How to Survive an Ice Storm - Hammock Camping the Roaring Plains
Вставка
- Опубліковано 21 сер 2024
- Thank you to Magic Spoon For sponsoring this video. Try their variety pack and get $5 off by with code Sintax77 here
www.magicspoon...
3 Days of Winter Hammock Camping and Backpacking in the Roaring Plains Wilderness during Snow and Freezing Rain.
For this late winter backpacking trip, I decided to head back down to West Virginia’s Monongahela National forest to do some ridge hiking and cold weather hammock camping. Due to temperatures forecasted from the low 20’s to the low 40’s, I needed to pack in some heavier warm clothing layers for this trip, along with some camp tools, so I used my larger winter backpack. For sleep and shelter, I used my go-to ultralight hammock and tarp set-up with winter grade down quilts (full gear list below). As it turns out, I probably should have used that extra pack space for a larger tarp too, but live and learn I guess…
The 6,792 acre Roaring Plains West Wilderness is a remote federal wilderness area located about 3 miles south of the more popular Dolly Sods Wilderness Area. It boasts a healthy network of trails, which are unmarked and often, grown in and hard to follow. Official paper maps are hard to come by, and by some accounts, not very up to date. Based on my personal experience, I would highly recommend using a GPS with appropriate data while hiking here. You can also find good trail info and map print-outs at MidAtlanticHikes.com and HikingUpward.com.
I also recorded my personal GPS data for this trip, which can be found on my full blog post here
www.sintax77.c...
Trailhead Used: Red Creek Trailhead
37 Public Road, Davis, WV 26260
38°58’20.7″N 79°23’53.8″W
This is an easily accessible lot with room for a half dozen cars. I used it to begin a road hike up Forest Road 19 because the gates were closed for the winter. During other seasons, you can drive up the gravel FR19 and park right at the beginning of the South Prong and Boar’s Nest trails.
Trails Used Day 1
Road hike FR19 for 3 miles
Left (west) on Hidden Passage Trail
Camp along Hidden Passage Tr on the Ridge.
This is a medium sized campsite with room for a hammock or tent on the ridge, as well as some spots with more protection tucked in the pines. There is an established fire pit, but no water. The nearest water is at the campsite 1.5 miles earlier, near the intersection of Hidden Passage trail and South Prong trail.
Day 1 Mileage: 6.9 miles
Day 1 Gross Elevation Gain: 2,255′
Day 1 Gross Descent: 439′
Day 2 - Remain at camp on the ridge
Trails Used Day 3
Continue on Hidden Passage Trail
Left (south) on the Pipeline
Right (west) on the Canyon Rim Trail
This trail is very hard to spot, but when I went, there was a white thermometer nailed to a tree along the pipeline right by the grown-in entrance to the trail.
Right (North) on Tee Pee Trail
Trail begins next to an established ridge side campsite. When I was there, there was a small piece of orange tape and a very small pile of rocks marking the entrance, both of which could easily not be there in the future. I would highly suggest using GPS data for finding and following the short, but overgrown Tee Pee Trail.
Right (east) on Roaring Plains Trail
Right (southeast) on pipeline for a short bit
Left (northeast) on dirt road for a little bit
Left (north) on Boar’s Nest Trail
FR19 for 1 Mile
Return to Parking
Day 2 Mileage: 11 miles
Day 2 Gross Elevation Gain: 1,571′
Day 2 Gross Descent: 3,391′
Grand Total Mileage: 17.9 miles
Grand Total Elevation Gain: 5,646′
FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through some of my links.
Notable Backpacking Gear
Fjallraven Kajka 75 Backpack amzn.to/2Uj8Ew4
Dutchware Half-Wit Hammock dutchwaregear.com
Dutchware Whoopie Hook hammock suspension w/ kevlar tree straps.
Hammock Gear Burrow 20 Top Quilt www.hammockgea...
Hammock Gear Phoenix 0 Underquilt
Hammock Gear Dyneema Hex Tarp
Byer of Maine Trilite Camp Stool amzn.to/38xgTx1
Optimus Polaris Optifuel Stove amzn.to/2MoOno4
Zippo Classic Lighter amzn.to/3pcpoVw
Light My Fire Mini Fire Steel Striker amzn.to/30S3rxm
Toaks 750ml Titanium Pot amzn.to/30S3rxm
Sea to Summit Long Handled Spork amzn.to/3lBguOW
Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets with PA Plus amzn.to/3uYZ1TP
RevolutionRace Men’s Norwand Pants amzn.to/3G53ief
Outdoor Vitals Adventure Jacket, Loftek version bit.ly/3r4nhDI
Nitecore NU25 Headlamp amzn.to/2YVsp0A
Silky F-180 Folding Saw amzn.to/3Fi6F0l
Benchmade Bugout EDC Folding Knife amzn.to/2JVfBS5
Casio ProTrek F-30 Smartwatch amzn.to/3dtY7Xj
Sangean DT-400W Weather Band Radio amzn.to/3qy8UoM
Spot X Satellite Messenger amzn.to/3adSjBr
GoPro Hero 8 Black amzn.to/2D8n6lL
GoPro Shorty Tripod Grip amzn.to/2MPhGOM
"You're gonna need a bigger tarp."
Thank you to Magic Spoon for sponsoring this video. Here's a link for $5 off a variety pack with code Sintax77
www.magicspoon.com/Sintax77
Who makes your favorite cheeze buger up to now?
@@MishaDaBear I want to know too! Enquiring minds! 😂
Good decision on making soup for the morale, l think you needed it👍.
Also good choice on the chili Ramen soup, it's the best flavor out of them all. I just wish they had a lower sodium recipe for that one.
You have the best quality and content videos
Hey Sintax77, April 24th 2022 will mark the 10th anniversary of your first full length format SOLO hike video posting. Got anything special in the works to mark the occasion? (Mt. Adams 2 Day Solo Hike Pt.1: Reaching the Summit- White Mountains in Spring. April 24, 2012) A whole decade of tramping around the wilderness. Congrats and well done.
Wow, that's crazy to think. Thanks! I suppose I'll have to come up with something... :)
I feel your pain on the selection of audiobooks. My wife and I were caught in a blizzard on I95 coming home from down in the warmer climes about 15 years ago. Only book on tape we had was Shackelton’s “Endurance”. We really felt like we were right there with those guys! Glad you made it out safe and sound.
In what state did the blizzard hit yous?
@@Michael-no6jw virginia
Another great adventure, I carry a small titanium firebox on every trip just for melting snow so I don't have to waste fuel, it's a bit time consuming adding small bits of wood and babysitting it but it's worth it, but you will always have a way to cook, purify water, or melt snow just in case you run out of fuel, it weighs a few ounces and there for a emergency
Very cool. That sounds like an interesting system.
Firebox foldind ti stove is the bomb. I take it everywhere. Even a great path stand for alcohol or esbit cubes. I always carry two of those for the just in case moments like puncturing my alcohol bottle.
i dont own a fire stove, to over priced, i do own a around firestove tho just for times like this with cotten balls that are soaked to force a fire
I use the bushbox ultralight for exactly that. It's not titanium but only weighs about 40 grams because the steel is thin and flexible.
@@thunderlord2200 pays for its self in gas and meths savings very quickly. In fact if you use it a lot it almost pays you lol
Your adaptability to totally change plans is great. Your one of the most entertaining to watch. Sweet Survivorman you sweat you die quote 🤣👍
This is one of my favorite places for backpacking. Those camp sites have provided us some great memories. And rain memories .. lots .. lots of rain.
Nothing like being prepared for what comes at you. Good job!
I love the recon value of your videos. I also am from the mid Atlantic area but I am a solo female hiker. I have watched many of your trip videos before heading out on trails like the black forest and old loggers path. It has given my husband and myself peace of mind
Brings back good memories. Did the drive from Pgh and did that loop all in one day starting at the trailhead up top. Got spooky out there when the sun started going down and the TeePee trail was impossible to find. Def need gps out there if you need to get out quick. That last campsite is awesome. I've spent a few nights there.
Thank You, another enjoyable vid of your adventures!
Those times in your videos when you make a wrong turn and get off the trail should be called "Sintax Bactrax" moments.
Danke fürs video und endlich mal kein hin geknalltes 15 minuten video 👍👏⛄
Watching again
Hey Shawn 👋 thanks buddy, appreciate all you do, hope you're staying safe, take care my friend 🙏 Greetings from NH 👍
Hell yeah man. Greetings from another NH bud!
@@imninstar 👊👍👋Thanks Nina!
Having the correct gear and common sense is key.
Been watching your videos for a few years now and have yet to not be entertained thoroughly with them all thank you for all you do
Thanks, Robert. Happy to hear you've been enjoying them. :)
Fun video as always. Just ordered a 4 pack of Magic Spoon. Thanks for the discount.
Nice vid as usual, a little trick I use is always carry 2 or 3 coffee filters to filter 'dirty' snow or water they weigh practically nothing.!
Great tip!
@@sintax77 thanx
And coffee filters can double as emergency/backup toilet paper if/when needed. (after you've dirtied the snow)
@@abyssiniahenry128 absolutely!!
And they cost practically nothing, you can get 75 for $1.00 at any dollar store
Suggestion, the rain off your hammock would melt snow without fuel and vastly speed your efforts and reduce your your fuel use. Plus that alone would multiply the amount of water you had.
Just a thought, it might be great to have a video that explains the rules for camping and hiking in federal and state lands. Basically doos and don'ts.
My specific questions (national forest, game sanctuary, crown land (NPS the rules are often just NO!)).
1. On a trail is it OK, to trim branches, especially broken or damaged ones? On our local trails I generally carry a pr of Fiscars bypass pruners, a machete, and steel reinfored graphite walking sticks!
2. Also if it is OK to cut long or damaged would it be OK to sheer brush blocking trails like with a machete?
I usually carry a folding hand saw.
3. Where are fires permitted? Only in fire pits?
4. Are drones permitted?
5. Are these trails used by other users, like bike packers, ATVs?
6. What hunting, fishing and foraging is permitted where? Can you fish without a rod jiggin a line, can you fish with a permit in tidal waters?
7. Have you explored use of Amateur Radio, CB, FRS, MURS, etc away from cities where cellular coverage is often spotty? I always carry a 2m/70cm radio on trips. DE VE9GIS
8. Maybe a video showing a minimum safe list in a vlog to avoid billing charges if a rescue is required might save many a big bill! One episode of Northern LAW suggested a lady was charged just under $20K for being under prepaired on Mount Washington, and another was fined over $40K in Maine on the AT!
9. If crossing a brook, is it OK to set rocks (in pods at least 1 meter apart) for a dry or drier crossing?
That's Bobcat tracks.extremely fresh,I'd say an hour or less.
Looks like a good place. Interesting logging trails. Thx for reading the sign: huckleberry, interesting.
Sintax77, you say "WHAT-NOT" alot. Just saying....... love those video adventures!!!
Wow what an adventure! Thanks for taking us along!
Thanks
Great food for thought. I was in a similar situation. Woke up to wet snow and rain. Waiting for a break in the weather to get packed and moving. Very cold wet day.
Pretty cool adventure. You had me thinking there for a minute if you were gonna make it outta there or not.
Great video. Always nice to learn something new in case I'm in an unexpected ice storm. Looks like this would be a great hike in more ideal conditions.
Thanks for another great video. I was late seeing this one. I don't seem to be getting the notifications. I guess I'll subscribe again! Anyway, the sound of the ice on the tarp was interesting . I don't blame you for not getting out in it. The mountain views were lovely, and it was great , as always, to experience that ice along with you, while I was snug in my. bed.! Keep hiking! I always enjoy your vids! I think I need to buy those bellows for my indoor fireplace at my cabin in the Smokies!
Good choice: lounge in hammock. Nice test of that UL tarp.
This one was a little different to your usual adventures. Tough second day in those conditions but you were well orepared to battle them out. Very changing landscapes and expansive scenery made the viewing absorbing. Thanks for the adventure and bet you enjoyed that burger. Bushyboy Oz.
this is what makes it 1 of his best because oh how rugged it was and also being lost. but dam weather radio not working.
I've been watching your videos for a few years now, I really enjoy your content.
Thanks, Michael. Glad you're enjoying them!
Watching again for 3rd time
I don't like to be cool but I like the way you camp
Love the adventure! Weather changing the plan is a nice portrayal of how it goes sometimes. Since you always have the tarp and cook pot, there are a lot of fairly simple ways to rig a rain catchment system to ensure you have some water without having to worry about the minimal snow layer. Thanks for the video, always look forward to the next trip!
My brother in christ, we have GOT to upgrade you to the good ramen.
Nice experience! Thanks for sharing. Those views were 200% worth the icestorm and getting socked in for the day. I have just bought a hammock and have not slept in it yet, though I put it up and lay in it now. With adequate insulation I am glad you were comfortable inside yours. Those scenes of ice sickles and rain dripping off your tarp made me so cold i had to step outside into the sunshine down here in Florida to warm up! Got caught on the Appalachian trail in an ice storm about this time of year, and tarp did not cover adequately. Woke up with wet feet. Fire making is very tough!
About 30 min or so from my house. The gates are closed during the winter months and will be opened in the next couple of weeks. Once I saw Big Blue, I knew you were in for a heck of an adventure.
I'm honestly quite surprised that you have *given in to sponsors*
I think I've been watching your content for 6-8 years on UA-cam.
I think it's the right move honestly Sean 👍 or is it Shawn 🙋♂️
My old sorority/sister cult used to lurk in them there woods.. we were a tight pack and hunted primarily at night. We had a tunnel system up yonder from where yins started... pbwu
I have a weather radio that takes batteries, solar or crank. Never fails. A little larger than yours, but when you need it, you have it. Thanks for the videos!
Damn man you have been a glutton for punishment lately. Those heavy packs are giving me nightmares.🤣 Great content, thank you for bringing us along.
You and I both of those heavy packs that he has been carrying lately
Hi, Shawn 👍🏻 I always enjoy watching your hiking adventures, I’m glad the weather cleared so you could see some awesome Mountain View’s. I finally got a new IPad Air 5 and the graphics really pop the colors are so vivid so now I can watch more of your adventures. Enjoy and have a Blessed Sunday !!! Danny
Definitely a cat print! Probably a young Bobcat 🤙🏼
Awesome video brother
After watching this I need to go plan my next hike! 👍
Hi Sintax, I think I started watching this then got distracted lol So happy to get back to the video and see the Roaring Plains and the awesome gorgeous snow and ice! In a hammock! Are you mad, sir! Just joshing, this is such fun and so great to tag along! It's March in Ohio, officially Spring and we're enjoying a balmy 28 degrees hahahah I'm a Nord, I love it!
That set of trails is a go to spot for me when it is a nice holiday weekend, the Sods is crammed with people, and you want a somewhat less heavily traveled path. In warmer weather, the main downside is that it gets very boggy and wet if there has been a lot of rain. I have never been up there once they close the roads, so it was interesting to see it in winter conditions. You will see people on that main trail, but even on busy weekends I've found that it is never crazy there.
Love Dolly Sods..Red Creek area, backpacked there many years......Loved Roaring Plains also, especially "wind swept trees" and not crowded with hikers.
Sintax, you made the right decision by not hiking in that cold and miserable rain.
I love those Chili noodles - they are delicious
**Next time you hike the Presidentials, bring along the audio book: "Not Without Peril: 150 years of Misadventure on the Presidential Range of New Hampshire." I've hiked there a few times and the book describes many "eerily familiar" situations that can happen to hikers in the Presidentials.
breathtaking view on day 3 so made it worth it. thanks for the adventure and to you sponsor Magic Spoon
I needed this. Thank you.
I live about 45 minutes away from dolly sods and I recommend hiking otter creek wilderness. It is just north of dolly sods. It has a native tree grove and has a large biodiversity once you get deeper into the wilderness.
Sounds awesome. Thanks for the heads up! I'm going to look into that.
Dude this was so cool!
That was a rough one for you. Thanks for taking us along!
Another great video! 👍 I've been hammock camping now since 2015 because of you and Shug. It's a challenge packing up the tarp in the morning after an ice storm. I would have also stayed at that awesome campsite for another night. Up here in Michigan it has been a long winter, but it should start warming up a little soon. Hopefully! Lol
Unlike being a Raider fan, your hammocking mistake washes off and you are welcomed to the ground as if you were regular people just like US. Your hammock habit doesn't have to define you. cheers
@@nedanother9382 I'm a Lions fan. Lol Actually I bought a tent to test for our long future AT hike. We have used tents a lot in the past.
@@uptrail7169 WOW you are definitely a hard core backpacker/fan...Occationally I find a Raider fan with that comment.....I had no idea my gill net would bring in a Lions fan...I'm just a bitter ex-football fan. Grew up in the shadow of Memorial stadium in Baltimore with the Jonny Unitas Colts...and from '76 thru the end I was a Charger season ticket holder...you are chatting with a two time NFL team loser! They're dead to me. Still hatin on the Raiders though.
Go Lions
Great adventure
Good content enjoy the quality of your production 😊😊 Timmy Shaw
Thanks for sharing.
Excellent !!!!!!
Great video. I spent the weekend in similar conditions with a silpoly tarp. It looks like I had a much easier time clearing the ice and wet snow than you may have with Dyneema.
Tough trip. ✌️👊
A Sintax first getting to camp before sundown 🤣 lol JK that is an awesome camp spot, loved the sound of sleet on the tarp.
That bag is such a true giant enormous pack, it must be just as heavy as it looks.. Hiking like that must be pain instead of enjoyment.. I remember the lightweight sintax with the osprey bags, that looks somewhat more doable - this actually is more in the category insane.. I will stick with comfortable recumbent bike packing, getting more miles in with less afford and no real body pains, but still being fully manpowered - what traveling self sufficient is all about.. Keep those hammock vids coming, you are one of the best hikers that delivers some great stories, views and edits!
sub earned for the balloon zippo hack- not only does it keep it from evaporating you can store more fluid in it safely with out it leaking , I don't know if you ever got fluid burn , yeah this hack is awesome
Another FANTASTIC video!! Thank you!
Being from rainy awld England, I'm used to wood that isn't quite dry. The trick I find is to split the wood into halves or even quarters, then take shavings with a good knife.
HI SHAUN 👋
LOVE WATCHING 👀 ALL YOUR NEW / OLD VIDEOS 📹 📹 BUT I / WE WANT YOU TO HAVE FUN & SAFE SOOOOOOOO BE CAREFUL !
Good job.
Love Sintax77 and his great vids. But, have you ever seen Shawn and actor Paul Dano in the same room? I think not. Lol
Tacvasen tactical pants are awsome for folks on a budget and can't pay the price of a hammock, on a pair of trousers.
Thanks for the video…that was a bad storm ⛈…stay safe and take care !!
When my body metabolically adapted to using my fat stores for energy, my hunger when hiking (while fasting) went away. And my energy level increased significantly. The path to get there requires dropping your carbs down below 30-40 per day. At least for me, I ended up eating better and feeling better. I have hiked very strenuous elevations, including stretches of the AT, while eating only one meal a day (healthy fats, moderate protein and low carb).
That is pretty cool you were able to rough it. I don't know how your hammock didn't get wet without doors on the tarp.
Great adventure Sintax!!
The audio is just wonderful … as usual
At 18:00: I couldn’t figure out what was up or down until I saw you walk. I thought it was upside down haha. Nature is wild.
Hi Syntax...I have been watching from Newfoundland, Canada now for about 3 years...you do some great treks and you are not afraid to bail..good on you! Watching this one this morning...interestingly we are having identical weather....snow then freezing rain and honestly this time I much more enjoy watching you battle this one from my couch..LOL. Question tho...I am using the same GPS app as you GAIA....how do you find the accuracy when compared to boots on the ground? and the map you used here..was that printed from the app?
making fun of you!? I thought that antenna was badass! Not for backpacking heavy hank but super cool for camping.
"WELL HELLO DOLLY"
I used to camp a lot when I was younger but now my back is bad so I got a house in the woods with a fireplace.
Awsome vews..would say great trails?lol.nice camp spots thow...thanks for sharing
Pretty resourceful getting ice from tge trees for water i just learned something .thanks .well I learn a lot from your backpacking videos. I still haven't seen you eat one of those cheese burgers after your videos. I beggining to think those cheese burgers are a lot like the chupakabras herd of but never seen .
Another awesome video man. That area looks amazing but some tough hiking for sure.
When you said I can tell you something else that is getting smaller I thought you were going to mention a particular body part because it was cold out,Lol.(13.32).
Another epic adventure! Did you intend the single frame drop in at 1:12:07? I remember seeing that clip on one of your older videos but I don't see why it is here.
Inta da woods
A little scary sintax. You are giving Sara gray hair. Happy you are safe
Really enjoyed the video. It appears the was a rough hike. If it could go wrong it would.
Hi, I know this isn’t the best hiking weather, but I love the sound of the ice on the tarp. I know I would have slept in too. I do hope it clears up for you some. it is fun watching, but the sound of the weather makes me cold. You have a great time. God Bless and take care of yourself. 💦💦🙋🏻♀️💦💦
Looks like canine tracks....cats are usually a little more rounded and typically don't show claw marks
Type 2 fun … yeah!
Thx for the cold adventure
Headed there in a few weeks!
Last october I spent 5 days and four nights in RPW. 32 miles. 13,000 feet of elevation gain. Awesome weather except for the last day where it rained hard. Saw 3 people. I had a blast.
That sounds like a great trip. It's an awesome area, for sure. I'm surprised it took me so long to finally check it out.
Would love your rec for some other wv trails in summer time! friends and i are trying to plan a trip with both dispersed and regular campsites.
video minute 21:59 I camped there before heading to Canyon Rim trail the next day. Might have been minute 23.30. Close enough. I used the same paper map you showed plus AllTrails and never got lost.
I would get lost a thousand times on that trail.
Great video .Dont think you will be doing this trail again for a while.Cheeseburger well deserved after that.
Dead tree branches on trees always work for me in wet weather
Cool that you were tracking that animal. Probably a cat. Dogs will have nail prints in front of the toes. Cats can retract the claws so much less likely to leave nail marks.