Ultralight Winter Gear Loadout -- 15 lbs for colder than 15F (-10C)

[@MinuteontheMountain]

That's crazy how light you get out. I can't seem to take a day trip under 25 lbs. Great stuff, man.

[@DoseofDirt]

To be honest, I was surprised I could get it that low as well! Looking forward to what my summer loadout looks like. I've taken day hikes with that amount of weight as well before. The food and water adds a ton, and sometimes you just need more gear! Thanks so much for watching!

[@jessicawilkins7139]

I love winter camping so much more enjoyable then the summer. Great video, have to check out all the new toys you mentioned,

[@DoseofDirt]

Winter is AWESOME! Everything is just gorgeous with a fresh coat of white snow! Looking forward to this winter season!

[@MetroOnTheMove]

WOW! You got some awesome new gear! The Tent, The Pack, Hilltop Packs and the THERMODROP! Can't wait to see you video!

[@DoseofDirt]

ya dude! got a little zpacks happy... 😆

[@Doc_Watson]

Can't wait to hear about your trip!

[@DoseofDirt]

Should be a good one! Definitely needing a little trail therapy!

[@BenMcmillen]

Watching now. I'll share this over on Hilltop Packs FB page

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks, Ben! Love all my hilltop packs stuff! I forgot to mention the bearspray holster! 🤦‍♂️

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Dude!! You're really dialing it in! Great Loudout Jeff!

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks, Tim! Ya, this one feels a lot cleaner than my last one. More simple and a heck of a lot lighter! Thanks for watching, man!

[@evandickinson6393]

Broken record here...always great content! Found you on Strava! No long ass hot takes! Godspeed on your trek!

[@DoseofDirt]

Ha! Thanks, bro! Not going to lie, I like the long ass hot takes! Should be a good trip with the "bomb cyclone" coming into the East. It's supposed to hit further north, but may impact VA a little. Thanks as always for the support!

[@garrycollins3415]

Virginia here too. When it comes to trails this state is great.

[@DoseofDirt]

I am definitely loving the trails here! I still can't get over how many trees there are (living in Utah almost all my life before that, so not used to so many trees!). I just missed the colors changing last fall, so definitely looking forward to that in 2022. Thanks for watching!

[@garrycollins3415]

@@DoseofDirt it wasn't a great year for color. Welcome belatedly to Virginia. Backpacking Utah is on my retirement bucket list. In Virginia I'm out about 20 times a year and I strive to not repeat trails although I do have a few favorite repeats.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@garrycollins3415 Thank you! Awesome that you get out so much during the year. You must have seen so many places in VA by getting out so much! If you have any 'must-do' trails, I'd love to know. But I know sometimes they are gems you just want to keep to yourself! I'll actually be heading back to Utah this fall to do the Uinta Highline trail! Been planning the trip for a while, and didn't want to cancel just because we moved. If/when you head to Utah, you'll have to let me know!

[@garrycollins3415]

@@DoseofDirt no secret places here. Many places I go to are remote and not well maintained so they are not visited much. A short list of some of the ones I enjoyed most: - Saint Mary's Wilderness from the south. - Grayson Highlands - Ramsey's Draft Wilderness (A favorite for sure) - Rich Hole Wilderness - AT from Reeds Gap to Humpback Rocks - Three Ridges-Mau Har loop - White Oak Canyon-Cedar Run loop - AT to the Audie Murphy Memorial - Apple Orchard Falls-Cornelius Creek loop - Big Scloss-Little Schloss loop - Signal Knob - Cole Mountain-Mount Pleasant figure 8 - False Cape State Park - North Fork Mountain southbound (WV) -Old Rag Mountain (honorable mention. It's great but seriously over crowded. I lost it because I grew up climbing it when it wasn't so popular) - many trails in the Shenandoah National Park. Get the National Geographic map 288 and start connecting trails. I don't do the SNP much in the summer, it can get crowded.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@garrycollins3415 Gary! Thank you! This is a list I will be referring back to often! I’ve been enjoying SNP without the crowds lately. I’m sure in the summer and fall it is super crowded as you said. Can’t thank you enough for sharing some of your favorites!

[@Chris-ov4zc]

Group of us did a backpacking overnighter in Shenandoah National Park last weekend. We camped at about 1500 ft; it got down to the single digits at night, and there was 8-10" of snow on the ground, even though there was only a couple inches at the trailhead. None of us brought microspikes (and we didn't need them), but we weren't doing any rock scrambling. For reference, Old Rag (which requires rock scrambling) required you to have microspikes or crampons. My base weight was around 23 lbs, so I'm jealous of your base weight! One thing I would consider adding is some chemical hand warmers. I tossed one of the "super" hot hands into my sleeping bag, and it made a world of difference! I couldn't believe how much heat it put out! At one point I was laying on top of it, and my leg where it was touching was actually uncomfortably hot!

[@DoseofDirt]

NICE! We planning to head to SNP as well! I am loving the trails in SNP lately! I thought about going last weekend but couldn't make it work. But I know the forecast was COLD, so that's awesome you were out there! Crazy you got so much snow! Ya, I keep going back and forth on the spikes. They are HEAVY and I'm guessing I won't need them, but I'll probably leave them in since I'm still under 15lbs. I wasn't aware that Old Rag required spikes. I may hit that one up soon, so I'm glad you mentioned it! 23lbs is still pretty solid for single digit temps! Winter gear is just heavy. No way around it! I totally spaced potentially taking hand warmers. I'll definitely throw some in! Thanks for watching and for your comment! It's cool knowing you were in SNP last weekend!

[@Chris-ov4zc]

Old Rag was only requiring them because the snow and ice made the rock scramble part too dangerous without them. It’s all weather dependent. Most of Skyline Drive was also closed for snow and ice last Sat as well. We hiked in from the Old Rag boundary parking lot, so we weren’t affected by the closure. If you’re starting from Skyline Drive, make sure to call the closure phone line before you go (they typically don’t post closures on the website, you have to call the phone line). Hopefully they’ll get some warming this week to melt some of it, but next Sat night is looking like another cold one, and it looks like they might get a couple inches of snow Friday. Stay warm and have fun!

[@DoseofDirt]

@@Chris-ov4zc Yes, I mapped to a trailhead in SNP last night and it gave me a very roundabout way of getting there--presumably because of the closure. I'll definitely call and ask. As you said, it may get closed again on Friday anway! What's with all the snow right now??? 🤣

[@Chris-ov4zc]

@@DoseofDirt I can't wait to see your video from this weekend! Hope it doesn't have a title like "When winter backpacking goes terribly wrong"!

[@DoseofDirt]

@@Chris-ov4zc Thanks, Chris! My wife just shared the forecast with me earlier today of the "bomb cyclone" coming. Looks like it should hit north of us, but you never know! I'm still planning to head out! but if things go badly, you just came up with the title for me! 🤣

[@RodKrisBisdakMotovlog]

Very nice vidz and interesting discussion my friend. Keep it up and more vidz to come.

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks, Rod! Truly appreciate that! It's going to be a great trip (and a light one!). Thanks for watching!

[@TheNypenfan]

Yeah, you’re missing a chair! Lol. Ok I don’t always bring one either, but it’s been coming on almost every trip now. But seriously, nice video.

[@DoseofDirt]

haha. thank you! If I had a Helinox Zero, I might think about it, but so far I just have the cheaper versions that weigh like 2 lbs (those zeros are expensive!). I have taken a chair out before and I'll admit it was worth the weight. but not this time! Going light! Thanks for watching!

[@dronevideotravel7518]

Thank you for this share 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks for watching!

[@markheming3507]

Have you ever used “Sleep Pad - Reflectix - R 3.7 (homemade)” I started using this a few years instead of my Z-lite under my air mattress & I think it works great. Cheep and light…..

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey mark! I have not tried anything with reflectix, but it's something I think I'd like to try in the future. Super cheap like you said, very light, and could really bump up the R value of an inflatable pad. Do you feel like it is noisy under your sleeping pad?

[@markheming3507]

If you roll around a ton it’s a little noisy but I don’t thing is bad not like a Mylar blanket noisy. It adds some RV, helps protect my air pad & packs small than Z-rest and you can custom the size. Sometimes in the 3 season that’s all I use especially on long mile days

[@DoseofDirt]

@@markheming3507 Nice! Ya, I definitely want to give it a shot, even if it's just under my inflatable when I need a little bump in R value!

[@evanhammond7305]

O no zpacks pack aswell definitely not a cheap guy. Your gonna have a neo air xlite soon sweet vid hopefully u have fun

[@DoseofDirt]

🤣 haha! I was waiting for your comment, Evan! I knew it was coming! I haven't considered getting a different pad yet, but I know if I do I will think twice about it because I'll remember your comment. 🤣 Ya, it should be a fun trip! You will notice that much of the loadout is budget friendly, but you are right that the pack isn't. I considered dozens of packs (including some more budget friendly options) but you just can't get the same features and weight savings elsewhere.

[@evanhammond7305]

@@DoseofDirt I recommend the sea to summit pad. I'm trying a hammock this year.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@evanhammond7305 Hammocking is something I'd like to try out, but we all know I've probably spent enough on gear this year already (and it's not even Feb yet!). You'll have to let me know what Sea to Summit pad you like. I've looked at them in the past, but always went for something else on Amazon. I like my pads at least 3 inches thick--preferably 4 (I know, I'm a baby...🤣)

[@evanhammond7305]

Eitherlight xt is the pad I've only used my buddy's once but far superior to my outdoor vitals pad

[@evanhammond7305]

@@DoseofDirt those packs aren't much more then a good osprey or gregory. One thing you shouldn't cheap out on is the pack I've learned that lesson.

[@DarrenYee]

Nice gear load out Jeff I have that same charging cable. What are you plans for clothing? Thank You

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks, Darren! My base layer will either be some thermals from the company 32 Degrees (got them from Costco), Wrangler hiking pants, mid layer top is a 1/4 zip from Costco (not sure the brand), and then my costco puffy on top. I guess I'm a bit of a Costco billboard... 🤣 I hike pretty warm, so I don't usually wear the base layer while I hike, but just change into it before I go to bed (so I know it's dry). If the forecast gets colder, I may take some heaver base layers, but we'll see. I think next week my video will be about budget winter gear/clothing, so I'll have some more details on that one. Thanks for watching!

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

What does a Jeffsicle look like??? Orange Dreamsickle? Bomb Pop? Klondike bar?

[@DoseofDirt]

🤣🤣🤣 I guess I hadn't thought about it... These are the deep questions of life! Also, i wish I could respond with a picture, because I immediately thought of a picture from a recent run in the snow where my beard is just caked in snow. THAT is what a Jeffsicle looks like! 🥶😆

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

@@DoseofDirt I’d say you’re definitely an ice cream sandwich then

[@DoseofDirt]

@@GIRLplusDOGAdventures can't argue with you!

[@zakkmiller8242]

Wish like hell I could get a Zpacks Duplex!

[@SouthernHike]

Love it man! Gear loadout videos are the best. Let me know what you think of those stakes. We need some for the GG tent and I been eyeing them. See you got the CMT poles!! And that color on the pack is sweeet!!

[@DoseofDirt]

I seriously never get tired of watching people's loadout videos! I got the wiseowl stakes because I could get 16 for not too much money. For other stakes you have to get two packs to get enough, which is annoying... I will say that I bent one of them on the very first pitch, but I think it's because I was just pushing at the wrong angle. Next two pitches went just fine, but we'll see this weekend when I'm putting it up again. And ya, I'm loving the CMT poles! Thanks for watching, man!

[@SouthernHike]

@@DoseofDirt That's why i been eyeing them. Can't beat the price on Y stakes!

[@DoseofDirt]

@@SouthernHike absolutely right!

[@AuburnAlum1977]

Just a friendly FYI--Paria rhymes with Maria. The way you pronounce it means "outcast." 😁 Enjoyed the video!

[@DoseofDirt]

Are you SERIOUS?!?! Oh man, I've wondered if I was saying it right but didn't realize I'd been slaughtering it so badly in several videos. 🤦‍♂🤦‍♂🤦‍♂ Well, I guess I better start saying it right! Thanks for letting me know. I'll admit I'm a little embarrassed, but glad you told me! 🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@movemorenowjames]

Awesome. So much good gear. Very jealous, my camping gear is extremely minimal (at the Mo). I want to pick some on the micro spikes as heading back out for the mountains in February for skiing… z packs look great 👍 I bought the Salomon xa25 which arrived today, feels and look great - just need to try it out. Are you going solo ?

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey James! Yes, I feel like my loadout is coming together nice and clean. Still dialing in a few things, but I'm feeling good about it! Ya, the microspikes are a game changer if it's snowy/icy outside. Mine are a cheap brand from Amazon (energetic sky, I think). So far they've been good! You'll have to let us know how the xa25 works out! It looks awesome! I thought the trip was going to be solo, but my brother may be joining as well if he can sort out work. Either way it will be a fantastic time! Thanks for watching!

[@movemorenowjames]

@@DoseofDirt it’s all sounds pretty cool, I have planted a few seeds in my sons head (who’s 8) about hiking / camping over the late spring / summer ..

[@DoseofDirt]

@@movemorenowjames That's awesome! I took my 8 year old this summer and he LOVED it! If you're thinking about backpacking with him, Osprey makes a good kids pack (the "Ace" I think it's called). They've been asking to go again lately, until they remember how cold it is! 😆

[@DaveOffGrid]

Nice video Jeff! How did the triplex stand up in the cold? Doesn't seem super warm. Depending on the type of trip I'd also recommend a saw for firewood and a chair. Not sure if you talked about your layering system?

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks, Dave! Triplex has been good in the cold so far (got it down to 10F). As I said, I wouldn't trust it in heavy snowfall, but just cold temps seem to be ok. It was about 5-8 degrees (F) warmer in the tent compared to the outside temp, which is what I get in my doublewall tent as well. I just can't bring myself to shell out for a 4 season tent. Unless I'm going into heavy snowfall it just doesn't seem worth it. Ya, I didn't talk too much about my layering system since I wanted to focus on the gear, but I'm working on a video for next week that will include some of that info. I typically use my base layer from costco (32 degrees) and then my regular hiking pants. On top I have a 1/4 inch zip synthetic top that works well for me, and then my puffy over that. I tend to hike really warm, so don't have to layer up until I get to camp. Thanks for watching!

[@DaveOffGrid]

@@DoseofDirt Good to know about the degree differences in the tent vs. outside! Yeah I haven't done much cold weather camping but I'd be interested to know just how much hotter a 4 season tent can get inside vs. outside when compared to 3 season tents. Also wondered how the brs stove worked in the cold? Did it under perform? You do hike warm! I'd need at least a base layer and mid layer when hiking, maybe the puffy.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@DaveOffGrid so far the stove has worked just fine down to the mid twenties without doing anything special. But if it’s colder than that I will keep the fuel next to my body or sleep with it to keep it warm. Ya, I find that even in the winter when I have a heavy pack on I don’t wear many layers when hiking or I just sweat too much, which can be really bad if I’m all sweaty when the sun goes down!

[@dudlydjarbum2045]

Do you have issues with those stoves and fuel at those temps? I have a trip in late March and bringing white gas as a backup. Am I over thinking the temp problems of iso fuel?

[@garrycollins3415]

I'm in Virginia. That's my set up. I've been down to 13 degrees with no issues. It's obvious the burn is not as efficient but not worth changing my set up. You can keep your fuel with your battery pack or water filter to keep it warmer.

[@DoseofDirt]

I'm glad you asked, because I meant to mention that in the video. I've used this stove down to the mid twenties without having to warm up the fuel or anything. If I'm going colder than that, I keep the canister next to my body for a while before I use it. If I'm planning on a hot breakfast, I will sleep with it. And then if needed, I'll just place my hands on the canister while the water boils. That warms it up enough to vaporize a little of the fuel. I've been meaning to try a DIY moulder strip as well, but want to test it out before I mention it in a video. How cold is your March trip going to be? Thanks for watching!

[@dudlydjarbum2045]

@@DoseofDirt going to a cabin in the white mountains near the summit of black mountain. It does have a wood stove. Hoping to keep it at least 40 inside. Everything depends on weather and if we can find dry wood.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@dudlydjarbum2045 Nice! That sounds awesome! Cabin in the white mountains! That is going to be an incredible trip! For me, this stove has been good down to mid twenties without trying to keep the fuel warm or anything, so I would think it should be fine at 30-40. Would love to hear about the trip when you get back!

[@rachellewis5187]

Do you prefer the BRS stove over the AOTU stove?

[@DoseofDirt]

I'm glad you asked! I've been meaning to do a video comparing the two! Both work great, in my experience. Recently I've taken the BRS on all my trips because it fits so much better in my pot. I used to take a larger aluminum pot and it would fit the AOTU stove (in the orange case) nicely along with a lighter, the fuel canister, and a few other things. But with my 750 ml titanium pot, I can't quite get the AOTU, fuel canister, and lighter all inside of it. Also, the igniter on my AOTU stopped working a few months ago (but I always took a lighter anyway). So, short answer is: both work about the same. But I like the BRS for how small it is (and light!).

[@rachellewis5187]

@@DoseofDirt Thanks so much for the quick reply!

[@therealmorganfreeman2875]

What do you think about the talon 22 for a daypack, or do you think their are overall better packs in that price range?

[@DoseofDirt]

Wow - typed this out and realized it was super long. Sorry about that! Hope it's helpful! And if I misunderstood your question, let me know. 🤣 So, I've never used a Talon 22, but I have a 33 and a 44 and absolutely love them both. The 33 is my go-to daypack because it's big enough whether I'm taking a lot of food and gear, but light enough for short days out. I have looked at the 22 and honestly want to buy one, but just haven't picked one up yet. The only osprey I haven't liked is the Hikelite 26. But I would love to have a Talon 22. As for whether there are better packs in a higher price range (I think that's your question) I think it really depends on the definition of better and what you want to use the pack for. If I were to compare the Talon 22 to a Zpacks daypack (like the Bagger 25L), even though I haven't tried them both I would say the main difference is that the Zpacks is lighter (1/3 the weight actually) but it looks less comfortable to me--no airscape mesh back panel, no padded hip belt, fewer pockets and storage options. And the Zpacks is made of material that is probably a little less durable than the Osprey. AND the Osprey has the all mighty guarantee. So for half the price, I would probably take the Osprey in most instances because it is probably more comfortable AND it has the all mighty guarantee (and half the price). But that's because weight isn't a huge priority for me on day hikes. If weight was my main concern, I would absolutely go for the Zpacks. But for backpacking 20 miles a day 5-10 days in a row, weight savings is a big deal to me so I'm willing to splurge for a lighter pack. Lastly, I imagined your comment being read to me in Morgan Freeman's voice. And I loved it.

[@therealmorganfreeman2875]

@@DoseofDirt Well you just talked me into getting the 22 lol. I just picked up a 44 for those longer days but haven’t really tested it out other then once since I just picked it up last week. Definitely going to get the 22 for them simpler day hikes and see how it hold up as I’m thinking 33 would be a little too big. As for your feedback, yes you definitely answered my question. I appreciate it 🤙🏼

[@DoseofDirt]

@@therealmorganfreeman2875 Awesome! Ya, I think a 44 and a 22 is the sweet spot! That all mighty guarantee is a big factor in why I like Osprey so much! Hope the packs work out for you!

[@hongheng9201]

Hello friends nice videos friends great super like videos friends 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you!