3-Days Winter Camping in the Remote Canadian Rockies

[@jerrykern4405]

okay,,, I have seen your issue so many times (cold or frozen boots) and I have told many people on here that winter camp what to do. I spent 28 years in FORECON (Marine Special Forces) I have slept in temps down to -65F for days on end. Always always carry hand warmers. when you go bed put them in your boots, in your tent. when really cold put four in. they will dry your boots and it is always super nice to put warm boots on the morning. they weigh close to nothing and provide heat you need. only one channel has ever replied, maybe due to embarrassment. I also put two or three in my bag, at my feet for the night. adds lots of heat to your whole bag during the night. at 50 years old now I still love to winter camp, only my daughter will join me. we only go when it is cold, -20 and below here in the Utah Rockies. with being 50, we do hot tent camping now lol. I LIKE TO STAY WARM NOW

[@DiGiTaLdAzEDM]

I totally agree--at 69 I like to stay warm when winter camping. I use a 'little Buddy' propane heater--keeps your tent toasty warm. I DO NOT leave it running while I sleep. But, without something like it is time to crash once the sun goes down.

[@KaneDoesOutdoors]

Awesome trip! Looking forward to sharing a tent again!

[@markexpose6108]

Hi. AWESOME. SCENERIES. BEAUTIFUL. LANDSCAPE. CAMPING.

[@ericb.4358]

Thanks guys for an excellent video oI a beautiful wilderness tour. BTW, It' just me bur I would never use canister fuel in winter, even inverted canisters. I like my MSR Whisperlite Universal set up for white gas (petrol). -> i use 3 mm closed cell neoprene divers socks (my best boot VBL) with thin poly liners (a new poly liner esch day). The best divers socks brand is US Divers 3 mm divers' socks B/C they have a left and right shaped sock and sealed seams. Remove the 3 mm socks and liners at night. Store wet liners in a quart Zip Loc freezer bag, let feet dry a few minutes then don new liner socks. Put on thick wool "sleep socks" or insulated booties. Turn divers socks inside-ou to dry for 15 min then put in the foot of yer sleeping bag ALONG WITH THE BOOT LINERS! (which are dry B/C you used the divers socks VBLs). In the morning remove sleep socks, don divers socks put bool liners in the boot shells. ENJOY WARM FEET!

[@nweastern]

Glad to see I'm not the only one using my circuit for winter backpacking and touring missions!

[@sca1116]

Living in a warmer, flatter area of the US, the views you share are sublime! Much too cold for me however your explanations of gear and preparations are wonderful and appreciated!

[@scottyplug]

Love LOVE the outro footage! And 12:01 is like a painting/postcard. You're a beast, JMoney. A real Gangster on the trail.

[@JustinOutdoors]

That might be one of my favorite shots of the year! (including 2022)

[@JacqInTheWild]

Hey there - I just want to say this was a really enjoyable video. I have never camped in the winter much less done one of these multi day expeditions. Very inspiring. One of these days I'll get a winter sleep system and give it a try. Those skis are epic!!

[@andrewheffel3565]

I got cold watching this, time for hot coffee.

[@markpanarese2452]

Great video Justin awesome scenery. Got to be honest, snow makes the best toilet paper in the winter. Keep up the great work.

[@YakubFloyd]

I love my Western Mountaineering VBL hotsac liner. Keeps my sleeping bag nice and dry on longer trips.

[@stephenbouchard8075]

Great video. Great change fro The normal gear review. Thanks Justin

[@olddad67]

That would be so exhausting. Trying to work yourself through all that snow. Definitely got respect for you bro. Keep up the good show. Love it new subscriber.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Honestly bro, only YOU can make this look so easy. Effortless with your knowledge and choice of kit. Awesome brother.

[@arturz5780]

Cool sunglasses. What a beautiful winter trip.

[@AndrewParkOutdoors]

Beautiful conditions Justin and a great educational video for winter skills too. If only we got such settled winter conditions in Scotland. We generally have to head high and get pummelled by mountain storms to get snow. Very envious ! Atb A

[@NorseAlpine]

21:15 I'm not sure if you are unaware or just left it out for simplicity, but the front binding can and should be locked for walk mode by pulling the small lever in front of it upwards hard, at least that's the way it works for most of these bindings. Yours look like Marker Alpinists, on those this technique works for sure. Otherwise you might loose your ski or at least the boots keeps popping out, since the binding is supposed to open in standard mode. I was unaware of that and it almost ruined my first trip with my new skis. Edit: it's important to only use this locking feature in the walk mode, NOT to descend. If you fall with locked bindings they won't open, which can cause bad injuries! But really nice trip, seems very challenging! I am just a bit weary of UL gear in such difficult condiditons, but it's almost necessary to keep the pack weight managable. Cheers, David

[@stevealaskaman5680]

I am so envious….what a beautiful trip. Thanks for sharing.

[@lostintransit3359]

As someone who grew up in the low elevations of the Appalachian Mountains and just recently moved to the Colorado Rockies, I know the importance of warmth when out winter camping. In a situation like this where I know I'll be in ski's or snowshoes, I'd bring along a bit heavier duty tent and a good lightweight wood stove on a sled. At about 9 pounds weight, a good tipi style tent from OneTigris and a good wood stove, you can definitely be comfortable at lower temps with a good sleep system. Not to mention you could keep your pack in the sled and you wouldn't sink as far into the softer powder snow. Although knowing I would possibly have to cut a fresh trail in deep show, I would have chosen snowshoes over ski's. But I've never been a winter person, I just deal with it because I love the mountains and the desert doesn't have enough water to satisfy my fishing habit. Lol.

[@Tethysmeer]

Envy of these remote winter landscapes. In Switzerland I always have to go high up in the mountains to find fairly remote spots. With winter gear that's always brutal.

[@ewik939]

Awesome video, loved it! :) Curious question though: you mentioned in the end of the video that backcountry trips like this require you to take care of yourself. Yet during the ice crossing, you mentioned that if one of you went through - you'd have to call SAR. Wouldn't it be great to at least pack ice safety spikes to hang around your neck, and a rope? To not rely completely on SAR as a plan b, but be able to get the other person out of the water and change into dry clothes (and maybe even the sleeping bag or a bivy bag). Does add some weight, of course. Very interested in your safety measurements (you're a far more experienced winter hiker than I am). Thanks again for the vid!

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 Justin, greetings from Northern California. Thank you for sharing this beautifully filmed outdoor adventure. Clever idea with hot 🔥 water in your Nalgene bottles to warm your boots 👢. You need to patent that idea. All the best to you. Stay safe out there. 🤗 👋

[@sandecoffey9125]

For southern campers pnw give us a general idea of your location. Going over ice has always been the scariest especially as a solo winter camper. I always go the long way and avoid problems. Warming up the boots is something I got to try. Great video!

[@MadisonClysdalee]

Hell ya! Thanks for sharing. What is that type of skiing called? Touring?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Alpine touring :)

[@zumezoom9593]

This looks like something that I definitely CANNOT do but for sure it's beautiful

[@Alex_fortin30]

Very smart to put warm bottle in boots before to wear them 👌 great video !

[@jeffreycarman2185]

I haven’t gone snow camping for a number of years, but we used to make a seat area at the mouth of the tent so we could comfortably put on and take off our boots. I also wonder, with a shelter without a floor, (especially one so roomie as the one you guys were in) if it would be a good idea to have a trench either down the middle or around the inside edge, where the cold air within the shelter could settle, in the same way that is done in a snow cave.

[@williamdechant6234]

Cool video! Nice to see some of the views around Skoki ... never been there. You have good gear these days! I used a down bag with a synthetic outer inside a goretex bivy sac. Mostly around Jasper. Happy Trails!

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Thanks!

[@christopherwiebke3578]

Great video Justin. Just Awesome!!.

[@BeaglesBackcountryAdventures]

Excellent winter trip video Justin! Thanks for the gear breakdown and some of the tips for cold environments. Man, I've felt -18F before, but never -30! Kudos to you guys for wanting to go out in that. Sounds like you both have solid experience. That valley was a gorgeous backdrop for your outing. Well done, new sub here!

[@ttvdizturb3d]

-50c is coldest its got around here

[@JesusFriedChrist]

-43° no problem bud, normal day in Alberta.

[@danfedder1]

That nice clear interior weather looks amazing. A bit different than here on the Coast.

[@Gilks590]

Great video. Just a tip for trying to drink water in the cold. When you have your water bottle with hot water in it, when you take a drink, before putting it away, put some snow into. The warm water in it will help melt it. therefore, you will have more water through the day.

[@alecwhatshisname5170]

Shouldn’t it be boiled?

[@Gilks590]

@@alecwhatshisname5170 has long has there's nothing in the snow when u see it you should be fine. I do this all the time with work

[@Onomarn]

you haven't posted to the Gram lately. Love watching your videos. Makes me wish i was up north more.

[@Andy-Mesa]

"We're gonna be chilling." Literally.

[@jasonwardofficial]

Well done and a wonderful example of the kind of gear you'll need before attempting something like this

[@bekanav]

If you have backpacks you can use real skis and skiing boots and go much easier and faster. I'd never use full length skins, actually haven't used even while pulling a heavy sled hundreds of meters uphill. Cooking and spending evening outside tent is an interesting choice. I like to cook and eat in the vestibule and then go inside, lie down and have some heat from the stove. Hot tea and chocolate and enjoying warmth before coming cold night is a pleasure. Socks and mittens are drying on the line above stove But anyway video is from the better side of YT winter camping👍

[@karmaclanton5544]

Wow, beautiful sunrise shot!!! 🌅 great trip!!!

[@evanhammond7305]

This looks exciting

[@marcty7741]

Man i wish one day I can do trips like this. Having 2 kids its hard to leave the house lol thanks for making these videos Justin ! Stay safe, and Happy new year from Ottawa !

[@danfedder1]

Just start off slow. Simple one night trips with good weather forecast and lots of goodies. Before you know it your kids will be begging to go out!

[@willek1335]

One of the best things you can probably do for your kids is to break new ground, such as into the cold wilderness. It will be the sort of things they'll tell their own grandchildren about. Their grandchildren will talk in awe about hardy and rugged people used to be in the early 21st century. "You can just do that?! Wow." I still have vivid memories of skiing for a good while with all my stuff to a cabin every winter and digging down in the snow to reach our cabin trapped in snow, and I was barely old enough to be in school. lol I think it's an privileged opportunity that I appreciate the older I get. Cheers.

[@NuManXplore]

Very cool video! That scenery is epic, thanks for sharing it with us.

[@GlacierPilotGst]

Awesome trip guys!

[@mamterilleq]

I dont like doing trips into the night but I do not mind starting my days very early in the dark. it hit different

[@browsman2328]

Oh you have that weird camera that somehow hides the pole and looks like a drone shot. I fist saw that on Paul Messner’s site and couldn’t figure it out until he explained it. I like those shots.

[@MOVISION.STUDIOS]

yoooo, awesome cover photo man! I felt like i was there in the video. keep it up, more tips on winter camping please.

[@mr_cleaner_upper8645]

You clearly like OR kit! I’ve purchased a ton of their gear in the last few years - it seems to be the sweet spot for performance and price.

[@GruntProof]

man this is awesome

[@terryweaver9770]

That’s out of control sir…-22f !!! I live in Dallas, TX. In all my adult life, the coldest temperature that I can recall, that I’ve ever seen, felt, experienced- in my driveway too, was only 1f. Just one degree!! I can’t imagine -22f, sir I think U mite need U’r head examined, lol!! That being said, the next time U go out there, can I come?!!! 😉 love U’r channel. Keep it coming!!

[@DrofJustice]

Lol, I’m a northerner transplanted to Louisiana. I’ve experienced -40f so when folks break out their parkas and mittens at a balmy 50 here I chuckle as I jog by in shorts and t-shirt. I agree with you what Justin does in winter backcountry is on the crazy/dangerous side. But as a backpacker, I understand the drive to get out there. 😜

[@Kenneth_R]

Single wall tent in the winter!? Hell no! You guys are nuts! lol

[@douggibson9084]

Great content Justin 👍👍, thanks.

[@stephenegli4387]

Wow! ...the memories your video sparked. A buddy and I winter camped and skied this area about 20 years ago.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Nice! That would have been a treat!

[@TheWilderness333]

Awesome video! So beautiful. Loved all the info with showing your gear and commentary was great.

[@Gamerhog2022]

Y’all are hardcore, I’m always amazed.

[@traviscarter9182]

Great video were in Alberta. One small thing people overlook is if you look at how much snow was on the out house roof ready to fall can sometimes fall and block the door w snow and if your in there then and alone out in the back country that could be trouble if ya get locked in by snow. So just saying, it sucks. Amazing footage. 👏

[@Go2Brad4Fun]

Those sunglasses are looking savage!

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Wicked video Justin - loved the filming and the gear discussions.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Have you talked about those reusable ziplok bags in any videos before? I have the Stasher bags and they're great but kinda heavy for longer hikes. Thanks

[@JustinOutdoors]

I have but not in awhile! They are Russbe Bags! geni.us/RussbeBags

[@twinartifact263k3]

Where did u get the down trousers

[@rashadmohammed9025]

Great video

[@kadindiehl7521]

Recognized Skoki! I was lame and went to the lodge though. Great video man new subscriber here 👍

[@JustinOutdoors]

Welcome!

[@gsingh1927]

Great video! Wonder why you didn't use snow shoes for deep snow, might have been easier than skis?

[@KaneDoesOutdoors]

Skis win over snowshoes almost any day. You get glide in a lot of conditions, quick to get in and out of, reliable bindings, purpose built boots etc. We averaged 2.5 km/hr over 40 km, which would be tough to match in snowshoes. They both have a time and place though. If you’re getting into winter trips snowshoes are a good place to start, much lower cost, work with a lot of footwear, and no learning curve.

[@scottmccullough8030]

The only real advantage of snow shoes are their price and how quickly you can learn how to use them. If you have the money and know how to ski, skiing is FAR better.

[@kincheng]

Suffer shoes no thanks

[@bonpecheur4565]

I noticed that at 9:15 you stuffed all your sleeping system in your backpack , is it the best way to maximise the space ? Where do you put your stove , gaz and pot so you dont contaminate your sleeping gear? Maybe a video to explain your packing ? Thanks for the video , the scenery was spectacular and well documented

[@JustinOutdoors]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3m5e2h7h5qJq5Y

[@bonpecheur4565]

@@JustinOutdoors thanks for the link ! Many good tips in that video

[@daleyoutdoors]

Epic video Justin 👍 Puts my ‘adventures’ in the UK in perspective 🤣

[@SubarcticClimbing]

How was the breathability of the sky tour bibs? I have a tour coming up (5-10°F) and am debating leaving my soft shell pants at home. Also, skis make fantastic backrests if you bring a 3/4 or full length foam pad.

[@JustinOutdoors]

The breathability of the skytours is better than my OR softshell. The Ascentshell fabric is very breathable. Not as wind-resistant as goretex or something, but that is the trade-off.

[@SubarcticClimbing]

Rad, thanks dude. I’m perfectly happy with the trade off between breathability and wind resistance. Cheers!

[@GetUpTheMountains]

Shovel Pro Light? I have the Beast. Love Ortovox stuff especially their funky-colored wool clothes.

[@PerfDayToday]

Great trip, nice vid, thxs for the screen saver background, 12:09 Hey, what volume of packs did you both use? Edit: i see u have a rei 55 l mentioned in ur list.

[@KaneDoesOutdoors]

I was using a custom ULA Catalyst that I had extended for more volume. The stock Catalyst is 75L, but I'm guessing mine is 85-90L. I was nowhere near the capacity - probably at around 60-70L.

[@PerfDayToday]

@@KaneDoesOutdoors yeah.. winter has bulky gear.

[@davididing3678]

kick ass Justin, thank you for sharing this

[@petes6521]

Man it's beautiful there!

[@Stop-All-War]

Great video, educational

[@wm9312]

My experience working at -30 is you can see your breath all the time.And uncovered ears get uncomfortable real fast. Plus this is in Banff National Park. Hope you had a permit for that drone.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Whether you can see your breath depends on moisture content in the air relative to your breath. 360 camera (you can see the pole shadow...)

[@natureforest]

Awesome video ! Beautiful landscape

[@DarkDramon]

Awesome video I love that area in the rockies. By chance would you happen to have the trail saved somewhere? I'd like to try the route you took.

[@JustinOutdoors]

It's the standard Skoki Loop trail

[@TZsHikingMyOwnHike]

Well done on the trip & video. Looked like a lot of fun with just enough challenges to make it interesting. Really appreciate the gear info and tips.

[@tokyothegreat96]

Cool Video. What was going through your head as you started to descend down those steeper hills with all of that deep snow? "This is going to suck on the way out" lol also how does your watches battery do in colder weather? Ive been considering getting one my self.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Watch does great in cold. Mostly because it is against my warm skin.

[@juanmckelvey]

Great video. I'm trying to get into winter camping but it's not easy when you live in Phoenix. Lol

[@dennispaine1624]

Justin, that was an awesome video! I know it’s a PIA to video when you’re tired and it’s cold but it gives others a sense of what it’s like to winter camp. Glad you both made it out safely. Enjoyed the review of your kit. Good having gas along with Isobutane “just in case”. No problems with your fuel at the lower temps? Superb video….

[@ys7221]

Great video. What Outdoor Research hat is that you are wearing?

[@JustBrowsing777]

Such a beautiful location 😍

[@limodrivermike]

i like that OR cap. what model is that?

[@unightie]

FOOD BABY: If you put your meal pouch inside your jacket (tucked into your pants), rehydration is more successful and you stay warm in the process (especially welcome in the morning). I have renamed my Hyperlite RePack the ‘food baby’ 😆

[@KaneDoesOutdoors]

One of my favourite tricks. Best done in the winter when the grizz are asleep.

[@JamieUtah]

Just make sure that pouch is sealed up before you do!

[@unightie]

@@JamieUtah You bet! I put eggs in my pocket once - live and learn ha ha

[@freedomforaging]

🔥

[@DrofJustice]

Gorgeous terrain! Cool ski setup. What was your pack weight?

[@Floki1624]

He says 'about 30 lbs on our backs' at some point in the beginning

[@hellsscoutact5379]

Nice video, always pack some backup T paper. It helps if you get a tummy problem. JMHO

[@kincheng]

And you didn’t even invite me! Thanks for breaking trail though, I guess I’ll go this week!

[@kylesmith6553]

Hey Justin, I’m looking to camp higher up in the Rockies around Canmore or kananaskis and Nordic ski like 12 to 20km in, know any spots ? Thanks

[@jmdoty13]

Whats that OR hat you are wearing?! I’ve been looking for something like that forever!’

[@ForeverSkiing]

Is that Baker lake? I've done that trip in the summer. Beautiful area! We scrambled the mountain to the left as you approach the lake.

[@markm3448]

Great video - I did that loop in the summer a couple of years ago. Cool to see it in the winter. Did you find the canisters worked well at that temp. I have the whisper light but always use white gas in the winter - but hate all the flames that go with getting it started.

[@JustinOutdoors]

I find cannisters work well down to -30 or slightly below no problem. I ended up using 1 and a bit cannisters over the 3 days.

[@niceguy191]

Those inverted canister setups make all the difference in the cold

[@505fastlife6]

@@JustinOutdoors are you guys talking Celsius or Fahrenheit?

[@richardmann9628]

Celsius

[@tomlorenzen4062]

@@richardmann9628 still damn cold

[@Bergur.Palsson]

very enjoyable video, im interested in the video camera thingy you hold in the hand and it seems like the camera is flying over you? What nasa like technology is this? 🙂

[@user-rm4iz9te6s]

Hey @JustinOutdoors! Could you make a video on crossing frozen water bodies in the winter? I'm new to winter camping, and know nothing about crossing frozen water safely, or just what to expect / look for. Thanks for all the great content!

[@chrissmith3509]

The best tip is to avoid ice completely.

[@stephanprotzen6030]

You should try Farm to Summit food. Puts those you had to shame. Small local Colorado company.

[@richardjohnson4696]

I have the phantom Jacket from MHW. It isn't the warmest option from them. I like it because it is lighter than the Nilas or Sub zero jacket I have from them, but it kinda leans towards the light side of having a puffy for those low temps. I take mine when I don't know what to expect and I still want to be light. If I Knew I was going to be in temps like that, I might bring one of the bulkier jackets. I do like the dew point idea and having a top quilt to handle any moisture issues.

[@northeastoutdooradventures3787]

Freaking wild!!!! Top notch gear 😁😁😁😁 well done!!!!

[@walktherockies-withzach.3125]

Very cool video Justin, could you share area/route you did?

[@WonderingRanges]

beautiful loop! two questions- what avalanche beacon did you both use? didn't see that mentioned in the video or description. and secondly, why are floorless tents so popular in winter camping? have seen them often in videos.

[@JustinOutdoors]

I use the Mammut Barryvox S. I forget what beacon Kane had. I like floordless tents because they are lighter and, when talking down, it is a lot easier to get any frost that built up on the inside of the tent out. With a floored tent, I always find I have at least a baseball size chunk of snow that builds up inside the tent as I pack it up (due to the frost). I never find myself missing a floor.

[@WonderingRanges]

@@JustinOutdoors that makes so much sense for the tents! thanks for answering! loved the shot you had of Temple on that blue bird day!

[@evanhammond7305]

It's 1" of ice, not cm, but I would recommend 2 or 3".

[@douglasmartin6409]

My estimate is I would take about 2.0 to 2.5 days to complete the tour as I would not treat it as a race, looking at the results from previous years some have taken up to 60 or 70 hours to complete the event. A big factor is how much people stop to sleep I would like a solid 6 hours a night. The event is completely possible from an athletic fitness standpoint. The limiting factor for most is camping in harsh winter conditions. The event is to commemorate their countryman Roland Admunsen being the first to reach the South Pole along with 3 champion cross country skiers back in 1911. The story is quire remarkable how the British tried it and how Admunsen used a blend of Norwegian and Eskimo culture to succeed with ease. I know exactly what mix of skis you would need to do this event and they are available at the Norseman Ski Shop.

[@josephrhodes8721]

Hey dude - Great video. What size is the phantom parka you are wearing?

[@randybottphotography]

I wish I could get into winter backpacking. I've done it before but it gets dark so early and stays dark in the mornings. Hard to beat the views of fresh powder snow on the mountains and trees though.

[@georgemartin6389]

How does it work with drinking snow and the desalination? Do you have salt packets you add to your water once melted?

[@CoachBill315]

Epic trip 😎