Backpacking turned SURVIVAL MODE | Winter Camping in Idaho's Remote Backcountry | Beehive Lake

We definitely had to take proper precautions to ensure our safety in this video. Today we hike into Northern Idaho's Selkirk Mountains to a remote alpine lake known as Beehive Lake. Upon arrival the ground was bare, but we awoke to pure winter conditions and I'm glad we were hiking out when we did.
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🏕Gear used in this video🌲
-Lolly's Dog Pack: bit.ly/3P34sh5
-Lolly's Dog Boots: bit.ly/3NsoBvZ
-Lolly's Yellow Raincoat: amzn.to/46ZI4uI
-My UL Pack: bit.ly/3PR5zxV
-Tent: bit.ly/3MCbHLv
-Trekking Poles: bit.ly/3PvImlf
-Sleeping Bag: ugqoutdoor.com/top-quilts/ban...
-Sleeping Pad (MegaMat): bit.ly/48eLDyo
-UL Cook Pot: bit.ly/3Oc2SpI
-Stove: bit.ly/3o4pcXx
-Blister Free Socks: bit.ly/3BeVruW
-Best Hiking Boots: bit.ly/3RS6qjT
-SOS Device: bit.ly/3RTDOGS
-Waist Belt Fanny Pack: bit.ly/3b11Yig
-Shoulder Pocket: bit.ly/3PvEZe2
-Backpack Storage Made Simple: bit.ly/3v8oLj2
-Camp Soap: bit.ly/3B9q5FY
-Water Filter: amzn.to/3qwYaNB
-Ursack Bear Bag/Food Storage: amzn.to/3OJOnLR
📸Camera Gear and Electronics🎥
-Power Bank: amzn.to/3Bgd9hT
-Camera: amzn.to/3zroiuL
-Camera Batteries: amzn.to/3zlH5qj
-GoPro Jaws: amzn.to/3aVmtwR
-GoPro Media Mod: amzn.to/3RVyYZF
-Wireless Microphone by AnkerWork: amzn.to/45x5Deg
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[@hyoh-wu]

Good snow video. No shame in having a good night's sleep...no matter how big your mattress is. Good call on bailing early. Your absolutely correct that granite face gets slicker than snot, I fell 3 times coming down that in snow and slush. Also we lost trail for about 15 minutes coming off the granite face back to the trail head. It was covered with snow and we had to use ONx to help get us back on.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thanks for validating my decision on that! I believe I’ve seen the video you guys made (was @MountainWanderer with you?) I remember you guys getting absolutely blasted in that storm when you got to the lake. It’s so easy to get turned around when conditions get like that.

[@hyoh-wu]

@DannyJSchaefer Yep, that would be the one with Travis. Learned a valuable lesson from him that day.. When stuff goes sideways...keep filming because that's when u get a good story. All I know is I wanted off that mountain, a fire, whisky, and good music. Have you got your winter trips planned?

[@DannyJSchaefer]

I completely agree with him lol. The worst off you are the better story you’ll get which will typically make for more engaging video! No I don’t have any trips planned at the moment. I know you mentioned you may have some suggestions. Want to shoot me an email? It’s in the About section as you probably know.

[@hyoh-wu]

@@DannyJSchaefer ok will do.

[@hyoh-wu]

@DannyJSchaefer will email when I get off work from home computer...apparently email cannot be accessed from KZbin app on phone..bizarre.

[@LifeTrod]

Funniest part, when that dog watched you struggle cross that river, and was like "F that", and skipped around a quicker way loool.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Haha agreed.. She knew best in that moment and made it look too easy! Appreciate you watching, cheers!

[@ValkyrieHikes]

I’m realizing I could start a list of places to backpack here in Idaho inspired by your wonderful videos. This one looked stunning. I fully agree with your simply stated, “Not happening.” on the dodgy ‘bridge crossing on the way back to the trailhead. Another great video!

[@erickaesman4001]

Nice video my friend. I appreciate all the hard work setting up those shots. You almost double your mileage setting up the camera, getting the shot, walking back to retrieve the camera, then continue to your next shooting location. When I backpacked all I wanted to do was get to camp, set up, have an adult beverage and watch the dogs run around.

[@romanm9862]

Smart Puppy.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

She's way more wise than me!

[@kmfishbiologist]

Nice video, Danny. Cute pup. I’ve strayed away from AllTrails for any type of mileage information after being led astray many times in the backcountry. The recent hiker reports are nice though to know trail conditions. I saw one person comment about the heavy breathing. I thought it was nice to be reminded that you are actually human and heavily breathe while traveling uphill. :)

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thanks so much! I definitely agree with you with the AllTrails part.. I think it needs to be looked at as a tool only. I’ve definitely been led astray by it and hikers I’ve met in the backcountry. I really appreciate the comment on the heavy breathing.. glad you didn’t mind it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@lisalandry9346]

Awesome video. Loved it!

[@darlagregg7321]

Good call to get out. I hiked to Beehive in early summer when it was still covered in snow, and the granite slabs and stream crossings were so icy and slick. Excellent video. Thanks for all you do!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Oh I can only imagine how slick the granite was. It seems like every hike in the Selkirks when you get to that elevation you'll eventually come a big granite slab of some sort! Glad you made it down safely as well. Do you have any winter hikes or snowshoe plans? Thanks for always watching and for the continued support Darla!

[@francdejong]

Nice.

[@alfredmisterka5880]

That's a great view great camp site

[@DannyJSchaefer]

It was beautiful that's for sure! Thanks so much for watching this video!

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Awesome video, very scenic.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

I really appreciate it!

[@mfhairstream6812]

Cool dog

[@markthomas2436]

I liked the entire trip. You did great. What a smart move to outfit the dog with both the insulated coat, and the overcoat, and the booties on her paws. I will guarantee that she loved every single minute of it.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Hey thanks so much Mark. We had a great time, and it's safe to say we ended the backpacking season of 2023 on an awesome note!

[@mikePNW]

Great video, Danny! Good decision on bailing, for your safety and Lolly's, she was looking a bit worried 😅 Beautiful spot!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Hey thanks Mike! Yeah I think it was the best decision overall too. And I agree with you, she definitely had the “Dad, this is BS look on her face.” 😂 Appreciate you watching!

[@tommy-vella]

It is always the right decision to not fight against the weather if you don't have to :) Looked like a super great trip anyway. Thank you very much.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Camping turned SURVIVAL. #shorts #hiking #camping #mountains #survival #wintercamping #backpacking

[@lynnettefranks]

That's a great hike! I'm glad you didn't lose the trail. My friend and I had quite the adventure on that one. Lost the trail for a while and then got a flat tire at dusk coming down. All turned out well, though. We still talk about that one.😁

[@DannyJSchaefer]

I am really glad we didn't lose the trail either. It's amazing how just a few inches of snow can really make the surrounding area seem so disoriented. Yeah, yikes it sounds like you did come away with a story. Glad you guys made it out safely. Thanks for watching Lynnette!

[@Dan_Adventures]

As a Floridian, this trip is a crazy! Can’t wait to do a snow adventure one day. Looks so peaceful.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

It was incredibly peaceful for sure! Can't thank you enough for watching!

[@Tali-Khammael]

Nice! Love the puppy dog 😊

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thank you so much! We had a great trip!

[@HikingwithGus]

Great vid Danny! Good call on bailing when you did. I can only imagine how slick that granite was. I think that's the biggest load I've seen you pack! I'm hoping to get up in the woods in January and do some snowshoeing. Cheers buddy! Lolli was awesome!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thanks Len! Yeah I'm glad I bailed on it when I did as well... Though I definitely wonder what conditions would have been like had I stayed one more day. That pack was loaded to the brim and HEAVY. My new mic setup caught my heavy breathing nicely. Lolly did awesome and she's turning into a great trail dog. What all do you have planned? Shoot me a text if you want to catch a trip and try to plan something.

[@kristymoore7052]

I have an exbed for car camping. Love it. At 60, I definitely need hiking poles. Winter backpacked last year for the 1st time last year with snowshoes. Mistakes were made, but not horrible. My women’s thermorest and my 1/4 inch pad was good enough for me on the snow. I didn’t have a shovel. Bad move.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

They're incredibly comfortable right? Good job for getting out in the winter.. it's a whole new 'ballgame' compared to summer backpacking. I bet you came home with a story or two. Thanks for watching my video!

[@Alan-uw6ik]

She's a precious dog! Cool video, what a great spot!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thanks for watching Alan! She's turning into a great hiking pup.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Just keeping warm by the Campfire #hiking #mountains #backpacking #camping #alpinelake #dogshorts

[@tangenttrails]

Looks like a brisk invigorating trip. Beautiful camp stop. I use the Ursack AllMitey. It’s the only one that’s supposed to be both bear and critter proof. Nice trip, Danny!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Ahh I think you're correct! I suppose I was mistaken with which Ursack I had.. Looks like I need to invest in an AllMitey! Thanks for watching Jerry!

[@memitaylor4323]

The dog is smarter than you! I liked the way he just jumped over the rocks in seconds. 🤣

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Oh she's way more wise that's for sure! I should've let her lead the way instead of crossing that sketchy tree bridge for sure.

[@birddogfarms6981]

Perfect 'morning coffee' drinking weather....but yes, you had to get out while you could. I'm also interested in seeing the little fiberglass Boler camper getting fixed up and used for a base camp. Right up my ally. Gutted and renovated more than one in my day....and I like the "base camp" set up for multiple backpacking trips from the same location. Get out and stay out! Tom

[@DannyJSchaefer]

You're absolutely correct there. Morning coffee at an alpine lake is what it's all about for me. So you've renovated Bolers before? You might be the guy I ask questions to.. this has been a big learning experience for me, but I'm just about finished with a front dinette conversion and will begin remaking the kitchenette next most likely. Having minimal attachment points in the thing has made it tough. Looking forward to hearing what you think about it. Thanks for watching, Tom!

[@birddogfarms6981]

@@DannyJSchaefer I've done two aluminum and one fiberglass. Difficult at best to help you on line. I know attachment points are problematic. Depending on how much weight you're hanging, there are a few tips I can give. YT might be the best for info. Slim Potatohead did lots of renovating to his camper., for one. I will say this, be a minimalist if you can. I tore out plumbing everytime, wanted the space for storage and/or surface area. Tore out the grey water and black water tanks too. Keep it light! Merry Christmas, Tom

[@ryandillon2097]

Awesome video! New Sub here! Hill people kit bag for the win! I started hiking with mine 2 years ago now it comes on every hike with me!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Hey thanks Ryan!! Love that HPG Kit Bag. This was my second season with it as well and it's still going strong. I appreciate the sub and am happy to have you along on the channel!

[@liberty193]

I have the same pack and chest rig. 👍🏼

[@DannyJSchaefer]

It's a good setup for sure! I'm wanting to change what I carry in mine.

[@weswarren5987]

Been there done that !Epic Times

[@weswarren5987]

Red ribbon on the way saves the day

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Great advice! Thanks!

[@mojorisen1295]

Awww them dang mini bears are such a mess with my dog food! Just think they only take what they need and leave the rest!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Mini bears is right! I have to imagine that a couple of pieces of kibble and that's a full belly.

[@MongoWongo777]

Whooo hooo! Nothing like being able to relax and unwind on a Friday night while watching a Danny S. video! Oh man, we LOVE the Selkirks!!! There are so many Alpine lakes in that area!!! I was just checking out the Natural Rock Waterslides farther north the other day! What an amazing place!!! Wow, that looks a bit chilly out there! 😊 The snow on the scenery looks so beautiful!!! Night and day difference from when you started compared to when it snowed. Looks like you and Lolly were packed to the hilt! Nice job prepping. Better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. 😊 How much did your pack weigh? I got to believe you were pushing 70-80 lbs! Oh bro, sketch city for sure!!! The log bridge at the opposite end looked like it was going to slide down the rock face. I am not sure I would have crossed that bridge! Love the bite cam footage!!! Lolly had the right idea! Plus, you had to go back and get the camera!!! Damn!!! Your hike looked like a typical Fall Day when it started. That granite rock face was the first thing we thought about after it snowed. That would have been murder to cross covered with snow and ice!!! Just amazing walk by shots!!! Your drone work in the beginning is always awesome. It gives you a great idea of how your trip will start and always looks spectacular!!! But holy moly, the shots of the mountains at the 6:02 mark were GORGEOUS!!! I cannot believe how crystal clear everything looked!!! Do you have any idea what those “dirt paths” that are going down from the ridge line all the way to the bottom are? We had to pause it there because it looked so beautiful. Are those natural run off paths for snow and rain or are those man made paths. I am guessing since they go straight down, they are natural, but they almost look like roads or ski runs. Money shot!!! Ahhh, the 6:42 mark may have dethroned the previous money shot!!! Amazing VIEWES!!! You probably get sick of hearing this but my Mom and I always comment on your walk-by shots. There are so many and they are seamless. We joked you must have packed a camera crew this time. 😊 Hehehehe, need to break out the lounge chair for sure!!! On behalf of all of us, thank you for bringing your drone!!! With all the weather gear you brought, to pack the extra drone weight is DEEPLY appreciated!!! Just gorgeous views!!! I think if you look closely, you may see the elusive Alpine Bass jumping in the background! We were wondering why it was called Beehive. We were hoping it wasn’t because there were millions of bees. 😊 Not a bad time for an almost 4 mile hike!!! Any idea of the elevation? Turns out, your hunch was right on!!! Holy schnikes! You were extremely well prepared for this hike, including gear for Lolly!!! She definitely wanted to snuggle!!! I bet she would be sleeping next to the fireplace if she was at home! Hehehehehehe, love the jacket, sleeping bag, and boots for her!!! You definitely take care of her!!! Love the handsaw. I have a few Silkys and Bahcos in my kits. Now that was a fire!!! Nicely done for sure!!!!! You finished that just in time. What do you bring as a fire kit? Just matches or do you have some redundancy? Wow, that was a lot of sparks for sure! That looks so relaxing and enjoyable!!!! Ohhh, I bet that apple cider and rum hit the spot!!! Hehehehe, gr8 flash back to the Jamaica trip. You both look like you took a shot of gasoline! Does Lolly sleep well in the tent? I know on a previous hike she got a bit antsy, if I recall. I bet she slept like a rock! That is awesome to hear your sleeping pad was comfortable. Looks like you upgraded your pillow too! That was a lot of dang snow on your tent. Lolly looked better prepared than I would have been!!! Was that a bear locker? I do not recall seeing any of those storage lockers on previous trips. Oh wow, love the stuff sack!!! Those things are built like brick poop houses. I know for sure, because I have two of them! I also know the guy that makes them. He is a good dude!!! I highly recommend getting some from him. He absolutely knows what he is doing!!! Any idea what got into Lolly’s kibble? A squirrel, chipmunk, sasquatch? 😊 Good call cutting the trip short. If you stayed, you would really have had a hard time getting back home. I am sure it would have been beautiful, but it also would have been dangerous!!! Gr8 shot of Lolly by the campfire before you headed home. She was getting warm and preparing for the trip home!!! Wow, there was a lot of snow on the ground when you were packing up. Great distance shot! We both said NO WAY on the log bridge passing!!! We were glad you took an alternative route. Great perspective shot at the 23:35 mark! What a great way to end the year!!! Thanks for another outstanding video!!! We cannot say enough about the time and footage you put into your closing. Most people would put that drone footage in the middle of the video, to make sure everyone saw it. Your outros are better than most people’s intros 😊. And as always, you nailed the music!!! The drone did a heck of a job in that snowstorm. Those shots may be the money shots!!! You leave the best for last!!! Stay well and be safe my friend!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thanks for spending your Friday night watching this my friend! There are so many lakes in the Selkirks for sure! I'm glad I was able to cross a couple more off the list this year :) Ahh I've been to the rockslides a few times in my life.. (before the KZbin channel of course). They are definitely a one of a kind experience! Just make sure you have four wheel drive to get there! The scenery was beautiful, and from a filming perspective the night and day difference made for a fun video with the snow the next day. The pack was heeeeavy. Lucky for everyone, you all got to hear my breathe loudly and proudly! I'd say my pack weighed around 45-50 lbs :) Haha yeah the log bridge took some thought on whether or not I wanted to do it or not. I felt comfortable so I went for it.. probably wasn't super necessary though! I'm glad it didn't fall on me! I'm glad you guys thought the same thing about the granite face! I had a couple of other comments too and some people stated the same thing who had experienced it being slick! I do wonder what the trip would have brought us had we stayed another day lol. I'm stoked to hear you guys enjoyed the walk-by and the drone shots! I definitely lucked out with a clear weather window for sure. I'm not quite sure what the paths are that are running down the mountains. They're definitely unique though! I never get tired of hearing that you guys enjoy the walk-by shots! It's quite validating!! And you're MOST WELCOME for packing the drone along. Drone views for president! Looks like I gained 2,123 vertical feet on this trip. I think this is the first video that I actually forgot to include the total trip stats.. whooops!! Oh man we definitely spoil that dog.. but she did really well on this trip even for being cold. She is doing so much better in the tent now, and didn't make a peep on this trip. A big part of these trips is planning for myself, the video, and now for the dog too. Definitely takes some time! Ahh that little handsaw did well.. I forgot to link it! I think it's called a big boy or something like that. It was my first time using it and I actually broke the tip of the saw blade off so if you maybe look closely in a couple shots at the end of the firewood gathering you can see that. I also brought along a scotch eyed auger I had just purchased to make a swedish fire torch but it never made the cut.. I also never used it 😂 For my fire kit, I definitely bring along some redundancy. I had some old waterproof matches that I was trying to use up, but then I always have a basic lighter with my cook stove, and then I always keep a ferro rod for my emergency backup as well. The fire was extremely peaceful!! The sleeping pad was a great luxury item to bring along. It definitely kept me toasty warm. The pillow was my newish pillow setup from GooseFeetGear.. check it out! It's very interesting as it actually had my inflatable pillow inside of it. It simply provides a down loft on top of the inflatable for more comfort. That was a bear locker! They have them at most lakes that I've been to in the Selkirks.. I remember Fault Lake and Harrison Lake having them.. I may just not have included it in the videos. It's pretty nice but unfortunately people use it as a dumpster and put trash in there. I'm pretty certain it was a mouse that got into my Ursack. I didn't realize there was a difference, but my Ursack is only Bear proof. The make one that is bear proof, critter proof, and then one that is bear and critter proof.. So you can probably guess on which one I'll be investing in next. They aren't cheap that's for sure! That rum could probably make a Tesla run for days! Glad you saw the stuff sack shot! You may just be the only one here to know where that came from 😊 Unfortunately I haven't had a lot of time to continue working on those this year.. The Boler RV has my attention at the moment! Yeah the snow at the end while I was packing up was way more than what I woke up to! Glad we decided to leave as well. I brought microspikes just in case, but never had to use them. There was NO WAY I was going to cross that bridge again. Haha. I'm glad you love those closing shots! 2018 Danny S. just wants to place all of them in one shot, so it's nice having a spot to put the extra footage in at the end. Thank you guys so much for watching!! I hope you and your family have the happiest of holidays!!

[@MongoWongo777]

Thanks for the heads up on the terrain near the rockslides. We actually looked at a property that I believe was connected to public lands that we could access the rockslides. I am guessing even if we had access to the land, the terrain may make it impossible, but it is fun thinking about!!! Wow, that pack looked way heavier than 50 lbs. :) Thanks for the info on the saw and your fire kit. I plan to go through all my gear in January and organize it / update it. It has been a while since I went through everything. I am afraid I may have packed most of it away. :( Hope you do another end of year summary video!!! Oh, btw: check your email. :) We wish you, Tessa, Lolly and both your families a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, Safe, and Prosperous New Year!!!

[@PerfDayToday]

Nice trip. Whitefish cap? Cheers.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

You got it, good eye on the hat. Thanks for watching.

[@tdiler12]

All it takes is a little breeze that time of year doesnt it? Gusts? Even better lol. Right off the water. Not good. Great video..

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Yeah it doesn't take much to take it from cool to downright cold. Thanks for watching.

[@richardreed6249]

Simple question, I noticed your dog was wearing a jacket to keep her warm. But I did not see a link to that in the description. Could you let us know what brand it is because that looks perfect for my dog

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Hey Richard. I linked a couple of her coats/packs, so I think you’re maybe looking for the purple/maroon jacket she was wearing? I actually am not sure where we got that at.. and I want to say we bought it locally. I’ll poke around and see if I can find out the brand for you. Thanks for watching!

[@kristymoore7052]

Interesting with the ursack hole.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Yeah I think this ended up being my mistake, actually. Ursack sells three different types of sacks: one for bears only, one for critters only, and one that's suitable against bears and critters which is called the AllMitey. I only had the bears only sack.

[@trerounds1273]

Can't help but wonder how heavy that pack is

[@DannyJSchaefer]

It wasn't light I'll say that. I don't get too into weighing my gear, but if I had to guess it was right around 50 lbs. I appreciate you watching!

[@rawill1958]

Good girl...

[@ThePapapatoto]

Why is he eating next to the tent?

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Since they placed a bear box within the camping area it really wasn't going to make a big difference. Unfortunately that box has been abused, and people have used it as a trash can, there's holes in it, etc..

[@eliminator7ful]

I love that you did this adventure. But as a native Idahoan, I can tell that I've been in much worse conditions many times when I was less than 10 years old. And I'm not unique. This is just how it goes when you go out in the wilderness of Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Northern Territories.

[@MariaMaria-lp6bb]

Hola amigo ablas español

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Hi there. I speak very little Spanish, but I was able to understand what you wrote 😊

[@hyoh-wu]

Hey Danny sent you an email.

[@ProsperousPorcupine]

Too much heavy breathing. Would be better with an off body mic.

[@johndoolittle100]

Some people find anything to complain about.

[@kimbrewsaugh6216]

@@johndoolittle100legitimate observation. Turned it off because of the heavy breathing.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

@kimbrewsaugh6216 I actually don’t disagree with you.. either of you, actually. A wireless mic is something new I added to the videos this last year. In previous years I would just use the camera’s native audio which didn’t sound the best so I switched to what you hear in the video. I like it because I can talk from longer distances and be heard well, and there’s more dialogue to be heard. I agree that you don’t click to hear me panting and gasping for air 😂 Maybe I’ll connect it to my pack behind me rather than right under my chin. Feel free to chime in on suggestions! Hope to have you back for another video someday. Thanks.

[@sydell1936]

If the girlfriend ain’t in the video, I ain’t watching lol

[@DannyJSchaefer]

I mean she was in three clips in this one.

[@sydell1936]

Just giving you a hard time. Man, thanks for the replay. In all seriousness, this was a good one.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

She actually got a laugh out of it so no worries at all. Appreciate ya watching 👍🏼