Backpacking Below Freezing At Dolly Sods: "Tapping Out" & Learning

[@ronaldrose7593]

You guys are awesome. You get an A+ for spending one night in those conditions. It's a blessing that all of you made it out alive. Always take care and be safe. I look forward to your next exciting adventure. 🤗

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Ronald!

[@haraldthi]

Yep! And not the least, releasing a video about it publicly. Some people would hide it in a drawer, and hope they could look better in their next video.

[@silviolopez3281]

I love this video.. please do more like this.. you are hilarious

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks. People like seeing us suffer.

[@joemikeska2657]

I did a trip out to The Sods last January with the same type conditions and ended up cutting off the second night as well. For your feet, I have become a HUGE proponent of vapor barriers, especially in wet cold like the Sods. If I go out there again in the winter I’ll likely have VB pants and shirt as well. Otherwise, any winter trip you come away with all of your fingers and toes is a good trip. Thanks for taking us along.

[@WanderingFromKansas]

Glad you all made good choices and stayed safe. Thanks for sharing!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@MrTmax74]

Wowsers! That's some tough weather to prepare for. Prolly smart that you Guys bailed. Live and learn!

[@TheUltralightMindset]

That looked brutal. Been on trips like that. Honestly I might have bailed too if I wasnt already 20 or so miles from the car. Trying to sleep in a bouncy hammock is tough. Best to drop everything as close to the ground as possible or even go to the ground if you have a pad. With a duplex and a triplex out there bunking up would have made sense. Multiple body heat keeps everybody warm. Shoes in grocery bag in or close to quilt, bread bags on feet inside shoes when in camp. Really comes down to making choices that may not be as fun but will keep you safe. Definately type 2 fun. Good on you guys for giving it a solid effort. No shame in baling for sure. 👍

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks!!!

[@DragonRoams]

Some times a bail is the right call and it sure seems like you guys chose wisely. Nothing like falling asleep in your and waking up feeling like your on a boat. I've never experienced winds like that while camping that had to be wild and a little scary.Glad everyone made it safe and thanks for sharing the experience.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@gregoryoates9380]

Been going to Dolly Sods for 36 years, you guys made the right call! Next time just go to the Purple Fiddle in Thomas WV or Stumptown Ales in Davis when you have to bail. You guys put tout some great videos, thanks!

[@TimeOuttotheTrail]

Winter backpacking terrifies me but I don’t think I can wait until spring to go again!

[@jacobpoucher]

this vid still makes me chuckle every time i watch it haha.

[@KuntryRD]

No bears to worry about in that kind of weather; they are all over in Davis having a burrito and a beer at Hellbender burrito. Seriously, glad you guys all bailed; that is some dangerous weather. Good Times!

[@JeffMeadowsOutdoors]

I got caught on the Appalachian Trail in Mount Rogers high country on Nov. 2, the weather was pretty much identical to this. Only thing was I had no idea the wind and snow were coming. The tarp ropes and hammock straps were frozen solid to the trees since they were soaked the night before. Being a total noob I didn’t bring gloves! Good learning experience. Thanks for sharing!

[@Phil08eu]

Good call gentlemen. The mark of a man is knowing when to pull out.

[@JasonHelmandollar]

You guys made a good decision to call it a trip, been in situations like that and it’s no fun. You guys had all the ingredients for disaster, glad it worked out. You live and learn.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Yeah no regrets on pulling the plug

[@biggiefrye45]

Dolly Sods is an amazing place but it can brutal. I think you all made the right call. Head back when its a bit warmer and less windy!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

We will 100% be back Ian, it’s one of our favorites. What’s the drive there like for you?

[@biggiefrye45]

Schill Brothers Outdoors about 5 hours.. let me know and I'm there

[@alexwbanks70]

Yeah guys that was f-in nuts! I've hiked in on that same trail heading in with 40-50 mph winds in the face and it was brutal. It was in September and it still sucked. At least then we could embrace the suck. Glad you guys shared this. Guessing its something you guys will never forget and are still glad you experienced it.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Pack Mule! We will for sure not forget this.

[@racheltweedy1822]

Well thanks for the update! 👍 Our plans have now changed from the Sods this weekend to somewhere with a bit milder weather conditions 😂 Nice job making it out safely!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Head south! Glad we could help

[@kerryhazel9293]

WOW! All I can say is glad we hiked in Southern Indiana that weekend. I would have tapped out too.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

That was a good move Kerry

[@philliptaylor2870]

i was down in Red Creek solo. I hiked out mid day when that storm moved in. It was very cold and very windy. It was a frozen muddy hike out. That got worse than I thought it would. My trip was cut a day early as well. It was absolutely beautiful.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

It’s nice to know we weren’t alone in our thoughts, thanks Phillip

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

Nothing is funnier than a well-placed “that’s what she said”.

[@karmaclanton5544]

Wow, heck of a storm!!! Yup I have had trips like that, went home early too!!!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Karma!!

[@jaycreature3893]

I’m not sure why I liked this video so much. Thank you for sharing :) jay-creature

[@gibrigg]

Awesome experience. Thanks for sharing your trip. Great reminder that weather can be serious. Sometimes in the interest of saving ounces, im tempted to underestimate mother nature.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Very wise words, thanks for watching

[@kathyjenner8272]

Just got a chance to watch this....that was brutal for you guys, but fascinating to watch...you two are hilarious...glad you could embrace the suck and still find the humor in the situation.....great video

[@jpark201]

Hi there~ I put my hiking boots in the sleeping bag so it doesn’t get frozen. Also, boil the hot water and put in the nalgene bottle and stick into the boots. It gets warm. Happy hiking!!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Great tips Junior thanks!

[@waywardangler8318]

Honestly, I think making the right decision to bail out contributed to it being an excellent video. It truly was the right move. You were there in the absolute worse conditions in my opinion and you clearly demonstrated that sketchy weather there this time of year can be deadly. You seemed prepared though aside from footgear. And I just don't think there is a great solution to that. Managing wet feet there isn't a problem in warmer weather like it is when it's cold. Navigating flooded trails in cold weather is the absolute hardest thing. You can plan for water crossings, but that whole area is a water crossing, especially on the north end. I have seriously considered wearing waterproof/breathable hip waders with oversized trail runners out there when the temps are low. The Chota Hippies are great for that. Long waterproof socks are also a good addition to the load out. But there are other places to go when the weather is like that where flooded trails are less of a concern and waterproof boots and gaiters will handle the job. Great work guys and I can appreciate your diligence to film when the suck factor went up. This also reminded me to pick up some micro-spikes. It makes a case for having at least one liquid gas stove among the group too, or at least a more windproof MSR canister model.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

I think I agree, better footware solutions were probably our biggest downfall. Thinking about getting some sealskinz now but honestly they probably would have been useless too. We have waders for fly fishing lol, that would hilarious to wear but totally worth it.

[@waywardangler8318]

Schill Brothers Outdoors I would look into the Chota Hippies Convertibles. You can wear them below or above the knees. A lot of backcountry anglers use them.

[@twhiz5611]

Microspikes help a ton for icy trails. Slip them on your boots and you get a lot better traction on the ice.

[@mrdonelsonglhs]

Wow!! I like winter camping, but those "water trails" made it impossible to have an enjoyable trip! Kudos for your efforts, but great call to cut it short. 😎😎 One thing I've learned is if the weather forecasts suggest gusty winds, take or build some type of legitimate wind screen for your stove. If I can keep boiling water, i can usually stay warm. Great video ... great to share "teachable moments!!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Fred

[@Tom-tq5oq]

That's insane guys I'm glad you bailed, being in a dangerous situation like that isn't worth the little bit of fun you might or might not have. I was just down there in late September right after one of the hurricanes, I was alone and walking thru those same trails in water/camp shoes. I don't know how cold the water was but it hurt. I was basically hiking like Kevin was to get my ass out of there! I got to where the trail crosses red Creek and it was about 6 feet deep and I turned around and went home. You gotta know when to bail! Love the videos gents!!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks John!

[@emjackdad]

"You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em..." Can't blame you at all. You lasted longer than I would have. I may not have done the stream crossing in the parking lot!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Hahaha thanks Lynn!!

[@richardschafer7858]

Awesome experience. When I was in the Army, we used to hang our wet uniforms on a tree limb overnight. We would then chip off the ice the next morning. Freezing cold uniform, yet dry. :-p

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Not a bad idea honestly!

[@jefferypike2304]

When I’m winter camping I bring hand warmers and when I get to my camp site I take a hand warmer and put it in my boots then put your socks in the boot that will dry them out and keep them your socks warm you might have to put 2 it depends how wet they are

[@Silkstep]

You-all gave Lady Suck a good long embrace. You had the cojones to go, knowing the conditions, and the wisdom to know when it's time to change the plans, and bid the Good Lady adieu. What I expected to see at the end was the gang sitting down to a big plate of pancakes, eggs & bacon & hashbrowns, biscuits & gravy. Something. You know, the warm food reward for withstanding the cold. ;) Thanks for sharing a sucky trip. We've all had them. You can have a Good Time or make a Good Story. Rarely both at the same time though.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks for the kind words! We all went and got BBQ at a local join after and should have god video

[@DebCampos]

Omg I love this video and all the snow ❄️❄️❄️ you guys are brave! BTW, Shug's videos have so many tips for winter backpacking in hammock's you should check him out , I also heard that throwing some large hand warmers inside the boots will not let it freeze ❄️❄️🤗🤗🤗 Awesome video ❤️

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Deb! I’ve watched Shugs winter stuff and he amazes me! We were actually talking about how amazing he is to be much more comfortable in much colder weather. Time to invest in warmer stuff!

[@johnchry1]

Debs right. I was thinking the same thing. Brush up on Shugs videos. Change your footwear selection next time for sure. Need Sorels or some other warm boot, plus crampons! Super tough conditions! Not enjoyable. Smart decision to bail! Appreciate your candor and how you learned for the future.

[@DuctTapeADK]

Come visit in the Adirondack winter sometime. Minus 27f in the hammock!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Lol clearly we have issues with +18, I will pass on the ADKs.

[@DuctTapeADK]

@@SchillBrothersOutdoors Lol. That is the extreme. Should visit outside of the winter.

[@theworldaccordingtogoat4482]

What up Schill’s!!!! Hey it was an experience for sure. We’ll get out and give it a go again. 🤙

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

We will get revenge for sure!

[@theworldaccordingtogoat4482]

Yes we will!!!

[@adrianmacklin418]

Dutchware winter sock. I was warm enough in shorts and 50 degrees with no top or bottom quilt on a day hike nap. Cutting the wind out completly is big for winter. I do a winter trip every year with my brothers ours is the sods this year

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Cool video. Who was the first one to say let’s go home. Lol. Winter backpacking isn’t bad but the wind makes it impossible to have any fun. Always very dangerous to go camping in a lot of wind. Wind is the enemy. Still looks like you guys had some fun.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

It was Kevin! In the morning he had already made a solid decision he wasn’t doing that again.

[@kimberleyfleming6739]

Even when the conditions are challenging you guys still make it entertaining.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

PMA (positive mental attitude). Even when things are rough take time to have fun and see the humor in it.

[@jonfornwald]

Good effort in bad conditions. You can't beat mother nature but you can use modern technology to get by. You'll have to sacrifice some weight savings but I carry a heavy duty vinyl dry bag and hand warmers. I put my boots in the dry bag and put hand warmers in each boot. At least your boots won't be froze in the morning. Also a simple bread bag over your socks will keep your feet from getting soaked as soon as you put your wet boots on. Your feet will sweat a little but it's much more comfortable than being completely soaked all day. See ya next time.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks for the tips Jon!!

[@Weareeverywhere14]

Thats a great tip with the bread bags. Will use that in the future!

[@lazlohollyfeld5265]

I've done the bread bags thing and it worked amazingly well!

[@CoachBill315]

"Rain Damage" LMAO

[@BackcountryExposure]

Woof! Just brutal!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Lol!

[@OldPackMule]

Good call on the bug out. 18 degrees and wind like that, not safe.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

For our level of experience and gear I have no regrets, thanks for watching!

[@budtate401]

Looked brutal

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

It was rough for sure

[@anthonycoleman1909]

That looks brutal

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

It was!

[@OutLan]

Dudes! Sad I missed out on this one! 🥶

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

This one was a good one to miss lol

[@hermeticallysealed]

Dolly Sods Off more like I'M HERE ALL WEEK FOLKS ENJOY THE VEAL

[@chrisschlater1189]

Would you guys say this is consistent singer weather for the sods? My friends and I have a trip planned to get out there on Black Friday.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Sounds like it might be time to use a pad in the old hammock. 😆

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Lol! Kevin just needs to be smarter on setting up his hammock

[@FrozensAdventures]

Underquilt protector or some torso length reflectix =P

[@floesh-408]

Hi Tim

[@MrTmax74]

haha

[@geech08]

Are you going to have a lessons learned video? That would be interesting as many of us are at a similar experience level as you. Frozen shoes, tarp stakes, micro spikes, camp jacket, how to boil water, tent better in these conditions?, etc

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Maybe. I think the lessons learned is having warmer stuff. All the other things are small compared.. boiling water, tent stakes etc would have been fine if we weren’t so lazy and concerned with just staying warm and being impatient. We have a lot of learning to do for winter camping, we’ll get better.

[@PumpkinVillage]

That was some wind. Had an experience like that last year. Pulled out when they said gusts to 70 mph. I carry some chem hand and feet warmers in my winter gear. Never thought I would use them but they do come in handy. Good decisions on your part. Ever figure out what was wrong with your underquilt? Those booties and covers are now on my list. Take care, Al

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Haven’t figured out the UQ yet. The dream hammock doesn’t have pack hooks to keep the quilt locked in place like the chameleon does. Kevin should have had his tarp lower in more of a “storm mode” so I think that allowed the wind to really hit his UQ hard and shift it around.

[@floesh-408]

Hi from Holland. Please take a look at the Soto Windmaster, the best performance lightweight stove, highly recommend.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Will do Floesh!

[@uptrail7169]

Brrr.... This video reminds me of my January 2017 Pictured Rocks winter trip. I hiked out with frozen boots, but they did unthaw some after a mile or two. Good idea for sure tapping out. Nicer weather with the guys would have been a lot more fun.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Dolly Sods has nothing on the UP. I couldn’t even imagine winter camping in your area.

[@haraldthi]

Man. "Keep down in the woodlands for the winter? Not for me!" And then pick wetlands to hike in for the added benefit... You guys had so many reasons to tap out, it's funny just to think about.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Yep lol!

[@EraOneSamael]

I'm guessing that was Nov 2-3? My girlfriend and I were there those days and man, it was dreadful. Set up in the rain Friday night, could only stay semi warm in the hammocks, wind was unbelievable, and everything froze overnight. Crazy how quick things changed though because Friday afternoon it was 50 degrees and calm. Then outta nowhere around 4:00 pm, rain and hurricane winds.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Wow sounds similar to our experience for sure. We were actually there the weekend after (just this last weekend)

[@sonnyboywannabe]

best place in the mid east. but damn, if the weather turns, it's brutal.

[@stottsc2003]

What were goats overshoes?

[@bretthikez6567]

And it's only NOVEMBER boys...great video and weather report..cant win them all..

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Yep it’s going to be a looooong winter lol

[@trailcat71]

Thanks for posting! Wondered if you could tell me what brand your booties/ overbooties are? Thank!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Both are made by goosefeet gear

[@MrBings714]

You weren't the first and won't be the last to bail from the Sods with your tails between your legs.

[@cgriggsiv]

With all of that wind and such frigid temperatures I just might have had the best tarp for those temperatures you know which one the DD 5x5 For those temperatures the winds that tarp would have been perfect the next time you wish to go out to the dolly sods area in the winter time or any winter camping for that matter give me a ring and I shall let you borrow my tarp for comparison to your tarps

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks for the offer! The crazy thing is Kevin has a winter tarp with doors he decided not to bring...

[@oldmenhikingjeffgandee]

Good try. Dolly Sods is next up on our list to backpack but I think we’ll wait a few months...like maybe at least six

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Hahah!

[@riffsandwich9541]

I love you guys but...little under prepped on this one. Welcome to winter backpacking lol.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Yep lol

[@thebrizzy]

Winter is when I do most of my backpacking but I’m in Tennessee not Ohio lol

[@FrozensAdventures]

These are the trips that make you stronger. A couple tips if you want to try them out and I obviously don't know all the details, but some stuff to think about based on my "learning experiences". 1 - Your UQ, did you have the foot end pulled out on the hammock? If you did don't do it on a full length. Also raise your foot end on the foot side up more than foot end of the non foot side. Head end raise it like you normally do. 2 - socks inside a ziploc down at your feet. Can do the same with your shoes if you want, but I just shoved water bottles in them to keep them open. Also you can try either grocery bags and use them as sock liners, for the hike in or the seal skinz socks have been pretty epic for cold wet hikes just turn them inside out to dry out sweat if there is any. 3 - Campsite killed you guys, shame you guys didn't have a little more time to find a more protected campsite. Wish I could have joined you guys. Looked like a great experience even though it was freezing. Loving the black rock hats, those things are amazing!

[@floesh-408]

Hi Jason

[@gearjunkie3412]

How about a pair of muck boots. One of you were wearing tennis shoes.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

I have rubber hunting boot too, muck boots are great and would have worked well for this. Kevin wore trail runners.

[@RESTLESSOUTDOORS]

I heard December is even better... Will get you final dates to go... clear your calendars... LMAO!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Maybe we can get one of those freak 50degree weekends???

[@floesh-408]

Hi Rachel

[@jefferypike2304]

That’s nothing come to the white mountains in new Hamphire if you want to go winter camping

[@geech08]

Brooks Range alpini anorak. Highest down to weight ratio.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Great tip thanks! Will look into it

[@geech08]

Schill Brothers Outdoors not the prettiest, doesn’t have the brand name, but for standing around at camp in the winter it’s hard to beat. 7.7 oz of 800 fill down and great deals out there.

[@arcana1973]

I'm done with the Sods. The trails suck. I can see similar views on the east coast without walking in constant water/mud/swamp. Also, good thing Frozen wasn't with you. He'd say you need to tough it out, and he'd take away your Man Cards for tapping out.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

He took our man cards away a long time ago

[@JoshHerodOutdoorAdventures]

That's crazy. Does not look like any fun at all. The Sods is a beautiful place though

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Agree, the Sods is a truly beautiful place

[@jjakejones]

So I am curious, how many times did you have to get up to pee during this miserable night??????????????

[@JT-nk5uu]

lol..you need gumboots

[@kellylane73]

That looks brrewtal....as the scotts would say

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Lol! It was

[@tennesseetrekker1951]

What's a little frostbite among friends? ;)

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Exactly my thoughts

[@clausvilliam]

Excuses excuses... JK 😜

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Lol! Lots of them on this video!

[@jasoncooley1907]

I am sorry but hike/camping does not seem like a good plan lol