41° Below FREEZING - Solo Ultralight Backpacking

In this video, Tayson ultralight backpacks in the forests around Brian Head, UT to survive the night in the fridged temperatures. At 41° below freezing (-9° Fahrenheit/-22° Celsius - for those confused, water "freezing" is 32° Fahrenheit) the adventure proves to be an intense one, with freezing wind that affects Tayson's mental clarity and camera equipment. Once his hot tent is set up, Tayson shows you what kind of food he's brought with him to camp, and proceeds to finally thaw out. It turns out that camping in the snow, up in the mountains, in the freezing temperatures, can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right backpacking gear, getting comfortable in temperatures like the ones experienced by Tayson is more than possible. Enjoy this beard-freezing outing of Tayson's solo hot tent camping experience in the middle of winter.
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Check out the deep dive podcast on this trip:
• Backpacking in 41° Bel...
Gear List Video:
• Full Gear List for 41°...
Table of Contents:
00:00 Intro
00:43 The Hike Up
02:15 Pitching the Tent
03:47 The Wind Rises
06:23 Warming Up
08:35 Dinner Time
10:35 Why I'm Out Here
11:07 Winter Backpacking Tips
13:03 Going to Bed
13:46 Morning
15:32 Heading Back Out
16:11 Gorgeous Views
16:58 Will the Car Start?
Gear Used in this Video (Partial List, Full Video Coming Soon):
SHADOWLIGHT ULTRALIGHT BACKPACK: bit.ly/3CctII1
SUMMIT DOWN SLEEPING BAGS: bit.ly/3c3Cv4B
ULTRALIGHT STRETCH PILLOW: bit.ly/3wQPSil
LOFTTEK™ HYBRID BALACLAVA / HOOD: bit.ly/3n6FZcZ
LOFTTEK™ HYBRID BOOTIES: bit.ly/3n5h6hz
NOVAPRO MEN'S JACKET PRESALE: bit.ly/30c8AVa
VENTUS ACTIVE HOODIE: bit.ly/3C8FKCc
DRAGONWOOL ZIPOFF THERMAL: bit.ly/3C9oVHB
DRAGONWOOL BOXER: bit.ly/3DkqELi
DRAGONWOOL HOODIE: bit.ly/3C9VsNs
OV PROFLEX ADJUSTABLE SNAPBACK HAT: bit.ly/3CcAw8x
Other Great Outdoor Vitals Gear:
Backpacks:
KOTAUL TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE BACKPACK: bit.ly/Cp5FSB
Shelters:
DOMINION 1P ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING TENT: bit.ly/30dCJDJ
ULTRALIGHT DOMINION 2P BACKPACKING TENT: bit.ly/3wCIyGI
DELANO ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING TARP: bit.ly/3c5OHSh
Sleeping Bags:
STORMLOFT™ DOWN MUMMYPOD™ SLEEPING BAG: bit.ly/3wBsftU
ATLAS LOFTTEK™ HYBRID SLEEPING BAGS: bit.ly/3c3CgXf
LOFTTEK HYBRID MUMMYPOD™ HAMMOCK INSULATION: bit.ly/30eV9DO
OUTDOOR VITALS SLEEPING BAG LINER: bit.ly/3C5I0dt
TopQuilts:
STORMLOFT™ DOWN TOPQUILT: bit.ly/3wEScJ1
LOFTTEK™ HYBRID 0 - 15 °F TOPQUILTS: bit.ly/2YGN0rA
Underquilts:
LOFTTEK™ HYBRID 0 & 15°F UNDERQUILTS: bit.ly/2YBGqT1
AERIE 0° TO 45°F UNDERQUILT: bit.ly/3C5UTEE
STORMLOFT™ 0°-30°F DOWN UNDERQUILT: bit.ly/2YDtLPD
Sleeping Pads:
ULTRALIGHT SLEEPING PADS: bit.ly/3n6rE03
Hammocks:
ULTRALIGHT COMPLETE HAMMOCK SYSTEM: bit.ly/3c1sBQW
HAMMOCK SUSPENSION SYSTEM: bit.ly/3c3zEJ6
HAMMOCK BUGNET: bit.ly/3wCMDL6
Jackets and Hoodies:
NOVAPRO WOMEN'S JACKET: bit.ly/2YBbKkO
NOVAUL MEN'S JACKET: bit.ly/3wDkwv8
NOVAUL WOMEN'S JACKET: bit.ly/3n7d20D
VENTUS ACTIVE HOODIE: bit.ly/3C8FKCc
ULTRALIGHT LOFTTEK™ ADVENTURE JACKET: bit.ly/3n7CvGZ
ULTRALIGHT REGULATOR DOWN JACKET: bit.ly/3C5M911
Pants/Shorts:
SATU ADVENTURE PANTS (MEN SIZING): bit.ly/3C7C6IQ
SATU ADVENTURE PANTS (MEN SIZING WAIST SIZES 40, 43, AND 46): bit.ly/3wFneAh
SATU ADVENTURE PANTS (WOMEN SIZING): bit.ly/3C7J7JK
SATU ADVENTURE SHORTS: bit.ly/3D9MDEW
Dragonwool:
OUTDOOR VITALS MERINO WOOL NECK GAITERS: bit.ly/3n7noxu
Merch:
OUTDOOR VITALS LIVE ULTRALIGHT T-SHIRT: bit.ly/3DdqA00
OUTDOOR VITALS NEW LOGO T-SHIRT: bit.ly/3C2sBed
Membership:
OTHER PROVEN ESSENTIALS: bit.ly/3D8uabV
#outdoorvitals #liveultralight #wintercamping #winterbackpacking #hottentwintercamping #hottent

[@DanBecker]

Tayson is officially an insane beast. 🥶

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

I know I have a big beard, but is the resemblance that bad? Maybe need to swap the thumbnail?

[@Jackie-sb7kg]

yup

[@joshjspice]

Oh come on, Dan. Wow.

[@rickpatenaude2719]

A Braver man than I! But since the boss uses the same gear as we buy, who better to trust!

[@darylgiese756]

Use your snowshoes to clear a spot for your shelter (take them off and rake the snow with them). Pile snow around the shelter, up onto it a few inches, to block all wind and add some insulation. Leave about a 1' spot on the downwind side with no snow piled onto the shelter. Lay your longer fire wood through there and pull it in as you need it. A Gore-Tex bivy can make a huge difference in a tent without good wind protection. Great video and greeting from MN

[@christiansimard947]

Actually keep snowshoes and pack the snow. Solid base and isolation from Frozen grounds in 15 min. No ?

[@msgottaneedtoknow]

“Hi”from another Minnesotan..😁👋🏻

[@danielkutcher5704]

As he starts kicking snow, I literally say, "Idiot, you've got snowshoes." I'm sure that he's done this before. 🙄

[@davidthomasmartin1075]

You said it....

[@kchizen100]

Probably had cold hands

[@Giskeoutdoors]

The cold-dumb feeling, the panic and fear when the wind was giving you a hard time, and the absolute relief at getting the fire going. This perfectly exemplified what camping is like, especially in deep winter. Hugely relatable, great job!

[@gearjunkie3412]

Imagine if things got really bad. He would of had to walk back to his car 😩 lol

[@WHEREVER-I-ROAM]

This is very close to LIFE and DEATH SURVIVAL

[@mttcwll]

*Roll my eyes* This isn’t even weekend warrior. This is playing with gear. Doubt he put more than 10k on his gps watch for the entire thing. Can’t call it a trip

[@kohort1]

I have this feeling camping at the beach. Lol

[@elevatelife-nk7896]

That feeling of when you're so cold and you realize that you may have to either make it work or turn around is so familiar to winter camping. I love getting out there all year around and especially soaking up the winter beauty, but watching you go through that was a REAL reminder of how important it is to bring the right gear and expect the worst, when it comes to that time of year. (One could even say how VITALLY important it is! LOL). Thanks for sharing - I love watching all your videos.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

So true! Thanks for watching!

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

Vitally important :) love it!

[@Giskeoutdoors]

100%! Have that moment almost every trip😅 Kinda nice seeing others going through the same thing

[@discoveringdylan]

This is what backpacking actually looks like. Usually it's not glamorous! Thanks for sharing. Now that I'm in Utah, I've gotta start doing some snow backpacking this winter

[@trailcairn1717]

Great vid.. I am under the impression -41 Celsius is -41.8 Fahrenheit

[@wedgetarian]

I was also a little confused by 41C=9F comment. The conversion is °F = °C × (9/5) + 32. It seemed like Tayson forgot about the multiplication part…

[@chrisardagh]

Great video and channel! As a guy that regularly camps in Canada in these extreme temperatures without stove (often to -25C) I see a couple of mistakes that will help in future. Gaitors are always your friend and keeps your lower legs both dry and significantly warmer - especially when snoeshoeing as removes all the rear . Keep your snowshoes on until your camp is setup, once you level if you leave it ~15 mins it will freeze over nicely as a base. I know you didn't have a shovel with you but generally digging down your space will create a natural wind barrier for your UL tent. Small hyropaks (500-1L) that you can keep in an interior pocket will never freeze with body heat. I love that you identified you weren't thinking clear - been there and done that and it's when you don't recognize it becomes a major problem and could become life threatening. Winter camping provides an entirely new element - that always needs an out plan. I have sucked up my pride a few times and hiked out based on conditions. Stay safe!!

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Love it, thanks Chris!

[@scottseverythingoutdoors462]

80 mile an hour wind comes up in the middle of the night and you're a goner! A lot of people have learned the hard way! expect the unexpected! I give you credit I used to be like this it makes you actually feel like you are living. I might do it again someday when my kids are out of the house but you are worth more to them by their side! Every man to his own great video thanks.

[@matthewg7835]

Build up a little snow around the bottom of the tent all around and tuck the tent low to the ground and cover it with snow leaving some of it open on the leeward side. This will block all the wind from coming in and robbing all the heat plus stop the snow storm you had inside your tent. Open all vents on tent to help control condensation. Annnnd setup camp in the trees not out in the open for more wind protection.

[@OutLan]

Man, that looks BRUTAL. 🥶🥶 Thanks for suffering through. It was fun to watch.

[@SergeantFunkDan]

THAT is freakin' nuts. But a great, nail-biting saga to watch from here!

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks

[@3verdades832]

This officially my favorite camper, not stupid music 🎶 not stupid different camera 🎥 angle, just straight to business 👩🏿‍💼 not fancy cooking 🧑‍🍳. Great job man

[@tedsamuels3203]

I can say one thing, this guy puts his gear through the test . THANKS MAN

[@glenn1you0]

In my experience, type 2 fun doesn’t really reveal itself until you get back to car and the motor starts.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

That's a great point!

[@haroldcotten1840]

You are one hard core dude, I appreciate you doing this video, with the weather as bad as it is👍👍👍

[@starting-simple6529]

I appreciate that you took a risk, had clearly planned for it, and had a backup plan as well! Awesome video, I'd love to hear more about this trip on the next Live Ultralight Podcast episode maybe? Take care!!

[@gorsch777]

This was awesome. See why I love winter camping? It's silent, and beautiful.

[@laidbacktraveler2580]

Winter camping in extreme weather is so not my cup of tea - but an epic watch, loved it!

[@joebuck4496]

The no bugs part is awesome though!!

[@rivernet62]

Snow camping is the bomb. No bugs, all the water you can melt, and (in deeper snow) you dig out your kitchen and furniture. Ten thumbs up!

[@brianwadsworth5752]

Definitely inspiring! Thanks for sharing your adventures. Love your gear. We’ve pushed our 20• Aerie bags a little further than we should have (17•) . It’s important to know the limits of your equipment, and you definitely pushed yours. OV all the way!!

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

Thanks Brian

[@GoodkatNW]

Looking forward to the full gear list! It's wonderful seeing the stuff actually put to use in a fairly harsh environment.

[@raomudasir6490]

WOW... Hats off to that extreme camping....

[@DanDavisHistory]

This was great, thanks. That's super cold.

[@buxtond]

Thanks for posting this. Very helpful. Like the tent heater

[@fredflintstoner3009]

THANK YOU for informing us on where you're at! 99% of these wonderful Camping videos never ever write as to the location? I am lost for words. Great work!

[@DirtyDirtbath]

This is incredible, ill definitely be adding outdoor vitals to my "to get" list. I love that you're out there actually doing it

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it! Let us know if you have any questions about our gear!

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

Much appreciated!

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Beautiful views Tayson and some great tips. Thanks for your efforts. Take Care

[@michaelachord1164]

Man, that was a gnarly cold over night er. Nice set up, and hats off for the courage to try it in those conditions. Once spent five nights in the Bavarian Alps. Slept in a two man shelter half type tent in similar weather. Nice video.👍

[@livinlarge1247]

Some nice, snowy trees out there! Lookin' good!

[@coachhannah2403]

Harking back to my youth, the beard really helps in cold weather!

[@maorisioux618]

That wind looked brutal for awhile. Good that it passed. Epic morning

[@joebuck4496]

Wool baby! Wool!! Much more forgiving if your stuff gets soaked

[@lawrencelile]

Last winter I made it through the night at these temps, but getting up and getting dressed was hell. Could not get warm, could not get my stove working (turns out the trusty stove chose that moment to fail) and ended up just throwing on clothes and running out to get warm, leaving all my gear to pick up later. I'm looking forward to seeing your gear list and your thoughts about each item. Each step in such extremes muse be carefully planned, the simple act of getting out of a comfy bag and getting dressed is even a challenge that must be carefully executed. One thing I love about solo camping in tough conditions - the mundane details of your entire life become this chess game that must be planned six moves in advance.

[@theslowwalker]

Thank you for the wonderful video. I used to live in snow country and loved to ski. Now Iʻm back in my home state and while one or two mountain peaks has snow (one even had a blizzard warning last week) freezing temperatures begin in the lower 70ʻs. 50 degrees and I'm breakʻn out the thermals. Thanks again and Aloha

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Your mad! 😂 I'm sitting in my tent here in uk on dartmoor and it's only 0 degrees (c) and that's bad enough 🤣 video out next week 🤣🙏👍

[@Combavski]

I super enjoyed this video! Being an avid car camper (summer time only) and with kids who are now adults I feel it's time for a change and I'm looking to get out there on trail. Obviously I'm a huge YT trail channel content connoisseur. I love hiking related vids and this one in particular had a very honest and genuine vibe. Obviously being able to see the snow wreaking mini havoc in the wind live is a lot more informative than someone just explaining it. Plus, although I luuurve gear videos and surely this is one, it's very lowkey.

[@redwhiteblue7831]

Serious testing there, that weather let's you know who's in charge fast. Great video, enjoyed watching. Wind and rain are my two dislikes when backpacking, you had some serious wind there. Glad it died down for you. The wood stove is a game changer. Thank you for sharing, take care. 🇺🇲

[@rong1924]

Can’t go wrong with that Survival Beard.

[@dallashill23]

Dude you’re crazy, It’s awesome

[@mojorisen1295]

Yep. Since I fly fires all summer that’s all I get is winter. Still fun and challenging. My pack with food n water for the cold is 18-20lbs for 2 days. I use the burrito method for bags and listen to pods to get me to sleep. I have never needed a fire, just a good meal. Although I do use my rainbow 2 for keeping the spindrift out. What wait?! A fire place! Holy cow!

[@donaldgraham8290]

Your great cozy peaceful set up

[@joeantonicci8920]

Just received my summit down -15ﾟ 2 weeks ago absolutely love it

[@LenserX]

Dude, I was shivering just watching you.

[@NuManXplore]

Amazing scenery! Enjoyed the entire overnight and glad the car started in the am!

[@mechanicjobs]

Beautiful scenery.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

It was incredible!

[@blackibex]

I'm impressed. More!

[@deanmartin9358]

awesome camping

[@stephenesterline2387]

Looks great

[@enginvolkan]

My friend, you're fantastic. 💪

[@alexribar1803]

Nice my friend! Way to stay warm....lol!

[@jimfosse3830]

Those views were mint! Thank you.

[@GruntProof]

awesome trip!

[@flat4-]

Wow sir this is heavy, you are indeed a beast ! Happy newyear....

[@georgebrown747]

Beautifull!! Good on you! Thanks Man

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Glad you liked it!

[@mr.perfect5303]

What a great vid sharing your experience in extreme conditions. I am super curious to see your full gear list, tent and stove in particular.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Stay tuned! We plan on releasing the full gear list (including the stove and tent) next week!

[@journeyman7189]

An awesome trip Tayson. Definitely type 2 fun and the only reason is because you got the fire going. An external heat source does make all the difference in the world. Is that the new super secret trekking pole tent you guys are working on? Awesome colour and a stove jack to boot! With a good internal bug tent for the buggy months this could be the ultimate shelter. I'm so in for that!!!!! Nate By the way, try your closed cell foam on top of your inflatable. Sounds counter intuitive but it works.

[@matthewsalomone3800]

That was insane

[@elisaadams2292]

WOW! That’s all I can say. WOW!

[@bigfootllamas777]

Nicely done, not a big fan of the winter camping but may get back into it👊

[@paparomesoutdoors711]

Such a bad ass video really enjoyed great work and filming

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks! - Tayson

[@butchbinion1560]

Sure enjoyed watching your video. ✌️👊

[@wattyler9806]

First time I've seen one of your videos. I'm impressed. That's great looking country. And your beard is outstanding.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnmcclure9768]

This man is insane!!

[@gcruishank9663]

Wow, pretty impressive. I'm going winter camping in February for the first time in the interior of BC but I don't think I could do it without pulling a pulk to haul my gear. Going to use a 4 person TP with a floor too and make sure the skirts are weighed down with snow so there's no draft underneath. Going to sleep in a Feathered Friends -25 down bag too with 3 layers of pads too. That looks damn cold.

[@swnorcraft7971]

I'm looking forward to a review and links of the gear you used on this epic adventure. Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing.

[@williamcunningham1586]

Funner is not a word

[@UncleDan58]

What a beautiful place to camp! Unfortunately here in upstate NY we have yet to get some snow or even cold temps, hopefully within a few weeks! That’s a great tip about the swirls in the snow, I never thought about that, I just looked for a spot out of the wind 🤣 New sub and can’t wait to see more! 👋😁👍

[@hammerwr7597]

I can’t till I can get all my gear from outdoor vitals! I love how much work y’all put into your equipment!

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks

[@autumngreenleaf3390]

Thanks. You have to be brave to do that. One thought of mine...Have you considered using the side of one snowshoe to drag along the snow and use it to sculpt the area like the straight edge of a shovel?

[@MrCYCLESMITH]

You've got balls!

[@JesusSaves86AB]

Looks like home. Well done. God bless.

[@alpineearth]

What if your stove failed like Justin Outdoors on his last trip? Would your sleep system be okay for a no stove night? Was nice to see how real this was, thank you. Hope you didnt get frost bite. - 9 F is about -22 C. That is COLD! You did good.

[@AirbornePirates]

This was immense to watch! Looks very cold

[@SignalOutdoors]

That's a challenging trip right there! Those are those sort of temps that are just waiting for you make a mistake just so it can turn up the hurt. Way to embrace the suck brother! Take care 🤙⛄

[@SalmondOutdoors]

I’m waiting on my summit -15 to be delivered, can’t wait! 👌🏼🔥

[@jakson11]

Thankfully the wind died down, that looked crazy!

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Wow I just couldn't imagine camping in that kind of weather. Just so you know I'm laying in my tent on the River Bank in South Alabama and the low tonight is 66 not to rub it in or anything lol but glad you survived!

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

Haha great place to be watching this :)

[@lonewolfadventures8786]

Great video brother 🥶🥶💯👍🏻

[@tomaswmitchellphotography]

I love winter camping and I’m itching to get out but haven’t yet because I’m still recovering from Covid. But dang you are hardcore! There is no way I would have slept in that tent or gone that ultralight! There is a reason you have had frostbite.

[@v4L0]

Snowskirts are kind of essential on tent(tarp) in windy winter conditions.

[@josephhilt2423]

Nope, nope, the not so smooth crash in the cold teaches some good lessons.✌

[@margaretsheridan7087]

Hi ,you’re awesome,great vid,love from england xx

[@stevebednarchik9390]

Great Video! Trekking pole lashed to snowshoe = shovel. Never tried it but was just thinking that may be nice.

[@jamesnahill7124]

Great video… I always sleep with my puffy jacket in my bag

[@musingwithreba9667]

Absolutely stunning scenery. I can't believe the a.ount of snow you have there. We hardly have anything here in Ontario. I think you folks out west are hogging it all. I'm really interested in that shelter it looks pretty awesome. I'd love to have a proper winter hot tent set up. I just been using 3 season tents when I go out. Not the best, but I haven't died yet 😉 maybe next year.

[@iamlupy8733]

You had me worried brother ! Great video !

[@chrisbuker7719]

Great video love the content

[@daniaw]

wow... i always love to see camp in the snow.. i hope one day i can camp in the snow.. greetings from indonesia

[@willbarton4508]

Next time bring some 12 hr. hand warmers to put in your boots/shoes with your socks on top. You'll have warm boots/shoes and socks. Put a few in the foot box of your sleeping bag. They would make great firestarters for your stove. I have camped many times in -10 F. day time and -20 F night time temp.. I just use a Zero degree sleeping bag in shelters and cowboy camping. I just sleep in a T-shirt. Always nice and warm. Love having no bugs.

[@Shell.Bug.]

Ur the “coolest”. Made me wanna sleep with an electric blanket 😂 The coldest I’ve done is 10 degrees and it was brutal but in my defense I was a newbie backpacker with delusions of grandeur. U make it look so easy. So glad I found you guys. Loving the videos ⛺️❄️

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks

[@jf3518]

Having a winter tent with snow skirts and limited inner mesh makes an absolute difference. Test your setup in your yard before use. My sleeping system for -17C did not keep me warm while using a 3 season tent in -6C windy snowy weather, because the wind went all in the tent. With a propery winter tent I got too warm in -12C and needed to reduce clothing within the sleeping bag. Also the winter tent managed moisture really well, so that only the outer fly was collecting frost but the inner tent stayed dry.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks for the info!

[@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397]

While going minimal-style on gear... preparation, selection, and several exhibits of 'what not to do' are prevalent in this video. While you had fun in fortunately not so demanding overnight camp... you had slim margins should conditions amped up, gotten worse, and for more duration; especially with strategies and techniques that (from a critique standpoint) need brushing up on. It is hard videoing in the cold. Cold can make just about everything more difficult. Four things come to mind as working out: 1.) Sunny day with great visibility and no snow falling day or night long. 2.) Wind stopped. 3.) Woodstove likely saved your bacon making the trip an overall success experience. Woodstove working as centerpiece of need was integral kit... but also had a quick (and downhill) out following your ascent trail and returning back to vehicle. Lots to glean from this video and worthy of a thoughtful follow-up video.

[@dorianleclair7390]

You were in a beautiful spot. You can pile snow around tent to block wind.

[@obitobi39]

Loved the video! Was so cool to see everything! i felt a bit as if i were there too😊

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks for watching! It was quite the adventure!

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

Awesome! Maybe we'll film more like this!

[@waltersobchuk-khesanh]

You need a Silky saw brother! Well worth the weight.

[@chipkk7868]

Looks like you passed Type 3 fun and entered into the "Glad to be alive" type of fun. I kept thinking thatproduct tests are a great part of OV, but not having a secondary or backup plan for when testing fails is something to explore. So glad that you came out OK.

[@gearjunkie3412]

The secondary plan is. Just walk back to your car. Lol

[@pedallinraw]

I guess survival situation you’d make a shelter right under one of those trees....nice informative video 🙂👊🏻

[@lalita3090]

That was crazy with the wind and having to gather firewood. I don't even get 4-5hrs of straight sleep in my little camper with a mattress and furnace!

[@bensden50]

Impressive beard. Would take me ten years to grow one like that.

[@garycase1790]

Great Pillow I used it on my bed when I got it I love it Freedom FJB Wolverines