Tracy Ridge - Winter Backpacking Allegheny National Forest

[@bjh6665]

My first trip to Allegheny was to Tracy Ridge back in 1986. Due to poor health I can no longer travel. I thought I would never get to see these great trails and scenery again. Thank for refreshing some great memories.

[@mikecolo2158]

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this adventure. My son and I did this trail 6 years ago. We went sort of the opposite direction that you did over 2 nights. Our first camp was the same place your group camped. Thanks for bringing me back. My son lives far away now, so I don't know when we'll get another trip together, but I hope it's sooner than later. All the best.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Yea it's a fun time there for sure. I love hiking around streams, lakes, water in general.

[@richardryan1502]

Another inspiration for me Jason. I almost hit this area last summer while doing the Morrison Trail. I was down in Allegheny for 3 days and did Minister Creek and Morrison after watching your videos. Just added Tracy Ridge to my list for next year. Thanks for the great content keep it up!

[@mrdonelsonglhs]

Nothing better than fresh snow in the morning! Looked like a great trip. I love your enthusiasm on each trip you take. It always gets me ready to get back on the trail!! 😊

[@chriscon8463]

When my buddies & I camped at Tracy Ridge last Oct, we hiked Tracy Ridge to point 11, then down the NCT to point 10, then up Johnnycake Run back to Tracy Ridge. ID’d “Whiskey Run” about 6 times along the way...

[@joshcampbell467]

I was just up there a couple weeks ago. That blue chair has been there for at least 2 months that i know of haha.

[@claramullen]

Another awesome hike. You talk about the AT, now that is an adventure I wiuld really love to see you do.

[@alexanderweaver9182]

I wrapped my Nalgene in duct tape and then a wool sock; no problems with freezing. The sock is slightly longer than the bottle and it's secured at the top with a short length of sewn on 550 and a cord lock. I also use a heavy "hunter's sock" to cover my butane canister and that seems to work so far. It's all additional weight but better that than frozen (no pun intended :) liquids. Great adventure, man, and it's the only way to truly test your gear.

[@myhikingadventures6777]

Love hiking at Tracy Ridge. I've been there a few times. Its a great way to try new gear and condition yourself for backpacking/ hiking. With all those nicely label trails you can do anything from a few miles to 10 plus in a day depending on your routes you take.

[@alexwbanks70]

Just starting the vid, but a buddy and I hiked here a couple years ago. We hiked to and camped two nights at the Hopewell campground. It was in the fall but still warm and we were the only ones there. The Handsome Lake campground was full with Boyscouts. We had the sweetest site on the lake. Maybe you end up there, we'll see. Looking forward to this video just as I do all your vids. Thanks for taking us along. Gets me through until we get to drive there again from Columbus.

[@nicksnow8464]

Thank you your videos have been really helpful for me and my friend to get ready for our first backpacking trip in the AT

[@dennisharkness1330]

Thank u.Enjoyed watching

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

This looked like a really fun overnight. Reminds me I have to make some different considerations for winter (nalgene, wind, condensation etc.).

[@timenglish9996]

Great video, great trip. I just did an overnight on the Tracy Ridge on thanksgiving weekend. Love the ANF!

[@adventuresoffrostbeard4955]

Great Video! I hike & trail run in Lone Peaks, myself. The 0 drop is hard on your calves at first because they aren't used to having to move so much with each step. Eventually, they get stronger and that goes away. As for 0 drop helping with IT band issues -- I think they may actually exacerbate the problem. My wife suffers from IT band issues and both her PT and people from the shoe store have steered her away from 0 drops. She has had the best luck with Salomon X Ultra Mids. They are built on a trail runner platform so, for a boot, they are exceptionally light but they offer great support and she hasn't had many issues since making the switch.

[@ThruHikingwithScars]

Between you and Shug we get so many great ideas and insights, and the cross reference is fantastic. Thank you for making this video, it is seriously helpful as I prep for my Feb thru-hike start. Happy New Years, Scars.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Happy new year to you as well man. GL out there! I'm trying for 2019

[@potatothorn]

always a Great time in the woods with you and your buddies// glad you go out in the cold, looks nice from here in my warm apt haha... so beautiful walking in the snow great video

[@bernielamont825]

Hey Frozen, i hiked that area last June, very differant perspective without all the leaves. I i'd' pretty much every wet spot on trail as Whiskey Run also, brought it all back Great video to watch bringing in the new year

[@FrozensAdventures]

Gotta love all thee whiskey runs!

[@jahb0b420]

Love Tracy Ridge...its my go to place every year : )

[@stowe18]

Great video- love when you wake up to some snow! Looks like a beautiful area- my only experience near there is the Morrison trail, which I really enjoyed.

[@davidschmude]

It was so cool to hear you remark about the "magic" of waking up to snow. December 2016, my buddy, Chris and I did an overnighter at Oil Creek. In the 3 times I got up during the night to pee, I witnessed starry skies, cloud cover and a white out that it was snowing so freakin' hard I couldn't find my "friendly tree". Nice video. I camped in my pop up camper at Tracy Ridge in August 2017 and hiked down to the reservoir on the exact path you guys took. It's a REALLY nice place that is vastly underutilized. Now.... I'm going to research that Z packs hat. I really need something better than my knit one that makes my head itch.

[@edmcdonald8487]

Nice video! I gotta get over to that area sometime. Looks like it'd be a great place for some snowshoeing this winter.

[@Hikergy16]

Your content is great man! I'm looking forward to my winter trip next week! Keep the great content coming and Happy New Year!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Another great video. I’ll keep spreading the word about your channel. I was on the AT last week and got hammered by the snow. Merry Christmas and hope to see you on the trail someday

[@trailcat71]

Hey I don’t FB so I just wanted to say merry Christmas:) I wish you and your family well and thank you for all the great education you have provided to get me going on backpacking!

[@FrozensAdventures]

+Trail Cat thank you. Merry Christmas to you as well

[@adamholbrook2281]

Looked like a great trip and a nice area. Noting like being outdoors with a fresh snow on. I really like my low cut altra lone peak 3.0, I did not like the midheight noeshell either. They didn't fit the same and rubbed blisters on my heels/ Achilles. Thanks for the video. Happy New Year.

[@arcana1973]

When I got to the well I could tell from the foot prints it was going to make the video . And I also stopped in the pines area to soak it all in.

[@TheJamesburgin]

While the Ramen noodles are still in the bag, crush them up. You can easily eat them with a spoon then.

[@yahirrohan8780]

@Mario Princeton Definitely, I have been using InstaFlixxer for years myself :)

[@alfredokorbyn4341]

@Mario Princeton yup, I have been using instaflixxer for since december myself :)

[@tituselias2945]

@Mario Princeton Yup, I have been watching on instaflixxer for months myself =)

[@PSUhorty1]

Yay! Finally, another hiking video!

[@jaecubed592]

Lol Whiskey Run...Love these videos... 👍

[@bretthikez6567]

Glad to hear someone else like going out in the cold and snow and all if that good stuff to test there gear..sometimes I think I'm the only crazy was when I don't see anyone else on the AT with me for days...great video man..i worw my lobe peak 3s for 2 months to work and very weekend on trail and my feet adjusted..not sure if the high rise are different?hope to see more winter vids..

[@bretthikez6567]

Oh and I hate predictive text...lmbo

[@dwayneg8486]

Great video as always. Snow looks good. Send some of that down to Georgia. As far as shoes, I love my Salomon Ultra Mid X's. Hopefully you will find some soon that work for you. Thanks.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I love Salomons but in the past they have proved to be a bit narrow on my foot.

[@JHL2469]

Altra's are the best, I have been wearing the regular lone peaks for running for almost 2 years and the mids for backpacking since they came out. Super light weight and comfortable as soon as you get used to zero drop.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I found out the insole I added was causing me discomfort. I went back to the stock insoles and haven't had any problems with the regulars or the mids.

[@JHL2469]

Good to hear, I find the mids a great combo of trial runners and traditional hiking boots. Water proof and still give you good ankle support but super light.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I found they are definitely not waterproof.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

DJI Mavic! Nice! Cool trip. Thanks for sharing

[@LetsTalkSurvival123]

The zero-drop of the Altras take a little getting used to... But once you are, they are hard to top. My feet and knees no longer complain like they did before.

[@FrozensAdventures]

+LetsTalkSurvival I went down a half size and have been wearing then for about 3 weeks as my everyday shoe. I can definitely tell that I'm getting used to them.

[@bigfootfarmer]

Catching up on some videos. Ill be doing to Black Forest Trail again this year. Did it in three days, gonna try and do it in two this year.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Goodluck. I almost did it in 2 I started pretty late that first day. I've been debating doing my conditioning hike there this year. Usually oil Creek is good for me but I've definitely want to see the BFT again.

[@bigfootfarmer]

Outdoor Adventures. Are you gonna meet up with Gary at all.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Maybe when he get's closer. Maybe parts of Viriginia

[@TheEriegpman]

another fun video, have been meaning to do Tracy Ridge for a while but never seem to get there. TIP: break your ramen noodles before cooking, easier to eat with a spoon

[@OutLan]

Give the Altra’s some time. Took me about three months to get used to zero drop in my Torins, then I ran a half marathon in them. I just got the Lone Peak 3.0’s with Altra gaiters for the spring.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I went down a half size (back to my normal 3 season hiking shoe size) and i've been wearing the altras for about 2 weeks as my every day shoe.

[@consumedesign]

Tracy ridge is a great area. Get the HG winter sock it helps a lot in, well, winter.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I have the dutch winter sock. (I lent it to Rick on this trip) I found that I get too much condensation in it. I'm thinking a simple 2qz2 underquilt protector will work since they are wind/water proof. Then I can still manage the condensation.

[@consumedesign]

You do get condensation in it but for me the benefits out weigh that. If you have the netting positioned above your face it's not as bad. I did 12 degrees in it with my 20 UQ, 30/50 TQ, hat, down jacket, wool socks, etc.. I did wake up snow above me and on my TQ but it brushed right off.

[@kriton12]

In a pinch you can use some twigs as chopsticks to eat your ramen. Shave off the bark with a knife or sharp rock etc.

[@carsonp.7009]

you should start mountain biking, super fun!

[@charlesmytinger9691]

Going there tomorrow

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

BEAUTIFUL VIDEO & SCENERY! LIKED THE CHANGE OVER! COULD YOU HEAR THE SNOW LANDING ON THE LEAVES & YOUR TARP? THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME TAG ALONG WITH YOU'LL! GLAD YOU'LL HAD A SAFE TRIP! BE SAFE! HAVE FUN! GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS! HOPE YOU'LL HAVE A GREAT MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[@FrozensAdventures]

Yes we could it was amazing. Merry Christmas to you as well

[@adrianmacklin418]

Dutchware winter sock solves your wind and heat loss issue its what i do amd i have a small asym tarp for all seasons

[@FrozensAdventures]

Yea I have it but it creates unnecessary condensation.

[@adrianmacklin418]

@@FrozensAdventures supposed that could be an issue i got the one with the sipper and leave it open most or all of the way just ise it for blocking wind on the bottom maybe a qunderquilt protector might do it

[@dubon811]

I recently found your channel and it is by far my favorite outdoor channel. I have watched all your adventures and several of your gear reviews. I like that you go light on your gear but not like some losers that sleep under a rock playing survival that think that light backpacking is some sort of elite society and they look like homless when you run into them at the trails. Please don't become one of them. You have nice gear that works and give good advice I have learned from your mistakes like that rattle snake that almost had your viewers sending flowers to your funeral lol ( best video ever) I think this channel is going to go a long way. By the way I forget the name of that guy that did the 14 days hike with you I saw him in some other videos too, he is awesome and has that attitude that he could get hit by an avalanche and keep walking 😆. Does he has a YT channel? Thank you for the time and effort brother.

[@FrozensAdventures]

+Js Dubon haha thanks man. That's Gary you are thinking of. He doesn't have a yt but his Instagram is hikethehike

[@kellyhart4985]

The Reservoir has a summer pool level and a winter pool level, which is the low level. The Reservoir is held back by Kinzua Dam and is a flood control dam to help control the Allegany River at flood stage from flooding Pittsburgh, Pa, the spring snow melt refills the Reservoir.

[@uptrail7169]

Nice early winter video! I've been looking at a pile of backpacks for a near future upgrade. Zpacks Arc Blast was my first choice, but some say to go with the haul for durability. You should read my comment on Meerkat's video. It may help you feel a little better since you forgot the spork.😂

[@trailslug893]

Frozen, How did the Petzl Actik Core battery hold up during the cool weather? Nice trip and thanks for taking us along.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Perfect! I'm going to make a review soon. Just want to do a little more testing so I can give some accurate info.

[@dustinthorpe786]

What is the price to camp there is it free

[@carlarosales2458]

Please do a review video of your gear from this trip!!

[@FrozensAdventures]

I will have a winter backpacking gear list at the end of the season when I can make sure everything works. I'm still pretty new to winter backpacking and I only want to to talk about gear that has worked for me.

[@TrekkerPat]

Very nice overnite, thanks. Loved that disappearing effect. How did you do it if you don't mind the telling. But then you probably don't use Windows Movie Maker.

[@FrozensAdventures]

+TrekkerPat of us walking away over the water? Just a simple cross dissolve. Or if you want. Magic :)

[@intothebackcountry2658]

Great video! I've been thinking of doing a winter hike this year. Not 100% sure yet because I need to buy some more gear. What was your favorite winter gear that worked the best for you?

[@FrozensAdventures]

I think the Outdoor research cirque pants are really good.They are water resistant and very comfortable.

[@LeandroPromotions]

Great video

[@FrozensAdventures]

+Dreams TM thank you!

[@richthesailingguy3239]

Would really appreciate if you could list your Winter gear. Looks like you made some good decisions (except for the shoes).

[@FrozensAdventures]

+Richard Weston still dialing stuff in my everything is working out fairly well so far. If you check the video description I have all my gear setups in there via lighter pack. Hope it helps

[@travisbackpacks]

Hey Frozen I've always been curious of the audiobooks you listen to every night?? Any insight?

[@FrozensAdventures]

Sure, ranked in order of enjoyment 1. Ready Player One (listened to this about 3 times, ended up buying the book, can't wait for the movie) 2. Armada (same author as RP1) 3. Daemon (currently listening, this is rising the charts) 4. The Martian (read the book, the movie was meh) 5. Fear the sky (didn't finish, the author switches characters too much imo and made me lose interest) Hope this helps. Also when I mention I'm going to listen to an audio book. Sometimes I'm so tired that I only get about 2 minutes in before I'm ready to turn it off and pass out. I only listen to the books while on trips, never at home. so sometimes i go back a ways and remind myself whats going on.

[@jwhited10]

Hey frozen what is the she'll that you were wearing? I am looking for a good outer shell that will shed water and still keep me warm. Thanks and love the videos.

[@FrozensAdventures]

+Joseph Whited hey Joseph, any rain jacket will work as a shell, just go up a size. The jacket I'm wearing in this video is the Torrent shell from Patagonia. Can't say much about it's durability as this was the first trip out with it. But it handled great so far.

[@amynewcomer3469]

Frozen, What was the grid location of the parking you went to ? Me and my buddy normally parked by campsite 1

[@FrozensAdventures]

I typically leave the GPS location of the parking lot in the video description. Trip Data Parking lot: 41.898952, -78.898758 Day 1: 10 miles Day 2: 4 miles

[@meerkat1726]

I love the title!!

[@brucehodson2763]

All Corps of Engineers lakes are drawn down in winter to allow the shoreline to dry and stabilize. Otherwise we'd be losing shoreline to erosion. For a hoot time a trip to Kinzua just as the ice is coming off the lake. Oddly silent. Re: Altra shoes ans calf pain. As weird as it sounds there is a huge difference between the Zero Drop of Altra and the 10mm drop in your old LaSportivas. It's enough to cause calf discomfort short term. Stretching them dynamically routinely throughout your day will help. As for IT band syndrome...that's also something that will only respond to increased hip mobility (if at all).

[@FrozensAdventures]

Great information thank you. I'm wearing the Altras as my everyday shoe to get used to them.

[@truefutbol6]

I am looking to do a pulk trip, how was the terrain? Mainly concerned about side hills, stream crossing and blowdowns.

[@FrozensAdventures]

There was only 1 tree down when were there a few months ago. Should be fine if it ever snows again.

[@ejones2219]

I think that one tree was called..... a whisky run tree

[@tennesseetim3752]

could you do a review on your warbonnet traveler hammock?

[@FrozensAdventures]

+Tim Calardo sure I have a couple trips coming up soon. But Ill get to it

[@azcolby40]

Great vid, living out here in the desert of Arizona I can't imagine hiking and camping in 18 degrees. Question, why are your Nalgene bottle carried upside down ?

[@metsfan12110]

Carrying your water bottle upside down prevents the threads from freezing shut. If your carry the bottle the right side up the water residue will freeze quickly and freeze the cap on.

[@awolexplorer8639]

Looked fun. Looked like a fall trip until the second day though ;) I have the Altra lone peak 3.5 mids and the zero drop is def an odd feeling.

[@FrozensAdventures]

+AWOL Adventures I ordered a half size down. And read an altras article saying to wear them as an every day shoe for a month. Going to see how that goes.

[@awolexplorer8639]

Outdoor Adventures Yea, that’s what I did and I got used to them. I also put a Dr schols active insert in to give a little bit of a shape and it helped a lot . Hope to catch you in the spring or summer at some point .

[@FrozensAdventures]

+AWOL Adventures yea man. Rick wants to do another kayak trip. I'll definitely be on that with you guys again!

[@awolexplorer8639]

Outdoor Adventures Forgot to ask. How did the reflectix in the shoes work out? Never heard of that but seems like a good idea

[@lafonevc5663]

AWOL Adventures i

[@jaredgates4310]

I've been looking at trying those Altra Neo Shell mid shoes. How did they work out for you?

[@FrozensAdventures]

+Jared Gates they suggest wearing the shoes as an every day shoe for a full month to get used to the zero drop. I went down a half size. Gonna need more trips to try them out.

[@ducaticanine]

nice! another great video man. where the hell is Gary?? :)

[@FrozensAdventures]

He's planning his AT thru hike. You'll see him in another video before that starts though

[@OldPackMule]

Great trip. Love the Morrison loop. Need to try Tracy Ridge. Any coyotes on that side? They were abundant on the Morrison loop.

[@FrozensAdventures]

+OldPackMule we heard one before bed. But nothing after that.

[@AROOnline]

So, what was with the title change? On my notifications, it says Winter Hiking at KZbin Hates Small Channels, but when I came to the video, it was different. Was there something I missed in regards to your channel?

[@TheJourneyest2016]

18 degrees thats pretty cold. Whats the coldest you have camped in?

[@FrozensAdventures]

+The Journey the coldest was 0F but that was on the ground with a sleeping bag. Lowest in the hammock was 15F

[@kenloq]

What size is your R1 hoody? I normally wear small not sure if I should size up

[@FrozensAdventures]

Size up to layer. Mines a medium. I usually wear a small.

[@kenloq]

Outdoor Adventures thanks Frozen. How does it compare to your medium OR Helium rain jacket. I bought the Helium in Medium based on your recommendation and it fit perfect

[@FrozensAdventures]

kenloq just a tad looser than the helium 2. So it should be a good fit. Btw before you order check out the Melanzana microgrid hoodie. Half the price. Just a tad less warm. My comfy. They are hard to get though. Took me 5 weeks to snag mine. U less you can find someone in leadville Colorado to send you one.

[@kenloq]

Outdoor Adventures thanks I will check it out

[@kenloq]

Outdoor Adventures yes they dont sell them online. How did u get yours? And what size did you get

[@MoPe123]

How often do you really use the tarp doors?

[@FrozensAdventures]

Probably once every other trip. I've set up in rain with wind facing the side of the tarp and then wind has turned on me to blow into the hammock. It is especially useful in the snow.

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

Nice vid :-) Hey KZbin get it together!!

[@nghiado4801]

Do you have any recommendation for snow gloves? I'm trying to get into winter hiking/backpacking and am looking for a good pair. I tried hiking at 13F the other day and my fingers were in unbearable pain within 15 mins of using my current 3-season gloves.

[@FrozensAdventures]

+Nghia Do check out the zpacks possum down gloves they are want down to 20. With a thick shell like the Outdoor research arete. I think it should be a good combo. You can double up gloves as well

[@nghiado4801]

nice. What size of the Possum down gloves you got? Zpacks say that "Size Large will fit an average man's hands". Are you following that?

[@nicksnow8464]

how do you keep your electronics charged on your trips?

[@FrozensAdventures]

A little outdated but you get the idea: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqCpg5uEo7SSi6s

[@patriciamoscato6586]

Outdoor adventures have u seen any bears

[@FrozensAdventures]

They are prominent in ANF but I've never seen them there.

[@kylerenick7659]

Which Patagonia shell were you wearing?

[@FrozensAdventures]

+kyle renick it's the torrentshell. Sized up to for a down jacket. It's really nice so far. Once I'm sure this cold gear is working. I'll have a clothing video

[@kylerenick7659]

Cool, I'd appreciate it. 3 season is easy. Winter not so much.

[@FrozensAdventures]

+kyle renick check out the Facebook page, I shared a great article about winter clothing

[@TanukiParis]

why you take the voyager hammock ? is lighter ?

[@FrozensAdventures]

+Tanuki traveler. Yes lighter and no bugnet which can hold in condensation . No bugs to worry about when it's that cold.

[@beamer6136]

Im sure this has been asked before, what is your hammock forum screen name.

[@FrozensAdventures]

frozensoutdooradventures

[@beamer6136]

Also what size is your Z pack for your food bag.. Thanks

[@FrozensAdventures]

Just the standard food bag under the dry bags. It's 14L zpacks.com/accessories/bear_bag.shtml

[@beamer6136]

Thanks

[@allwhowander6155]

🙀 Where did your video go?? I was 3 mins into it and now it’s gone?? 😢 I’m guessing it was more of the KZbin antics all the KZbinrs are talking about! That really sucks!!

[@FrozensAdventures]

Yea youtube getting slammed by advertisers recently. Their new algorithm sucks for detecting bad content. Hopefully they get it fixed on day.

[@danhatterer4569]

What drone was that?

[@FrozensAdventures]

DJI Mavic Pro

[@ducaticanine]

Outdoor Adventures ...gonna buy one?;)

[@FrozensAdventures]

+carmine hehe I want to now. He definitely got me hooked thinking of the shots I could set up .

[@bliblablublublublu]

Jason is better than Frozen :)

[@larenard3569]

Just so you know, in my ''Notifications'' space, the tittle of the video is ''Winter hiking KZbin hates small channels''? As I'm looking at it, the tittle is '' Tracy Ridge - Winter Backpacking Allegheny National Forest''. There is another video from you (in the Notifications spaces'') with the tittle ''Tracy Ridge - Allegheny National Forest'' but the video seems to have been deleted. Do you know why all this titles are there? Is there anyone else who see this tittle?

[@boulder89984]

Headlamp is great for filming but I'd be pissed if you walked up to me with it on like that. Does it dim down. It would blind everyone at night.

[@FrozensAdventures]

+boulder89984 yes it dies down to a very low double digits lumen. Also there is a red light I utilize

[@bubbajayy12345]

sent you a reply on your email just wondering if you received it yet?

[@RubOneOutRosie]

why is he walking so fast? tell him to slow down.

[@danielmilloy7807]

i got a notification. they must not hate you too much ;)

[@FrozensAdventures]

They keep removing the ability to monetize. The ad revenue on this channel pays for my monthly fee on my video editing software and sometimes when traffic is high it pays a portion of the gas money to trails.

[@danielmilloy7807]

that sucks. been hearing that a lot lately.