The whole time I'm watching this I'm wondering if this is the trip that Dan had to bail on. Then as time goes on I feel bad cause I know Dan's stuff is getting soaked. Dan - Good call on your part.
I live in Knoxville and have only backpacked in the Smokies. I remember one trip where it was pouring rain when we got into camp and I just got my tent up, hung my bear bag, ate some snacks and then hunkered down in my tent in my 20 degree bag and slept great. I've spent 2 overnights in below freezing weather, once on Gregory's Bald, and I definitely learned some lessons from those trips. My fingers were so numb from the temps that they hurt and made it difficult to put up and take down my tent. I found some wool finger-less gloves with a flip top that are lined with thinsulate. They free up your fingers to manipulate the small parts of your tent and then pull over the top to warm them up when they get too cold. They are now a must have for me in cold temps. I also use a trash compacter bag to line my pack to keep everything dry. I've tried to dry wet clothes by putting them in my bag when I sleep, but they never dry. I don't think I generate enough heat. Also, a pee jar...because I absolutely refuse to go out in the middle of the night in the pouring rain to go. I now hammock so if ya'll have any tips for below freezing tips for hammockers please share. Where did you get your ultra-light saw?
Thanks for the comments Jennifer. I know I may get flamed for this, but I kind of agree with you putting wet stuff in the bottom of your sleeping bag doesn't just magically dry everything off it may help a bit and make wet stuff more bearable to put on in the morning. The saw was a silky gomboy
Dan made the right decision to tap out. Hypothermia is not worth the risk. He is the man hiking out in the dark and back the next day. Glad you guys had a good trip in the Smokys where our family hikes all the time.
I've been waiting on this since the live stream! Hope the audio mixer survived.. y'all are some of my favorites in the outdoor UA-cam game. Always a pleasure, thx for sharing the experience.
Great video guys! Glad Dan got out okay escaping hypothermia! Enjoyed the Backcountry BSing episode as well...Hope I can get down there and hike the Smokies someday💖
Waking up to this was even better than the BS chat :D Love the format with the morning updates from the bag and the focus on the camp-life. Thanks for putting in the effort and improving every video!
Hello my outdoors friends. Thank you for sharing this outdoor experience with the fabulous foursome on the trail. Too bad that the foot prints didn't belong to big foot, they belonged to 'Dan the Man'. You gentlemen always seem to have too too much fun. Take care out there and stay healthy. 🤗
I was down there at the same time. But didn't do any hiking we where on family vacation. Saturday night was a horrible time I bet rained all night in pigeon forge. I do however plan on doing some hiking next time I'm down there
Great video... Awesome winter trip. Glad to see everyone made out alive. Fire starting is put to the test in winter snow trips every time. I enjoyed watching. Thank you for sharing, take care.
Very good video, thanks very much. I applaud you for getting outside in adverse conditions. I have been on some part of the Madron Bald trail. I can't remember which part. I think I day hiked over the Bald in 1974, in the fall of the year.
Great video! It is always crappy when backpacking and camping in cold wet conditions..."at the time". But after you survive it you look back and think, man that was awesome! Total learning experience knowing you can do it again if you had to.
You guys make a great video. I am very entertained. I have never seen you on video. But, I am a fan. The super comment on the big Becker is " trash compactor bag". I have not been to the trails you guys are on, but I am mostly impressed with your hike. Thanks for the great entertainment.
That's what I thought too.... Whittle a dowel rod to fit inside the two broken ends to join them....or as you said..... Find a right length branch and fashion a temporary replacement.
Honestly cold weather, being soaking wet and knowing the hammock would function without it got the best of me. Not ideal, but what I did (using half the bar) worked.
@@SchillBrothersOutdoors I'm surprised you did this with that nemo tent. It breathes way too much for winter. If you want to stay warm In snow with that you have to have to find a way to stop air from the cutaway section of the rainfly
Smokies in December is not for sissies. You guys did great and super recovery Dan, good call on maintaining safety, and making it back to soldier on. Enjoyed the debrief (AAR/BS), flashbacks from my Marine Corps days, only more fun!!
It’s crazy. I was just there the weekend before Thanksgiving and temps were comfortable with no snow anywhere. It was pretty cool on top of Gregory Bald though. Nice video. Cool looking trip.
A cover isn’t enough in the winter. I cringed watching this. I put my sleeping bag in a coated stuff sack, then put it and extra clothing inside a trash compactor bag in the bottom of the pack. I add a pack cover if it’s raining or the vegetation is wet. I did this exact loop a few years back. Glad you had a good trip.
The problem, I'm told by the rangers, is when it snows the trails disappear and you can get lost ....and get you found in the Spring ,dead ...not unusual ....
Wonderful video, gentlemen! Much respect to Dan for coming back the next day, and for the cajones for filming a "how to stay warm" video after having such a rough 1st night!! I got to backpack for the first time at the smokies this fall with smokeybeesnatural, it was awesome! Have a video myself on our trip, check it!
I appreciate your comment that 29 Otter Creek is a great site but the only level spot is under the bear hang apparatus, and only level for one person. Other than that, yeah, a great site with running water all winter - no snow melting is a wonderful thing.
Nice video. Great to see a little snow in the Smokys the first of the season. Reminds me when I was there this past March. It was a pleasure to watch. I would like to comment that the dubbing of music seemed too loud and/or distracting in some of the talking scenes. Thanks again for sharing. As I’ve commented to Everyone before in your usual backpacking circle, I’d love to see you guys hit up the Northeast. Some, arguably unrivaled hiking in the Adirondacks of New York or Green Mountains of Vermont (even more so during Winter). It would be my pleasure if you ever needed any info or assistance for any future trip. Feel free to reach out anytime.
Sleeping bag and clothes didn't go in a separate dry bag? Dan should have watched SBO video where Andy took the Arc Haul into the water. No shame in getting lessons from backpacking. Misery is a great teacher!
@@SchillBrothersOutdoors 100%... Have you seen the movie "The Graduate?" ... your video is like the scene where Benjamin goes into the pool with all his gear. Seriously though, I had ONE trip where the sleeping bag got wet, and it's really a big deal. Not having redundancy to keep the sleeping bag and clothes dry... it's a mistake that a person only makes once.
Great video. Learned loads from all 4 of you. Love Dan's humility. I'm fairly new to this game. Money is tight. I'm looking for the holy grail of a LIGHTWEIGHT, 'AFFORDABLE' 4 season kit set up...instead of buying a separate tent and sleep system for winter. Torn between a quilt and a sleeping bag. You used a full zip quilt. I note. Can you recommend a 1.quilt / bag ? 2. tent? Many thanks Imran (U.K)
Classic scenario for a winter hammock setup! Get the hex up. Take a breather. Drink some water. Eat a little gorp. Throw a puffy on. Hang the hammock. Put your pad in the hammock or hang your quilts. Get in!! Watch some sort of adam sandler/jennifer anniston comedy on Netflix. See you in the morning.
The Revenant was filmed mostly in Alberta in an area where I hike. The water fall in the movie is Elbow river falls. If the camera would have panned right, you would have seen the walk ways and steel railings with the parking lot behind. Come on up to Calgary for a visit and I will take you all out through Kananaskis area to the areas it was filmed.
@@SchillBrothersOutdoors you guys are welcome anytime. I will take you on a three day loop. Turbine canyon to three isle lake loop. It is beautiful. And if you feel really adventurous we will also do aster lake to north over ridge to three isle lake and out. Each trip takes three days. Good elevation gains and drops and gains and drops. It is in Alberta in the Kananaskis area just outside of Canmore and Banff south on highway 40. Check it out and let me know what you think
It’s hard to imagine someone backpacking in cold, rainy weather and not having their life saving gear in a quality dry sack, but people get complacent. I use a dry sack on every single trip regardless of weather.
Not trying to knock Dan, good personality and entertaining...wish I had his YT skills. I've heard a couple people have problems with water getting into the HMG and just trying to understand how. Got the same pack and haven't had that problem in rain...though still do use a pack liner ;-)
@@escapetheindoors - I think part of it is people believing cuben fiber is a panacea, and they get lazy as a result. "I don't need a dry sack because my pack is waterproof." The obsession with ultralight also causes people to do nonsensical things. I dumped my HMG on eBay after one trip - the lack of breathability had my back drenched in sweat. Other than that it was a cool pack, but I find my Exos 58 to be more comfortable and functional.
Yeah buddy! Let's do it again!!
Dan, can I got backpacking with you? Also, what is the best way to get my wish list to you?
You looked really happy at the very end there haha
The whole time I'm watching this I'm wondering if this is the trip that Dan had to bail on. Then as time goes on I feel bad cause I know Dan's stuff is getting soaked. Dan - Good call on your part.
I'll take pack liners for a thousand, Alex.
I live in Knoxville and have only backpacked in the Smokies. I remember one trip where it was pouring rain when we got into camp and I just got my tent up, hung my bear bag, ate some snacks and then hunkered down in my tent in my 20 degree bag and slept great. I've spent 2 overnights in below freezing weather, once on Gregory's Bald, and I definitely learned some lessons from those trips. My fingers were so numb from the temps that they hurt and made it difficult to put up and take down my tent. I found some wool finger-less gloves with a flip top that are lined with thinsulate. They free up your fingers to manipulate the small parts of your tent and then pull over the top to warm them up when they get too cold. They are now a must have for me in cold temps. I also use a trash compacter bag to line my pack to keep everything dry. I've tried to dry wet clothes by putting them in my bag when I sleep, but they never dry. I don't think I generate enough heat. Also, a pee jar...because I absolutely refuse to go out in the middle of the night in the pouring rain to go. I now hammock so if ya'll have any tips for below freezing tips for hammockers please share. Where did you get your ultra-light saw?
Thanks for the comments Jennifer. I know I may get flamed for this, but I kind of agree with you putting wet stuff in the bottom of your sleeping bag doesn't just magically dry everything off it may help a bit and make wet stuff more bearable to put on in the morning. The saw was a silky gomboy
Andy’s face at the end about fact checking Bryce slays me! 😂
I'm a mobile skeptic
I remember my first time hiking. You guys did good for your first time.
Dan is out of his element. He's actually backpacking 😳
Gotta love the snow!!!!!!
Man, what a good time. Glad to see everything turned out positive with that rain. 👊🏻
That plaid quilt is the BOMB !!
Yeah it's a cool piece of gear for sure
That buffalo plaid 😎
Thanks again for letting me crash at ur all's crib! You and Kevin have a great family!!
It's got good girth 😂
Awesome trip guys!
"Bryce Robinet" LOL
Dan's just true ultralight. Leaving the nylofume at home to save one ounce.
Lol love the hero slow mo walk by.
Fun trip guys!! Campsite on second day was awesome. Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks ATOD
Great trip guys. Absolutely love these style videos. Gotta love that wintertime backpacking trips
Thanks Jason!
Bryce and Dan??? LOVE IT!
It was a great time!
This must have been a ton of fun!! That rain could have been an issue . Awesome deer sighting!!
One of the best trip videos to escape in that I've seen. Great trip.
Cold and rainy generally sucks, glad things cleared up and you guys had a great time.
Thanks Scott!
Dan made the right decision to tap out. Hypothermia is not worth the risk. He is the man hiking out in the dark and back the next day. Glad you guys had a good trip in the Smokys where our family hikes all the time.
We agree 100%
After the live debrief.....I couldn’t wait for this video to come out!!!! Nice!!
Andy talking about taking the situation one thing at a time, earned alot of respect from this hiker!! Hike on fellas!!
I've been waiting on this since the live stream! Hope the audio mixer survived.. y'all are some of my favorites in the outdoor UA-cam game. Always a pleasure, thx for sharing the experience.
Thanks!
You guys make me laugh my ass off. Great and entertaining every time.
I agree.
Loved the honest video. It was brutal weather and you didn't pretend everything was "peachy keen".
Always fun in rain and sub freezing temps👍
Yes it is!
Embrace the suck?
Your mom’s fun in rain.
Love that plaid!!
Great video. Production quality off the charts 👍
That's one you'll remember. Good stuff!
sure is!
That last shot with all 4 of you lookin like the Backpacking Beatles should have been your thumbnail.
Got to agree with Bryce...
The Tensor is amazing 🤙
Wow. A little bit of everything. Glad it turned out all right. Thanks for the video. Waiting for snow here. Take care and stay safe, Al
Thanks Al!
Wow very nice friend
Just watched Bryces vid...can't wait to get out there in the snow myself ...4 season camping is the besttttt
Its growing on us Brett - although I could do without the rain
Rain does suck ..but ya get to try out the rain gear atleast...gear testing is the best
Great video guys! Glad Dan got out okay escaping hypothermia! Enjoyed the Backcountry BSing episode as well...Hope I can get down there and hike the Smokies someday💖
Ya'll are awesome!! Thanks for sharing time and space! So damn cold.
Thanks!
I bought some super light dry bags. They are worth the investment.
That was some true winter backpacking. Was really looking forward to this one. Great trip video guys!
Thanks!
Waking up to this was even better than the BS chat :D Love the format with the morning updates from the bag and the focus on the camp-life. Thanks for putting in the effort and improving every video!
Thanks!
Well done guys!! Enjoyed it.
Hello my outdoors friends. Thank you for sharing this outdoor experience with the fabulous foursome on the trail. Too bad that the foot prints didn't belong to big foot, they belonged to 'Dan the Man'. You gentlemen always seem to have too too much fun. Take care out there and stay healthy. 🤗
I was down there at the same time. But didn't do any hiking we where on family vacation. Saturday night was a horrible time I bet rained all night in pigeon forge. I do however plan on doing some hiking next time I'm down there
You put much love in editing the videos! Thumbs up mate!
GREAT video guys! :) I'm trying to learn how to "take on the cold and enjoy it!" The vid was *very* educational!!
Great video... Awesome winter trip. Glad to see everyone made out alive. Fire starting is put to the test in winter snow trips every time. I enjoyed watching. Thank you for sharing, take care.
Thanks for watching the vid!
Very good video, thanks very much. I applaud you for getting outside in adverse conditions. I have been on some part of the Madron Bald trail. I can't remember which part. I think I day hiked over the Bald in 1974, in the fall of the year.
I've been watching for this video. Very fun to watch after seeing the livestream. Hope Dan and Bryce do a video also.
Bryce will be
Looks like Bryce had a good night. Was that a pile of empty pounders outside of his tent the 1st morning? 🤣🤣
I agree with Kevin... Cold and ❄ is better than cold and ⛈! And, DOES Andy help with the 🔥 🤔? 🤣🤣🤣
Yeah I helped with the file. I saw'd a ton of wood, which of course did not make the final cut
Guys this video was hilarious! You guys must laugh all day together
We do!
can use do deep winter hike
great vid, wish these guys would do more films together, good trip, good times, many thanks !!!!!!
Totally awesome, fun video...had me laughing...needed that! Thanks so much for sharing...and glad Dan was OK!
Thanks Kathy!
Great video! It is always crappy when backpacking and camping in cold wet conditions..."at the time". But after you survive it you look back and think, man that was awesome! Total learning experience knowing you can do it again if you had to.
Agree 100000%
You guys make a great video. I am very entertained. I have never seen you on video. But, I am a fan. The super comment on the big Becker is " trash compactor bag". I have not been to the trails you guys are on, but I am mostly impressed with your hike. Thanks for the great entertainment.
Thanks!
Great video guys and my kind of hiking
Just whittle a stick for the spreader bar
That's what I thought too.... Whittle a dowel rod to fit inside the two broken ends to join them....or as you said..... Find a right length branch and fashion a temporary replacement.
Honestly cold weather, being soaking wet and knowing the hammock would function without it got the best of me. Not ideal, but what I did (using half the bar) worked.
@@SchillBrothersOutdoors using half the pole was a ace move at that time for sure. ! but the next day i would have atleast tried the stick idea.
Dan’s eyebrow wiggle at 28:40 was worth the whole video!
ha!
No shame in spooning when you're cold and wet. Done it in the army LOTS of times. Tough decision to go back, but beats having to fend off hypothermia.
If it was life or death with no option of exit we would be spooning!
What is spooning
@@SchillBrothersOutdoors I'm surprised you did this with that nemo tent. It breathes way too much for winter. If you want to stay warm In snow with that you have to have to find a way to stop air from the cutaway section of the rainfly
Smokies in December is not for sissies. You guys did great and super recovery Dan, good call on maintaining safety, and making it back to soldier on. Enjoyed the debrief (AAR/BS), flashbacks from my Marine Corps days, only more fun!!
Thanks Tom!
Fun to see the all-star cast! Why not fan the fire with a CCF pad? We do all of the time. The air pump was a good idea.
Truly fun video!
Really well done video. Nice work!
Thanks Bill
"fire turds" 😂
Hahahaha. Generous Dan! This is a classic
It’s crazy. I was just there the weekend before Thanksgiving and temps were comfortable with no snow anywhere. It was pretty cool on top of Gregory Bald though. Nice video. Cool looking trip.
Thanks!
👍 another great adventure in the woods☘️🍀
Thanks!
Good stuff. Like Andy’s snow camo under quilt. It’s like he planned it.
Thanks! Not planned, but certainly fit in!
Thanks for another great vid. I think if knew that type of rain might be forecast, I'd bring along a good pack cover to keep my gear dry.
Pack cover would be a good idea
A cover isn’t enough in the winter. I cringed watching this. I put my sleeping bag in a coated stuff sack, then put it and extra clothing inside a trash compactor bag in the bottom of the pack. I add a pack cover if it’s raining or the vegetation is wet.
I did this exact loop a few years back. Glad you had a good trip.
It’s interesting watching the hike after watching the BS live (AAR) after action review of your hike.
The problem, I'm told by the rangers, is when it snows the trails disappear and you can get lost ....and get you found in the Spring ,dead ...not unusual ....
Nice video. I really enjoyed watching you guys trek through one of my favorite places.
Thanks!
That is so cool snow on the ground and rain.would love to experience that!!thanks for sharing guys.no one to go with.i go solo most of the time!
Bryce is our Joe! lol
Wonderful video, gentlemen! Much respect to Dan for coming back the next day, and for the cajones for filming a "how to stay warm" video after having such a rough 1st night!! I got to backpack for the first time at the smokies this fall with smokeybeesnatural, it was awesome! Have a video myself on our trip, check it!
Thanks!
EE also makes a quilt with a full-length zip, they call it the Convert. It’s pretty sweet!
I've seen that before too, its pretty neat
I appreciate your comment that 29 Otter Creek is a great site but the only level spot is under the bear hang apparatus, and only level for one person. Other than that, yeah, a great site with running water all winter - no snow melting is a wonderful thing.
Looking forward to this vid!!
Love that GSI Ultralight Javadrip! Even with Folgers grounds, it's better than instant!
Yeah we need to start doing that too
nice job boyz...needed that badly!!
Thanks Mark
Those are some pretty Squatchy woods 🦶🏻
"Becker's Bloopers" what else can I say, but he finished the trip.
Great video. Been looking forward to it since the live stream. Keep it up guys.
Thanks John!
Nice video brother, glad Dan got back out there. That must’ve been a bummer!
Nice video. Great to see a little snow in the Smokys the first of the season. Reminds me when I was there this past March.
It was a pleasure to watch.
I would like to comment that the dubbing of music seemed too loud and/or distracting in some of the talking scenes.
Thanks again for sharing.
As I’ve commented to Everyone before in your usual backpacking circle, I’d love to see you guys hit up the Northeast. Some, arguably unrivaled hiking in the Adirondacks of New York or Green Mountains of Vermont (even more so during Winter).
It would be my pleasure if you ever needed any info or assistance for any future trip. Feel free to reach out anytime.
Thanks for the feedback Mark!
Going viral!
Sleeping bag and clothes didn't go in a separate dry bag? Dan should have watched SBO video where Andy took the Arc Haul into the water.
No shame in getting lessons from backpacking. Misery is a great teacher!
Thats a classic video!
@@SchillBrothersOutdoors 100%... Have you seen the movie "The Graduate?" ... your video is like the scene where Benjamin goes into the pool with all his gear. Seriously though, I had ONE trip where the sleeping bag got wet, and it's really a big deal. Not having redundancy to keep the sleeping bag and clothes dry... it's a mistake that a person only makes once.
as always great video you guys
Thanks!
Great hiking group!
Great video. Learned loads from all 4 of you. Love Dan's humility. I'm fairly new to this game. Money is tight. I'm looking for the holy grail of a LIGHTWEIGHT, 'AFFORDABLE' 4 season kit set up...instead of buying a separate tent and sleep system for winter.
Torn between a quilt and a sleeping bag. You used a full zip quilt. I note.
Can you recommend a
1.quilt / bag ?
2. tent?
Many thanks
Imran (U.K)
Dan is like the guy in high-school who had the beer hookups. Lol 😆 you guys are the younger guys hes bootlegging for.
Great trip and video! Who’s the edit master...Kevin or Andy?
Kevin
Classic scenario for a winter hammock setup! Get the hex up. Take a breather. Drink some water. Eat a little gorp. Throw a puffy on. Hang the hammock. Put your pad in the hammock or hang your quilts. Get in!! Watch some sort of adam sandler/jennifer anniston comedy on Netflix. See you in the morning.
You guys should check out Seekoutside from Colorado. Light weight hot tents! Only 3-4 lbs with stove. Makes winter camping more enjoyable .
Well aware of them, one day we will have one!
What is the green shirt/top/sweatshirt you are wearing in your hammock, Kevin?
Melanzana Microgrid Hoody
The Revenant was filmed mostly in Alberta in an area where I hike. The water fall in the movie is Elbow river falls. If the camera would have panned right, you would have seen the walk ways and steel railings with the parking lot behind. Come on up to Calgary for a visit and I will take you all out through Kananaskis area to the areas it was filmed.
That would be amazing
@@SchillBrothersOutdoors you guys are welcome anytime. I will take you on a three day loop. Turbine canyon to three isle lake loop. It is beautiful. And if you feel really adventurous we will also do aster lake to north over ridge to three isle lake and out. Each trip takes three days. Good elevation gains and drops and gains and drops. It is in Alberta in the Kananaskis area just outside of Canmore and Banff south on highway 40. Check it out and let me know what you think
Great video guys. I'm impressed...👌
Thanks sir!
Looks like Dan's pack is over stuffed and most likely didn't get rolled and buckled correctly, letting water in. Great video and editing!
It’s hard to imagine someone backpacking in cold, rainy weather and not having their life saving gear in a quality dry sack, but people get complacent. I use a dry sack on every single trip regardless of weather.
Dan is new to overnight backpacking, so he is going to make a lot of rookie mistakes.
Not trying to knock Dan, good personality and entertaining...wish I had his YT skills. I've heard a couple people have problems with water getting into the HMG and just trying to understand how. Got the same pack and haven't had that problem in rain...though still do use a pack liner ;-)
@@escapetheindoors - I think part of it is people believing cuben fiber is a panacea, and they get lazy as a result. "I don't need a dry sack because my pack is waterproof." The obsession with ultralight also causes people to do nonsensical things.
I dumped my HMG on eBay after one trip - the lack of breathability had my back drenched in sweat. Other than that it was a cool pack, but I find my Exos 58 to be more comfortable and functional.
Enjoyed the video. New sub!