Remote Winter Camping in a Polar Vortex

[@logiconabstractions6596]

Bold choice of shelter in those temps.

[@brianadventures9622]

Wait a minute!! Back up, how slick was that way to detach your snow anchors!!??! I've been digging mine up this whole time and I can just unclip and pull? Amazing!

[@JustinOutdoors]

It's one of my favorite winter hacks!

[@the_average_backpacker]

I came here to say the same thing! Lol

[@Bobithie]

Hey Justin! I don’t think the humidity is to blame for why this trip felt so much colder for you. Cold air, especially below -30, holds so little water that even at 100% humidity there’s not enough moisture in the air to have a meaningful impact on heat transfer. At -30°C, the amount of water in the air at 100% humidity is 0.3 g/kg of air, compared to 15 g/kg at 20°C. Perhaps the reason it felt so much colder could be due to higher winds, a less sheltered campsite, or more clouds so less sunlight?

[@willek1335]

How much water is in the air at 100% humidity at 20 C feels a bit irrelevant in the context of cold, no? 😅 -40C compared to -20C and 0C would be more interesting.

[@atlanticacres1816]

Propane gives off moisture when burning. That may have skewed the reading a bit. -28c wind chill last January was the coldest experience for me on the east coast. We do have a constant higher moisture level here which adds to the experience. Great video and info as always. Be safe out there!

[@garynesbitt5078]

I saw the forecast and the first thing i thought was Justin will be out 💪. Great how you showed you fall getting the wood for anchors. That’s real life - it doesn’t all go smoothly every time 👍👍

[@goodredman]

Glad you mentioned the humidity. It makes a huge difference. Just like how when I lived in Florida people would say it’s not the heat it’s a humidity, and it works the same way in the cold. Totally sucks right into your clothes soak into your sleeping gear eventually you just can’t hardly get warm. I saw how quick you were breaking down camp stuff in your sack could definitely tell it was one of those nights.

[@PumpkinVillage]

That was an awesome video. -40 that's insane. Been -27 in my hammock and that was cold enough for me. Your videos are very well produced and your gear is really good. Take care and looking forward to your next adventure, Al

[@H4K4LA]

Awesome stuff. Crazy to think about backpacking in those temps. Loved how you laughed when you fell and that you brought the propane heater and explained it. Glad you were safe!

[@TrekkingPackingGear]

Damn justin, good idea with the news videos added! You are definitely a a big inspiration when it comes to editing and producing trip and review videos!

[@brianadventures9622]

Love it man! This storm is just hitting us in Ohio today, wind is brutal! I'm planning on a short hike tonight to test some stuff in the wind chill!

[@kriseikenbery112]

I’m near Toledo and might venture out in a bit to do the same thing. Dialing in my layers😳

[@Jack-xe8ki]

damn was it the aliens in ohio there? only in ohio

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Stunning scenery, and with the right kit you can always be warm. 👌🏻🔥

[@Jeremywm]

I'm sure you know but if you have water that isn't frozen it's faster to boil some of that and slowly add snow rather then pack it in the pot right off the bat. Strong work going out in such cold weather though and smart bringing the heater 🙏

[@unightie]

Yeah burnt snow just tastes weird.

[@natureasitis3082]

Hey! When I was your age I use to winter camp! Sometimes on top of mountains. I’m glad your really doing it.

[@tlgrimmy]

Man, always love your videos! I'm a California guy, so temps tike these are simply hard to find, ha! I find myself drawn to your videos because, if it works in winter for Justin, it's certainly gonna work for me in southern CA! You've definitely put the Canadian Rockies on my bucket-list though...Such a beautiful area and an empowering experience to know you can survive and thrive in some of the toughest conditions mother nature can throw at us:). Merry Christmas to you and yours, and thanks again for the great videos!

[@philkim1713]

I really applaud your courage. I had days off last week. and plan to go for winter camping like yours. After I packed and start travel I cancelled it right away. Where I live in grande prairie,ab. I felt too cold to camping out. But I am glad to see you made it safe. Peace out man.✌️ you did really good job with this terrible temperature.

[@cadleclan9]

Wow, I am impressed! That is another level there.

[@glenloewen7507]

Very impressive Justin. Great job! I’ve only experienced -40C ~3 times in my lifetime (meaning, a true -40, not windchill quoting) and that is some serious cold. Camping in that is an accomplishment!

[@DrofJustice]

Epic fall, Justin!! Of course you’re out in the crazy cold making the rest of us look like weenies 😂. It’s below freezing in Louisiana so we are hunkered down indoors. Lol❤

[@tylernblaney]

Much respect Justin! That is COLD! 🥶

[@thisismylaine]

Wow what a camp. Well done getting out in such challenging conditions. No wonder you used the heater and hand warmers. I imagine it was tough!

[@scottyplug]

JMoney Gangster! You are a BEAST for doing these super cold camps. Teachable moment at 1:26- - where was your Garmin when you had the little slip and fall? If this had happened much further from camp and you broke a leg or snapped an ankle, that could be disastrous. Always keep the emergency comm device on your person, just in case. PS, absolutely loved the outro footage!! Hike on, stay safe, Merry Christmas.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Good point! My InReach was in my jacket (keeping it and all my electronics warm). I'm lucky though in that, if it wasn't, I could have still triggered the SOS from my watch.

[@scottyplug]

@@JustinOutdoors of course it was. You’re a true professional and I applaud your diligence. I wasn’t doubting you, just wanted to hopefully help others see the importance. Love your channel buddy!!

[@AlbertVicol]

When u fell I laughed so hard, but you know why? Cause that is so me! 😂😂😂

[@michaelpfarley]

Great stuff, Justin. Thanks for getting out there!

[@lapp2]

Impressive! Great to see how you constantly battle cold weather camping. I would have done it with bringing a sled. Added some wood and used nature materials to keep a constant fire🙂 I would also dug down a bit more. So therefor I was really impressed when you showed me your way of doing it👍 tip my hat

[@sundaymorninghikes6275]

DUDE!!!! This. Is. Awesome!!!! Abso-f'n-lutely crazy, but awesome! Thank you for taking us along!

[@bluej511]

Just another day for Justin. I live in Nice i know all about humidity but we never get snow but temps feel cooler in winter then what they say. I lived in new England too so I know all about cold.

[@chrisw8725]

Damn that view of the mountains at 12:00. Incredible.

[@TheBlackCamper]

Better than me!! for me the fun ends at 10F. I love a good winter hike and camp but single digits just hit different

[@ozedude7082]

Ok i'm not not even 1/4 through this and i gotta say you are one brave bugger (maybe even a tad crazy 🤣) . Makes me wonder if it might be worth you trying a hot tent setup. Man i can feel the cold from here. 🥶🥶 I takes me hat off to ya.

[@bradzerivitz]

Wow, crazy. Congratulations on not freezing to death.

[@musingwithreba9667]

Good thing you didn't get a stick in the eye when you fell! 😲 nice recovery tho! I think at temps like that I'd much rather have a hot tent. 😁

[@logiconabstractions6596]

You can see it's pretty cold at 9:47 from the shimering frost on the tent walls. Everytime I see those, I can't help but re-live vivid memories of obscenely cold mornings, -30C.

[@curtis.strange]

These are my fav type of your videos, adventure on amigo 👌

[@marthamartha9449]

Thank you, Justin! Best to you!

[@SUPMyRace]

How did you get footage of me trying to use skis at 1 min 28!!!!! Great channel, looking forward to your adventures in 2023.

[@GlacierPilotGst]

Humidity makes all the difference, remember leaving Fairbanks in the winter at -50F headed to Kodiak in the low 40’s, close to 100 degrees warmer and it was harder to feel warm.

[@TylerCampbellOutdoors]

I'm all for winter backpacking, but don't think I could handle that. Impressive. That view, though.

[@EricVentures]

Crazy cold! Keep the cold content coming!

[@crystalmarini7662]

Thanks for the great vids! They are inspiring... What cook stove is that? Looks like msr?

[@idkwhattouseforname]

awesome vid + great editing!

[@LynnKsCouture]

Courage or crazy, that is up to you. Checked out pricing on some of your equipment and that makes for a terribly expensive outing. Have fun!

[@rickpetersonphotography]

I’m very impressed with your ability to camp in the extreme cold. But does not look like much fun. I’ll stick to warm weather camping ha ha stay warm

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

The region you live is stunningly beautiful. I love your gear. I got the Fire Maple stove last year and just got the HMG pack. Do you still use that Nemo tent? It’s discontinued and I’m trying to locate a used one . Let me know if selling it is a consideration.

[@ericb.4358]

Nice video on expert winter camping in extreme cold. (ONE ski pole?? Aaaarrrggghhh!) Nice Dyneema tent. i have one in a Tarptent double wall Notc hLi solo tent. But for winter i prefer my Tarptent Moment DW (Double Wall solo tent B/C it's made for winter. It's Dec.10, 2023 here in 'Vegas and as I write this I'mlooking at my .30 F. Eddie Bauer First Ascent down parka and down pants. I can extend the range of my -20 F, down LL Bean down mummy bag with a light down jacket or fleece mid layers. Tents are usually 10 F. warmer when closed up.

[@stevewright2241]

Are you getting a burnt taste in your water? Buck up and get a full tarp for your tent you will be more comfortable. Good video.

[@joshmcginnis8684]

Food for thought. I know you like to stay as light as possible, so not really looking to add more gear . But , are definitely for the idea of efficiency. My idea , since you're not sleeping and have proper ventilation, could use the stove when melting water , inside the tent to catch radiating heat. Also could maybe think of a way where the reflective shield could be used to redirect and heat the pot up more effectively? Just a thought! Ps. I like the gear videos for exposure for things that I didn't know existed but seeing the proof like this is thrilling ! Stay safe

[@philwilson3251]

Another awesome video, thank you. What is the little snow shovel you're using?

[@Jonasvanjozi]

You're off your rocker brother! Canadians are built different that's all there is to say about that!

[@ericbrown1401]

Hunker down without a proper cite. 🤣 Stay warm my friend.

[@JustinOutdoors]

It's a Canadian thing! Steve is a legend though

[@ideaguy4195]

So cold it’s hilarious great content .

[@noahlaskowski477]

Great videos👍 Keep up the good work!

[@goodredman]

Do you worry about bears? Have protection or deterrent? Great video well shot and produced I’ve been an upstairs apartment not close to camping at all but during this time it got down to 5°F with the windchill of minus 6° windchill in the north eastern United States. I have tried gear from my balcony. Really like minimalist Gore-Tex bivy with a good pad and ECW bag like your tent set up nice and lightweight but effective.

[@toocleanpappas5397]

So jealous, I am visiting my non hiking family and couldn't go out in this storm. And I just got my new TarpTent Dipole Li, would have been nice to test it out. That looked fun!

[@diegoalvarado1771]

How do you like those decathlon skis? I noticed you’ve switched between an expensive alpine touring setup and these.

[@almighty123T]

what hat are you using?:D

[@GrayMan7070]

I like winter camping BUT is it actually fun at all if its THAT cold? Or is just like a mental/physical challenge more than anything else? Cheers & Merry Christmas to you and Steph from Colorado!

[@JustinOutdoors]

I find challenges fun! haha

[@GrayMan7070]

@@JustinOutdoorsagreed :)

[@waynecatt602]

Way cold Dude!

[@agatho00]

Nice. Where I live we never have that kind of temperatures, but I would like to experience extreme cold someday. My lowest camping experience was somwhere close to -20C. Too bad that I'm a very cold sleeper and my feet get cold so easily.

[@musingwithreba9667]

Down booties are awesome for cold feet! I gave a pair of Outdoor Vitals and wonder how I ever loved without them. Of course I've never been camping at -40 like Justin!

[@agatho00]

@@musingwithreba9667 I said that I will give the down booties a chance, because having cold feet all the time is my biggest problem in the winter. I might have a circulation problem, because I have cold feet even in my house, when the temperature is around 20C.

[@vinniemcmahon6386]

How low would you go with the Polar Ranger on its own? Do you think the -4F comfort rating is accurate? I just got one and I'm curious!

[@MeMe-cd1wy]

Hot tent weather!

[@vzmichael]

The phrase “you are a better man than I” comes to mind here. I would be saying the F word every 6 seconds but then again I’m from Florida!

[@freedomforaging]

I love your videos!

[@robpeters2296]

The colder the better

[@logiconabstractions6596]

Humidity does not play much of a role for temps below about 10C. Because while relative humidity may be higher, the absolute amount of water that air can hold is much smaller, to the point where it cannot meaningfully contribute to heat loss.

[@darreng1918]

CRAZY !! But Amazing, good on Ya Justin.

[@alane3983]

Pretty damn cold. Too cold for me. Did -15°C and didn’t much care for it. Man, @-40°C and colder, that propane is just liquid. I guess the propane still had some residual heat. You’ll have to do a hot tent night at these temps. I think that would be more comfortable. I’d like to get outfitted with a hot tent. I might be able to handle colder temps then.

[@khrisrino]

Awesome stuff! I don’t think I ever heard you mention footwear … what kind of boots do you typically wear when it gets super cold?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Salomon Toundra

[@noBearAdventures]

Hey Justin. How do you like that propane radiant heater/Lil Buddy knockoff? I was thinking of getting one. They make isobutane adaptors for them too (tho prob not the best idea for that kind of cold). I’d like to grab one for shoulder seasons in the states. Any recommendation on brand? Merry Xmas btw

[@morgansyvertsen9265]

Love the video. Question regarding the Decathlon parka: I'm typically a size L and had to size up to an XL for the lighter down hoodie. Same for this one? Cheers, mate 😊

[@JustinOutdoors]

Mine is a size XL so I can layer under it

[@Greg-bz2bf]

Nice gear. 👍

[@AndreasHontzia]

1:26 Jep, been there, done that. I exactly know how it feels.

[@thestairguy]

I'm just curious; Why do this? I live in Utah but I have no interest in winter backpacking

[@tomm1677]

Crazy, crazy and fun to watch as usual. Everything made sense except for the Propane tank? Did you ski in with that (must be 5+lbs!) or did you stage it there?

[@JustinOutdoors]

I skied in with it! About 8lbs total for the propane tank and heater. Made for ~40lbs total pack weight.

[@tomm1677]

@@JustinOutdoors wow you did burry the lead... Video should have been titled "I skied a Propane tank into the wild to survive the coldsnowpocalypse!"!

[@filmic1]

Son of a gun! that's just gotta hurt! I felt that fall you took. Yikes. I've done a minus twenty. That was cold enough.

[@JustinOutdoors]

It was like falling on a pillow!

[@filmic1]

@@JustinOutdoors Whew! One would hope...

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

I see a polar expedition in your future Jason...

[@daisiesndirt]

Funny ur final words with your giant pee mark in the snow, keepin it real lol

[@SpaceCaptnFace]

ill take the negative eleventeen it is here in colorado any damn day over july weather. hate the heat

[@michaelhoran407]

Snowshoes with crampons and two ski poles maybe a better choice here.

[@JustinOutdoors]

I had two poles (I use one as a tripod). Snowshoes are sometimes better but way slower. It would have likely taken me 2-3x as long to get to that spot.

[@CarlosWilkie]

What was the gas cooker and bottle you used? Also what was the mini pump that you used?

[@jimmeek8621]

I used to think you were smart! I can see testing gear at very low temps in your back yard or close to your car, but isolate yourself in those temperatures ?!? This is the first time I remember seeing you with a Superstrand jacket. Is there a review coming or did I miss it already?

[@hamiltonharper]

There's a little Korean heater that runs on the long butane canisters. I tried using it at -5 F and it decided to shoot flames all in my hot tent. Yours looks better but for that weight I'd probably opt for the wood stove and a tipi hot tent

[@JustinOutdoors]

That may be due to the boiling temps of the fuel in the cannister. Propane has a boiling point of -42C, so it will still work as a fuel source up until that point.

[@hamiltonharper]

@@JustinOutdoors yeah ideally someone would design a lightweight butane catalytic heater with a preheater line such as the FireMaple stove that just sips gas. You don't need much heat to drastically improve the temperature

[@raymondsenecal8943]

Butane not effective bellow freezing point

[@hamiltonharper]

@@raymondsenecal8943 true that's why there's a preheater line for winter stoves. It would be great if that existed for a heater because the canisters are more portable.

[@sanchtodd4203]

Any idea if the ski snowshoes are available in the United States? Seem to only see them in the UK.

[@mylenegabriel435]

Was there condensation in your sleeping bag from sleeping?

[@nicholaspassaro8400]

Are you supposed to sleep with your down or usually only base layer?

[@thehikingcommunity4806]

I’ve never tried winter camping nor winter and it just hit me. If it’s below freezing how do you keep your shelter or all your gear not freeze and shatter?

[@garynesbitt5078]

Also I have no idea how you keep you hands warm in that cold to be able to perform any tasks. Maybe you have done a previous video but if not I’d love to know. Hardcore camp 👌

[@JustinOutdoors]

liner gloves and then thick mitts when not needing dexterity!

[@olafthesn0wman]

awesome challenge! what kind of thermometer do you use? its not in the description. thx

[@JustinOutdoors]

Inkbird TH1 and TH2! geni.us/bluetooththermo

[@olafthesn0wman]

@@JustinOutdoors thank you Justin!

[@kincheng]

Let me know when you do skoki loop next 🫡

[@andrewmena3118]

Wjat is that pump action fuel bottle he is using??? Ive never seen that before.

[@basher2209]

Great intro

[@woodchip2782]

You’re a superhuman dude!😮

[@bonpecheur4565]

I dont understand why you mix the real temperature with the wind chill factor. If you are outside your tent , you will feel the wind , but inside ? Doesnt your tent protect you from the element ? I'm just curious, I want to understand your point of view. I am from Québec and I know how cold winter can be . Thanks for the video

[@JustinOutdoors]

My thermometers only pick up the raw temperature, without windchill. So when I mention the temp while I am out there, that's what I am referring to. The weather channels are all over the place with what they are forecasting.

[@bonpecheur4565]

@@JustinOutdoors maybe its because you showed the weather forecast mentionning a -40 , -50 , WINDCHILL that got me wrong

[@robpeters2296]

U ever try a sheepfur jacket ?

[@EdwardsYAdventure]

Awesome video experience showing what its like in Canada polar vortex. I am curious what's the weight on your backpack during this trip.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Was probably around 40lbs

[@EdwardsYAdventure]

With the propane you brought too? Wow that not bad !!!

[@bw3126]

I’m all for winter backpacking and mountaineering, but what’s the point of this?:. You ski a mile in, set up a tent, and immediately crawl in your sleeping bag cause it’s so cold? Like I said, I’m all for going out in winter but this just seems pointless. I guess unless you’re simply just trying to test how cold your layering and sleep systems will take you down to.. but you’ve already done that. at no point did you seem like you were enjoying yourself..

[@wanglelife]

My big curiosity is how the hell do you keep the camera battery from draining in seconds with those temps?!

[@JustinOutdoors]

I filmed with my phone and kept it in my jacket between shots. It still died much much quicker.

[@wanglelife]

@@JustinOutdoors Yeah filming at those temps, you'll want to keep it juiced up with an extra battery pack inside an insulated sleeve with a handwarmer 😂

[@Talonboshi]

heard a lot of stories about damage to eyes when this cold. how were they?

[@JustinOutdoors]

They were good, mostly thanks to the "fur" hood. The fur creates a bubble of warm air around your face to keep it warmer.

[@chrisrondeau9912]

I'd hate to have to wake up and pee in the middle of the night with those temps!

[@sarahmelanieharrill4786]

You amaze me

[@KaneDoesOutdoors]

How much propane did you burn?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Not enough to lighten my pack. Haha. About 1/5 of a pound.