Trying NOT to die in the Smoky Mountians! | Ultralight Winter Backpacking Lessons Learned

[@DanBecker]

What a great edit! Awesome time. Let's do it again soon!!

[@jiamingzhang147]

Glad you were safe! :)

[@BryceNewbold]

Thanks man. Yea i had a blast, let's do it again!

[@BryceNewbold]

@@racacoon_ thanks dude!

[@arneservatius8686]

I’m 74 when a young man My son was a Eagle Scout and I was one of Two scoutmasters. When schools closed early for white out blizzards. We would load up the 4x4 pickups and 2 dozens scouts, head for the deep woods. We’d line everyone up with snow shovels and clear a camp site for 8 tents and mess hall fly for meals. Near zero temperatures and never had a frost bite. What fun. Wonder if I could do it today. Michigan

[@UnboundCrow]

Waterproof socks are an absolute must for my winter trips. Keeps my socks and feet dry and adds warmth.

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Pretty cool to see all of the mid west "stars" in one video. Man, as I watched you freezing your ass off the first night I'm glad of a few purchases I made recently...all from Amazon: (1) two Ocoopa rechargeable hand warmers with four levels of heat, (2) couple pair of insulated waterproof socks and a Condor fleece jacket. I tested everything out at a campsite in the Jefferson National Forest in Virginia. Before I crawled into my bedroll, I placed a 32 ounce Pathfinder bottle filled with hot water in my footbox (in a hunter's wool sock double layered over the bottle to prevent any damages to my sleeping bag). The footbox was toasty when I climbed in and the two hand warmers were placed where I needed them most. The Ocoopa hand warmers come in nice fleece like bags so they are nice to "cuddle" keeping my core warm. I am more of a bushcraft and overland camper. At 73 I can't ascend mountains like I used to. While stationed in Europe years ago I backpacked almost every trail in the Black Forest, Bavaria and Switzerland. For every trail we hiked we received a small medal badge we could nail to our hiking staff...I left Germany with five hiking staffs. We had a very active backpacking and skiers club in Germany.

[@rdaugherty52]

Its a different kind of cold in the Appalachian mountains gets right inside your bones. For the moisture inside your tent you could try a candle lantern. I had a temperature of 102 once and was freezing to death I lit 6 candles in my tent and stayed warm and dry but only 1 will help a lot.

[@danielkutcher5704]

Works like a dream! Takes a while, though. I prefer tealight candle lanterns. The UCO spring feed type have always had problems with excess wax jamming the spring and melting wax dripping over everything.

[@kattidee]

Un-candles...basically wicks you stick in a float in cooking oil. Burn for hours on end and only a mess if you knock them over...no wax.

[@davidschmude]

I watch a lot of backpacking KZbinrs. You definitely have the best camera work. Thanks for taking me places I'll probably never see in person.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Bryce, thank you for sharing this outdoor adventure. You had good company on this outing. The very best of good things for you and your family. Take care, be safe, have fun and stay healthy. 🤗

[@TobiasHoendervangers]

Really nice content. Good vibes, despite the cold ;)

[@MylesAway3]

Looks like one mess of a trip! Those are the ones that are talked about the most later. Thanks for the video!

[@drokoutdoors]

These are the type of trips you'll always remember. Great video, love watching when guys all get together.

[@adventuresoffrostbeard4955]

Dude. Your editing has gotten SO GOOD! Great job!!

[@BryceNewbold]

Thanks dude! It's funny I actually struggled with this one more than most. Glad it was worth it

[@everforwardhikes1452]

Ultralight packing is not for cold weather . you need to prepare for the weather at this time of year . not worry about being weighed down by an extra pound of warm clothing to keep you warm and alive

[@Dubstep412]

But how can i brag online that my pack weighs 10lbs or less!?!?

[@serm3378]

Hiking boots too, I mean sneakers in the snow? this is entry level shit.

[@JourneyontheTrail]

Great trip video Bryce. Appreciated seeing this trip from each of you all's perspectives. I also appreciate the honesty while you're out there. It's not always sunshine, unicorns, and leprechauns. Thanks for sharing.

[@marvinmeredith2193]

Pack cover in case it rains, pack liner and dry bags for everything I want to stay dry in case I fall during a water crossing! No gear is ultra lite when wet. Good channel, great camera work!

[@mikeghost7788]

Let me know when your ready for a tarp camping trip. Let's skip the rain lol!! Michigan is calling I must answer the NCT. Come along wont you??🤣🤣🤣

[@dougoutdoors]

Great way to end this evening with a beverage and a Bryce adventure!

[@BryceNewbold]

Nice!

[@jayskinner6321]

Great video! The Smoky's are heaven on earth!! I hope you do one there in the spring with the guys!

[@BryceNewbold]

Love smokies in the spring!

[@AJKPenguin]

You know it's miserable when a man from Wisconsin has to hike out on Night 1! I can feel that bone chilling cold. It could be -30 below and sunny but that would feel a bit warmer than 35 and rain. Raises two mugs of wassail and glog in approval and appreciation. : ) Love that snow footage!

[@haleyseely6838]

Love you guys trolling each other for filming. 😂 Checking out the other videos to get all the perspectives.

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Great trip bro. I like to take a summer quilt with me in those conditions to keep the condensation off of my sleeping bag or quilt. Gotta love those Smoky Mountains Merry Christmas Bryce

[@BenMcmillen]

Type 2 fun is way better with friends. Another great video

[@BryceNewbold]

Always! Thanks man

[@danielcluley870]

Been there before in a frozen blizzard on top of Tray mountain. This is why I always bring a wool base layer and extra wool socks/undies on every hike. UL, not really, alive, yep.

[@TWCAlex802]

Yea waterproof socks & boots are a must for hiking in this kind of weather. For me especially.

[@TheAdventureGeek]

I’ve watched all of the videos from this trip. Highly entertaining and I felt for you with your very cold feet 🦶! Great video as always Bryce. Happy Hiking 🥾- Julia UK

[@MG-ze3lf]

East coast winter rain is brutal. One thing I've learned living in western Pa all my life is I will never sacrifice my comfort and safety for UL in the winter. If you have to pack heavier with extra clothing and tents better suited for the weather then it will save your life. And lots and lots of Hot Hands warmers. Lol

[@BryceNewbold]

👍

[@cavtroop50]

I know the pain. There is a Swedish saying, "there is no bad weather only bad cloths" so maybe that could apply to gear? I heavy pack because I like bringing wool and canvas. Yes, it is heavy, but I am usually warm. Good way to keep positive and it looks like you all had fun! Stay safe!

[@BryceNewbold]

I wish I had some wool

[@cavtroop50]

@@BryceNewbold I can agree, you must have been frozen! Not fun!

[@AJKPenguin]

@@BryceNewbold Get some Redhead Wool Socks from Bass Pro. Last I checked you could turn in worn out pairs and get new ones free.

[@fpsdr0p8]

Love these vlog vids Bryce. Hope to see more in the future bro!

[@andyhall4599]

1st time watching your channel. Been watching Schill Brothers and Dan a few years. You put excellent quality into your videos. Enjoyed it.

[@BryceNewbold]

Thank you! I put in too much time 😆

[@topshelfbackpacking7867]

This video “does not disappoint”. Worth the wait. I watched it with my down booties on since the thumbnail made me cold.

[@BryceNewbold]

Haha! Thanks man

[@selfretired3025]

6' = 10° LOL Nice trip, guys!

[@BryceNewbold]

Huge temperature difference 😆

[@tridudyonthetrail]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing!

[@MarkFugel]

you guys rib each other lots...but really...you all have a good chemistry together...really enjoyed your trip...hopefully you will do more together.

[@BryceNewbold]

Thanks! Good dudes

[@ThienNguyen-ec8yc]

You all need to come to Oregon for a meet up!!! Love watching all the videos from you guys!!! Glad everyone is safe.

[@BryceNewbold]

I love oregon. I would be down!

[@codymcgee6999]

Cool video. Interesting to see your account of everything that happened on this eventful trip. The shami is a great idea for the weather you were in. I'll have to remember that. See you on the trail. ✌

[@artfisher1235]

I'm a Pigeon Forge local and 34 and 29 are my favorite sites to stay at above Cosby, including winter snow camps. Great to see you enjoy it as well.

[@BryceNewbold]

Thats awesome. I'm jealous!

[@bobcarrphoto7938]

Enjoyed your video as part of the trifecta from this trip. Really nice editing. I’ve had some success getting a little extra warmth with a Sea to Summit liner in my bag. Helps with my typically cold feet, and with the damp air in the Smokies.

[@OurNationalAdventure]

Gosh you landed there during a cold spell! 3 days in and moving strong! Having cold feet is the worst. Beautiful snow, but brrrr!

[@jamesking2851]

Enjoyed the video vey much however had to sit through 8 commercials. No bueno amigo

[@Dadangandara]

Great video, thank you for sharing Friend

[@BryceNewbold]

Thank you too

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

I’ve seen the Schill video on this trip, plus the post trip livestream conversation. This was a rough trip . Good job. Heavy rain to freezing temps and snow isn’t easy. You guys have to get into hot tents . 😊❤️🇺🇸❄️☃️🛷🔥⛺️🌄

[@BryceNewbold]

I want a hot tent! Thought about making one

[@SamwiseOutdoors]

I'm really enjoying this, there's a special kind of fun when you're on the edge like this. I admire your ambition for going UL on a winter cold weather expedition.

[@BryceNewbold]

It definitely is a different experience. Most people have been ripping on me for going UL so I appreciate the comment. I love the adventure, the challenge, and not to mention youtube loves dramatic videos! 😄 Thanks!

[@wisenber]

I did that loop the opposite direction several years ago. It was in the 20's a the parking lot and snowing. Campsite 29 had hard frozen ground and a couple of inches of snow. The mice were brazen as they hit my trailmix bag when I left for about 90 seconds. Digging a cathole on a frozen 30 degree slope was a gymnastic exercise.

[@BryceNewbold]

oh wow. yea i dug a cathole on a 30° slope as well! lol.. i feel ya

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

Awesome trip! I definitely need to backpack the smokies sometime!

[@freddonelson5505]

Nice trip!! Get some of those hand warmers from Walmart...it will help those extremities get and stay warm. And I can vouch for the Goosefeet down booties and overshoes. Use em all the time when the weather gets cold! Have a great holiday!

[@tammieflemal7871]

Type 2 fun at home it’s best.... hey guys remember that time we didn’t freeze? Good times and memories are made like this👍🏼

[@JBENHIKES]

Those chairs were clutch with the snow on the ground. It would've stunk in the attempt to sit around the fire w/o... Down booties are amazing! I will throw some Hot-Hands in them initially until my toes warm up and then remove from the booties, leaving in the foot box. As experience as you are in the backcountry, you probably know that camp-trick! You definitely have to be determined and resourceful when on this type of hike. Enjoyed the vid... - JBH

[@gretchenlopez787]

Beautiful footage 😍😍😍

[@BryceNewbold]

Thanks!

[@FrozensAdventures]

Bryce is slowly turning mainstream! Dude try some sealskinz for your feet. Even if you don't use them for the water protection. The warmth while hiking is worth it.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Haha...one word... umbrella!!! 😉

[@BryceNewbold]

dan had one. i tried it. very nice

[@micahkessner5592]

So different than the Winter I’m used to in Colorado. Much colder here, but everything stays dryer because of it. Definitely requires a heavier pack for 4 season tents, sleeping bags, etc.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great Type 2 adventure!

[@BryceNewbold]

Absolutely

[@whatkjsaw4461]

Definitely TYPE 2 fun. ❄️ Imagine if you had a (chemical) hand-warmer for that foot box! 🔥Oh yeah!🔥 I loved your video; you and the guys had a great adventure, thanks for sharing👍👍 Takeaway: ultralight is not ultra comfort, for sure.

[@jeffstone28]

You all brought chairs! Cool. My Helinox Zero arrives this week from REI 🙂

[@Rudy1150]

Katies bonfire... classic. lol.

[@BryceNewbold]

haha

[@TheBaron81087]

Katie's bonfire 😂

[@renaecummings8068]

What kind of tent were you using? Thought you wouldn’t have such condensation issues since it looked double walled. Thanks. Great video

[@KrizAkoni]

That's about the worst kind of cold there - freezing and wet. Definitely type 2 "fun". Feed the core! LoL. Great storyline and videography! I'm a fan of the canister in winter - below 20, you may want to look at using a "moulder strip" if the performance is sad.

[@mysterious.hiker.x]

That was a seriously well-edited intro.

[@BryceNewbold]

Thank you. Making intros is my favorite part of youtube 👍

[@derbybushcraftandoutdoors3176]

This is a great video series between all of you guys. I’m a sub to each and everyone’s channel. Great videos with a group of great guys. If you guys ever make it to Kentucky drop me a line. I’d love to be a 5th wheel 😀

[@markcummings6856]

“That’s not my food bag” 😏

[@Wondering_Fireball]

Great video Brice. Plan on doing a two day one night in the Smokies during Christmas.

[@GeoterricsOutdoorsAustralia]

This is cool. I love the intro, great vid! Just subscribed

[@BryceNewbold]

Thanks for subbing!

[@Smokeybeesnatural]

Great video as always! Love the Smokies! Maybe I should get some down booties 🤔

[@BryceNewbold]

Mayb@

[@markcummings6856]

Top shelf video. Great content and quality. Very much appreciated. - Forgot your scoop, use your pot.

[@BryceNewbold]

Ingenious. I'm an idiot. Lol

[@norfolkyeti]

“Type 2 fun”😂😂 is that what us English men would call “character building stuff” ?

[@BryceNewbold]

Exactly!

[@edvcbx]

21'24 ==> 21'25 ... the camera hand action is awesome ... great winter video ... may be with winter gear next year ? 😄...

[@KB-re4ku]

Check out the gloves Skurka wears, Atlas Showa Temres 282. Good glove for colder temps. Bread bags make good shoe liners for wet weather.

[@tommiv4953]

Wrap wet socks around your neck while hiking. Sounds stupid, but it dries them up quite nicely.

[@BryceNewbold]

Sounds crazy but it just may work

[@mattbundt9986]

Love the intro man, been waiting for this vid!

[@BryceNewbold]

Thanks man

[@blackedoutgst]

I spent the night at leconte on the 5th and it was amazing.

[@brandenohara4099]

I always bring a microfiber towel as my camp towel, and tent condensation remedy

[@SterlingSigurdsen]

You should check out Kamik boots. They’re really good at cold weather backpacking. And for thermals I would recommend Reebok’s fleece thermal.

[@BryceNewbold]

Cool. I'll check those out.

[@robertclark8044]

As you and Dan found out it's imperative to stay dry. Worth it in the late fall/winter to carry extra layers so you always have dry stuff to sleep in. A few extra pounds are worth the peace of mind.

[@mikejordan9220]

Nice hike but it isn't fun freezing. I live in the Cincy area and I recently went to Red River Gorge and it was packed with hikers (way too many). I found another good place to hike that is a reasonable drive and isn't hiked too heavily. It is Cave Run Lake near Morehead Ky. It doesn't have a ton of trails but enough to explore for a couple of nights.

[@BryceNewbold]

Thats actually what keeps me away from the gorge. Too many people

[@Cgh432]

Love both of these areas have done so much backpacking and ultra running as well as biking ...the Shetowee trace is an awesome trail to winter backpack on also ..my spellings not correct ..check it out !

[@Shadowaspen]

when i see you guys gear i know why you are cold

[@michaelsapienza9215]

Great video!

[@paparomesoutdoors711]

just started watching and your intro is sick just fyi this is a good video so far.

[@paparomesoutdoors711]

excellent video that looked rough cold wet can be dangerous.

[@nathanielpoulin7728]

Great video Bryce thank you. How did the tent workout? Were you able to stake it out?

[@roscoegoesoutdoors9205]

Waterproof socks for camp.

[@chrisdaunhauer1757]

been there done that in the Smokies. Good times. We ran into triple crowner WILDCAT at then end of hard day at an AT shelter and me made us some of his famous "hot drink"

[@Panzerkita61]

Winter starts December 21st

[@BryceNewbold]

Snow = winter for me 😆

[@Panzerkita61]

@@BryceNewbold Good point, but... up here in parts of Western Canada we can get snow in July. 😎✌🏻

[@brandenohara4099]

I'm a solstice baby! Most years.

[@alexwbanks70]

Definitely the ones you remember.

[@BryceNewbold]

yes sir!

[@notyouraccount9742]

Out of this entire Motley Crüe , Bryce has the best video about this disaster.

[@scottbutler1561]

Awesome video! I like how your video's put the viewer right there. Other than weight and compressibility, why so many KZbinrs in our region are sold on down for 30ish wet weather. The term synthetic is thrown around like all synthetic insulations are the same, there is one exception; I've been using Apex/Climashield/Lamilite for the past 30 years. It's a bit heavier and it weighs more than premium down, but it absolutely insulates when wet, is more durable, easier to clean, and has the same longevity as down. For me, the weight tradeoff is more than acceptable. The compressibility does suck though to be fair.

[@dougthueneman]

Katies bonfire was soooo lit dude...

[@BryceNewbold]

Hsha!

[@eristicfreethinker2098]

Quality video. Solid videography, editing and narration. Did your HMG pack stay watertight? Do you put your sleeping bag/quilt in any type of waterproof bag as additional protection against getting it wet inside the pack? Have you tried vapor barrier clothing or a VB liner for your bag/quilt? In those temps and humid conditions, they might solve or improve your problem with moisture/condensation in your tent.

[@BryceNewbold]

Thank you so much! My pack is actually made by LiteAF and stayed completely dry inside. I used a garbage bag as a liner but there was no water in the pack. No liner for my quilt but I may try that. I think because we camped near water there was alot of moisture in the air. Never have gotten that wet before.

[@arezayadda9198]

Thats a nice intro.!!

[@8470tony]

Very cool. Backpacking in the snow puts any inconvenient times which occur in summer into a clearer perspective for me. Have you tried the pack-it-gourmet meals? I like their breakfast much better than the mountain house.

[@BryceNewbold]

It definitely does. I've actually never had them before. They look good. But until my box of mountain house runs out I probably won't buy any more. 😄

[@8470tony]

At risk of sounding dramatic, the stakes really are higher when it’s below freezing. Get wet or too cold at camp and it’s incredibly hard to get back from it. A few tricks I learned is to really put a lot of effort into making a fire. All that movement keeps the body heat. Another is to boil some water and put it in a nalgene, then put it in your foot box. In a sticky situation it can help your feet get warmer. The isobutane fuel also separates in those cold temps so it doesn’t burn nearly as well. Additionally, the fuel ratio will be off when used again.

[@hootonthetrail3894]

Did anyone bust their ass? 😂 Intro was fucking killer!

[@johnnyrussell8729]

Good video and as you know Smokies can be rough. You were down in my part of world in East Tennessee. Can you recommend a good backpacking trip in Ohio. I spend a couple of weeks a year up there hunting and would like to do a backpacking trip up there. Thanks

[@brianadventures9622]

Always good to be out with friends when the weather is less than favorable! What tent did you use for this trip?

[@BryceNewbold]

Fun time for sure. Its a prototype thats not going to market

[@gbeachy2010]

Salami as part of dinner + a couple shots of single malt and your body will turn into a furnace about 1 am even at zero degrees in Rocky Mountain National Park.

[@colebeast55]

Great video! What tent did you use and what are your thoughts on it?

[@danielkutcher5704]

Brrrrr-Ice New Cold! 😁I already watched Becker's account. Temperatures in the low 30s with freezing rain and sleet are the most uncomfortable conditions, imo, that hikers can encounter in the mountains. Knowing how to stay warm in those conditions is key to a bearable, if not enjoyable trip. Survival, when hiking alone in the winter (which I used to do extensively) is not a sure thing. A simple slip on icy rocks while crossing a stream, hitting your head and getting knocked unconscious isn't out of the question. It happened to a young man who has a KZbin channel, Mischief on the Trail, a few years ago. He woke up hours later, made it back to the shelter, passed out again, and eventually ended up losing all the toes on one foot and the front half of the other foot. He hikes now with the aid of custom orthotics. Check out his channel for inspiration.

[@BryceNewbold]

😆😆 creative!

[@danielkutcher5704]

I try! I also extensively edited my post. Tinker is my trail name. I will attempt to finish the southernmost 500 miles of the AT next spring. Thanks for your videos!👍

[@holyawesome2]

sweet video...those down booties being semi-outdside friendly is interesting...did you happen to find out what make/model they were?

[@TheBaron81087]

I think the Schill brothers talked about waterproof covers for the booties in a recent video.

[@leeennddaa853]

bwahahaha nice yellow snow in the background there at 17:07 🤓

[@BryceNewbold]

Good eye! Must have had a bear in camp 😆

[@leeennddaa853]

@@BryceNewbold bearded bears... must be a new species ;-)

[@gigiguzman2747]

Are you using a lanshan tent or it’s something fancy that looks similar.

[@colinmaharaj]

How can I come there. Note I've never seen snow or a winter. I live in the Caribbean

[@robalan57]

People with less experience might be dead. It would be a good idea to review what gear mistakes you made and what you would do next time to make it right. I am thinking ultralight pack covers, pack liners, and dry bags would be good investments. The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel are very light and can be used to wipe off anything wet. They dry fast for use again. Some people heat water up and put it in their water bottle. Putting it near your feet at the bottom of your bag would warm your feet.

[@bradleycordaro]

what tent did you use on this trip that left you with so much condensation? thanks Bryce.

[@adventureswiththecrazyvet]

I think he is still using the Lite AF proto type