A Guide to Extreme Winter Camping

[@551taylor]

I have some tips for cold weather camping; Do not camp in valleys as the cold sinks to the lowest point, you may get avalanched, or even flash-flooded. Don’t camp under or near trees that might split and fall if they freeze up. Put your boots inside the bottom of your sleeping bag and they won’t freeze overnight. Don’t sleep in your day clothes as they will get sweaty, and will quickly freeze when you get up. Better to have dry clothes ready to put on and you will warm up more quickly. A bivi bag may be warmer than a tent as there will be less static air to warm up, but use it with a tarp to keep off snow falls and to act as a wind-break. If you fall through the ice into water, strip off the wet clothing and roll in the snow to absorb the water on your skin, then quickly dress in dry clothes. Hope this helps any novice campers.

[@arek-krakiewicz]

hoooolly sh... O_O good tip! "If you fall through the ice into water, strip off the wet clothing and roll in the snow to absorb the water on your skin"

[@bigchief4044]

And don’t eat yellow snow.

[@jimfraser9898]

I like your no nonsense way of explaining things. Keep these coming please.

[@johneric3886]

Nicely stated Jim.

[@gaokai9271]

I am from the Southern part of India; I never experienced snowy weather in my entire life...at least I am happy by watching your snow survival videos...

[@rasmus7400]

Damn. I tend to forget many people have never actually experienced that. Feels so weird xD. Gimme your address and I'll send you some snow.

[@KM-ss1if]

I live in Sweden and I actually have experienced snow in India! Not in southern India but in Himachal Pradesh. Happy camping!

[@captcooper5159]

"Your butt is never as clean as after a winter-hike!" - Priceless!

[@zelnick9196]

the calming voice the stunning scenery the useful advice you really know how to make a video

[@borealiswan2363]

Great vid as always, thanks for sharing your experience and expertise, your presentation is impeccable. A little trick for melting snow faster, just put a little bit of snow in your container over the fire/stove, wait for that to melt and heat, then add a bit more snow, it will melt faster thanks to the already warmed water, then you keep adding just a bit more snow every time you see the previous batch has melted, and so on till your pot is full. Cheers from Canada where we also have great winter camping and hiking.

[@erik_normark]

Thanks, that is a very good tip! Cheers

[@dakshajoshi7591]

Erik you are amezing

[@anthonycoleman1909]

I love camping in the snow here in Australia. Less people around, no bush fires, no flies and best of all no deadly snakes. Great video Erik

[@trakyboy5128]

So true even here in the south west desert region of the U S !!! Happy trails mate !!!!

[@offthewebdiscontinued]

In the True North 🇨🇦, we call your snow just a skiff of snow, wouldn’t be enough to clean yourself 😂

[@NorthEastTrailRunner]

I always like watching your snow camping videos. I wish that we had winters like this in the UK.

[@genglandoh]

My brother and I would winter weekend camp when we where kids. 2 years ago I was thinking about him (he died 20 years ago) and decided I would get back into winter camping. But I have to admit I have spent more time watching videos like yours then camping. These video do give me time to remember him and that gives me joy.

[@greatnews4041]

My grandmother grew up in the north part of Sweden and she came to America before she was 20. I like to see how the land looks, it’s all so beautiful there! I also love backpacking and hiking but I’ve not made my way to winter tenting quite yet. Thank you for this relaxing video.

[@cdc82069]

I chose to do some hammock camping this weekend. It got down to -5 C and with your tips and suggestions, I was quite comfortable! Thank you for all that you show us.

[@RBoyle-fn5hh]

From Portland, Oregon, USA...a very beautiful part of my country! I deeply admire and appreciate your BEAUTIFUL videos, Erik, I find not simply that I learn about Winter camping, but I find much needed "peace and solitude" as you lead me into the contemplation of Nature's rugged beauty. You have many friends from all over the world, even if you have never met them ("us"). Keep building the wonderful community of people who join you "in spirit."

[@christokrzysztofradew5047]

I m very glad to see you on this channel, Erik ,your experience provide me many peacefull Greetings from Poland Erik 😀 Beautiful wilderness!

[@lubosmasek8746]

Eric, in the video you say very truthful information. At first glance, I see that you are a real practitioner. Thanks for the beautiful and quality shots. Again, I give my thumbs up.

[@alialmahanawi8409]

Man we are very lucky that we have no such cold below 0 weather temp in State of Michigan , USA 🇺🇸 . Maybe few weeks but mostly fluctuates from extreme cold to very warm . Thanks Erik It’s very joyful channel and we look forward to see the next .

[@boutthere3374]

Good points. Bringing along proper eye protection is a must and I'd say even more so in winter.

[@Gimme_mycoffee]

The style of filming and quality of voice over make this a very soothing watch.

[@kehy7841]

Hello!! I’m a Japanese living in Hokkaido. I love to climb mountains in winter, but I haven’t gone camping. I want to do someday!!

[@scheisstag]

You should do, its amazing! (Your english is very good.)

[@howdydoughty7634]

What a beautiful place to live! Greetings from North Carolina USA.

[@azhomeboy2000]

Wow, one of my favorite youtubers is from Hokkaido as well, his channel is called Virtuovice. He is a doctor who has various videos about hunting, fishing, bushcraft, survival, knives, knife sharpening and general outdoor topics. Check it out!

[@kehy7841]

@@howdydoughty7634 Thank you! Please come to my place sometime😆

[@kehy7841]

@@azhomeboy2000 Thank you for your comment. Oh yeah!! I know him!! He has another channel for Japanese people. I used to check his videos everyday 😁

[@doughoffart1247]

Erik, is it a coincidence that last video I suggested you smile and show your enjoyment, and this one you totally lighten up (including the toilet hints), and seem happy to entertain? I accept my influence and greatly enjoyed the video! 😉

[@erik_normark]

Hehe, maybe it was! :D

[@Wayondon]

Just returned from a winter overnighter. Spent the night in an unheated cabin on a mountain top in northern Maine but we were toasty. Climate is very similar to yours. Appreciate your comments. Always useful and timely. Hoping you return with posts of your adventures soon.

[@andredeketeleastutecomplex]

Hi. I am a homeless man in Belgium, and I find it relatively easy to prevent/get rid off moisture (sweat). On my hikes I stop whenever I'm getting a bit sweaty, I put my gear aside and start walking around with some zippers open, that usually helps. I do the same when I reach my campsite. It also helps with the amount of clothes that I need because I keep them cleaner this way. The colder it gets, the more stops I make.

[@gdprasad6683]

I like his cool way of keeping it simple & straight. I admire his love for nature & also envy his stamina to endure in such harsh conditions.

[@TheNlander]

As always beautifully made! Good atmosphere and vibrations. It's really pleasure to watch your documentaries. I learn a lot from you. Good luck and I'll see your next video. Greetings from Norway

[@erik_normark]

Thanks Hans! Atb

[@andymytys]

When you’re in the wooded areas, why don’t you melt snow and cook on your wood stove, rather than the Trangia? In terms of all the condensation from your breath, I find wearing a loose fitting fleece balaclava that covers my mouth really helps. The fleece material gets wet from my breath, and most of the moisture doesn’t make it to the ceiling of the tent to freeze. It also prevents me from breathing the very cold air, and my throat feels better in the morning as a result.

[@maclac48]

Andrew Mytys Nice tip bro. 👍🏿

[@zulufoxx3829]

Shug Emery is a hardcore cold weather hammock camper in Ely Minnesota....He uses a frost bib attached to his topquilt...Otherwise frost buildup gives him problems also.

[@erik_normark]

Thanks for the tip Andrew! I often use the wood stove, I forgot to mention it in the video though :D

[@andymytys]

Erik Normark you actually use the wood stove and the Trangia in this email. I’m assuming the Trangia was used above treeline, but in the video clips where you’re grabbing water just prior to using the Trangia you’re below treeline. Perhaps this video is sourced from multiple trips? I’d be interested in learning about your decisions in terms of what stove you use and when, and why. Speed, fuel availability, ambiance, etc.

[@andredeketeleastutecomplex]

Being homeless I had to think of that as well, I use a buff however. I'm afraid of using balaclavas because police is very suspicious here, they consider it 'a robbery item'.

[@lordgondo3510]

I could listen to your voice for hours. Great vid

[@1houroflove186]

1:27 Wow. Snow covered trees: truly a _Winter Wonderland_ 🏔🧊☃️

[@paullindberg6219]

Tack för en bra film om vinterhiking! Fina klipp. Man blir som vanligt inspirerad!

[@davehoover8853]

Great video and good advise. You are showing your two Hilleberg tents. It is worth mentioning that you cannot go cheap on your shelter as it may save your life if the weather turns very bad. The Hilly’s are great! You must also drink a lot more water in the winter. You know this, but I mention it as it so important. Love your filming and adventures - thanks for care you take in making them.

[@davehoover8853]

Your last scene of the blowing snow on your Allak tent brings up one important topic that is vital in winter - know how to navigate. Your chances of low visibility are much greater in the winter and there won’t be a trail in the snow perhaps. Thank you for another great video.

[@remmehmusix3713]

Tipsen du lär ut är riktigt bra, lärde mig samma när jag var militär i boden!

[@juwright1949]

Excellent video on a very important subject. Winter camping experience is gain a little at a time. Starting with short hike and gradually extending your time & exposure. Well done! 👍🏻

[@teresadaigle6991]

Thank you Eric...just found this one. My husband and I love winter camping or hiking. No bugs, no rocks underfoot, Just smooth traveling. We usually use snowshoes though. We don’t have those beautiful open spaces like you do. We have climbed fourteeners and camped at treeline...Funtime. Someday, maybe I will be able to hike in Northern Sweden as I love your Terrain. The Rime Ice in your video is absolutely beautiful? Also, have to say, your voice is so relaxing to listen to, and your a very handsome man.

[@TylerDrewryFishing]

Eric gettin all the girls

[@TylerDrewryFishing]

Even the wife’s🤣

[@mootpointjones8488]

Little chance of winter camping in London this winter but watching your video makes up for it. Thanks!

[@conradrideoutcr]

Great video man. Good info as always. You make great videos but you are a great teacher as well. I thoroughly enjoy your talks. Thank you so much.

[@ErichWelsch]

Great job Eric. Never tried a snow shower before. I warm up water and use a damp cloth. Great info here sir. Thanks again and can't wait till the next one.

[@offroad_adventures2934]

Thanks. Informative video. You have a very calming voice during your narration 👍

[@nuttychickenman]

me and my son hes 13 are planning on going winter camping in the uk so its not as cold as where you are. i love your videos as it shows things i would not of thought of

[@GlennLRiggs]

Seems alot of folks have never taken a dump in the winter while snow is present. You presented a great video for the unwise... I don't mean this in a bad way to the ones with no expienence but You have said it in a very professional way. Yes we that have experienced this was taught by our fathers or some in the military. I have visited Your area up North in the areas of... I ice fished the Lulealven River and camped near the Tree Hotels... Snow was over 3 feet.... Then moved on to area of Kiruna and last in Your country was at Abisko. I was solo for 25 days camping through Lap Land Finland, Sweden and Norway. Absolutely beautiful country. Well enough of my spill but would tell all to put Sweden, Norway and Finland LAP LAND on their BUCKET LUST. TAKE CARE AND YOUR ENGLISH IS RIGHT ON. CONTINUE YOUR TEACHING TO OTHERS THAT SOMEDAY WILL FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS. WHEN ENTERING THE BAG ANOTHER TIP... EAT A BLOCK OF CHEESE... IT WORKS LONGER THAN CANDY.

[@erik_normark]

Thanks Glenn! That is true, you need to have experienced this to know what it means. Atb

[@eskincat]

The nature of northern Sweden are beautiful. I was in Kiruna, and national park near Kiruna, when I travelled from Norway to Happaranda. Best regards from Murmansk. Russia.

[@hedleylamarr7283]

Excellent arctic outdoors advice from an expert. Thanks Erik.

[@gtrance3567]

After 4.5 months of triple Digits Fahrenheit , it’s nice to see this video. Good job!

[@FeydHarkon666]

Respect your very minimalistic winter camping Erik

[@navaner]

Hey friend. I have a suggestion for your moisture problem in case you haven’t figured it out. When I sleep in my tent while snowmobiling I use candles. I hang them in my tent and they are 9 hour burn cycle in a lantern style. They sell them on Amazon here in Canada I get them from mountain equipment coop. With 2 lanterns burning I am super comfortable and have 0 moisture in my tent from breathing. Hope this finds you well

[@NagualeroArt]

Good job Erik 👍

[@erik_normark]

Thanks!

[@marbelz.p6018]

Great Video! Forgive me for butting in, I would love your initial thoughts. Have you thought about - Panilliaan Immaterial Prevalence (Sure I saw it on Google)? It is a smashing one of a kind product for protecting your family from danger minus the headache. Ive heard some great things about it and my friend Sam at very last got great success with it.

[@TheMightsparrow]

@@erik_normark Hi what kind of tents do you use? Very impressive knowledge.

[@isabelllowenherz2213]

Erik, I really like what You are doing. You're a nice sympathic guy. Thank You also for sharing and teaching us these things. God bless You.

[@WyrdWoodsIreland]

Thanks for passing on the knowledge Eric, your video gives a new meaning to snow hole 😄👍❄️ Looking forward to more of your winter wanderings. Tack ska du ha.

[@BBQDad463]

Thanks for this video. It was very informative. I will do almost anything to keep from sweating in cold weather. Here in Pennsylvania, USA, the humidity is often very high in Winter. The possibility of drying out wet garments or sleeping gear may be minimal, even if there is sunshine. Again, thanks for this video. ☺💛

[@danvanderwoude4446]

Thankyou Erik for this simple, concise and helpful video. You are amazing!

[@pahanin2480]

I’ve decided that I’m going to be your biggest fan. As such, I’m going to watch all your videos

[@erik_normark]

Great, thanks! :D

[@rechuckg]

As usual you have created a very nice video. Winter is my favorite time to camp and I will have the first of the season this weekend. Snow has been melting here for the past two days however so it won't seem like a proper winter outing. I like to have a small Snickers candy bar hidden in my sleeping bag for those times when the internal furnace needs extra fuel. Thanks for sharing.

[@erik_normark]

Thanks! We have rain here today... Wish for colder temps again! Atb

[@moritzberger9383]

Nice video as usual Erik! I miss the Swedish winter so much, been to Luleå for a semester abroad last winter, it was awesome! Your videos help to get over "home"sickness to Sweden 😅 Tack så mycket!

[@WHBJr]

I havent seen a video from you in a while !!!

[@johnbourke7467]

Great Video Erik I live in Victoria Australia we get snow in the mountains in winter it does not last to long. I found this film most informative keep up the good work

[@maxnoerenberg6370]

love how you are so comfortable sitting in the snow, drinking your hot coffee ..... I noticed you sleep in your sleeping bag with just the nose showing......... I bet after a few minutes you cant feel your nose anymore ha ha..... I usually bury my head deep inside the sleeping bag with that tiny zipped hole on my covered head...and breathing inside my sleeping bag. I feel it will warm up quite quick then! But of course here in Germany we dont have such extreme cold winter temperatures.......minus 6 was my coldest winter camp yet, without snow and dry!

[@DriversofOttawa]

The worst thing you can do is to breath into your sleeping bag. Overnight it is the equivalent of pouring 1L of water inside of it!

[@loretomorelli290]

Exactly, all that condensation adds up fast!

[@maxnoerenberg6370]

@@DriversofOttawa You might be right......I just camped out in moderate climate in snow or in chilly minus 4 degrees condition.....and had therefore no problem with massive condensation inside my bag. It gets slightly damp but after airing it out in the morning its good to go for the next night! Love to try to camp in a real snow blizzard....but we dont have those things here in my area!

This is so good bro. Thank you.

[@carlredmond3642]

Fabulous video... great narration and advice about winter activities

[@MMM-ys1mc]

To reduce humidity in the tent, you can use a cat litter. Pour some litter into a material bag or, for example, a sock, tie it. It should absorb moisture.

[@MrBirgerB]

too much hassle

[@MyForestHobby]

Very useful information. Good to know, thanks for sharing!

[@erik_normark]

Thanks, I hope it made any sense! :)

[@elstyr]

We got some good experience with the arctic bedding bags on a 3 week hike up north. You keep the isolation mat, sleeping bag, etc. inside that bag and just put it on top of a pulka. Works well on Paris pulkas, and saves a lot of time when setting and turning down the camp site. For the 3 week hike we used 2 pulkas per person in order to get all the material transported.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Erik, thank you for sharing another informative and entertaining video. You always do a great job of filming and narrating. All the best to you my Outdoors friend. Take care, be safe and always have fun. 🤗

[@CherieBlairWitch]

You have the most awesome videos! I love to watch the Winter ones... Especially when it is actually 91° outside right now... So cool!❄ Thank you for always sharing.😊🌳⛺🔥🌨⛈🌪🌲

[@robertgoss4842]

Good, straightforwad style...a great relief from the frequent YT silliness.

[@Braapncamp]

Awesome Erik! Don't feel sorry for not showing us all the details 😂👍. I'm impressed by hardcore wintercampers. Not sure that this is for me 🤔

[@erik_normark]

Hehe, thanks Mattias!

[@truenorth365]

Never winter camped before, but will have a go at it in roughly a week from now. Very excited! 🤗 No snow here yet (middle of Sweden). Very inspiring video and great tips. Thanks for sharing and thumbs up from Gothenburg

[@erik_normark]

I hope you get a nice trip Magnus! Thanks :)

[@azteroth]

You nailed it and I'd bought your winters, but I can't so now I am thinking moving to Sweden.

[@paularuotsalainen979]

Enormt fin, mångsidig och vacker undervisningsfilm. Tusen tack, Erik!

[@reneehall9278]

love ur voice,, talking bout dumping shocked cause now i see u have great sense of humor hehehe.. love ur videos

[@mss0130]

To survive the extreme cold... The dizzying thrill that you experience in real life is amazing. (E.W.C.S ) Extreme Winter Camping Specialist, Erik. :)

[@hikinvikin]

Inspiring. And as always, perfect audio! 👍🏻

[@alexmacdonald258]

Good comments for those who are beginning to do this! And you're spot on with alcohol not being as efficient at colder temperatures in a Trangia. I added their optional cannister burner, and it's quite a bit better. The isobutane yields more heat, and it's easier to control the simmer. We were out yesterday for a picnic in the Cascades, but our conditions are very wet, with only a little snow so far-not enough for skis or snowshoes yet!

[@TheUnforgiven69]

This man does everything the hard way. If I want to sweat I will go to the gym. When overnight camping in extreme weather, who could possibly enjoy working so hard? Snowmobile with tow sled. Insulated tent. Add interlocking foam pads that look like puzzle pieces for flooring. Big Buddy propane heater. Power auger for ice fishing. Whiskey. Weed. Gun or bear spray for wolf or bear threats. Good to go in Canada where it gets -55C with wind chills on the Big Lakes.

[@DerekCowan1976]

Excellent video as usual Erik! Looking forward to your winter camping videos! I hope you are well?

[@Crazyhealthylife]

Erik, do you have a meditation practice? Your voice is incredibly calm and soothing, I have a meditation practice and am normally a very anxious person, but after meditation my mind and words are more calm and stable. If you are into meditation, you would be perfect for leading a group in guided meditation with your voice, I can almost use this video to meditate to, you would also be perfect for narrating audio books/ short stories. Please, if you ever do something like this, share it with me

[@belengardea2658]

So nice to hear U. Seen ur very nice videos. I love snow country. I live in the chihuahuan desert. Kudos!

[@patrickl.2076]

Reminds me of my Fjällräven Polar experience a couple of years ago. Fantastic tour.

[@joepoppy3264]

The "toilet business"....lol!😳 Surprised that there is no mention of TP. Can't hardly imagine what a handful of snow in the neather regions feels like 😱😱😱💥

[@dunruden9720]

nether

[@joepoppy3264]

@@dunruden9720 thanks for the correction but I think I made my point 😀😀

[@hermit6208]

@@joepoppy3264 baby wipes are best. Best kept in your jacket pocket and sleeping bag (at night). Nothing worse than a frozen baby wipe. 😣😣😣

[@louisehiker9246]

Joe poppy, I use snow for both #1 and #2 in the wilderness. It is cold in the nethers for about 15 seconds and then things quickly warm up again. Try it, it's really not bad. TP is for wimps. ;-) Actually, TP doesn't break down well; who wants to see that when the snow melts? Packing it out must be done. One does not have to pack out snow if used for toilet business.

[@nomad_unknown]

Great video! Winter camping is a goal for me this year. Hopefully California will see some snow soon enough.

[@davidjkittner]

Great video Erik! Thank you for sharing.

[@bubl8015]

You are so awesome - I look forward to all your videos - Wisconsin USA

[@trentnichols5075]

You most definitely covered the important things. lol. Taking a dump! You certainly have a style that’s all your own. 👍🏻

[@stevebrown1461]

Your English is exceptional. I enjoyed the video.

[@551taylor]

If you don’t have thermal mattresses, or in emergency, you can layer up green pine branches to provide a soft thermal barrier between you and the snow. You can also make pine needle tea, which is much better than plain water. Ideally you should put your boots in the bottom of your sleeping bag to stop them freezing overnight. An extra long bag is recommended though.

[@yhird]

Great video Erik. Very informative. Beautiful country Sweden. Thank you.

[@HeliJim400]

"Taking a dump"😆 Thanks for sharing, I am planning on doing my first snow camping this winter.

[@jakewelsh5782]

Wasnt that just perfect? Hahahahaha

[@HeliJim400]

@@jakewelsh5782 I laughed out loud, for real, none of that lol sh*t.

[@nicholasmapes]

Beautiful country and great tips!

[@neemancallender9092]

well done a good informative video I used to carry a snow shovel to bank the bottom of the tent so no wind got in the tent It add quite a few degrees of insulation

[@KoreaTripSounds]

Oh,NICE! I want to winter camping. Take care Erik!

[@rozzillas]

Thank you for new knowledges about campy in snow.

[@Anilcaliskan]

We look forward to the winter adventures Erik You make beautiful videos, and I take you as an example in my videos. Turkey - greetings from Izmir We thank you :)

[@BRollOffroad]

6:07 i hate it when people have foot tracks in the snow walking back and forth to setup the camera. obviously it's an additional pain to an already long day but i always make sure to take a long way around if i have to. i almost didn't even catch it here but that's what good behind-the-scenes is, the stuff you DON'T notice 😉 awesome vid all around, beautiful.

[@akulathao4654]

Look so peaceful

[@russellnapier3884]

Great vid Erik, very informative as usual. Unfortunately we don’t get weather this cold in the south of the UK, it only gets chilly, maybe -5 and thanks for not sharing any pictures of you having a dump 😂 💩 much appreciated

[@erik_normark]

lol Thanks Russel! :)

[@thierrybervoets3604]

Excellent.,and you speak about condensation inside the tent. That’s fair. Thank you.

[@paulflannigan276]

Thank You Erik, great content and fantastic narration as always.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Great stuff as always, man. Cheers from Seattle.

[@mowater1]

Absolutely Great Video- Learned a few things. Just found it funny where you stated to use snow to clean one's arse, next part is you putting snow into a kettle to heat. HaHa Funny

[@erik_normark]

lol :)

[@tarabravewolf3895]

Love your videos an then snow ❄️ is a winter wonderland 😊

[@therabman_5606]

“I’m sorry I don’t have any pictures of this” 😂😂😂

[@joepifer1985]

lol

[@hermit6208]

He has pictures. Swedish authorities require proper training and proof of said training remitted to the local authorities at a minimum of 720P before they will issue a Number Two permit. The Number Two permit is required for outdoor activity on any public lands. 😌😌😌

[@brianthebrian3889]

Saying "taking a dump" is something an uneducated American would say which being an educated American I would of hoped not to of heard such from you.

[@alwaysforwardyt]

@@brianthebrian3889 I also thought it was misplaced and English is not my first language. You tend to pick those cultural references by living in English speaking countries; perhaps he never did (too busy hiking the Swedish mountains)...

[@chrishoover6768]

@ Brian the brian You sound more like an elitist snob than an educated person. If you’re more hung up on making sure everyone knows you’re “educated”, and the semantics of his grammar, than what you might learn, then your education has taught you nothing. Maybe you should find something else to watch.

[@ssmith954]

Just discovered your channel... love it! It's my dream to do the Vita Bandet on skis!