride back home or to camp.
Great tips, the thing that continues to baffle me the most is people doing above tree line hikes when the temps are posted to be sub -20, not only putting themselves at risk but the crews who need to go rescue them. Go hike a shorter, lower, tree safe hike when it is super cold or windy. Love your comments on layering. 👍
Tip: If it hasn't already been mentioned, keep your batteries in your pocket that's close to your body to keep them warm.
I love how whenever you are talking about hiking or your other adventures, you are always smiling. You can tell that doing those things are something you really love.
You mentioned "moisture wicking clothing". I believe a linen t shirt would serve the purpose.
Great tips! The 10 Essentials are so crucial, especially in the winter. It might seem like overkill for a day hike, until it’s not. I also like to carry a power bank and charging cables for my phone, headlamp and inReach.
What about this practice for choosing which comfy to take:
Down comfy jacket for dry seasons and around camp.
In seasons with possible precipitation use down alternatives like polyfil.
Hello Amanda, Happy 2022! I look forward to seeing your videos in 2022.
Happy new year! I have a lot of fun videos planned! 🤗
Hi again, Amanda. Just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the 2022 OUTDOOR MEDIA AWARDS. No one more deserving!
Wow, thank you!! 😊
I never heard of blowing air into a bladder hose. Good tip Amanda.
Great list and advice, Amanda! Only thing I would say is forget using a hydration bladder in the winter. Too many ways it can go wrong. It can be done as you showed, but most will be better off with wide mouth bottles in insulated pouches.
I go with bottles in the winter also. I carry them on the outside of my pack and turn them up side down. Water freezes on the top first so if I do get some freezing it will be on the bottom when I drink. If it will be real cold we start out with warm water in our bottles. Some folks who do use bladers will do the warn water thing also.
Yeah I’ve been on so many hikes where the hose freezes on people (even when blowing into I to clear it), I tell people ditch the bladder in winter, but if you must use the bladder keep a spare insulated bottle in your pack.
Agreed know your limits, live to hike another day.
GREAT point about NOT getting sweaty in cold weather outdoor activities! QUICK way to get chilled to the bone, not only miserable but potentially dangerous! And BACKUPS - "two is one, one is none". 👍
Absolutely! It's one of the things I am really aware of as I'm hiking.
Yeah I see so many people show up to winter hike wearing their winter ski jackets, too hot for base hiking and then sweaty when you reach higher elevations. Lots of layers is far better and actually easier to deal with in a pack. Heavy fleece, big puffy, outter shell for wind, all very lite to carry. Add those to your base layers, then go on a variety of short cold, very cold and super cold hikes to tune your gear for you…
Great instruction! Thanks for the hard work. I have been dealing with the frozen tube issue in particular. Not sure why this solution has evaded me until now. 🤦🏼♂️😂 Thanks again!
Hello Amanda. I've followed your videos for awhile and I have to say you are a wealth of all things outdoors. You articulate so well and your sharing of knowledge makes me think, "Yeah, I think I can do this!". Keep your wonderful videos coming and I hope in '22 I can put your advise into my own practical experience. Best of wishes for you and Nick in these crazy times. Cheers!
Thank you Bob! I'm so happy that the videos are helpful and encouraging! That's my goal 😊
... Happy New Year Amanda and Nick ...Excellent advice on all these topics ,, experience is learned sometimes the hard way ,, but doesn't have to be with content like this .. For a new hiker or well seasoned one ,, take the time to learn , So much easier in the warmth of your home than out on a mountain ,in the dark and freezing ....
.. I have looked a little deeper into your channel video's and content ,, along with your vlog podcasts , and WOW .. you have so much serious and quality content ,, without the BS and common copy of the general long distance hikers and bush crafters that skills and gear designs have left far behind .. . The outdoors and for me ,the mountains need to be respected or lives will be lost ... It happens every year ... Proper planning or at least preparation along with eyes open thinking will give amazing adventures to be had .... looking forward to a great year of Amandaoutside video's and adventures .......Stay Safe ,,Stay Warm and God Bless .....
Thank you for being so informative and motivating, Amanda. I enjoy all your videos very much.🙏
Happy Trails!☃️
Thanks so much! First video I’ve watched from your channel and plan on watching some more!
Good tips Amanda, good video will subscribe to your channel right now.
Great points and information
Video good Video
God's Blessings to you on all your adventures
Good stuff! Thank you!
Hello Amanda thanks for sharing 👍 😊 glad your back look forward to 2022
I definitely am! Thanks for commenting 😁
Carrying a headlamp is another one! It gets dark so early in the winter.
Carry 2. Never know when the bulb may go, or when you run into someone who did not bring a head lamp. Not much extra weight. Likewise I always carry 2 sets of spikes, this year already have hiked 6 hikes where someone had a spike failure of some sort.
Just awesome video thanks a lot.
Thanks Amanda. All good common sense that can make all the difference in the end results
Definitely! It's these simple things that are often overlooked. Thanks for watching!
Very nice video, thank you!
Great info!
Good point about cold and batteries. Also the sawyer squeeze will freeze too and be ruined if not kept warm against your body. Also, off topic, what do you do to get your hair so long!?
Yes definitely don't want the water filter to freeze! Great point! For my hair, I think the reason it's so long is that I don't really do anything to it, so it stays really healthy as it grows out. I don't heat style it at all and I don't even brush it that often. I use Viori shampoo and conditioner bars and that's about it!
This is great information but the biggest aspect is to know your gear. Practice making a bush fire in your home grill with your emergency fire making tools. A ferro rod is not easily used as one may believe. Take a course and know before you go. Clothing wise, NEVER EVER COTTON ANYTHING EVER. An extra pair of socks to change into for the decent or second half of the day or sleeping makes the day can also be mittens if one needs.
Great tips!
Thank you for the great Winter hiking advice!
You're so welcome! 😁
Great info Amanda! Thanks!
You're welcome! Thanks for commenting!
Good tips 👍
Practice with the ferro rod before depending on it, and also practice making a fire in the snow. Where do you get dry wood and tinder? Don’t be like the guy in “To Build A Fire”, either.
I think #6 Not Turning Around Soon Enough is the most important. Today (29 december) I was doing a solo 17KM hike and there's not much daylight. Sun sets at 16h15. However during the middle of the hike I took a wrong turn and ended up wasting 1h30 going in the wrong direction. When I reached the point where I made the mistake and saw the correct trail markers, instead of abandoning like I should have, my pride pushed me to try reach the summit anyway and hurying back before the sun set. Big mistake. I did reach the summit but on the way back I ran out of steam and it took me a lot longer to get back. Half way back the sun set and it turned dark very quickly, like I could barely see my hand in front of my face dark. I also didn't have proper illumination, only my phone light.. I know stupid. There was no trail really, only markers through the woods. Also no snow, so couldn't follow my own footprints back. The only thing that saved me is that whoever installed the trail markers also affixed small reflectors to the markers, which I could see with my phone light, barely. I made it out, but this was the first hike in my life I actually got scared and though that might be it for me. I also fell multiple times in the dark, but thankfully didn't break anything. I feel very stupid (and very lucky) but sharing this anyway to tell people to NOT underestimate #6, no summit is worth your life.
Great Video Amanda what would you recommend for personal protection from Wild life such as Bear, Wolves or Mountain Lions while hiking?
Hi Amanda! Again, so love your winter stuff. I notice you have on snowshoes, as you did in your yurt adventure. Don't know much about snowshoes. Can you do something on walking in snow, (footwear, poles, etc.)?
I'm planning to make a video about my winter hiking boots soon and maybe even a more general video about some of my other winter hiking gear!
Do you have a link to your purple pants or mittens? 😊
My purple pants are pretty old so I don't know what style they are anymore, but they're by the brand Flyflow. I bought them originally for snowboarding, but they work as a hiking layer too! The mittens are also really old but they are the brand Burton. I always try to provide links in the description, but these two items are older so I couldn't link to them. Hope this helps!
WOW! This was fantastic. So. Cal. guy here and I knew nothing about hiking like this! Thank You
Maybe a quick video on footwear for snow? 😎
I am planning to make a winter footwear video soon! Thank you for watching 😁
Another mistake is not being opened to hear funny stories from past hiking, we can always learn from them as there is always room for one more step towards improvement (the Fool of Major Arcana)...
Most people over do it... My friends and I go with the simplest gear possible, like a heavy jacket, a jumper and the normal tshirt...if there is no wind we are already wearing t-shirts after 15 minutes in...lol... One of the lads had half of his jeans froze, so funny I even have a video of it...lol... I won't even mention our food...lol
You are braver than I am.
Great advice!