Hey Sintax, I just have to drop you a note. I have been following your channel for years now. I was itching to get out on the trail for years (ever since my son was born) but never had the opportunity (I call my kids “life anchors”). Your videos inspired me to get out there. Also, it’s very hard to find someone to go with me, so watching you do it solo was another inspiration (and precedent for the wife’s blessing). A few weeks ago, after months of planning, I got out there and did the Pemi loop! I followed your trip data (1st night camp was awesome, except for the bear…) and was prepared for what to expect, enjoying every minute. I really appreciate what you are doing here. For someone like me a little too busy to research and a little timid hiking by myself, having the trail blazed, so to speak, was invaluable. Thanks for doing this and keep it up, man! Happy Trails! -SC
+Shawn Ciotti I hear you Shawn about hiking alone. I've read so many warnings that it's just not safe. Stories about people breaking snow shoes being stranded in cold/snow......or others getting lost having to bushwhack out of an area after loosing the trail.......unexpected rain.......having to stay overnight unprepared.........I just don't hike alone although I know a few people who do. Besides that's it's just not as much fun as having a companion. Have you thought of joining a hiking group? I have done that but lately I see them hiking long hikes faster than I can, so I have not joined them too often. I think I need to join a slower group. Good luck with your adventures. Once you start the bug will not leave you. And a nice bug it is.... :-)
Hey Sintax, I’m going to be visiting this trail a bunch this Summer (2023). It is on my bucket list to do in one day. I appreciate you tracking and leaving pin points where to camp. I will be scoping these places out during my scout expeditions. Great content as always, even the “old” stuff. The Whites still look the same. Stay warm. Look forward to the next.
Dang Dude. It's Sunday morning here. I just woke up after falling asleep with this on. Gotta watch the whole thing again. Hope all is well mate. Big up.
Hey Sintax, figured id actually comment for once! This video was the first I watched on your channel, and since then I’ve been hooked! Love that you are always up in the Whites, as I live only 2 or so hours from there and am frequently up hiking. Anyways, just dropping in and showing this OG video some love and say that your channel was my main inspiration to to start filming my own hiking trips. Keep doing what you do man!
10 years later there are over 150 people at the two campsites even on weekdays. The overcrowding is due to the persons posting on UA-cam. Thanks for all your videos and showing everyone where to go. I guess you make a good income at the expense of overcrowding. Go for you. 🎉
The White Mountains are beautiful, thanks. Those peaks remind me of Colorado 14ers; nothing but rocks & wind. In the dark it is easy to keep going because you can't see the good spots right by the trail and pass them up.
Hey Syntax, i really enjoyed this video. The Whites are where i do most of my hiking and the Pemi is one of may favorite areas! I've done a variety of Pemi area loops including this classic not to be missed loop! Have not been up there in the past year due to a kne injury but the boots are ready for this season! Thanks for letting me/us all tag along on the vids, really enjoy them!!
I love your videos man. They're the only hour long hiking videos that I'll watch from start to finish. Since I've been working on piecing together an ultralightweight setup for the spring/summer, I haven't had the extra cash to spend on winter gear. Therefor, I'm forced to wait until the weather warms to hit the trail again. But thankfully, your videos help hold me over until that time comes. Also, watching your videos has inspired me to suck it up and make the long drive to other great backpacking destinations. I've pretty much limited myself to backpacking in WV at places like Cranberry, Sods, and North Fork because they're all within a 2-3 hour drive. You can bet that I'll be making the long drive to White Mountains this summer bc of your vids. Thanks again! Bobby
Robert Davis Right on, glad to hear you're gonna give some further away destinations a try. Road trips are just another part of the adventure, plus you'll have so many more opportunities and places to research in your down time, one you expand your "adventure radius". Spring / summer will be here before you know it! In the mean time I'll be putting out at least one more Winter video to hold you over :)
The Pemi loop was my first (and so far only) backpacking trip. As one hiker said "you picked a hell of a hike for your first one" and he wasn't lying. We went counterclockwise and i'll never forget climbing UP the waterfall that you went down just after Garfield campground.. with 40 pounds on my back. But it sure was worth it. Awesome experience!
I really enjoy your videos. I saw that this one was over 57 minutes, so I grabbed a Red Bull, some chips, a Clif Bar, sat back and enjoyed the show. It makes me feel like I'm right there with you. LOL!
I backpacked through the same areas on two separate backpacking trips (Twins and Bonds ending up at Lincoln Woods, and then Franconia Ridge on a separate trip). You should see the views when the weather is perfect! I've had my share of wet, windy, cloudy, foggy, icy and snowy trips too though. Your videos are great! We've backpacked a lot of the same areas in NH, PA and VA.
"thanks for waitin'" Cracked me up. Another great video! Thanks for sharing. I did the Bonds a few months ago and am considering a loop trip. Maybe for the winter, may do a 4 nighter. Still planning.
Watching this in 2023 as part of research before hiking this soon. How dis you manage to get literally no one in any shots? Franconia Ridge, and the wide shot looking back at Bond - nobody! Aside from two mountain bikers at in the last minute or so. Lol. Thanks for the video! I'll also note that a couple of days ago, at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, we saw one of your videos playing on a large screen tv in the gift shop.
Greeting Sintax ! I have to commend you on a GREAT video.... Well done, extremely informational, and WITHOUT the "ego-stroking" that I often hear in youtube vids, .... I hare only done the trails that begining at the Basin in Franconia Notch, NH... 1t was just a 4.4 mile hike (day hike) but enough for this 55 year old out of share "beginner" !! LOL But watching your video has inspired me to try hard, do more, and take-in the beauty that can only be captured in the wilderness, away from roads and by-ways .... I have made note of your equipment list and have started shopping for the things that I don't yet have .... But again, I really enjoyed the video and look forward to watching more.... Stay safe ! Rick S.
+Rick S. Thanks, Rick. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and it's awesome to hear that you plan on getting out there more. I'm sure you'll find it to be pretty rewarding. :)
Well done once again! I really appreciate the fact that you follow the regulations and seem like a genuinely nice guy. You are a great representative for how the wilderness should be treated so it stays that way for generations to come.
I stumbled across your channel a couple of days ago and this was the first video I watched. It looks like it was an awesome hike and your video gave me the bug to hike it sometime. Can't wait to check out some of your other videos. Thanks for sharing!
Hello my outdoors friend, This afternoon I came across your video from Sept. 2014. You are a man of great energy. I had to take a seat in my recliner because I was near exhausted watching you out on the trail. Good thing that you were wearing a pack and had camera equipment otherwise you would have been blown away by the wind. Always be safe out there. 🤗
great video as usual,. My old scout master use to tell us* if we didnt have small set backs on the trail, then we wouldnt have any good storys to tell on our next camp out*. I am guessing that Storm crow and his crew have another satisfied customer. Thanks again for letting us tag along with you, and keep up the good work
just came across your videos last week by chance and love them, I'm 50 and have been wanting to do hikes like this for a while, I ordered a new sleeping bag after a few videos and am planning a trip to the White Mountain's your Pemi Loop trip look's great, thanks for posting the videos not sure if I really know what to expect but will find out have fun
I think the trails going to Mount Rogers @ Grayson Highlands were rough and tough, but those White Mountain trails look like energy zappers! Great video Sintax !!
I learned the hard way that alcohol doesn't light in 20F temperatures but fortunately I had some of those storm matches with me and it burned hot and long enough to warm up the alcohol in the store to light it. Those things rock and I highly recommend anybody carrying several of them just in case.
The storm matches are truly awesome. Thanks for sharing your experience on using alcohol in colder temps. I've wondered when their performance started to suffer. I'm a liquid fuel stove guy in the winter, but that's more due to the elevation rather than the temps. :) - Chris
What a great trip. I have been eying that loop for a potential "big hike". So for I have just been doing day hikes but really want to start doing some over night trips. Thanks for sharing!
Another great video dude. Glad to see you using the ribz pack as I have found them very useful whilst avoiding having to take your pack off all the time. Take care
BobUnWorthy I'm definitely enjoying the Ribz pack. Feels nice to have my weight balanced out a bit, and it's pretty convenient to have my full days worth of snacks readily available.
sintax77 My favorite hiker dons my favorite hiking accessory :) The only problem I find with my Ribz pack is on hot days it can make me sweat like crazy if I keep it zipped up... of course I can unzip it and that helps. Of course you never go out in nice warm weather so no issue there ;)
You killed that trail, and thanks for being so frank about the hike! Love your channel and watch every one of your videos that I can find. Thinking about creating my own channel for some hiking videos here in Romania, while I am working here.
My first time ever using a hammock was on this hike. No underquilt, no mat - just an Eno doublenest and a 40 degree F sleeping bag. Stayed at the Franconia Falls campsite the first night. It was 90 degrees that day, but the night was still, and all the cold air slid down into the valley. It got down into the thirties, and I spent the night huddled around a fire. Fun times.
I found the trick to get an alcohol stove to light, even down in the single digits, is to spill just a little bit on the outer rim of the stove, and light the spilled part. It will take a couple times doing this but eventually it will light and run, until empty even in extreme temps. Always carry a lighter too. I often have bad luck with matches but I still carry some anyway. Keep everything in a ziplock and it will stay dry anyway and before needing the lighter, just put in your pocket for a few mins. You can also use a match to light your cold lighter. Do what you gotta do to get the stove to light. You'll no doubt have TP with you and you can twist up a piece to use as a shot lived torch also which will help to get an alcohol stove to light.
Ah the pemi.I use to love that hike following the old railroad bed.I remember the super long suspension bridge that was the longest in the white mountains that crossed the pemi 6 or maybe 7 miles in.One of my favorite spots was the pools of water near the trail junction a few miles in.Can't remember the name.oh and we spent the night at thorough falls
sintax77 You do a lot of hiking alone....well...except we're here with you. I would be nervous hiking alone....I'd get spooky and carry a 357 with me. I'd probably shoot at every noise I hear all night. Not good. Poor Bambi and pepe le pew!!!
Love the ribz! If you are having problems w/ the alcohol next time, get a little 1oz squirt bottle so you can heat that up in your pocket much easier than the whole bottle ( + regulate the amount used each time). Also try and heat up the metal on the stove too along with putting something under the stove so the ground does not conduct the heat away.
dnasplice Great idea with carrying a separate mini fuel bottle. That would have been much more comfortable than walking around with that 16 oz bottle in my pocket.
I've enjoyed several of your videos and you, sire, are no slouch. I knew when you mentioned 9am start something would make up for that lol. Great views, keep em coming. ATB -Curt
I'm sure you've answered this before, but what shoes are those that you're wearing. Hiked Tanner Trail in the Grand Canyon and needed boots for that, but looking for some light trail shoes for local, less strenuous hikes. Great video and excited for new gear setup.
Sinfact correction: One ignites and burns the VAPOR. Fume(s) are the product of combustion. Another example: car exhaust is fume, the fuel is gasoline vapor.
I have had the same problem with the Coleman matches. They break in the middle. I found that if you press with your middle finger on the head while striking quickly removing it once ignited they work well. I have never experienced the problem with the alcohol being too cold to light and I have been out when it was 21 degrees before and cooked with it although I use a match to light it and then it vaporizes from the heat of the flame. Another great video. Hope to get to the White's some day. Have never hiked there.
hardrockcharlie1 I was a bit surprised myself, as it was probably only in the 40's. I literally dunked a couple lit matches directly into the alcohol and they they just went out like it was water.
sintax77 It may have been water in the alcohol. It may have drawn moisture from sitting or exposure to hot and cold causing condensation to form on the inside of the bottle and run down into the alcohol. But very strange. I haven't heard of that.
Awesome trip, that alcohol can be difficult to light in those cold temps. I don't know how shug does it sometimes in those 0 degree temps. I got mine to work on a trip in the 20s but wouldn't want to rely on it in any colder temps.
You are brave my friend. I wouldn't have the guts to go out backpacking by myself. Being alone in the wilderness, I could think of so many things going wrong. Like getting lost, injuring yourself and not being able to move or worse, being attacked by a bear/wolves/crazy people. Definitely will try if I was going with a friend but I've watched too many scary movies to know that never be by yourself in the wild. Love the videos though. I constantly check to see if you posted anything new. Keep them coming.
Must admit I have had the same problem with the alcohol stove and have been carrying a jetboil since, it takes up a lot of room and weighs significantly more than the trangia but the 40 pounds I carry hiking no is nothing compared to the 90 plus pounds I was humping for 30 mile lrps in the corp. Although you have to keep the isobutane warm too, I might try the white gas stoves I hear those are the best but are heavy and take up space. Sintaxx you have the best channel keep doing reviews and adventures.
Thanks, sektion333 . I might do some tinkering with primer pans for the alcohol setup, but pretty soon it will be winter so I'll be switching over to my old-school MSR Rapidfire in liquid feed mode. It's a heavy beast, but I love it in cold weather.
excellent video! i love watching you because it gives me ideas on new hikes. 2 things, 1: can't believe you passed on that selfie op because of the wind, lol,you must not be a face booker and 2: i was surprised to see an ultra lighter carrying his "piece".(didn't think i saw that in the .0005 sec. clip huh? :) ) i just went through this dilemma going through dolly sods north loop 1st time i was there and my gut always tell me to bring it but i left it at home. glad i did, didn't want that extra 4 lbs of lead weighing me down... keep the great videos coming ! romedog29
Have you ever tried carrying the fuel up against your body the last bit of the hike during the day? Your body heat should get the fuel up to temp so it will vaporize enough for the stove to get going. You can also store a single use amount in a separate container if you don't want to try and warm your entire fuel supply. You can also keep some under the quilt with you so it's good to go in the morning.
Question/suggestion. 1. Would you recommend Gaiters for the loop + is there many water crossings? 2. To heat the fuel, would it be easier to put the tea lite candle under the stove itself and heat the stove and fluid at the same time? Doing Pemi next month! Love, love, love the videos! Thx!
Dan Smith There are definitely some water crossings that may be an issue during spring / early summer, but I had no problems at all rock hopping each crossing by the time I get there. You shouldn't have any issues by October. I didn't show it too well in the video, but I actually hold the stove full of fuel a few inches about the tea light to warm it up (would have done it with my lighter, but it died on me)
Hello, I have but a few questions/comments: 1) Were there any water crossing on the west side of the loop that requires gaiters? 2) Do you reckon that maybe if you woke up :30 mins before dawn and started hiking at dawn until or about sunset that you could have finished this trail in 2 full days / 1 night in the Summer Weather? 3) This trail/loop is probably the worst marked trail I've ever been to, and I've section-hiked parts of the lower AT and the RMNP. Any tips on how to make sure you stay on the trail, whether rocks at or near the top and disappearing trails down near the bottom? This March I hiked, counterclockwise, the Eastern Side of the Trail up until Twin Brook Trail and down Franconia Trail. There was a lot of ice in the higher elevations. I had to cut the trip short since the forecast had changed just before I got started, to a coming Winter Storm with under 0 F temps and about 70 mph winds in the next 36 hours from start (My down bag is rated for about 21 degrees, ouch!). Spent the night at Guyout Shelter with a couple of college kids that knew their way around and that I had caught with them at Bondcliff Trail, split with them at Twin Brook the next day, got lost at Twin Brook probably near 13 falls campground (the trail sort of disappeared with all the snow), used the compass, map and the sounds and direction (South) of the Franconia Brook an did a lot of water crossings down the Franconia Trail , but did not care since I was on my way to the car and finished right at sunset when the storm was just moving in. I wanted to allocate 3 days/2 night max in this wintry weather, but well...... I am about to try the hike again now in April with temps, as per mountain-forecast, from the low 20s to the low 30s and clear with winds between 5 and 10, as per the Mount Lafayette forecast at the peak, which is the extreme and what was recommended by the Rangers. I will try and start right at dawn, which is around 5ish AM, after driving from Nashua, where I am staying with Family (I am from Florida!).
Great video, as usual. I am planning a Pemi Loop this Summer and have a question. Day 1 is going to be Lincoln Woods to Garfield Tent site - 13+ miles. We are now thinking that, instead of sleeping in the car the night before, hiking in a couple of miles and camping. This way we probably sleep better and cut a few miles off the first big hike. Do you think it will be easy to find a stealth site in those first few miles? Thanks!
awesome hike, sucks the weather was bad as you were summiting lincon and layfayette, both have amazing views but awesome vid! Im hopeing to catch some awesome foliage this sunday when i hike some of the presidential range, most likely mt madison, adams, and jefferson.
sintax77 well actually we took kings ravine down (being stupid and not really knowing how hard that trail was) but thats how we were able to see the rock slide
another quick question, i was looking through your gear lists on your site but i cant seem to find the name of the device you use to tell what elevation you are at, mind telling me the name of it? looking to buy one
It has been 2 years since the last time that I watched this video from start to finish. We are already thinking about our main trip for next year. The Pemi Loop looks good! The Red River Gorge and maybe Colorado is another one that we've been talking about. I sure hope that everything is ok with your area from Hermine. We were thinking and about you and Sara.
The Pemi Loop is great, I would highly recommend it. In fact I've done it twice now, in both directions. Speaking of Colorado, Mike and I just got back yesterday from driving there for a Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells. It was amazing!
try cutting a primer pan for your stove. i use a larger tuna can and cut the walls of it down to 1/4 of an inch, pour a tiny bit of alcohol in fill your stove and place it in the pan usually lighting the primer will light the stove and super heat the alc. no waiting. i do it in the winter all the time. i use a mini bic to light it. just an idea. great vid !
KX250XK Thanks, I'll have to do some experimenting with that. I kind of drop the ball there - didn't even think about the lower temps I was in until it was time to cook. To top tings off, my lighter was out of fuel. Double fail! Live and learn :)
hey syntax, good job on the videos gettn better all the time. hey next time you head up to the whites let me know im in londonderry nh you prob know my back yard better than me by now... -Will
Awesome trip with some amazing exposed areas. Scouting out ideas for our fall trip this year. Spring and summer trips are set, but I'm thinking this loop just may be in the works for fall. That or your Prsicat loop you did. Our hiking group's New Hampshire experience is limited to Washington only. What's your opinion on which loop for some guys pretty new to the Whites, but has tons of experience in the Adirondacks?
Hey Sintax, Great and informative video!! Quick question: what information was available to determine that you couldn't camp on the Bondcliff Trail? I'm looking at the AMC topo map and can't see any markings that would determine if you can or can't camp in an area....be good to know prior to going out where these protected areas are. Thanks for all the journeys!!
Real glad you made the effort to go up West Bond, the best views in my opinion. I have done that hike twice, so fun. Real boring on Lincoln woods though.How did you like the ascent of Garfield ? Pretty tough. Thanks for sharing man ! Peace
Planning a Pemi-loop trip with my cousin for next year. Any recommendations for a specific time of the year? We are coming from Kentucky. Thanks for the videos! great work
Great stuff man. I was wondering if you have the time, could you show what accessories and what techniques you use to film with your gopro. I just recently started using a gopro on my hikes and would really appreciate any tips.
I hope to do a "how I film" video some day. Number one tip though: buy a skeleton case! Save the standard case for rain and underwater shots - the sound is borderline unusable for dialogue. Skeleton case will sound much better. I also recommend the "quick clip".
yup! that's how I found out about alcohol fuel, I'm back to my 123r with white gas that bad boy has never failed even at 3000 ft -20c. I think this is the way people like us learn the hard way. lol . rock on. Dale
Love the channel. It inspired me to try backpacking, first trip was an overnight with my nine year old daughter, she's hooked. Question, do you use stakes to tie down the tarp, or try. To tie to something on the ground. Also do you tie out the. Sides of your hammock? Thanks
I used to bring 2 aluminum spikes and use rocks, logs etc for other points, but I recently bought some titanium shephard's hook spikes. I pack 6 and it's only 1.6 ounces, love it.
Hey Sintax,
I just have to drop you a note. I have been following your channel for years now. I was itching to get out on the trail for years (ever since my son was born) but never had the opportunity (I call my kids “life anchors”). Your videos inspired me to get out there. Also, it’s very hard to find someone to go with me, so watching you do it solo was another inspiration (and precedent for the wife’s blessing). A few weeks ago, after months of planning, I got out there and did the Pemi loop! I followed your trip data (1st night camp was awesome, except for the bear…) and was prepared for what to expect, enjoying every minute.
I really appreciate what you are doing here. For someone like me a little too busy to research and a little timid hiking by myself, having the trail blazed, so to speak, was invaluable.
Thanks for doing this and keep it up, man!
Happy Trails!
-SC
+Shawn Ciotti I hear you Shawn about hiking alone. I've read so many warnings that it's just not safe. Stories about people breaking snow shoes being stranded in cold/snow......or others getting lost having to bushwhack out of an area after loosing the trail.......unexpected rain.......having to stay overnight unprepared.........I just don't hike alone although I know a few people who do. Besides that's it's just not as much fun as having a companion. Have you thought of joining a hiking group? I have done that but lately I see them hiking long hikes faster than I can, so I have not joined them too often. I think I need to join a slower group. Good luck with your adventures. Once you start the bug will not leave you. And a nice bug it is.... :-)
Hey Sintax,
I’m going to be visiting this trail a bunch this Summer (2023). It is on my bucket list to do in one day. I appreciate you tracking and leaving pin points where to camp. I will be scoping these places out during my scout expeditions. Great content as always, even the “old” stuff. The Whites still look the same. Stay warm. Look forward to the next.
Franconia ridge is one of my favorite places. Can't wait to get back up there.
Hopefully you trail killa and tj can all do a trip to the white mountains again, maybe the presicat loop?
Dang Dude. It's Sunday morning here. I just woke up after falling asleep with this on. Gotta watch the whole thing again. Hope all is well mate. Big up.
Hey Sintax, figured id actually comment for once! This video was the first I watched on your channel, and since then I’ve been hooked! Love that you are always up in the Whites, as I live only 2 or so hours from there and am frequently up hiking. Anyways, just dropping in and showing this OG video some love and say that your channel was my main inspiration to to start filming my own hiking trips. Keep doing what you do man!
10 years later there are over 150 people at the two campsites even on weekdays. The overcrowding is due to the persons posting on UA-cam. Thanks for all your videos and showing everyone where to go. I guess you make a good income at the expense of overcrowding. Go for you. 🎉
You’re a legend!
The White Mountains are beautiful, thanks. Those peaks remind me of Colorado 14ers; nothing but rocks & wind. In the dark it is easy to keep going because you can't see the good spots right by the trail and pass them up.
shcmoly Nothing like some night hiking to get that second wind and tunnel vision-like focus going.
My son is hiking the Pemi Loop now. Thanks and take care.
Hey Syntax, i really enjoyed this video. The Whites are where i do most of my hiking and the Pemi is one of may favorite areas! I've done a variety of Pemi area loops including this classic not to be missed loop! Have not been up there in the past year due to a kne injury but the boots are ready for this season!
Thanks for letting me/us all tag along on the vids, really enjoy them!!
My girl and I watch your vids all the time and we constant hike in the whites.
I love your videos man. They're the only hour long hiking videos that I'll watch from start to finish. Since I've been working on piecing together an ultralightweight setup for the spring/summer, I haven't had the extra cash to spend on winter gear. Therefor, I'm forced to wait until the weather warms to hit the trail again. But thankfully, your videos help hold me over until that time comes.
Also, watching your videos has inspired me to suck it up and make the long drive to other great backpacking destinations. I've pretty much limited myself to backpacking in WV at places like Cranberry, Sods, and North Fork because they're all within a 2-3 hour drive. You can bet that I'll be making the long drive to White Mountains this summer bc of your vids.
Thanks again!
Bobby
Robert Davis Right on, glad to hear you're gonna give some further away destinations a try. Road trips are just another part of the adventure, plus you'll have so many more opportunities and places to research in your down time, one you expand your "adventure radius". Spring / summer will be here before you know it! In the mean time I'll be putting out at least one more Winter video to hold you over :)
The Pemi loop was my first (and so far only) backpacking trip. As one hiker said "you picked a hell of a hike for your first one" and he wasn't lying. We went counterclockwise and i'll never forget climbing UP the waterfall that you went down just after Garfield campground.. with 40 pounds on my back. But it sure was worth it. Awesome experience!
Seeing a new Sintax trip in my UA-cam feed is always hella exciting, thanks for another great one.
Really enjoyed this video. I've skied at Loon Mountain several years back. Making me miss the White's!
I really enjoy your videos. I saw that this one was over 57 minutes, so I grabbed a Red Bull, some chips, a Clif Bar, sat back and enjoyed the show. It makes me feel like I'm right there with you. LOL!
I backpacked through the same areas on two separate backpacking trips (Twins and Bonds ending up at Lincoln Woods, and then Franconia Ridge on a separate trip). You should see the views when the weather is perfect! I've had my share of wet, windy, cloudy, foggy, icy and snowy trips too though.
Your videos are great! We've backpacked a lot of the same areas in NH, PA and VA.
"thanks for waitin'"
Cracked me up.
Another great video! Thanks for sharing.
I did the Bonds a few months ago and am considering a loop trip. Maybe for the winter, may do a 4 nighter. Still planning.
Watching this in 2023 as part of research before hiking this soon. How dis you manage to get literally no one in any shots? Franconia Ridge, and the wide shot looking back at Bond - nobody! Aside from two mountain bikers at in the last minute or so. Lol. Thanks for the video! I'll also note that a couple of days ago, at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, we saw one of your videos playing on a large screen tv in the gift shop.
Greeting Sintax ! I have to commend you on a GREAT video.... Well done, extremely informational, and WITHOUT the "ego-stroking" that I often hear in youtube vids, .... I hare only done the trails that begining at the Basin in Franconia Notch, NH... 1t was just a 4.4 mile hike (day hike) but enough for this 55 year old out of share "beginner" !! LOL But watching your video has inspired me to try hard, do more, and take-in the beauty that can only be captured in the wilderness, away from roads and by-ways .... I have made note of your equipment list and have started shopping for the things that I don't yet have .... But again, I really enjoyed the video and look forward to watching more.... Stay safe ! Rick S.
+Rick S. Thanks, Rick. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and it's awesome to hear that you plan on getting out there more. I'm sure you'll find it to be pretty rewarding. :)
Well done once again! I really appreciate the fact that you follow the regulations and seem like a genuinely nice guy. You are a great representative for how the wilderness should be treated so it stays that way for generations to come.
What a great video.
Totally awe inspiring.
Cheers for posting this and all of your others.
Wow..that sky from Garfield...the sun and clouds...amazing! Thanks for taking us along...I will look for your patreon page...
I stumbled across your channel a couple of days ago and this was the first video I watched. It looks like it was an awesome hike and your video gave me the bug to hike it sometime. Can't wait to check out some of your other videos. Thanks for sharing!
What a great adventure!! That wind was intense. Im going out tomorrow and getting some pack candles for my kit... Thanks!!!
Hello my outdoors friend, This afternoon I came across your video from Sept. 2014. You are a man of great energy. I had to take a seat in my recliner because I was near exhausted watching you out on the trail. Good thing that you were wearing a pack and had camera equipment otherwise you would have been blown away by the wind. Always be safe out there.
🤗
Nice work sintax77. Loving your determination and decision making. Stay safe. Rob from the uk.
Robert Morgan Thanks, man.
Thanks . Just did the pemi over the weekend. I used your gpx file from your web page and camped at your spot. It definitely helped! Take care!
great video as usual,. My old scout master use to tell us* if we didnt have small set backs on the trail, then we wouldnt have any good storys to tell on our next camp out*. I am guessing that Storm crow and his crew have another satisfied customer. Thanks again for letting us tag along with you, and keep up the good work
just came across your videos last week by chance and love them, I'm 50 and have been wanting to do hikes like this for a while, I ordered a new sleeping bag after a few videos and am planning a trip to the White Mountain's your Pemi Loop trip look's great, thanks for posting the videos not sure if I really know what to expect but will find out have fun
That's awesome, have fun with the White Mountains trip. Any idea which section you're going to hit yet?
Nice, you always bring back great footage from the scenic lookouts.
I think the trails going to Mount Rogers @ Grayson Highlands were rough and tough, but those White Mountain trails look like energy zappers! Great video Sintax !!
I learned the hard way that alcohol doesn't light in 20F temperatures but fortunately I had some of those storm matches with me and it burned hot and long enough to warm up the alcohol in the store to light it. Those things rock and I highly recommend anybody carrying several of them just in case.
The storm matches are truly awesome. Thanks for sharing your experience on using alcohol in colder temps. I've wondered when their performance started to suffer. I'm a liquid fuel stove guy in the winter, but that's more due to the elevation rather than the temps. :) - Chris
What a great trip. I have been eying that loop for a potential "big hike". So for I have just been doing day hikes but really want to start doing some over night trips. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome views man. Especially around the 44 min mark. Great overall hike too. Thanks for sharing!
enjoyed your hike immensely...felt like i did it with you...you are inspiring me to get out there....thank you!!!
When you're lounging in the hammock and say "im just hanging out" i always get a laugh
Another great video dude. Glad to see you using the ribz pack as I have found them very useful whilst avoiding having to take your pack off all the time. Take care
BobUnWorthy I'm definitely enjoying the Ribz pack. Feels nice to have my weight balanced out a bit, and it's pretty convenient to have my full days worth of snacks readily available.
sintax77 My favorite hiker dons my favorite hiking accessory :) The only problem I find with my Ribz pack is on hot days it can make me sweat like crazy if I keep it zipped up... of course I can unzip it and that helps. Of course you never go out in nice warm weather so no issue there ;)
Soooooo watched your videos.... inspired so much that I decided to go out for the first time. Smith peak in yosemite... IM HOOKED
Cadet Johnson Good stuff, congrats! I bet Yosemite was pretty amazing :)
Thanks for the vid Sintax77! You help me deal with being unable to backpack in South Texas!
Always enjoy your videos Sintax thank you!
I really enjoy your hiking video's. Thanks so much for sharing.
You need to hike with my buddy. He does not know when to stop either. Push push push. LOL I enjoyed the video and now the Whites are on my todo list.
Always love to watch your trip video's.
You killed that trail, and thanks for being so frank about the hike! Love your channel and watch every one of your videos that I can find. Thinking about creating my own channel for some hiking videos here in Romania, while I am working here.
+Eric Ostlie Thanks, Eric! This trip was definitely a good time.
My first time ever using a hammock was on this hike. No underquilt, no mat - just an Eno doublenest and a 40 degree F sleeping bag. Stayed at the Franconia Falls campsite the first night. It was 90 degrees that day, but the night was still, and all the cold air slid down into the valley. It got down into the thirties, and I spent the night huddled around a fire. Fun times.
+whiro77 Ugh, sorry to hear that! Having a dedicated bottom insulation layer, even a light one, really can make all the difference in the world.
Yep, I certainly learnt my lesson! With a mat, a hammock is the most comfortable thing in the world short of an actual bed! Great video, by the way!
I found the trick to get an alcohol stove to light, even down in the single digits, is to spill just a little bit on the outer rim of the stove, and light the spilled part. It will take a couple times doing this but eventually it will light and run, until empty even in extreme temps. Always carry a lighter too. I often have bad luck with matches but I still carry some anyway. Keep everything in a ziplock and it will stay dry anyway and before needing the lighter, just put in your pocket for a few mins. You can also use a match to light your cold lighter. Do what you gotta do to get the stove to light. You'll no doubt have TP with you and you can twist up a piece to use as a shot lived torch also which will help to get an alcohol stove to light.
When is trail slipper coming back for a guest appearance
Ah the pemi.I use to love that hike following the old railroad bed.I remember the super long suspension bridge that was the longest in the white mountains that crossed the pemi 6 or maybe 7 miles in.One of my favorite spots was the pools of water near the trail junction a few miles in.Can't remember the name.oh and we spent the night at thorough falls
Getting ready to head out in the morning to do the Pemi Loop - 22 hour drive from FL. Watch your video a few time in preparation. Thanks
Great videos Sintax. I really really want to get out on a trip. Thanks for the great footage.
Awesome Video, I plan on doing the Pemi loop by myself this summer but would like to start it a little farther up. thanks for the video.
Robert Magdaleno Thanks, enjoy the trip!
sintax77 You do a lot of hiking alone....well...except we're here with you. I would be nervous hiking alone....I'd get spooky and carry a 357 with me. I'd probably shoot at every noise I hear all night. Not good. Poor Bambi and pepe le pew!!!
really worth watching mate, thanks for sharing ..
One of my favorite videos.
Freaking sweet. Thanks syntax77
sintax77 not syntax77. FYI
Another great video sintax
Love the ribz!
If you are having problems w/ the alcohol next time, get a little 1oz squirt bottle so you can heat that up in your pocket much easier than the whole bottle ( + regulate the amount used each time). Also try and heat up the metal on the stove too along with putting something under the stove so the ground does not conduct the heat away.
dnasplice Great idea with carrying a separate mini fuel bottle. That would have been much more comfortable than walking around with that 16 oz bottle in my pocket.
Awesome my friend, thank you.
You’ve got to go to Baxter State Park in Maine. Katahdin? Of course, but there’s a lot more there. It’s a long way from NYC, I warn, but it’s great.
I've enjoyed several of your videos and you, sire, are no slouch. I knew when you mentioned 9am start something would make up for that lol. Great views, keep em coming.
ATB -Curt
I'm sure you've answered this before, but what shoes are those that you're wearing. Hiked Tanner Trail in the Grand Canyon and needed boots for that, but looking for some light trail shoes for local, less strenuous hikes. Great video and excited for new gear setup.
Always enjoy your videos thanks Friend
Sinfact correction: One ignites and burns the VAPOR. Fume(s) are the product of combustion. Another example: car exhaust is fume, the fuel is gasoline vapor.
awesome as always
Another great video.
That was bad ass man, thanks for the video!
I have had the same problem with the Coleman matches. They break in the middle. I found that if you press with your middle finger on the head while striking quickly removing it once ignited they work well. I have never experienced the problem with the alcohol being too cold to light and I have been out when it was 21 degrees before and cooked with it although I use a match to light it and then it vaporizes from the heat of the flame. Another great video. Hope to get to the White's some day. Have never hiked there.
hardrockcharlie1 I was a bit surprised myself, as it was probably only in the 40's. I literally dunked a couple lit matches directly into the alcohol and they they just went out like it was water.
sintax77 It may have been water in the alcohol. It may have drawn moisture from sitting or exposure to hot and cold causing condensation to form on the inside of the bottle and run down into the alcohol. But very strange. I haven't heard of that.
I just realised that I get pains in my knees after watching your videos.
Awesome trip, that alcohol can be difficult to light in those cold temps. I don't know how shug does it sometimes in those 0 degree temps. I got mine to work on a trip in the 20s but wouldn't want to rely on it in any colder temps.
You are brave my friend. I wouldn't have the guts to go out backpacking by myself. Being alone in the wilderness, I could think of so many things going wrong. Like getting lost, injuring yourself and not being able to move or worse, being attacked by a bear/wolves/crazy people. Definitely will try if I was going with a friend but I've watched too many scary movies to know that never be by yourself in the wild. Love the videos though. I constantly check to see if you posted anything new. Keep them coming.
Must admit I have had the same problem with the alcohol stove and have been carrying a jetboil since, it takes up a lot of room and weighs significantly more than the trangia but the 40 pounds I carry hiking no is nothing compared to the 90 plus pounds I was humping for 30 mile lrps in the corp. Although you have to keep the isobutane warm too, I might try the white gas stoves I hear those are the best but are heavy and take up space. Sintaxx you have the best channel keep doing reviews and adventures.
Thanks, sektion333 . I might do some tinkering with primer pans for the alcohol setup, but pretty soon it will be winter so I'll be switching over to my old-school MSR Rapidfire in liquid feed mode. It's a heavy beast, but I love it in cold weather.
excellent video! i love watching you because it gives me ideas on new hikes.
2 things, 1: can't believe you passed on that selfie op because of the wind, lol,you must not be a face booker and 2: i was surprised to see an ultra lighter carrying his "piece".(didn't think i saw that in the .0005 sec. clip huh? :) ) i just went through this dilemma going through dolly sods north loop 1st time i was there and my gut always tell me to bring it but i left it at home. glad i did, didn't want that extra 4 lbs of lead weighing me down...
keep the great videos coming ! romedog29
Have you ever tried carrying the fuel up against your body the last bit of the hike during the day? Your body heat should get the fuel up to temp so it will vaporize enough for the stove to get going. You can also store a single use amount in a separate container if you don't want to try and warm your entire fuel supply. You can also keep some under the quilt with you so it's good to go in the morning.
Great video, I see you are using your GPS more and more for marking the trail. Still like to see you find a geocache on one of your adventures.
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing! :)
Question/suggestion. 1. Would you recommend Gaiters for the loop + is there many water crossings? 2. To heat the fuel, would it be easier to put the tea lite candle under the stove itself and heat the stove and fluid at the same time?
Doing Pemi next month!
Love, love, love the videos! Thx!
Dan Smith There are definitely some water crossings that may be an issue during spring / early summer, but I had no problems at all rock hopping each crossing by the time I get there. You shouldn't have any issues by October.
I didn't show it too well in the video, but I actually hold the stove full of fuel a few inches about the tea light to warm it up (would have done it with my lighter, but it died on me)
Great video thanks for sharing.
Hello, I have but a few questions/comments:
1) Were there any water crossing on the west side of the loop that requires gaiters?
2) Do you reckon that maybe if you woke up :30 mins before dawn and started hiking at dawn until or about sunset that you could have finished this trail in 2 full days / 1 night in the Summer Weather?
3) This trail/loop is probably the worst marked trail I've ever been to, and I've section-hiked parts of the lower AT and the RMNP. Any tips on how to make sure you stay on the trail, whether rocks at or near the top and disappearing trails down near the bottom?
This March I hiked, counterclockwise, the Eastern Side of the Trail up until Twin Brook Trail and down Franconia Trail. There was a lot of ice in the higher elevations. I had to cut the trip short since the forecast had changed just before I got started, to a coming Winter Storm with under 0 F temps and about 70 mph winds in the next 36 hours from start (My down bag is rated for about 21 degrees, ouch!). Spent the night at Guyout Shelter with a couple of college kids that knew their way around and that I had caught with them at Bondcliff Trail, split with them at Twin Brook the next day, got lost at Twin Brook probably near 13 falls campground (the trail sort of disappeared with all the snow), used the compass, map and the sounds and direction (South) of the Franconia Brook an did a lot of water crossings down the Franconia Trail , but did not care since I was on my way to the car and finished right at sunset when the storm was just moving in. I wanted to allocate 3 days/2 night max in this wintry weather, but well...... I am about to try the hike again now in April with temps, as per mountain-forecast, from the low 20s to the low 30s and clear with winds between 5 and 10, as per the Mount Lafayette forecast at the peak, which is the extreme and what was recommended by the Rangers. I will try and start right at dawn, which is around 5ish AM, after driving from Nashua, where I am staying with Family (I am from Florida!).
Great video, as usual. I am planning a Pemi Loop this Summer and have a question. Day 1 is going to be Lincoln Woods to Garfield Tent site - 13+ miles. We are now thinking that, instead of sleeping in the car the night before, hiking in a couple of miles and camping. This way we probably sleep better and cut a few miles off the first big hike. Do you think it will be easy to find a stealth site in those first few miles? Thanks!
awesome hike, sucks the weather was bad as you were summiting lincon and layfayette, both have amazing views but awesome vid! Im hopeing to catch some awesome foliage this sunday when i hike some of the presidential range, most likely mt madison, adams, and jefferson.
81 Bricks The Presidentials during fall foliage sounds amazing - enjoy it!
sintax77
Was a great hike! on the descend we saw a rock slide come down part of the gully... first time for that lol
sintax77
well actually we took kings ravine down (being stupid and not really knowing how hard that trail was) but thats how we were able to see the rock slide
another quick question, i was looking through your gear lists on your site but i cant seem to find the name of the device you use to tell what elevation you are at, mind telling me the name of it? looking to buy one
Great video!
It has been 2 years since the last time that I watched this video from start to finish. We are already thinking about our main trip for next year. The Pemi Loop looks good! The Red River Gorge and maybe Colorado is another one that we've been talking about. I sure hope that everything is ok with your area from Hermine. We were thinking and about you and Sara.
The Pemi Loop is great, I would highly recommend it. In fact I've done it twice now, in both directions. Speaking of Colorado, Mike and I just got back yesterday from driving there for a Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells. It was amazing!
That's a long drive for us I can only imagine what it is for you guys. I sure hope that you brought the camera! lol
Great stuff!!! Love it.
try cutting a primer pan for your stove. i use a larger tuna can and cut the walls of it down to 1/4 of an inch, pour a tiny bit of alcohol in fill your stove and place it in the pan usually lighting the primer will light the stove and super heat the alc. no waiting. i do it in the winter all the time. i use a mini bic to light it. just an idea. great vid !
KX250XK Thanks, I'll have to do some experimenting with that. I kind of drop the ball there - didn't even think about the lower temps I was in until it was time to cook. To top tings off, my lighter was out of fuel. Double fail! Live and learn :)
Love this loop
hey syntax, good job on the videos gettn better all the time. hey next time you head up to the whites let me know im in londonderry nh you prob know my back yard better than me by now... -Will
great video, you cover a fair amount of miles! even just driving! :) haha. Im hooked cant watch enough!
Awesome trip with some amazing exposed areas. Scouting out ideas for our fall trip this year. Spring and summer trips are set, but I'm thinking this loop just may be in the works for fall. That or your Prsicat loop you did. Our hiking group's New Hampshire experience is limited to Washington only. What's your opinion on which loop for some guys pretty new to the Whites, but has tons of experience in the Adirondacks?
Hey Sintax,
Great and informative video!! Quick question: what information was available to determine that you couldn't camp on the Bondcliff Trail? I'm looking at the AMC topo map and can't see any markings that would determine if you can or can't camp in an area....be good to know prior to going out where these protected areas are.
Thanks for all the journeys!!
a New hike! So exited to watch :D
Real glad you made the effort to go up West Bond, the best views in my opinion. I have done that hike twice, so fun. Real boring on Lincoln woods though.How did you like the ascent of Garfield ? Pretty tough. Thanks for sharing man ! Peace
Yeah, I'm really glad I side tripped to West Bond - totally worth the night hike after. Garfield was no joke, gave the knees a good beating, haha.
Just watched this again...WOW what a hike...it would have taken me 5 days. Yikes!
Great video. Our group is looking to do the Loop next year. Any plans to go back?
Planning a Pemi-loop trip with my cousin for next year. Any recommendations for a specific time of the year? We are coming from Kentucky. Thanks for the videos! great work
Great stuff man. I was wondering if you have the time, could you show what accessories and what techniques you use to film with your gopro. I just recently started using a gopro on my hikes and would really appreciate any tips.
I hope to do a "how I film" video some day. Number one tip though: buy a skeleton case! Save the standard case for rain and underwater shots - the sound is borderline unusable for dialogue. Skeleton case will sound much better. I also recommend the "quick clip".
yup! that's how I found out about alcohol fuel, I'm back to my 123r with white gas that bad boy has never failed even at 3000 ft -20c. I think this is the way people like us learn the hard way. lol . rock on. Dale
It's nice to know go pros have advanced over the years. Going back like this is now hard on the eyes lol. What version of go pro is this?
Love the channel. It inspired me to try backpacking, first trip was an overnight with my nine year old daughter, she's hooked. Question, do you use stakes to tie down the tarp, or try. To tie to something on the ground. Also do you tie out the. Sides of your hammock?
Thanks
I used to bring 2 aluminum spikes and use rocks, logs etc for other points, but I recently bought some titanium shephard's hook spikes. I pack 6 and it's only 1.6 ounces, love it.
Great video. I just subscribed. I'm a "day late and a dollar short"...lol. I just became aware of your channel.