When you published your video, Grainger, the industrial supply of workplace personal protective equiptment, also published, via private e-mail, information about the hazards of working outdoors in cold weather That is awesome timing, IMHO, and makes me feel more informed and therefore able to provide self-care in the snow (I am in Southern California and am only 2 1/2 winters old in my 40's, but, we do have mountains, here). Freezing rain is another matter, but I plan on definitively avoiding that weather pattern.
Very informative video, especially all the info on the animals! Do you have a resource recommendation for knowing which tracks belong to certain animals? You must be super acclimated to the colder weather there in AK. I remember being in 20 below in Minnesota one winter and I could barely breathe! If not filming do you wear something across your face to keep warmer? Also, do you ever wear waterproof socks? I wear the same Merrell Moab boots in the winter, but also wear my waterproof socks for an extra layer. You and Flash are blessed to live in the wild! How about a future video showing some actual survival skills - like what you do if you were stuck someplace? Thank you for sharing your tips with us!
Hi Maureen. Yes, it's the hot weather that can defeat me, or at least, it takes a long time for me to adjust to hot weather. When it drops beyond 20 below, I do wear a face mask. I have several. Yes, breathing can be hard when it gets 20 below and lower. I've used Animal Tracks of Alaska by Chris Stall, but I guess I have just learned most of the critter tracks by experience. As I mentioned, we usually go hiking five days a week. Tracks intrigue me; I enjoy trying to figure out the story behind each set of tracks. I have never worn waterproof socks, but I have used turkey bags for a vapor barrier on my feet when I go winter fat biking and it's cold. I'll think about a survival video. I could focus on how to build a snow cave, and how to start a fire in the woods even if there's snow all around. However, I am not a winter backpacker anymore. Alaska in winter is too cold. I would rather hike or bike into some place that has a cabin with a woodstove. Also, I love my Merrel's!
@@akwild1 it could even be just a general wilderness survival skills video for the wider audience. And, what about an animal tracks one, too. Thanks for putting out all the information that you do.
Thank you so much, akwild1! Alaska looks like an amazing if not a potentially dangerous place to hike in the winter. It makes me yearn to return to the US to continue with my hiking adventures there. Your video also makes me think of hiking on the central plateau of Tasmania in the winter where it can feel like -20°C At times. I’m glad you are able to get out and hike five times a week, that is fantastic! Wishing you and your family a very happy 2024!
Thanks Ben, Cities worry me more, and the conditions require us to pay attention. Sad news, though, right after this video, two people froze to death in their car after they were trapped by a blizzard and cold. I hope the U.S. trails continue to beckon you.
Another good and funny video. Thank you. The scenery was beautiful, with the snow on the branches and the pictures of moose were awesome. We don't get many moose where I am, but I see lots of Elk and Deer out my windows and when I am walking. I have Bear Spray close at hand to use if I run into one.
Thank you. I think I will share a couple of funny moose stories in an upcoming episode. It will be in the video about the stories behind my best pictures of the year. Last year, a bull moose came out of the woods and chased Flash while she was piling brush. I'll share the details. Thank you for watching and your kind words.
Thank you. Next week, I have one on 50 below, which will be a little different. It's based on a story I wrote that I am bringing to life with video and music. Thank you for your kind words!
Nice video. I like being close enough to a city to have the community possibilities, but also close to the outdoors. I think we have a nice balance here in Squaretown. On gear - I have found I cannot use a puffy jacket unless it's minus 30F or below. Otherwise I do sweat quite a bit, and get the down all soggy. But I'll keep a puffy in my pack just in case and put it on for any stops. I discovered Salomon Toundras a few years back and they are wonderful. But they are heavy, like the old fashioned hiking boots, so it's more work. But my feet are happy, lots of room. I also want to point out to any non-Alaskans that you didn't get cozy with the moose to get those shots! There are still plenty of people out there that think petting them might be an option. It is not! Never. No matter how "tame" they may appear!
Thanks Karen. Yes, the moose shots were with my trail cameras. Next week, I am running a little story about 50 below, and I have a video of a moose that nosed the trail camera. That would have been a little close for comfort with a handheld. The Salomon Toundras look intriguing. I also understand the "more work" point. Ultra-light and cold winter hiking don't go well together, in my opinion. Thanks for watching and the tips.
VERY good vlog. No milquetoast sentimentality but clear experienced advice. Good product descriptions and names, always helpful. You even whetted our appetites with some wild life pics! Huzzah!
Awesome video. I’m up in Fairbanks and no stranger to this weather. I have reynauds and short of strenuous exercise my hands will never be warm. I use a very thin merino liner glove underneath a pair of “Wristies”, an American made polartec wrist and palm warmer and find they are invaluable for cold weather. They maintain warmth while allowing for dexterity in your fingers. They’ve made winter much better for me and could probably help many others too.
Thank you, Gabe. I'll look into Wristies. I need something better for when I go out firewood cutting. I can't operate a chainsaw with mittens, and my gloves can't keep my fingers warm. Thank you for watching and for the advice. Stay warm!
@@akwild1Awesome. I love watching your videos bundled up with my dog on Saturday mornings and a cup of coffee. My dad and I are doing resurrection pass this summer after seeing your video on it. Visited Hope for the first time last year and decided I will go back every summer while I live in Alaska. Take care!
@@gabeclark8050 That is great news. A cup of coffee with your dog sounds like the life. As you can tell, Burn our husky, is an important part of our family. Resurrection Trail is a nice adventure to rough it easy on, in my opinion, especially if your reserve the Forest Service cabins along the way. Happy Trails!
I've never been near a moose but I have heard they can be quite dangerous. I know what you mean about the dry cold. that is what it was like back home. down here in florida, we get a very damp cold and it feels like it goes right to your bones. my first experience with real cold was boot camp and we got Lake effect snow and a wind chill of 100 below zero and we were not allowed to be outside for more than 15 minutes at a time. until then I didn't know it could get that cold , anywhere. to me , that was insane😂😂😂 Dwayne
Dwayne, during the last excruciatingly hot summer in Oregon, I often dreamed of cold, or rainy times in Alaska. 100 below zero wind chill would be too brutal for me. The moose don't go looking for trouble, but if you surprise them, don't give them space, and they're grumpy -- that could spell trouble. They do love my (our) packed trails.
Apparently, that [the moose track] was very similar to what mr mcCandless came across, from what I recall reading (over 25 years ago), and what was Not quite highlighted and depicted in the film. Yes, animals have both rescued me and have been my compadre more than once. (But, that was both without device) I am hoping your hike is awesome, where is that btw?
As I remember, he did shoot a moose, but he committed the cardinal sin by not taking care of the meat and I think a lot of it spoiled. I've actually bike the Stampede Trail, which is wear he traveled. I am hiking in the Copper Basin in Alaska, next to the largest national park in the country, Wrangell St-Elias. Thank you for your comment.
Yes, they do. On the upside, we have to focus on a couple of big hairy elements out here, no snakes and very few poisonous spiders. Thank you for watching.
Love the sound of the cold crunchy snow. Beautiful!!
It is cool. Thank you! Almost like walking on styrofoam. Thanks for watching.
At different temperatures the snow makes different sounds. It’s magical. You got lots of good sounds in this video. This one is a favorite. 19:21
Great tips bur, fot me personally winter hikes are absolutely best!
Winters are cold, but can be somewhat magical. Thank you for your comment.
Great tips and perspective. I follow many of these for hiking in the Winter in MN :)
That’s awesome. Lots of similarities between the MN and AK climes. Thank you.
Boy, you know it's cold when the snow squeaks under your feet!
Yes, it certainly keeps you awake and warns the moose you're headed in their general direction.
When you published your video, Grainger, the industrial supply of workplace personal protective equiptment, also published, via private e-mail, information about the hazards of working outdoors in cold weather
That is awesome timing, IMHO, and makes me feel more informed and therefore able to provide self-care in the snow
(I am in Southern California and am only 2 1/2 winters old in my 40's, but, we do have mountains, here).
Freezing rain is another matter, but I plan on definitively avoiding that weather pattern.
That is awesome timing. I tend to handle the cold better than the heat so I’m glad I could help. Thank you for watching.
Very informative video, especially all the info on the animals! Do you have a resource recommendation for knowing which tracks belong to certain animals? You must be super acclimated to the colder weather there in AK. I remember being in 20 below in Minnesota one winter and I could barely breathe! If not filming do you wear something across your face to keep warmer? Also, do you ever wear waterproof socks? I wear the same Merrell Moab boots in the winter, but also wear my waterproof socks for an extra layer. You and Flash are blessed to live in the wild! How about a future video showing some actual survival skills - like what you do if you were stuck someplace? Thank you for sharing your tips with us!
Hi Maureen. Yes, it's the hot weather that can defeat me, or at least, it takes a long time for me to adjust to hot weather. When it drops beyond 20 below, I do wear a face mask. I have several. Yes, breathing can be hard when it gets 20 below and lower. I've used Animal Tracks of Alaska by Chris Stall, but I guess I have just learned most of the critter tracks by experience. As I mentioned, we usually go hiking five days a week. Tracks intrigue me; I enjoy trying to figure out the story behind each set of tracks. I have never worn waterproof socks, but I have used turkey bags for a vapor barrier on my feet when I go winter fat biking and it's cold. I'll think about a survival video. I could focus on how to build a snow cave, and how to start a fire in the woods even if there's snow all around. However, I am not a winter backpacker anymore. Alaska in winter is too cold. I would rather hike or bike into some place that has a cabin with a woodstove. Also, I love my Merrel's!
@@akwild1 it could even be just a general wilderness survival skills video for the wider audience. And, what about an animal tracks one, too. Thanks for putting out all the information that you do.
Thanks Maureen. I'll let those two ideas marinate a bit in my brain.
I swear by a Buff for insulating my face - I have several for warm/all weather but a special fleece-lined Buff for Winter in MN :)
Thank you so much, akwild1! Alaska looks like an amazing if not a potentially dangerous place to hike in the winter. It makes me yearn to return to the US to continue with my hiking adventures there. Your video also makes me think of hiking on the central plateau of Tasmania in the winter where it can feel like -20°C At times. I’m glad you are able to get out and hike five times a week, that is fantastic! Wishing you and your family a very happy 2024!
Thanks Ben, Cities worry me more, and the conditions require us to pay attention. Sad news, though, right after this video, two people froze to death in their car after they were trapped by a blizzard and cold. I hope the U.S. trails continue to beckon you.
Another good and funny video. Thank you. The scenery was beautiful, with the snow on the branches and the pictures of moose were awesome. We don't get many moose where I am, but I see lots of Elk and Deer out my windows and when I am walking. I have Bear Spray close at hand to use if I run into one.
Thank you. I think I will share a couple of funny moose stories in an upcoming episode. It will be in the video about the stories behind my best pictures of the year. Last year, a bull moose came out of the woods and chased Flash while she was piling brush. I'll share the details. Thank you for watching and your kind words.
That sounds funny and scary. That would be a great video.
One of your best videos yet (that I’ve seen). Wonderful.
Thank you. Next week, I have one on 50 below, which will be a little different. It's based on a story I wrote that I am bringing to life with video and music. Thank you for your kind words!
@@akwild1 Looking forward to it!
Nice video. I like being close enough to a city to have the community possibilities, but also close to the outdoors. I think we have a nice balance here in Squaretown. On gear - I have found I cannot use a puffy jacket unless it's minus 30F or below. Otherwise I do sweat quite a bit, and get the down all soggy. But I'll keep a puffy in my pack just in case and put it on for any stops. I discovered Salomon Toundras a few years back and they are wonderful. But they are heavy, like the old fashioned hiking boots, so it's more work. But my feet are happy, lots of room. I also want to point out to any non-Alaskans that you didn't get cozy with the moose to get those shots! There are still plenty of people out there that think petting them might be an option. It is not! Never. No matter how "tame" they may appear!
Thanks Karen. Yes, the moose shots were with my trail cameras. Next week, I am running a little story about 50 below, and I have a video of a moose that nosed the trail camera. That would have been a little close for comfort with a handheld. The Salomon Toundras look intriguing. I also understand the "more work" point. Ultra-light and cold winter hiking don't go well together, in my opinion. Thanks for watching and the tips.
VERY good vlog. No milquetoast sentimentality but clear experienced advice. Good product descriptions and names, always helpful. You even whetted our appetites with some wild life pics! Huzzah!
Thank you for your kind words. I love our wildlife. Next week, I have a story about 50 below, which you might find interesting, too.
Awesome video. I’m up in Fairbanks and no stranger to this weather. I have reynauds and short of strenuous exercise my hands will never be warm. I use a very thin merino liner glove underneath a pair of “Wristies”, an American made polartec wrist and palm warmer and find they are invaluable for cold weather. They maintain warmth while allowing for dexterity in your fingers. They’ve made winter much better for me and could probably help many others too.
Thank you, Gabe. I'll look into Wristies. I need something better for when I go out firewood cutting. I can't operate a chainsaw with mittens, and my gloves can't keep my fingers warm. Thank you for watching and for the advice. Stay warm!
@@akwild1Awesome. I love watching your videos bundled up with my dog on Saturday mornings and a cup of coffee. My dad and I are doing resurrection pass this summer after seeing your video on it. Visited Hope for the first time last year and decided I will go back every summer while I live in Alaska.
Take care!
@@gabeclark8050 That is great news. A cup of coffee with your dog sounds like the life. As you can tell, Burn our husky, is an important part of our family. Resurrection Trail is a nice adventure to rough it easy on, in my opinion, especially if your reserve the Forest Service cabins along the way. Happy Trails!
I've never been near a moose but I have heard they can be quite dangerous. I know what you mean about the dry cold. that is what it was like back home. down here in florida, we get a very damp cold and it feels like it goes right to your bones. my first experience with real cold was boot camp and we got Lake effect snow and a wind chill of 100 below zero and we were not allowed to be outside for more than 15 minutes at a time. until then I didn't know it could get that cold , anywhere. to me , that was insane😂😂😂
Dwayne
Dwayne, during the last excruciatingly hot summer in Oregon, I often dreamed of cold, or rainy times in Alaska. 100 below zero wind chill would be too brutal for me. The moose don't go looking for trouble, but if you surprise them, don't give them space, and they're grumpy -- that could spell trouble. They do love my (our) packed trails.
Apparently, that [the moose track] was very similar to what mr mcCandless came across, from what I recall reading (over 25 years ago), and what was Not quite highlighted and depicted in the film.
Yes, animals have both rescued me and have been my compadre more than once. (But, that was both without device)
I am hoping your hike is awesome, where is that btw?
As I remember, he did shoot a moose, but he committed the cardinal sin by not taking care of the meat and I think a lot of it spoiled. I've actually bike the Stampede Trail, which is wear he traveled. I am hiking in the Copper Basin in Alaska, next to the largest national park in the country, Wrangell St-Elias. Thank you for your comment.
That's just too cold for me. Moose gets gummy in the winter. Don't have to be concerned about that in Georgia. Lol
Yes, they do. On the upside, we have to focus on a couple of big hairy elements out here, no snakes and very few poisonous spiders. Thank you for watching.
What is the name/brand of the insulated pants ?
They're called Vintage, and I bought them at Costco. Very inexpensive pants, but I like them because they are quite warm and comfortable.
Ray just stay inside and build a fire, you've got lots of wood.
Good idea, Jim. But two days without exercise and I feel like a born-again slug. Need to keep moving!