-20° Remote Winter Camping with Only 18lbs of Gear

[@fastforward4725]

Really nice to hear that you were open / honest about abandoning camp. I really apreciate that honesty, and doubt others would be as honest to their audience in the same situation.

[@wanglelife]

It takes a good amount of time to set up the Ultamid tents properly especially for higher wind situation on frozen ground. It was a challenege to hike in, set up camp, make the sponsored content while racing against shorter days AND not having a camera crew. Probably wouldn't have run into this issue if he were just going in to recreate only.

[@wxjunkie]

@@BigA1921fire in those winds would blow all the heat completely away from camp

[@cribbage]

I watch a TON of yt videos on gear and backpacking in general. You consistently show gear that I haven't noticed other people using and seems very well suited to the task at hand. I don't think my pocketbook thanks you but I appreciate seeing cottage and task specific gear from your channel!

[@seanschannel6786]

Also winter camping on a budget would be interesting ... just seems like so much gear to jump in!

[@anthonysamuel143]

Baby steps! I don't have a winter UL setup like Justin but I have many lightweight items that make me comfortable and happy.

[@unvexis]

Nice thing about layering synthetic atop down in cold weather: the dewpoint is likely to be within the synth top layer, which can better deal with freezing condensation.

[@fridaynightfishfights6661]

Love the simplicity of this setup.

[@willek1335]

The stake issue can happen to anyone. Last time I was up in Norwegian high lands I had to dig a cave, because the snow had an icy surface and powdery layer underneath which made tenting next to impossible. Another guy not far away died because there wasn't enough snow and the snow that was there was too icy. The plateau have no trees and thus too much wind. 10:00 :P woops. thx for trying it out and showing this setup, even though it "failed", because it will save more people and teach us more about what works and what doesn't. I really appreciate it when you show stuff that's on the edge of your capacity. Cheers.

[@1Grumpymonk]

Man you have such a great attitude, very upbeat. I love winter winter camping and got into it last season. Too bad I didn't find your channel till recent, great videos 👌

[@syindrome]

The Conundrum may be just as warm in quilt vs. bag mode, but a good sleeping bag with differential cut is WAY warmer and lighter than the equivalent quilt/quilts. My WM Alpinlite completely blows my 20ºF EE Enigma out of the water; it is even warmer than layering the Enigma with a thin synthetic over-quilt while still being a few grams lighter.

[@syindrome]

A lot of people swear by the idea of shifting the dew point into a synthetic overquilt; it seems good in theory, but in my conditions (0ºC +/−6ºC) I don't think it applies. On the other hand, I do get a little bit of condensation on the outside of my quilt/bag, but that doesn't seem to affect loft and is easily wiped off in the morning. BPL also did a podcast where they say that moisture improves down loft to a certain degree, so that should be taken into consideration as well.

[@garyo4456]

@xargs00 - Many on the Western Mountaineering bags have the MF material (Micro Fiber)…and is woven too tight to allow moisture/condensation to egress down. A good WM bag laughs at bad weather!! 😜👍

[@mtadams2009]

I could not agree more. I have a very nice Zpacks quilt but come true cold weather it's my WM sleeping bags. I hike in the Whites of NH can come cold weather you don't see quilts.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

@@markcummings6856 they mean the condensed moisture wicking back down into the insulation.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

@@markcummings6856 yea, that’s what I mean. Your body’s moisture evaporates off of you and travels through the insulation of your bag or quilt. Once it finds the cold outer layer it condenses there. I always have this happen at the head and foot ends of my quilt while winter camping. It’s only at the surface so I dont loose any insulating value. I was surprised by how much moisture come from my feet!

[@xmattxfx]

Some good points. I personally prefer a folding pad to a chair. I keep mine strapped to the outside of my pack so while on trail breaks it's easy to have something to sit on. It also works in tandem with your sleep system

[@daverogers4442]

Lol, when you get older you’ll want a chair, getting up off the ground becomes an issue.

[@xmattxfx]

@@daverogers4442 I'm old and still find this better than lugging in a heavy chair. Plus in winter a chair will just sink into the snow

[@DrofJustice]

Wow, Justin! Thanks for sharing. I love watching your winter camping videos from under my down quilt with a fire in the fireplace😂. Great description of your layering choices. ❤

[@areus2016]

Lol "pooping in a bag and carrying out with me so I don't contaminate the water sources around here" That is hilarious. I'm pretty sure that you are not the only one pooping in the woods over there. You know, animals don't have doo doo bags but nature gets along just fine none the less.

[@nickgerstenlauer4111]

I thought this was a super good video! I appreciated your info a lot. I almost didn't watch it, bc I'm an experienced mountain climber and I didn't think it would be useful to me, but I'm glad I watched this. You shared all your info in a fast and interesting way

[@paparomesoutdoors711]

Such an awesome video man, really enjoyed it and the life saving tips on this gear. I’ve been new to winter camping the last 5 years and wring gear can become a reality check when it’s below freezing! Thanks again

[@DijonFrisee]

Thanks for the great content, Justin!! I've been watching all your videos as I've been gearing up for winter ~lightweight~ backpacking over the last year. It's awesome to see how much thought you put into your gear selection and the information you share. Would love to hear how your feelings about layering 2 quilts (vs sleeping bag + quilt) evolve as you get more time in with the setup! It seems like a great way to cut weight in the winter, but some folks seem very skeptical. I'll be giving it a try this winter as well.

[@joshjspice]

Great kit and video. I like how you explained the why and how behind a lot of it. That's so important. I just ordered a Conundrum, myself. Should arrive soon. Excited for the down synth combo. Cheers and stay warm!

[@ABCampingTony]

Loving your winter camps. ❤️AB

[@oliverkrell9290]

Great video! I would love to see a comparison of different winter gloves/mits. I have spent a lot on gloves and am still never satisfied with the balance of warmth, bulk, and tactile feel.

[@BluStarGalaxy]

Beautiful scenery! Camping in that must be an awesome experience.

[@seanschannel6786]

great video ... thoughts on showshoes? I'd be interested in a video comparison

[@Junkorgem]

Thank you for doing these videos.

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Great winter camping vid as usual Justin. You should get a Cnoc carbon fibre trekking staff as it is tall enough to set up the Ultamid with just one. Strapping 2 poles together is a potential failure point when it gets windy and your Ultamid is getting battered around by the wind. I've got 2 of these staffs and they are game changers. One goes in my Ultamid and the other I can still use after I set up my shelter to go hike around.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Unfortunately the CNOC pole isn't tall enough for the Ultamid 4, just the 2 :(

[@BackcountryForward]

Loved this load out Justin! Some great new and up and coming gear! Crazy that you had to cowboy camp. What wind speeds have you taken the hyperlite to?

[@platesweightspeaks]

I have been very curious about the enlightened equipment torid clothing items for a little bit. I believe you have used the jacket and booties as well as the pants? Would you be able to make a review video about these items, I am especially curious about how warm the pants keep you when you are just sitting at camp.

[@monicaliriano8445]

Monica Liriano 0 seconds ago Gotta get me that pillow barn! Thanks for a great video and your honesty about the different camping products.

[@a.e.3323]

Please make a comparison video between the old and the new NU 25 in the dark (at a road crossing in a forrest or something). Want to find out "lumens" to "lumens" which one is the best.

[@rudbeckia885]

I bring a sled ...did katahdin in winter 2x . Bring lots of carbs..like a salmon fillet, pemmican, rib eye steaks ... maybe a couple freeze dried dinners. Good sleeping bag , Everest style tent. No Cotton.

[@glazierd55]

Justin, I get really cold hands and feet (probably age). What were the hiking and camp gloves you were wearing? Also what was your sock and boot configuration and insulation? I've not got the gear yet to do the snow camping, but I'm building up to it. Thanks for sharing.

[@JustinOutdoors]

I have links in the video description for pretty much all that stuff! This video has everything I wear while hiking/snowshoeing/skiing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2KlnqelZ96Hqbs

[@mherbert3646]

Stumbled across your video, I’m looking at starting to winter camp, while a little older than most I’m looking forward to the adventure. If I could say one thing, as a fellow Canadian, give us the prices in CAD funds or both similar to how you did the temperature. Will definitely check the other videos on your page.

[@ChadLubinski]

nice dude!! what is it that you're using for the straps on your sleeping pads??

[@dennisgorman8090]

It looks like your Nemo Switchback is the short version. Does it not matter if the foam pad does not keep your entire air pad off of the ground then for insulation purposes? I’m trying to decide which length foam pad to get for myself and it would only be used under an inflatable pad.

[@GruntProof]

awesome man!

[@Zoltoks]

I wish Canadians and Americans would specify which degree measurement we are talking about a simple F or C makes a huge difference and many times you can't distinguish Candadian accent from the standard American accent.

[@tomlorenzen4062]

Pay attention

[@mtadams2009]

Nice video and thank for your experience. I love quilts but come cold weather its Western Mountaineering sleeping bags all the way. If I am camping below zero, I leave my quilts home and bring out the nine inches of WM loft. Thanks for sharing, just wondering what kind of footwear do you use? Thanks

[@filmic1]

Neat, thanks for mentioning your Nalgene. My green Nalgene 1L reads UVPE on the bottom. Don't know if that's the same thing.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

That's a rough time to switch sleeping position. Nature wasn't messing around.

[@violetpurple6191]

this is beyond ultra cool.😎😎😎😎😎 thank you!

[@dhoy42]

how-d from montana! the titanium fire maple blade stove was out of stock so i went with the aluminum polaris version, can't wait 2 try it this winter... thank you for bringing this item to the light of day to me and others that otherwise wouldn't of known🤙 do you treat iso pro fuel cans like water in keeping it insulated and warm or with the inverted can system is that not necessary?

[@toocleanpappas5397]

In winter I use a Feathered Friends 0 degree C bag. I have cowboy camped with it down to -8 and had to sleep in just my underwear because I was too hot. They are expensive, but know how to make great cold weather quilts. My winter pack is generally around 15 lbs. But I don't wear as much layering as you do, mostly because I know I can rely on my quilt for sleeping. My SWD pack is about a lb less than yours (I don't use hip belts), and I use a Gossamer Gear the One so it's a bit lighter. But seriously between 15 and 20 lbs, it's not that big a deal. 20 is plenty light for most people. I am gonna have to check out your snow shoes, they look cool. How do they perform? Happy hiking!

[@BobPritchard]

Love my SWD Long Haul 50 in ultra 400. Super light and bulletproof durability. Justin's pack is used by a lot of thru hikers and they often disintegrate before finishing.

[@Deadushka99]

Great video as usual 👍🏻 Check out Kovea Spider stove, very nice 4 season remote canister stove. I love mine.

[@OurDee]

I thought (wind?) as soon as I saw the first camp site. Thanks.

[@peterduce2818]

Justin, I also do alot of winter camping in snow at altitude. I have not been pleased with my thermarest xlite and foam pad combo. I feel like it should be plenty warm but I believe the air in the pad simply gets cold on the sides. I am wondering if you have ever used a pad sleave or something like that to additionally insulate the pad? Do you know if that would work? I don't really want to buy the extherm when I already have so much summer gear I should be able to use.

[@timothey_sullivan]

So great! Is there a link for the hat you're wearing- with the fuzzies?

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

That tent is sweet!!!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

even though you had to bail out of it...sweet tent

[@jeffreycarman2185]

7:13 I would say, at -20 degrees c you’d be much better of using a liquid fuel stove, it’s just so much more reliable. But that said, this looks like a low-stakes overnighter so this system looks like it will work. Regular canisters run much less efficiently even in the 0 degrees C to -6 degrees C range.

[@timreimer1286]

Would you mind sharing where you went? I would love to go there as well. Thanks😊

[@JustinOutdoors]

Elbow Valley area

[@ianmacfarlane9454]

Great video,thank you 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Great content and video!

[@KaneDoesOutdoors]

Good stuff Justin ✌

[@obikedog]

I love my old nu25 but the new one has red light which I only have on my HC60 (which I also love - but not for short trips.) Also glad to see they switched to usb-c on all the v2 units..

[@aurtisanminer2827]

The NU25 has a red light on it.

[@draekko_]

FYI, I've done some testing with nalgene bottles and using even just a 2 or 3mm thick neoprene full bottle cover will quadruple the time before water will start to freeze. A thicker one might even work better. but i haven't had access to thicker neoprene to test with while make me those covers. I made two version one that opens in the middle similar to the Forty Below brand ones. The other used a full bottle cover with a cap that overlayed that to open from the top and that one had a very slight advantage.

[@draekko_]

@@markcummings6856 did my testing indoors using tap water and using a freezer as my cold generator, in the outdoors it can vary a bit due to how cold your water already is before using that cover. Mind you it'll still stay liquid longer than without though.

[@4316rodney]

Not sure what sort of terrain you’re traveling but have you tried pulling a pulk?

[@jays7318]

Thanks Justin. Why don't you use your Black Diamond skiis anymore?

[@JustinOutdoors]

I do, just testing different products

[@jays7318]

@@JustinOutdoors Ok, I am thinking of buying OAC skis this year. Would you say you enjoy using the skis more than snowshoes for backpacking trips?

[@JustinOutdoors]

@@jays7318 100%. Skis are way easier and way faster.

[@jays7318]

@@JustinOutdoors Thanks!

[@thewestonfront]

Really interesting with some good tips. However, can a single skin tent whose poles are strapped together really be classed as 'safe' in winter conditions? I would always use a free standing tent in the snow. But fair play to you, freezing your **** off and moving pitch at 3am to bring us an insightful vlog.

[@ApexMark2002]

Great video. Why aren't you sure on the newer 2022 headlamp?

[@joelstanfill776]

Justin, what kind of thermometer did you show us?

[@Roger-ny9xr]

Did not see it listed in your gear list.

[@ruivermelho2582]

Very helpful content as usual, how do you fit the two sleeping bags in the backpack? My synthetic APEX Enigma -6C was insanely bulky on my ATMOS 65L so I returned it.

[@JustinOutdoors]

The warmer apex quilts are much less bulky

[@GreatAmericanHikes]

How's the new version of the Thermarest pads?

[@fredricgriffin6070]

Did you carry a picnic table into wilderness? ;)))

[@JustinOutdoors]

Nope! The parks helicopter did!

[@nousefulness]

What is the reflective mat at 11:43, below the sleeping pad and Nemo switchback? I've been looking at getting myself one of those and was wondering what you are using?

[@evanhathaway649]

What kind of a ski setup is that? I know it is only briefly shown in this video.

[@toastrecon]

Huh. I wonder if it would have been good to get some sticks or logs, tie lines to them and then bury them in the snow? Maybe bring a lightweight avalanche shovel and build up a berm around your tent? Looks cold, glad you were prepared!

[@JustinOutdoors]

There wasn't enough snow for deadman anchors :)

[@toastrecon]

@@JustinOutdoors darn! Yeah, I went camping with some Boy Scouts a few years ago, and we were out on a frozen section of desert that had essentially no snow. It was pretty miserable. Crazy how useful snow can be. I definitely want to get out for some winter camping this season!

[@thekevinfoster]

Hi Justin, was wondering your opinion on static insulation jackets? Have some nice discounts and was considering getting a Nuclei FL from Arcteryx, but I’m not sure it’s worth it when I could just layer up with fleece and puffy

[@amycuaresma]

That's a very great question, and I am looking forward to his answer. Curious what kind of activities you are using it for?

[@thekevinfoster]

@@amycuaresma it would be mostly around camp, in colder weather, and belaying for climbing. My issue is that I have a ghost whisperer, so I could just layer. Or I could get a different synthetic. The price isn’t terrible with my discount, but the functionality seems maybe a bit limited? Let me know if you have any insights! P.s. my buddy loves his Nuclei FL which is why I’m tempted (also the discount expires). It’s lightweight and packs well

[@josephreber525]

Outstanding A/F 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@joni4632]

HELP!!!!!!! Pink spoon: “if you know you know.” I’m new, so I don’t know. Can someone please explain??? Thx!

[@hikerwoody182]

They're normally dark grey and often get lost on the floor, so I think it's just to see it easier

[@gabbette999]

I’m so glad you’re “warm winter boots” are not Altra Lone Peaks with bread bags….

[@TelosBudo]

Have you done overnight winter hiking for more than 1 or 2 nights?

[@Iyanrach]

He wont dare, Ultralight concept will kill him soon in such a cold condition like that, look at the tent, he is tend to be a frozen food up there.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Yup! And plan to be doing a couple more longer trips this winter :)

[@MoosebearAdventures]

Very cool vid. but I don't understand why you don't want to use a 2 person tunnel tent, cook inside, get warm and enjoy nature! Tunnel tents in winter can offset your weight, you can carry other much lighter things! 😄 and get a lighter weight on all equipment in total !!!

[@MadisonClysdalee]

Ehh love to see this

[@Andy-Mesa]

Curious why you decided not to go with any Durston gear? The Kakwa 40 has best in class load carrying capacity for its weight and you’ve previously enjoyed the X-Mid?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Sold out! The Kakwa doesn't intrigue me quite enough to track one down through supply shortages.

[@82300sd]

have you thought about pulling a sled with gear?

[@rmonell912]

What’s your thermal reflective mat?

[@desparky]

Tell me again how dangerous Australia is? Pretty sure I (Aussie) would be dead within minutes of leaving the carpark.

[@fatihozcan4836]

Where did you get the tool you attach the pillow to?

[@browsman2328]

Hi Justin, just wondering how your Fire Maple Blade stove worked in the cold. I have the Fire Maple FMS-118 which appears to be the slightly heavier and cheaper version of that stove. Stay warm dude, like your channel.

[@JustinOutdoors]

It's worked well on multiple cold trips. It's not nearly as fuel efficient as the Whisperlite, but gets the job done.

[@browsman2328]

I’ve noticed that about the FMS-118 also, it works but not as fuel efficient as other options. At 20F (-6.7C) and above I mostly use my MSR Windburner. It’s not for everyone, expensive, heavy, tippy and sucks at simmering but it’s almost impervious to wind and it’s always windy where I go hiking. It’s also fuel efficient. I got it on sale for $127 American dollars, according to MSR assembled in Seattle. Slainte!

[@labellaescrima1996]

Hey Justin, I also like toothpaste pills, did you ever try out SuperBee Dentos spearmint flavour (Eco toothpaste tabs) they are a bit bigger than the one you use but oh much tastier. I simply LOVE THEM!

[@JustinOutdoors]

haven't tried them but will take a look!

[@icestorm9491]

Hi Justin, what size decathlon down jacket do you use?

[@DonnellPrince]

Everytime I go winter camping, my Eureka 4 season TCOP goes with me.

[@karyn4875]

Is condensation an issue with this tent ?

[@Erim89]

I just went winter backpacking and it was the worst experience. I’m glad I came across your video

[@felicegreece]

Does anybody PLEASE Know what is the lowest aluminium carpet he uses under all the pads?? We see it at 11:30 and 11:44. I'm looking desperately for something like that, he explained everything apart from that:(

[@MichaelChanslor]

Justin or anyone else have any experience with the Nitecore NU25 V2 with USB C? Not sure I like the paracord headband? Anyone try it yet?

[@JustinOutdoors]

I'm on the fence. The headbands are garbage and I don't like the extra bulk to it. If I can make a Litesmith-style headband, I may like it more.

[@MichaelChanslor]

@@JustinOutdoors Thanks for the feedback and the amazing videos you are doing!

[@sagemacgillivray6136]

Which bt thermometer do you recommend for these trips?

[@enlitnd99]

What jacket were you hiking in?

[@halosung79]

Black one is probably Mt900

[@JustinOutdoors]

geni.us/HeliumAscentshell

[@thankmelater1254]

Why take a pillow when clothing can be put in a pillowcase?

[@bobdohr5033]

Would have loved to see more footage of the wind event. But maybe you were just in survival mode and didn't film. Or it's getting its own video?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Unfortunately I was half asleep and mostly worried about my tent not getting a rip. I regret not taking a few minutes to film though! Lesson learned!

[@mason6883]

@@JustinOutdoors Don't die just to get some footage for us.

[@nomadiclifestyle9204]

Just wrap up yourself in a blanket no need to carry this much gear 😆.

[@FeldwebelWolfenstool]

...I scrounged up a scrap piece of Syrofoam SM to insulate me from the ground. Might make a toboggan out of it...

[@JoshSweet]

If you had a smaller tent, you would stay much warmer.

[@JustinOutdoors]

I've used small one-person mountaineering tents and the warmth difference isn't significant. Thin pieces of fabric do not provide much insulation, so the benefit mostly comes from wind/weather protection.

[@JoshSweet]

@@JustinOutdoors The difference is how much space your body has to try to heat up. If your body has to try to heat up a tent with 30 cubic feet vs 100 cubic feet, there is less warm air surrounding your sleeping bags. Even a few degrees can make a big difference. The same with wind/weather protection. It is easier to keep a small tent profile tied to the ground in the wind than a large tent profile (as this video shows)….

[@ŞöŁ_727]

I swear on everything I own, use a pure silk liner sock and then a wool sock on top and it will change your life.

[@lasauvageonne5673]

Tu sembles plus intéressé par les objets matériels que par la nature qui t’entoure. Sans tous ces gadgets, qui sont trop chers selon moi, tu ne ferais pas long feu. 1000$ pour un bout de toile? 😂 Avec une ou deux bâches et de la technique, tu obtiendrais le même confort. Tu devrais apprendre à utiliser ce qui se trouve dans ton environnement.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Ya! Bushcraft is the best! #LNT

[@GhostOfSnuffles]

I legit can't believe that tent cost $1,000. It's a freaking tarp.

[@dr.paroxysm4702]

This seems really comfortable, but kinda seems over prepared. Good video tho

[@tonywillingham8109]

you carry your poop out? Why not use a titanium trowel and burry it, the same way the outhouse does?

[@ellerybice3787]

And then what? Dream of having a mission to justify what you just accomplished? Ice fishing? Girlfriend time? Where is the frozen gal at?

[@mattiasandersson2315]

A A ,eh?☺️

[@robertburton3281]

ONLY 18 pounds?

[@MichealBacon]

Where in the world does one have to even consider packing out their poop?? Where are you camping, in someone's driveway?

[@israelolvera558]

💝💖💟💓❤️❣️♥️💗😇

[@scottyplug]

Do you cut your videos off so short because of the YT algorithm? I just wish there was an extra few seconds at the end of each so that we could actually click on the other videos you post in the corner for us to watch. I understand that YT can "punish" a poster because folks don't watch your video all the way through. Is that the reason?

[@bobdohr5033]

I wondered this, too. It's many times prevented me from giving videos a like because I'm "surprised" by the ending.

[@mitch_the_-itch]

The scale is broken. Lighter weight costs exponentially more money. I bet NASA could make some really light stuff, lol. For hundreds of billions of everyone elses dollars, lol.