Backpacking BELOW FREEZING - Great Smoky Mountains National Park w/ Dan Becker & Bryce Newbold | 4K

[@DanBecker]

Yeah buddy! Let's do it again!!

[@ThienNguyen-ec8yc]

Dan, can I got backpacking with you? Also, what is the best way to get my wish list to you?

[@GromtKromkakejern]

You looked really happy at the very end there haha

[@davesplace144]

The whole time I'm watching this I'm wondering if this is the trip that Dan had to bail on. Then as time goes on I feel bad cause I know Dan's stuff is getting soaked. Dan - Good call on your part.

[@StevenZiegler]

I'll take pack liners for a thousand, Alex.

[@scottpalmer8368]

Dan is out of his element. He's actually backpacking 😳

[@jenniferthompson7118]

I live in Knoxville and have only backpacked in the Smokies. I remember one trip where it was pouring rain when we got into camp and I just got my tent up, hung my bear bag, ate some snacks and then hunkered down in my tent in my 20 degree bag and slept great. I've spent 2 overnights in below freezing weather, once on Gregory's Bald, and I definitely learned some lessons from those trips. My fingers were so numb from the temps that they hurt and made it difficult to put up and take down my tent. I found some wool finger-less gloves with a flip top that are lined with thinsulate. They free up your fingers to manipulate the small parts of your tent and then pull over the top to warm them up when they get too cold. They are now a must have for me in cold temps. I also use a trash compacter bag to line my pack to keep everything dry. I've tried to dry wet clothes by putting them in my bag when I sleep, but they never dry. I don't think I generate enough heat. Also, a pee jar...because I absolutely refuse to go out in the middle of the night in the pouring rain to go. I now hammock so if ya'll have any tips for below freezing tips for hammockers please share. Where did you get your ultra-light saw?

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks for the comments Jennifer. I know I may get flamed for this, but I kind of agree with you putting wet stuff in the bottom of your sleeping bag doesn't just magically dry everything off it may help a bit and make wet stuff more bearable to put on in the morning. The saw was a silky gomboy

[@BackcountryExposure]

Man, what a good time. Glad to see everything turned out positive with that rain. 👊🏻

[@notyouraccount9742]

I remember my first time hiking. You guys did good for your first time.

[@TimeOuttotheTrail]

Andy’s face at the end about fact checking Bryce slays me! 😂

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

I'm a mobile skeptic

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Great trip guys. Absolutely love these style videos. Gotta love that wintertime backpacking trips

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Jason!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Gotta love the snow!!!!!!

[@davidschmude]

That plaid quilt is the BOMB !!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Yeah it's a cool piece of gear for sure

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

Fun trip guys!! Campsite on second day was awesome. Thanks for sharing!!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks ATOD

[@texashikeaholicsadventures5651]

After the live debrief.....I couldn’t wait for this video to come out!!!! Nice!!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

This must have been a ton of fun!! That rain could have been an issue . Awesome deer sighting!!

[@GruntProof]

Awesome trip guys!

[@vinceimp9581]

I've been waiting on this since the live stream! Hope the audio mixer survived.. y'all are some of my favorites in the outdoor KZbin game. Always a pleasure, thx for sharing the experience.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@ScottValler]

Cold and rainy generally sucks, glad things cleared up and you guys had a great time.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Scott!

[@Evan-gz3cf]

Great video. Production quality off the charts 👍

[@JourneyontheTrail]

That was some true winter backpacking. Was really looking forward to this one. Great trip video guys!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@scottbutler1561]

One of the best trip videos to escape in that I've seen. Great trip.

[@apocsurvival916]

You guys make me laugh my ass off. Great and entertaining every time.

[@dianeclarke2618]

I agree.

[@OUTDOORS55]

Always fun in rain and sub freezing temps👍

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Yes it is!

[@nagaviper1169]

Embrace the suck?

[@nonameman9291]

Your mom’s fun in rain.

[@redwhiteblue7831]

Great video... Awesome winter trip. Glad to see everyone made out alive. Fire starting is put to the test in winter snow trips every time. I enjoyed watching. Thank you for sharing, take care.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks for watching the vid!

[@jshalvorsen3D]

Waking up to this was even better than the BS chat :D Love the format with the morning updates from the bag and the focus on the camp-life. Thanks for putting in the effort and improving every video!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@kristalann1973]

Great video guys! Glad Dan got out okay escaping hypothermia! Enjoyed the Backcountry BSing episode as well...Hope I can get down there and hike the Smokies someday💖

[@leabethcampbell381]

Ya'll are awesome!! Thanks for sharing time and space! So damn cold.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@PumpkinVillage]

Wow. A little bit of everything. Glad it turned out all right. Thanks for the video. Waiting for snow here. Take care and stay safe, Al

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Al!

[@midlifetravelers6151]

Loved the honest video. It was brutal weather and you didn't pretend everything was "peachy keen".

[@kathyjenner8981]

Totally awesome, fun video...had me laughing...needed that! Thanks so much for sharing...and glad Dan was OK!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Kathy!

[@olismoving2227]

You put much love in editing the videos! Thumbs up mate!

[@alexwbanks70]

That's one you'll remember. Good stuff!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

sure is!

[@bretthikez6567]

Just watched Bryces vid...can't wait to get out there in the snow myself ...4 season camping is the besttttt

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Its growing on us Brett - although I could do without the rain

[@bretthikez6567]

Rain does suck ..but ya get to try out the rain gear atleast...gear testing is the best

[@mikeghost7788]

Andy talking about taking the situation one thing at a time, earned alot of respect from this hiker!! Hike on fellas!!

[@leabethcampbell381]

Bryce and Dan??? LOVE IT!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

It was a great time!

[@gailwind4168]

I've been watching for this video. Very fun to watch after seeing the livestream. Hope Dan and Bryce do a video also.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Bryce will be

[@ytrbou812]

Great video! It is always crappy when backpacking and camping in cold wet conditions..."at the time". But after you survive it you look back and think, man that was awesome! Total learning experience knowing you can do it again if you had to.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Agree 100000%

[@scottheintz4054]

Well done guys!! Enjoyed it.

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

It’s crazy. I was just there the weekend before Thanksgiving and temps were comfortable with no snow anywhere. It was pretty cool on top of Gregory Bald though. Nice video. Cool looking trip.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@johnstopka9564]

Great video. Been looking forward to it since the live stream. Keep it up guys.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks John!

[@KevinFryAdventures]

Nice video. I really enjoyed watching you guys trek through one of my favorite places.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@ohiovetoutdoors]

Guys this video was hilarious! You guys must laugh all day together

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

We do!

[@brianwofford3831]

Very good video, thanks very much. I applaud you for getting outside in adverse conditions. I have been on some part of the Madron Bald trail. I can't remember which part. I think I day hiked over the Bald in 1974, in the fall of the year.

[@m_soko]

Love that plaid!!

[@dudewelder1756]

great vid, wish these guys would do more films together, good trip, good times, many thanks !!!!!!

[@alischill5157]

That buffalo plaid 😎

[@DanBecker]

Thanks again for letting me crash at ur all's crib! You and Kevin have a great family!!

[@praetorxi]

Dan's just true ultralight. Leaving the nylofume at home to save one ounce.

[@Smokeybeesnatural]

I agree with Kevin... Cold and ❄ is better than cold and ⛈! And, DOES Andy help with the 🔥 🤔? 🤣🤣🤣

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Yeah I helped with the file. I saw'd a ton of wood, which of course did not make the final cut

[@jseebold100]

GREAT video guys! :) I'm trying to learn how to "take on the cold and enjoy it!" The vid was *very* educational!!

[@musicinmiles2615]

Lol love the hero slow mo walk by.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my outdoors friends. Thank you for sharing this outdoor experience with the fabulous foursome on the trail. Too bad that the foot prints didn't belong to big foot, they belonged to 'Dan the Man'. You gentlemen always seem to have too too much fun. Take care out there and stay healthy. 🤗

[@brianwofford3831]

You guys make a great video. I am very entertained. I have never seen you on video. But, I am a fan. The super comment on the big Becker is " trash compactor bag". I have not been to the trails you guys are on, but I am mostly impressed with your hike. Thanks for the great entertainment.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@wazoologist]

Thanks for another great vid. I think if knew that type of rain might be forecast, I'd bring along a good pack cover to keep my gear dry.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Pack cover would be a good idea

[@Hiker33]

A cover isn’t enough in the winter. I cringed watching this. I put my sleeping bag in a coated stuff sack, then put it and extra clothing inside a trash compactor bag in the bottom of the pack. I add a pack cover if it’s raining or the vegetation is wet. I did this exact loop a few years back. Glad you had a good trip.

[@timberboy1984]

I was down there at the same time. But didn't do any hiking we where on family vacation. Saturday night was a horrible time I bet rained all night in pigeon forge. I do however plan on doing some hiking next time I'm down there

[@Sam89365]

It's got good girth 😂

[@TomyHovingtonHiking]

Got to agree with Bryce... The Tensor is amazing 🤙

[@billlowe9417]

Really well done video. Nice work!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Bill

[@MrTmax74]

Nice video brother, glad Dan got back out there. That must’ve been a bummer!

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

Wonderful video, gentlemen! Much respect to Dan for coming back the next day, and for the cajones for filming a "how to stay warm" video after having such a rough 1st night!! I got to backpack for the first time at the smokies this fall with smokeybeesnatural, it was awesome! Have a video myself on our trip, check it!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@michaelcahill6924]

👍 another great adventure in the woods☘️🍀

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@MarkFugel]

nice job boyz...needed that badly!!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Mark

[@christinerolle3876]

That is so cool snow on the ground and rain.would love to experience that!!thanks for sharing guys.no one to go with.i go solo most of the time!

[@ms7fam433]

Dan made the right decision to tap out. Hypothermia is not worth the risk. He is the man hiking out in the dark and back the next day. Glad you guys had a good trip in the Smokys where our family hikes all the time.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

We agree 100%

[@escapetheindoors]

Looks like Dan's pack is over stuffed and most likely didn't get rolled and buckled correctly, letting water in. Great video and editing!

[@BacktotheOutdoors]

It’s hard to imagine someone backpacking in cold, rainy weather and not having their life saving gear in a quality dry sack, but people get complacent. I use a dry sack on every single trip regardless of weather.

[@rockyracoonanddogman1720]

Dan is new to overnight backpacking, so he is going to make a lot of rookie mistakes.

[@escapetheindoors]

Not trying to knock Dan, good personality and entertaining...wish I had his YT skills. I've heard a couple people have problems with water getting into the HMG and just trying to understand how. Got the same pack and haven't had that problem in rain...though still do use a pack liner ;-)

[@BacktotheOutdoors]

@@escapetheindoors - I think part of it is people believing cuben fiber is a panacea, and they get lazy as a result. "I don't need a dry sack because my pack is waterproof." The obsession with ultralight also causes people to do nonsensical things. I dumped my HMG on eBay after one trip - the lack of breathability had my back drenched in sweat. Other than that it was a cool pack, but I find my Exos 58 to be more comfortable and functional.

[@Jarhead56]

Smokies in December is not for sissies. You guys did great and super recovery Dan, good call on maintaining safety, and making it back to soldier on. Enjoyed the debrief (AAR/BS), flashbacks from my Marine Corps days, only more fun!!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Tom!

[@trytheoutdoors]

Great video. Learned loads from all 4 of you. Love Dan's humility. I'm fairly new to this game. Money is tight. I'm looking for the holy grail of a LIGHTWEIGHT, 'AFFORDABLE' 4 season kit set up...instead of buying a separate tent and sleep system for winter. Torn between a quilt and a sleeping bag. You used a full zip quilt. I note. Can you recommend a 1.quilt / bag ? 2. tent? Many thanks Imran (U.K)

[@markcummings6856]

Nice video. Great to see a little snow in the Smokys the first of the season. Reminds me when I was there this past March. It was a pleasure to watch. I would like to comment that the dubbing of music seemed too loud and/or distracting in some of the talking scenes. Thanks again for sharing. As I’ve commented to Everyone before in your usual backpacking circle, I’d love to see you guys hit up the Northeast. Some, arguably unrivaled hiking in the Adirondacks of New York or Green Mountains of Vermont (even more so during Winter). It would be my pleasure if you ever needed any info or assistance for any future trip. Feel free to reach out anytime.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks for the feedback Mark!

[@dougoutdoors]

"Bryce Robinet" LOL

[@Politikn]

Good stuff. Like Andy’s snow camo under quilt. It’s like he planned it.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks! Not planned, but certainly fit in!

[@LousyFIBs]

That last shot with all 4 of you lookin like the Backpacking Beatles should have been your thumbnail.

[@KN4OKadventures]

Great video guys and my kind of hiking

[@hoser7706]

Fun to see the all-star cast! Why not fan the fire with a CCF pad? We do all of the time. The air pump was a good idea. Truly fun video!

[@WNC_comms]

Hahahaha. Generous Dan! This is a classic

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Great video guys. I'm impressed...👌

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks sir!

[@backpackthetrail5643]

Looking forward to this vid!!

[@Wondering_Fireball]

It’s interesting watching the hike after watching the BS live (AAR) after action review of your hike.

[@TheTarotCardGuy]

No shame in spooning when you're cold and wet. Done it in the army LOTS of times. Tough decision to go back, but beats having to fend off hypothermia.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

If it was life or death with no option of exit we would be spooning!

[@davidpayne1519]

What is spooning

[@fawakamaha]

@@SchillBrothersOutdoors I'm surprised you did this with that nemo tent. It breathes way too much for winter. If you want to stay warm In snow with that you have to have to find a way to stop air from the cutaway section of the rainfly

[@robalan57]

I bought some super light dry bags. They are worth the investment.

[@Dadangandara]

Wow very nice friend

[@jeffpeters5347]

EE also makes a quilt with a full-length zip, they call it the Convert. It’s pretty sweet!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

I've seen that before too, its pretty neat

[@DadsBackpackTrip]

Dan’s eyebrow wiggle at 28:40 was worth the whole video!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

ha!

[@spadoynkal]

as always great video you guys

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@WanderingFromKansas]

Love that GSI Ultralight Javadrip! Even with Folgers grounds, it's better than instant!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Yeah we need to start doing that too

[@enjoytheoutdoors101]

Awesome Trip Guys!

[@koltonhayden6934]

What sweatshirt are you guys wearing (Andy, Kevin)? it looks sweet! Great and hilarious videos as always!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie

[@HikeIntoTheSunset]

Looks like Bryce had a good night. Was that a pile of empty pounders outside of his tent the 1st morning? 🤣🤣

[@DadsBackpackTrip]

Great trip and video! Who’s the edit master...Kevin or Andy?

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Kevin

[@mrrainbow3526]

Great hiking group!

[@thebestsongs9718]

You guys should check out Seekoutside from Colorado. Light weight hot tents! Only 3-4 lbs with stove. Makes winter camping more enjoyable .

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Well aware of them, one day we will have one!

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

"Becker's Bloopers" what else can I say, but he finished the trip.

[@markcummings6856]

Thanks again for the video, guys. Just trying to get a good assessment of your UGQ 20* quilt/bag, Kevin? You mentioned it got down to 18* in the morning and you were fine. Did you have your down pants on by chance? I also imagine you may have had your melly as well? Thanks for any feedback.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Yeah bag was excellent, worked well with the combo of the Melly. Yep had Patagonia synthetic down pants in the morning but not while sleeping.

[@trytheoutdoors]

Thank you. What is a Melly? Rgds Imran (U.K.)

[@jays7318]

Nice video! What knife was used for batoning?

[@evanhammond7305]

Dan is like the guy in high-school who had the beer hookups. Lol 😆 you guys are the younger guys hes bootlegging for.

[@datnotme9921]

👍👀Nice! Great content, i enjoyed. What happened with the broken tent pole, taped to be reused or?

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Unfortunately it cannot be salvaged

[@beastie2488]

Since you bring up the Revenant film. What do you guys think about the bear attack scene?

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

So-so

[@lindahikes2760]

What is the green shirt/top/sweatshirt you are wearing in your hammock, Kevin?

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Melanzana Microgrid Hoody

[@suzettesayer2225]

can use do deep winter hike

[@bphenwood]

How many spreader bars have you guys broken now? 2 or 3? Not a good look for the Banyan. Even though I'm still interested in getting one!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Just 1 so far, we’ve forgotten them once though

[@bphenwood]

@@SchillBrothersOutdoors Yup...That's right. Not sure what's going on over a DWG...But the Banyan has been out of stock for a little bit. I have time to wait. Love your videos and podcasts!

[@beccarodriguez5332]

Do you have the link for the UGQ plaid bag?? Love this video, trying to gear up for winter backpacking. Thx.

[@johnprendergast1338]

The problem, I'm told by the rangers, is when it snows the trails disappear and you can get lost ....and get you found in the Spring ,dead ...not unusual ....

[@artfisher1235]

I appreciate your comment that 29 Otter Creek is a great site but the only level spot is under the bear hang apparatus, and only level for one person. Other than that, yeah, a great site with running water all winter - no snow melting is a wonderful thing.

[@dianeclarke2618]

Fun to watch. Good gear reviews too. Thinking a dyneema dining fly might be a good lightweight addition to the gear I have. Keep the backpacking videos coming.... It's been a disappointment of a year for backpacking trips this year....

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Diane!