Solo Winter Camping at 5ºF in the Albanian Alps

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ABOUT THIS HIKE
In December 2021 I camped in the snow for 2 nights in the Accursed Mountains in Montenegro on the border with Albania. Hours away from the closest town, without cell phone reception, without any sounds and at -15°C my coldest 2 nights ever.
A written day-by-day itinerary and all my gear cam be found on:
harmenhoek.com/
CAMERA GEAR
Camera: amzn.to/31aQofa
Lens 12-35: amzn.to/3jJN4ht
Lens 7-14: amzn.to/3GrLyu5
Lens 40-160: amzn.to/33Z1nKc
Tripod: amzn.to/3vOW2ik
Drone: amzn.to/30XYeZl
Spare battery GH5: amzn.to/3nBDv6k
Camera quick release plate: amzn.to/33PdKbk
Camera slider: amzn.to/3KntnYz
Tripod head: amzn.to/3nEKlHU
LP-E6 battery and charger: amzn.to/3nFQ6W2
Variable ND filter: amzn.to/3AgQIGy
HIKING GEAR
Down jacket: bit.ly/3Ip5Fcs (women: bit.ly/3KxC2Yj)
Rain jacket: bit.ly/3GHQevD (women: bit.ly/3GRImYw)
Shirt: North Face Summit Series Futurefleece
Winter hiking boots: amzn.to/3tEtDwa
Snow shoes: amzn.to/33QOWQd
Socks: amzn.to/3Gmr7hX
Hiking Poles: Decathlon Forclaz MH500
CAMPING GEAR
Tent: amzn.to/3t3xnXK
Tent footprint: amzn.to/3nHn48i
Backpack: amzn.to/3BgTRoM
Rain cover: amzn.to/3rvyg9o
Water bottle with filter: amzn.to/3pZzvi3
Water bottle: amzn.to/3bivrRb
Air mattress: amzn.to/3pIKSKO
Pillow: amzn.to/3CoSoOE
Cooking kit: amzn.to/3FR7j50
Stove: amzn.to/3vPUp3K
Coffee drip: amzn.to/31vqdAf
Sleeping bag: amzn.to/3t84gmo
Satellite communicator (SOS device): amzn.to/3HGWGDa
Running GPS watch: amzn.to/3KrOZmE
Headlamp: amzn.to/3tGULec
Knife: amzn.to/3KtgrQL
Phone: amzn.to/33pRaGJ
Earphones: amzn.to/3IiQZeT
Thin (running) gloves: amzn.to/3KnxV15
All carbon emissions of this trip were offset by Trees for All.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:45 Day 1 - Vusanje, Montenegro to valley Liqeni i Gjeshtarës
3:31 Day 1 - Arriving in the valley
9:15 Day 1 - First night
12:44 Day 2 - Morning
22:38 Day 2 - Second night
23:30 Day 3 - Heading out
25:01 Outro
#wintercamping #peaksofthebalkans #hiking #solohiking #snowcamping #wintercamping

[@HarmenHoek]

This must be the most slow paced film I’ve made so far, but that is kinda what I experienced out there. This whole trip was improvisation. I had planned on hiking part of the Peaks of the Balkans trail, but the amount of snow greatly exceeded my expectations, basically cancelling all the plans I’d made. Instead I spent a week winter camping in Albania (video will come), and a few days here in Montenegro. These 2 nights were the coldest I’ve ever camped in (wind chill -18°C), but also 2 of the most memorable ones. There was no wind for the 2 days I camped there; the closest town was a 3 hour hike through deep snow. At night I would walk to the middle of the valley and look up at these rough mountains lit up by the full moon with the stinging cold of in my face and the perfect silence. No words for it. Curious to find out what you all think about it film! Full background story on harmenhoek.com.

[@stevenlim1043]

Dear Harmen, This is a wonderful film and tracking record. Most amazing it is solo film and solo tracking. Thanks a lot share your tracking and beautiful footprint. Please stay safe and have great tracking.

[@Peace-tk3gr]

Intro says 'without any sounds' : klink soos paradys, vir hierdie Engelse vroumens! 😁

[@outsidewithmike]

Just subscribed, fourth video I've watched tonight. How many times can I say how incredible your videos are? I will keep it short - they are brilliant in every way. Every shot is amazing, perfect. I'm no expert but I'm just stunned the entire time. The night shots, the starscape with the mountains in the foreground and everything perfectly visible. Beautiful work!

[@LovetowatcH]

Thanks for another vlog....love from india

[@mmaciuca]

Your slow videos are just perfect for watching before bed. Makes sleep better. Keep posting!

[@toddbuckman3012]

Brother, this is a wonderful offering to us all. No need to apologize for the sense of this being slow. Slow is good. Slow is a doorway to Presence, and to the eternal truths held there. The world could use a lot more of that. As you well know, what we connect to in silence, in stillness, is beyond words. I love that your films are not narrated. They are a meditation. And I am deeply grateful for them, and your growing talent as a filmmaker. Much love, fellow wanderer..

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you Todd! Appreciate your comment. My intent is to make videos even non-hikers might enjoy: just relaxing and letting nature speak.

[@skip1978]

great comment

[@Thomas_relaxation]

Todd, I fully agree with you. Harmen's films are simply outstanding, extraordinary and tell us more than words. I am inspired and getting ready for adventures, to create myself and share with People. But Harmen became a waymaker and master of style💚👏

[@alexgeifman]

Sometimes, when I'm suffocated by daily routine in litter urban surrounding, I watch your movies. They are the best remedy. Thank You.

[@HarmenHoek]

Awesome! That's really my goal of these videos.

[@thedananti]

highest quality hiking channel on youtube!

[@HarmenHoek]

You're the best!

[@Keepitnatural712]

I love silence videos it brings me to a magical solitude.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks!

[@alexandrepifelli8042]

Salut Harmen! In snow, cold, conditions put your hiking shoes in a bag that you place at the bottom of your sleeping bag. Your hiking shoes will no longer freeze and will be more comfortable to put on! Great outstanding video .. good job ,once again.

[@drsudirmanzavier]

I cant enjoy this video thinking how much effort he makes. putting camera, walking away from it and taking it back.. it is just insane.

[@HarmenHoek]

Haha, but I love it!

[@Ross.Bagatski]

One of the greatest videos on KZbin! Never imagined Balkans can be so beautiful. Ah, frozen boots. That's why I don't use membrane boots any more. Instead I prefer water proof overshoes over leather boots. Now, I don't need to deal with frozen leather in the morning or warming them near the fire. Simple, cheap and efficient solution.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you very much! Up to a few months ago I'd never even heard of these mountains. A real gem in Europe. Yeah I totally agree. And drying these boots out takes f o r e v e r.

[@debbiegunn4487]

Simply stunning. A grandmother from Florida, USA

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you 😊

[@hikesome]

Another great video Harmen! Bravo, really outstanding work. Even if the focus was on camping instead on hiking this time, it was such an enjoyment to watch. Great arrangement with all the love for the detail and stunning views. Thank you very much for sharing your talent and for inspiring. I hope you got to body temperature again, after this trip ;) Have a great weekend. Best wishes, Mario

[@HarmenHoek]

Hi Mario, thank you! I try not fall into a rhythm of just outputting videos, but really make each video special and different from the previous one. Thanks for watching and enjoy your weekend too.

[@hikesome]

@@HarmenHoek Yeah, I totally agree, without having the pressure of putting out content, you will have more freedom to create better quality films. But if I wouldn't put some releasing pressure on myself, I wouldn't record any hike that I do, hehe, but I want some of them as a video for my personal memories too, so I have to force myself sometimes to go out and press the record button. And If I wouldn't have found your channel, I wouldn't even make hiking videos at all, you are a huge inspiration to many. Thank you, always looking forward to your next one ;) Have a great week man.

[@HarmenHoek]

Join me in Patagonia from November 8-15! ► Book your spot on: harmenhoek.com/grouphike I am organizing my very first group trip to Patagonia from November 8-15. We'll doing a lot of hiking and cool other adventures some of the most beautiful locations in Patagonia! And exclusively for this trip I'll talk about my trip planning process and filmmaking + editing workflow (for those interested of course). No need to have backpacking experience, we'll be staying in hotels and are accompanied by a local guide. Check out the website for the full itinerary, pricing and more! Only limited spots available. Super excited about this!

[@langan3311]

Now, every time I click "Like" before watching your video. All amazing.

[@HarmenHoek]

Haha, thanks for that (:

[@helenlin7432]

great Films👍👍👍👍👍 [ Academy Award for Best Documentary for Silent Hiking Films ] granted by viewers👍😉( from Taiwan )

[@mototrailadventure2725]

Amazing. So quite, so sensitive... no words needed. Ambient music is perfect. Thank you

[@tomfletcher4106]

Beautiful as usual! So calming.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you! 😊

[@jackie8357]

Gorgeous! Thank you for sharing!

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks for watching!

[@vincentsaward2678]

What a truly wonderful and beautiful post. Thank for sharing this.

[@jedidiah357]

Love these films 💕

[@sandraferre6082]

I love your videos, amazing places and your fortress♥️

[@56932982]

Yet an other magnificent video. Thank you so much for bringing us along with you. :-)

[@HarmenHoek]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you too

[@user-vx6bc6yn4f]

It's beautiful and the music is so relaxable

[@rebeccagurung1577]

Wow beautiful mountain

[@dearmountains3431]

Absolutely incredible hike. Love the breathtaking views. Thanks for sharing and really enjoyed watching.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks!

[@beschuitfluiter]

The timelapses in this video are absolutely mesmerizing

[@vineethmenon1000]

The drone shots are just epic ❤❤❤

[@luiseulate]

Love your videos! You’re such an inspiration, what an adventure! Take care and see you in the mountains! 😁 Cheers! 🤘🏻🏔

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you! Will do!

[@charlottehoek3670]

Wow, another beautiful film! Really enjoyed watching it! Thank you for taking us along on your journey.

[@HarmenHoek]

Glad you enjoyed it!Thanks

[@abhishekghatraj5958]

This was very beautiful. Thank you Harmen.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks for the comment!

[@jessejayphotography]

Absolutely beautiful mountain valley and unique proud peaks. I loved the slower pace and the intimate look at this valley.

[@HarmenHoek]

It was fun making a different video about camping instead of hiking this time, but I was also a bit anxious about it. Glad to get so much positive reactions.

[@jeanpeuxplus7257]

Another congrats and thanks for this film. In 2 seconds, it opens on the beautiful drone views and I'm over there, enjoying the gorgeous mountains. Not only your filming and editing are first class, but also even without any words, I find the film very philosophical. It's not slow at all, it's relaxing, inspiring, just making us feel like being somewhere else for 20 minutes. All warm at home while you do the -18°C 😂 Can't wait for the Albanian video! 👍

[@HarmenHoek]

Many thanks! Loved reading your comment, great motivation for me! I was a bit anxious about this video, being it perhaps a bit too slow, but happy to hear so many like it. Thanks again!

[@ma0987]

@@HarmenHoek It's perfect

[@jorickdragt6755]

Beautiful shots, amazing video editing! Looking forward to the next masterpiece👍

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks a lot, mr. Dracht. (:

[@timsytanker]

Just come across your channel and have been blown away by the quality of everything you do. The best vids on KZbin by far.

[@trekkingdunes6063]

Juste magnifique ! Respect

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you!

[@cameronmilne5319]

Thanks for introducing me to the beautiful mountains of Montenegro Harmen....cold...but beautiful! Keep the great content coming!

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks. These mountains are amazing. More to come!

[@cohibablack]

Wonderful video! Thankyou so much!! 🙏

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you for the comment!

[@AndrooJeanPierre]

Soooooooo peaceful. Sooooo relaxing. I pleasure to watch and listen to. Many many thanks for your great job

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you too!

[@madusankapradeep2439]

Awesome video again, you videos always calms me down and help to forget about the tough times going through, cheers

[@HarmenHoek]

Glad to hear it

[@tirsolecointere]

I've enjoyed every frame in this video. I simply love it. I feel inspired to make my first solo camping in the next months!

[@HarmenHoek]

Great to hear! Go for it!

[@bandolero5068]

Another masterpiece from the Zeffirelli of backpacking. A visual treat. Thank you 😊

[@HarmenHoek]

THank you!

[@plur44]

Great work Harmen, you always capture the spirit of being in the mountains, the calm, the silence, the vews. Amazing!

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you! :D It's that feeling of total peace and vastness I try to share.

[@cyber_cowpoke]

Fantastic video and that last photo is SO epic!! Thanks for taking us along Harmen!!

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you!

[@ajda1947]

Stunning photography, very professional. Bravo!!!!

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you so much 😀

[@peterschlueer5848]

Wow, such intricate and aesthetic videography. You really go to lengths to create your story. Loved it!

[@HarmenHoek]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnvanderhulst4778]

Thanks for this one Harmen.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks for watching!

[@niektenhagen560]

Prachtig gedaan! Heb genoten!

[@HarmenHoek]

Bedankt! :D

[@user-cj4vg4zy6f]

It's just amazing 🤩 I don't now, what I can say more! You are profi,thank you for this film!

[@theadventurenich]

😮wow I love this film!

[@juanton31]

Espectacular!! Gracias por compartir!! Saludos! 👏👏👏

[@HarmenHoek]

Muchas gracias!

[@jonathansmythe6273]

Breathtaking photography.

[@HarmenHoek]

Many thanks!

[@gomiseon]

Excellent & Beautiful~~ Slow paced video made me feel like I am right there and I was able to enjoy the scenery more. I really enjoy watching your videos. It is a great stress reliever and quite inspiring as well. Thanks for all the trouble!

[@HarmenHoek]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@katnip198]

A beautiful experience watching this amazing video. Thank you.

[@HarmenHoek]

Appreciated!

[@CristianAlejandroSanchez]

Hermoso lugares. .muchas gracias.

[@HarmenHoek]

Muchas gracias!

[@poppy1539]

I really loved the pace of this video, music and your cinematography is amazing! It's like an art and therapeutic. It make me feel like that I actually there. I loved camping fire red, mountain and stars with some bubbly things, morning sun came out of mountain as star shape and your foot print on snow from drone scenes. I like your still photos at the end too. Thank you so much for sharing your magical experience!

[@HarmenHoek]

Wow, thanks! Much appreciated!

[@cesarbravojimenez7320]

The video is amazing! The countryside is so lovely and the way sometimes gets really difficult 😮🙂

[@ryanbhangdia]

incredible film! I love that it felt like a story without any commentary, so well done.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you! 😃

[@steveostler]

Beautiful. Thanks for sharing

[@HarmenHoek]

My pleasure 😊

[@daveg-j1866]

Another wonderful video. Close to perfection. Like watching Kraig Adams, Erik Normark and Xander Budnick all rolled into one. I hope you're able to keep making these, they are works of art. Beautiful.

[@HarmenHoek]

Well, that's a compliment! Thank you. (:

[@jfelixgs]

Awesome! Gorgeous video! It made my day. Thanks!

[@HarmenHoek]

Awesome, glad to hear that!

[@derrickt842]

That's the way winter should like.Amazing view, especially lots of shots taken from the distance.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks! Those distance shots are my favorite, really shows the vastness of the place. But those shots also take most effort

[@alo.agetano]

Great stuff man! I'm inspired by your work. Good sound choice. I felt the silence, emptiness, and vastness of the mountains and snow. My jaw dropped when i saw the drone shot with the top view of you walking in snow!! Amazing. Thank you.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you! I was hoping to convey that feeling of vastness and silence I experienced out there. Mission accomplished. Thanks

[@nisui5532]

Thank you for sharing amazing adventurous video again and I also enjoy reading your travel story very much so..I like the way you gather and arranged your firewoods..😁 ..with lot of 💖

[@HarmenHoek]

Glad you enjoyed it :D Thanks for the comment

[@milizmaj]

Thank you for sharing this nice video. Outstanding Dolina Grebaje

[@HarmenHoek]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@syedrameezali4596]

Thanks fot providing such beautiful videos

[@HarmenHoek]

It's my pleasure

[@juancarlospm2311]

Muy buena edición un vídeo muy bonito gracias por regalarnos estos paisajes HARMEN 👏👏👍

[@HarmenHoek]

Muchas gracias!

[@poindothy842]

Every frame is a beautiful painting！sssso great！

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks for the comment. (:

[@toby0129]

Thanks for another enjoyable video! I would not have described it as "slow". Though it didn't have the variety of shots I was expecting, I still enjoyed it. After seeing all the snow I think I actually felt some of the comfort of the fire. I very much enjoyed your summary of your trip on your website. The crazy experiences (e.g. sliding unattended car) and the good humor in the stories were really enjoyable to read. I look forward to more videos and stories!

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks Toby for telling me this! Often all I see is numbers, but actually hearing from someone who's reading my itineraries and watching my videos is much better. Wish you all the best, and thanks again!

[@Onyxthehusky]

Really enjoyed the video, I liked the pace of it! Very relaxing

[@HarmenHoek]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sheelachandrasekhara9025]

Enjoy the sound of coffee being prepared!

[@HarmenHoek]

Oh yea, me too!

[@mewli7402]

Another Epic work!!

[@VelespitliSeyyah]

It was a very enjoyable episode. Thanks 🥳

[@HarmenHoek]

Much appreciated!

[@markg3025]

Spectacular beauty of the mountains and the skill of the video creator are a winning combination.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you very much! (:

[@oeboeloe05]

Exceptional piece of work, love it! There's something mystical about desolated winter landscapes. Keep on creating, your channel deserves to be up there with the best (and beyond). Lekker bezig!

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you! Will do! Groeten. (;

[@mauriziobassani1350]

Stupendo posto fantastico sei un grande

[@HarmenHoek]

Muchísimas gracias!

[@francdejong]

Prachtig zoals al je andere video’s!! Geweldige stills ook op het einde. Dank voor het delen🙏🏼

[@HarmenHoek]

Dankje! :D

[@vnaravo3616]

I just came across your channel a few days ago and have watched 4 videos so far. Great adventure! You have fantastic videos, amazing shots and also the right ideas for trips! All honor! 👏👏👏

[@jaroslav522]

If I would use just one word, it would be BEAUTIFUL. Beautiful mountains, which I’ve never heard before. Beautiful cinematography of yours. I’m sure it was a beautiful and great experience for you. Congratulations. Great job 👍 J. 🙂

[@HarmenHoek]

I hadn't heard of them either up to a few months ago. Such a gem. Thank you!

[@alaskanborn3459]

Awesome video . I sat and watch both you recently uploaded videos today and those are some awesome shots.

[@HarmenHoek]

Awesome thank you!

[@lexatrice2600]

Best video ever. I can't believe it's real. This is what I dreams of. Landscape and Sceneries are breathtaking, unreal. Amazing! Keep it up buddy.

[@HarmenHoek]

Haha, that's awesome! It's paradise, but then very very cold. But hea, no people (:

[@SK-db3nk]

Schitterend weer. Mooi gedaan!

[@HarmenHoek]

Bedankt!

[@avecpellegrino]

So beautifull videos ! You have talents

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you so much 😀

[@summitwithstevie6934]

Fantastic video and stunning scenery. 👏👏👏

[@HarmenHoek]

Many thanks!

[@Lama_Shakti]

Really love you composition .off the top 👌👌👌

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you

[@shamsshams20261]

It has "moved me" so much that I am still almost in shock. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you for your kind comment. (:

[@ejlavine931]

I agree.... i did not sleep most of the night after the first viewing.... I said to my husband, "this should win every award out there. I hope he is somehow vastly rewarded for giving these to humanity.

[@johnpual4402]

Really amazing brother it is deep to see the significance of 1 self compared to the great the wilderness and experience it in such detail I hope to see more beauty's such as what I have seen on this channel keep up the great work👍🏻🤗

[@HarmenHoek]

Agree! Such a wild world out there, love it. Thanks

[@fxue_]

@Harmen Hoek, geweldige video! @18:37 heb je het wederom prachtig in beeld gebracht hoe immense de natuur is, werkelijk waar prachtig!

[@HarmenHoek]

Bedankt! (:

[@sky-kz3hy]

와우~~엄청난 산세와 눈덮인 위용이 으뜸이네요. 눈이 엄청 쌓여 산행은 힘드시겠지만, 색다른 풍경을 보는 재미가 있어요~~

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you! Glad you liked it. The change of landscape, conditions and pace was an awesome experience.

[@thoddyundoutdor214]

Fantastic Video 💯💪❄️

[@HarmenHoek]

Appreciate it

[@invinate]

I can imagine the effort to make this video. Beautiful!

[@HarmenHoek]

Haha, a lot of work, but I love it! Thanks!

[@gainesy_walks]

This is a great film. I've only just found your back catalogue, superb films Harmen, very enjoyable to watch. Some places Ive been but many I'd like to visit, I really like your style of video. Thank you for sharing your travels, David.

[@im_kiroque]

Your videos are always the best.

[@lou.t]

soooo gooooooood! nice one Harmen

[@HarmenHoek]

Thaaaaaanks! :D

[@LongArizona]

Dear Harmen Hoek! You have my most respect and admiration 🙏

[@HarmenHoek]

Ah, I appreciate that!

[@LongArizona]

I appreciate you too Harmen! You teach me the one very powerful thing that we have is…THE MIND!!! You show me that Mother Earth is sacred and so beautiful! You are my INSPIRATION!🙏 I am so lucky 🍀🍀🍀 to know you Harmen!

[@roybooth7904]

Magnificent. More than a hiking or trekking film, a 21st century Gesamtkunstwerk.

[@ezjcazador7944]

Excelente video hermano, gozas de una perfecta armonía entre tu y la naturaleza. Fuerte abrazo desde Colima, México.

[@HarmenHoek]

Muchas gracias por tu comentario!

[@munishkumar82]

Harmen fantastic hiking film…I was a Kraig Adams fan before and now I am your fan too

[@HarmenHoek]

Much appreciated. (:

[@hikermikem8]

😁 Outstanding video/film.. Truly Breathtaking scenery, cinematography, drone footage and still photos. 10/10 in every way. Really relaxing to watch and in awe of the jagged mountain peaks. 😁

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you very much! Very kind of you (;

[@konstantinosmakropoulos5796]

Very nice videos !!!,very good pictures ,keep on , Merry Christmas...

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you! Happy new year!

[@enmanuelreyes9406]

Excelente video ,no lo he visto aún,pero imagino que estara genial Thanks for Share this with us God bless you

[@HarmenHoek]

Gracias!

[@enmanuelreyes9406]

@@HarmenHoek Gracias a ti

[@frednorman1]

Beautiful mountains I never even heard of them. Great drone footage. Thanks for another great video

[@HarmenHoek]

Many thanks. I didn't know about these mountains either up to 2 months before this trip. (;

[@Anza_34832]

Excellent cinematography!

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks!