Winter Backpacking Gear Test -- Solo Backpacking Trip on the Centennial Trail, SD

On November 2nd I went out on a section of the Centennial Trail near Mount Rushmore and the Harney Peak to test out some winter backpacking gear and prepare for snow and cold temps. There was little to no snow at the time. After having a really bad backpacking experience last March, during a blizzard, I was determined to learn from that experience and not to make the same mistakes again. No...I'll just make all new ones this winter. LOL.
Some major things I addressed on this trip were my sleep system, shelter, food, cook kit, clothing layers, maps/GPS, lighting, drinking water and some cold weather common sense.
Since I'm not allowed to have a campfire out in the Black Hills National Forest or pretty much anywhere in South Dakota, I have to get creative in how I do things.
I started my trip at the Calumet Trail Head on the Centennial trail right on the banks of the Sheridan Lake. It was pretty much all uphill both ways without a paddle for the rest of the trip. Because of one of the worse snow storms we've had in 30 years, the trail is littered with big trees that have split down the middle of cracked at the base and just fell over. This combined with some major elevation gain made for a challenging trip.
I quickly learned my GPS track file was old and outdated when the trail became obscured by debris and I no longer saw trail signs for miles. Always check these track files with updated maps to verify your route. I saw some really beautiful country and bushwhacked through a lot of places very few people get to see.
After the Calumet or Flume Trail Head I headed to the Samelius and then the Big Pine Trail Heads a total of 10 miles...camping near Big Pine up on a hill from the trail. The next morning I headed to the Willow Creek Trail Head about 3.5 miles from my campsite and proceeded to get totally lost up on a mountain side following that outdated GPS track. In all fairness, the Willow Creek Trail system was missing some very important "go this way" trail markers. LOL.
The temps started out at 28 degrees and went up to low 50's the first day. At night in my tent I recorded a range of 42 through 49 degrees...very comfortable. 2 days later the temp dropped to low low 20's. Guess I got lucky.
Total weight of my pack ended up at 43 lbs. with gear, water and food. It's a little heavier than I'd like but I was comfortable and had all the amenities to enjoy my time outdoors. 10 lbs. of that weight was water; 8 lbs. in my pack and 2 lbs. on my shoulder strap. And I drank it all. :) I did however; discover a perfect water source just 1.5 miles from my campsite. But there are very few water sources out here that can be depended upon year after year so I always bring water unless I'm absolutely sure.
Thanks for watching guys and if you have any questions about this gear ie...certain items, their weights and my experience with them, just drop me a comment or a PM.
This is KdawgCrazy...stay safe and get outdoors.
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[@ireland66613]

Awsome bro great video hey we all learn as we go that's what makes it and adventure my neighbors think I'm nuts trying gear in the winter have fun keep making great videos

[@dstorm7752]

Construction suggestions. Wearing a cap, particularly if bald, can lessen skin cancer risk. Wearing sunglasses can protect eyes from branches and lessen long-term risk of cataracts. Wearing ear jacks creates risk of not hearing important noises around you (bears, criminals, etc). Reliance on GPS is risky because batteries may fail, so learn to navigate via compass/sun.

[@rexberger7026]

wow great video great to see what a good time you are having compared to last winter looks great enjoyed the video can't wait to get on the trail.

[@seanantill3366]

winter time is my favorite time to practice and hone my skills rest of the year is easy great video

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks for watching Sean. I was just thinking that last weekend. The warmer months are easy. You can really just lay out in a bivy or tarp on a light blanket but everything is harder to do when the temp drops below 30 F.

[@GHunter35]

Great video! Thanks for letting us come along.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks for watching brother.

[@timothyciarlette8250]

Thanks for sharing your experiences of the trip that didn't go all that well. We can all learn from it.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks Toten. I did expect Bear to jump out of the bushes chewing on a dead squirrel or something. LOL. Believe it or not I really enjoy his survival shows. He just jumps in and shows what is necessary to keep you alive. With the cooking bit. Last year I experimented a lot with alcohol stoves and you really do need to be careful with the carbon monoxide. I got dizzy a couple times and learned to give the stove air to burn more efficiently as well. The tent was vented on the top and bottom too.

[@3289970]

Great vid my left knee is burnt toast. Thank you

[@Expeditionmarc]

Great story about your winter camping experience except for the injury. Glad you got back on the horse and didn't give up. You definitely had better gear. Thanks for sharing.

[@RussKendrickMartin]

Thanks for taking us along. Mountain House makes some decent food. I like the lasagna the best. It's pretty good for freeze dried. The beef stew is good if you don't mind the chewy beef-like substance...The eggs & bacon is OK too. It tastes good though. I used the GI sleep system for a camp the first weekend of November here in Michigan. It's a great system.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks Shane. You should do a video on your new kit when you have it completed. I've learned a lot from our fellow KZbinrs this past year and hopefully I was able to contribute to that knowledge base with this video. Thank you for your support. Part of backpacking is learning to deal with and be prepared for the unexpected weather and temps that we could come across out there. This time...I was over prepared. But the trip was yet another learning experience and some much needed solitude.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Since my experimenting I was very careful with cooking in my tent and we should definitely be mindful of the dangers of cooking in a tent.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks brother. The weather was perfect. I even had a lot of wind at night to help me sleep. It drowns out all the quiet and twig snapping around my camp that usually keeps me up all night. All the gear worked really well except for some GPS issues but it was a great trip.

[@Pawoodsman]

Trip went well. always enjoy positive lessons from my mistakes made. Now let it snow

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Great video. Carry a square of masonite to set your stove on in the winer, it will help keep the canister warmer and give you a firmer cook surface.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Plus you don't have to worry about burning your ground cloth. LOL.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks Marc. I had a lot of positive feedback on my Mickelson winter trip and some "what would you do different" type questions. After answering them I started to research cold weather gear and started getting what I could. It's been quit expensive but worth it. Some of the gear will last a long long time. I don't like the cold but I love the backpacking experience so...the outdoors won over my inner couch potato.

[@Bob808Knight]

I'm envious of you. you got a good Garmin GPS. I need to upgrade mine. I have to say you come a long way from your first winner hike video. Now you're prepared for anything. :-) I can't wait to see what adventures you going next.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks Russ. I'm doing that Lasagna on my next trip. Never had it before but I'm hopeful. The beef stew wasn't too bad but I do remember the "chewy beef-like" stuff. I just keep reminding myself that its freeze dried food and it's great for what it is...fast, warm and a lot of food. :) On my next trip I will also be putting that GI sleep system to the test. I'm sure to run into temps in the teens. I get cold easy when I sleep so if it works...it opens up the whole winter for trips.

[@ginaleefarber2422]

Thank you so much for this video. Beautiful country and serene conditions. I envy you Sir. I have lost the ability to walk for any length. I always wanted to commune with animals and Mother Earth. Enjoy all your trips and thank you for letting people like myself to live vicariously through you. Be Blessed.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks Gina. I think that is the best compliment anyone has ever paid me. I've had a couple knee problems and not being able to walk scares the crap out of me. When I'm out on the trail I feel like I'm connecting with something that a lot of people are missing out on or take for granted. I really feel like I belong out there. But, at the end of my trip I'm always glad to get home, take a hot shower and watch the TV. Hopefully, I'll be filming a lot more trips this year and they should be even better since I'll be in the badlands, French Creek and the meet up in June at the Flaming Gorge. Thank you very much for watching and enjoying these trips with me.

[@timothyciarlette8250]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks Tim. I'll never forget how bad the previous months snow storm was. The snow was almost all gone but it tore down so many trees. It took years for them to clear the trails.

[@Shanecoffeyoutdoors]

Incredible video Kdawg. That orbit is definitely. I too love the minimalist however, I'm going to experiment with another kit I'm working on now. I really like how you went back and showed march. That's the thing, we learn as we go. I'm glad you had a positive outlook on it to focus and make it better. I'm glad you decided to do this. I don't think many of your subscribers would like you indoors for 4 months. Once again, great video and nice hits in the gear.

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

Great trip and video. You've had your share of problems but you learned from them will just get better and better. I've seen the Nemo Tarp tent before and looks great I like that Black Diamond Lantern. Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks Opal. I am really loving the BD Lantern. It's small, light and so bright I can turn it on in the middle of my tent, open the tent door and it will shine out a couple yards so I can see outside to get things done at night. That Nemo Tarp is really great too. Especially if you want to set up quickly. I can set it up in about 3 minutes or less if I have to.

[@EatCarbs]

Great video.. and some lessons learned as well. Great stuff. Thanks for the video.. looked like a fun outing.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks brother. It was fun and adventurous at times but mostly it was some hard work hiking through all the downed trees and trying to find the re-routes of that trail. I think I'm finally starting to figure out that THAT is what backpacking is all about sometimes. Still some great country out here and I'm glad to have been a part of it...it was also nice to have most of the trail to myself. Take care.

[@themiwoodsman7222]

Awesome trip my friend very enjoyable ! thanks for sharing !

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Your very welcome. This was a very challenging trip. I'm used to just hiking the trail and thought the new GPS would make that so much easier but that trail is sooo messed up. It was definitely a great adventure though. Thanks for watching.

[@ireland66613]

Great video got to love winter backpacking it is the best no bugs no people except for us in the no hikers haha thanks

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks ireland66613. I had the perfect weather that day. All I was missing was the snow. :) It was hard going with all the downed trees but it was still beautiful out and I had the trail to myself. Also got to learn a lot about how to use a GPS. Now I will never hike without it.

[@shcmoly]

Hindsight is always better. I learn something every time I'm on the trail; whether solo, group, or talking to hikers I just met. You can put your water bladder and the butane canister in the sleeping bag with you to prevent freezing.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Yes to the canister however I would never recommend placing water in your sleeping bag. Case in point...---> I screwed the cap on weird on my water bladder the last time I went out. The only thing that saved me was that it was in a bag in my pack and everything in my pack was lined as well. I can only imagine what would have happened if I did that at night before going to bed and had a slow leak into my sleeping bag. Besides...with the gallon size ziplock holding all my electronics in my sleeping bag's foot box...I was getting a little cramped. LOL.

[@stevekrewson9502]

Hey Kdawg, as expected, another great vid! I've been waiting for this for a while now. Man, ive really been looking at that mms system, albeit heavy and cumbersome, its really a necessary evil when it comes to winter camping. But I just cant help wonder if I could use two lighter sleeping bags and a few pads. I'm absolutely torn between getting another 15° bag in conjunction with my other bag. I don't know....it sounds like a good vid opp! Huh! Well, as always, stay safe and peace out brother. S

[@MsDuncan26]

Love your Videos. I just started backpacking and your videos have help me with picking out my gear that I have started to buy. Thanks for all the input.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

You're very welcome. That's exactly what I did when I first started. I watched a ton of videos to see what was working for everyone else and what to avoid. A lot of people said to buy the expensive stuff up front because you get what you pay for and I didn't believe them at first. Truth is it's mostly true but there are still some things that you can get at a more affordable price. Just gotta keep an eye out for the best deals.

[@MsDuncan26]

KdawgCrazy In your video you used a GPS. Do you like the one you bought? I have been looking for one and have looked at a couple but not sure which one to get.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Hallee Kuecken Garmin GPSMAP 62S. Great little GPS unit but it has a software glitch that seems to be on a lot of Garmin devices and it turns off when you try to do too many things in it while on the trail. At this point I can't recommend Garmin but I don't really know what to recommend either. Sorry.

[@rainbowhiker]

Really enjoyed this hike in the woods with all the narration and views through and in the pines. I love those kinds of on-the-trail shots. Hope you're slowly weeding out those heavy items. Yes, as you said, you were carrying a lot. 44 lbs is a big load. My 15 lb winter bag is three lbs heavier than my summer bag and I don't like it, but wadda-ya-gonna do but tough it out, eh? :o) Thanks for the tour Kdawg. Beautiful area.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks John. I'm looking at cutting a couple lbs. I'm using a different pack but it's only saving maybe a pound. My shelter, the Nemo Transform is only 2.5 lbs and makes a great 4 season tent. Keeping that. LOL. The sleeping bag is about 12 lbs. and that's where I could loose the most weight. I just spent $200 on the MMSS so I'll need to use it for a while before the wife will let me look at alternatives. Thanks for watching bro.

[@IntenseAngler]

Awesome trip & video Brother! Loved the talking points about lessons learned and challenging yourself... so true man!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks John. Now we will see how I fare in actual cold temps and a foot of snow. LOL. That will be my next trail video.

[@Thaitucartoon]

Ty for the video love it

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Your welcome. Thanks for watching. It was a difficult hike but a lot of fun and beautiful out there.

[@CoyoteWorks01]

Very nice trip. Looks like you're getting your system dialed. I watched your other video where you hiked through all the snow and it sounded like you had a bit of a rough time. But I wanted to say good for you for going through that. I think those trips that don't go so well are extremely valuable. Not only do we learn things on them about what to do and what not to do, but we also learn about our ability to deal with situations when they do go awry. Which I think is very valuable knowledge for us to have. Great video. Really enjoyed both of them.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

I learn from every trip but I learn the most from the more difficult ones. This past year I hiked the French creek and found out on day 2 what a wilderness trail really looks like. It was beautiful but there was no trail. At least it was a warm day. I just recently went out on another cold weather trip and discovered that my knee really doesn't like snow. I got very cold over night and learned a lot about my new cold weather gear. I'm planning one more cold weather trip this year and I'm not skimping on the gear this time. I was trying to hike light last time and paid the price. Just 5 more pounds of gear makes a big difference in comfort.

[@CoyoteWorks01]

Yeah when it's really cold I find myself more willing to bear the burden of a few extra pounds ;-) Look forward to seeing what you learn!

[@guidingmike2823]

Another great video! Those military sleep systems are reputed to be very warm, but not very packable. Since it is obvious that you are now a full-fledged camper, put "down-sleeping-bag" on your Christmas list. Nothing beats down for warm, light-weight, and compactability

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks bro. I think for next christmas I will try to get a large zero or 10 degree down bag and nest my Kelty 30 degree down bag into it for extra warmth. I love the way they pack down to nothing. For now my Military sleep system did cost over $200 brand new so I need to use it a lot to justify the cost. I did just get an external frame pack from High Sierra to mount it on so carrying it should be a lot easier now. The down bag goes perfect with my Ultralight set up for summer that I finally finished compiling this past month.

[@guidingmike2823]

KdawgCrazy Ouch. You probably know by now that you can get the military sleep system for about a hundred bucks if you look hard enough. So, if you have a Kelty 30 down bag, you can experiment mixing it with one of your military bags to cut some weight. I use a lightweight synthetic bag inside a Kelty Cosmic 0 along with an Exped downfill 9 and that keeps me warm to -30 F.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Guiding Mike I'm thinking of trying the Kelty inside the Patrol bag to cut weight and size. I really like the MMSS though. It's very versatility and will last forever.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Hey guys! I wanted to say thank you very much for all your comments on this video. I really appreciate the feedback and support. Also, KZbin has done something with the comments section on vids that has made it impossible for me to reply to comments that came in during that change so I'm trying to reply by leaving comments on your channels discussion boards instead. I think all new comments coming in are working correctly and we can reply but I'm still trying to figure out what KZbin did.

[@greymajickjedi]

Woah! Talk about déjà-vû! Thought i was losing it when i started seeing and hearing stuff from your other video. XD (Loved both by the way) We have a thing or 2 in common, believe it or not. Have you tried large doses of Omega 3 oils for the bum knee? There's another Omega oil (i forget if it's 6 or 9) that's also got anti-inflammatory properties, as well as Turmeric, Cherries (look into which variety are best for you) and i think some hot peppers like Cayenne also have some benefit with issues like that. We also both invested in an ECWSS (actually, i have 2 somewhere;) Love the advice at the end too, we should all get out and take a hike to appreciate the outdoors once in a while. Keep sharing your love affair with nature with us all! (Just keep it clean) XD

[@seanantill3366]

I use their kettle kit in my bushcraft pack

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

They make some great cook kits.

[@seanantill3366]

Sure do and very reasonable

[@wasteofspace20]

Interesting trail video, enjoyed the valuable information. I just took off this morning to continue the book and am in Wall tonight and will be doing extensive hiking and reviewing of the Badlands tomorrow, especially the southern section that isn't very traveled but offers the Cuny, Blindman and Stronghold Tables that are less explored and lack extensive coverage. Keep up the great work man, your videos are a tremendous joy to lovers of the Black Hills. I will be doing a few trails in the Black Hills this week as well, though Monday looks to be quite cold it will warm up again. Will keep you informed!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks bro. I'm very much looking forward to backpacking the badlands too. Now that I have a GPS it's a lot easier to navigate. This trail video was primarily for me to learn the strengths and limitations of my new gear especially that GPS. I learned the GPS will give me a false reading in a canyon if it can't lock onto enough satellites. That's why I went up on that mountain side at the end. I will also be better prepared on my next trip and I will plan to cover less miles since the trail systems are littered with so many trees. Let me know how your Badlands trip goes. Peace bro.

[@wasteofspace20]

KdawgCrazy I finished the whole Badlands, it took a lot of work and the wind there, even at 50 degrees is brutally harsh which makes it feel like 20 degrees. You definitely need a winter hat and gloves... Did the Stronghold District to the South, absolutely atrocious roads, especially the 2 on across Cuny Table. I just did a bunch of trials at Custer SP yesterday, Lovers Leap is a great workout but nothing spectacular and nothing you've already seen before.. Loved Palmer Creek.. With the snow today will be stuck to Rapid City museums, hope to do Harney Peak Trail tomorrow but do you think it will be too muddy?

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Wow. It sounds like you covered a lot of trail in a short time. It's pretty cold today with some snow but tomorrow is supposed to be warmer. It could be a little muddy up a harney peak tomorrow. Good luck brother.

[@bendavies9046]

Great video! I had a similar bad backpacking experience except it was during a major thunderstorm :/ LOL it made a good story though.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks Ben. One thing I left out was that I panicked. Big time. It was dark, about 4 am, freezing and I was injured and couldn't bare the thought of traveling 15 miles in 2 feet of snow in that much pain to get back to Hill City. I surveyed all the summer cabins along my path looking for someone to be home and I got really lucky. A couple had come out before the storm with friends to their cabin and actually came to the door when a strange person was banging on their door a 4 am. Me. They let me in, warmed and dried my cloths and feed me. They even insisted that I call my wife to let her know I was ok and then drove me to Hill City the next morning. Really great folks out here. :) I really do think they saved my life that night.

[@cyborbot547]

GPS ok use common sense while hiking of course if it looks bad it is I guess you have already figured that part out have fun hiking and hope your knee is healing.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks Cybor Bot. The knees are great as long as I wear the braces especially when I use the snow shoes. This trip was the first time I ever used a dedicated GPS unit and boy I needed it on this trail. On other trips I sparingly used my cell phone just to make sure I wasn't completely lost but I'm really grateful for a full GPS unit. The problem I had on this trip on day 2 was I didn't have enough satellites and I was stupid for not going with my gut and a compass when I got to the base of that mountain and saw a trail. The GPS opens up a whole new world to me for trails and different routes to take. With the Basecamp software from Garmin you can plan your trips and view them in Google Earth to see what the area really looks like. I will have some great adventures for my channel next spring/summer.

[@titan90000]

What a beautiful area to hike in. Great video, just subed, will check out your other vids.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks Titan. We are really lucky to live out here with so much forest and so many trails. I still have a lot of the black hills to explore and share with KZbin. Thanks for watching and please enjoy the backpacking trips. Peace bro.

[@scottchamberlain3694]

Great video...subed your channel...kind of Ironic that your tent/tarp is called the Nemo...there is a small town not to far from where you shot this called Nemo...my step brother lives there...spent 2 summers in that area...anyway take care and be safe...Merry Christmas !!!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks Scott. Nemo is near a lot of my favorite trails. Beautiful area out here. You must have had some awesome summers outdoors here. Thanks for watching bro. Merry Christmas.

[@bbrown6057]

not only that, but predators. Not sure if there are bear up there but the last thing I would want at night is a visit from a hungry bear. NEVER cook in your tent no matter where you are.

[@ruggsyfun]

Ok....a question??? pool mattresses cost $4 -$10. in cold weather, air between you and the ground is whats needed, reflection blanket....they are the same length and weigh 1-2 pounds as well. they become very compact as well.they are comfy. so besides the self inflating mats, whats the difference when camping? So why pay all the extra money? is there something i'm missing as to why people don't use them?

[@mikew8681]

Winter? cold weather? looks like summer camping =)

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Yes it does. LOL. Thanks for watching Mike. I picked a perfect day for this trip. We've had other similar days since but something has always got in the way of me going out again. Most of the time it's the melted snow just making it too darn wet and muddy. I've got some more trips coming up but I can't promise snow on those either. :)

[@stevekrewson9502]

Oh, by the way...are you thinking July sounds like a good month for a trip to Flaming Gorge? Let me know what you are thinking. Because after seeing that place, I really would like to make that trip! Like I said, Shane is down for it as well. We could make it a youtube meet-up as well. Let me know your thoughts and lets make this happen this summer! Peace out brother. Steve K.

[@ScanMan1967]

Hey just sub'd your channel. Looks like you have some interesting videos. How heavy is that sleep system ? I have the same Gortex Bivy but I use a 30F down bag inside.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Hey bro. The whole US MMSS weights in at 9.8 lbs. It's probably another 3 lbs. for both sleep pads and pillows. I just got a new High Sierra external frame pack to carry that sleep system on because of how bulky it is. It might be heavy and maybe a little over kill on some trips but it's worth it when the weather is iffy. I really wish I had that sleep system with my last March on my blizzard trip. LOL. I've also tried the Gore-Tex bag with my Kelty 30 degree down bag and love it. I usually just leave my sleeping bag unzipped and only zip up the bivvy bag when I use those 2 together. Thanks for the sub brother.

[@shreddy3447]

Hey Kdawg! Thanks for sharing your experiences. I also like in South Dakota and I'm planning on doing some backpacking soon. However I'm not sure of the rules since I'm new to this. Do you need any type of permit to hike off these trails in the black hills?

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

I think you only need to pay an entrance fee for Custer and there's a fee to hike the Michelson but I think everything else is free.

[@thomask5218]

what model GPS did you have with you i need one also?

[@jerrydavis5934]

Good info. I am new to all this myself and am in process of getting the gear I need to camp as well as walking with my pack to get in shape. I have about decided on a coleman dual fuel stove because of ability to find fuel that will work and price of the fuel. Have you ever used a dual fuel stove ? Thanks

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

+Jerry Davis thanks for watching Jerry. I actually haven't used a dual fuel stove. I'm partial to jetboil stoves for winter and esbit and alcohol stoves for warmer months. I also use one of a couple wood burning stoves I have during the months where I don't have to worry too much about forest fires and fire restrictions. I think Shug has been using a multi-fuel stove or two the last couple years in winter time. One was a MSR whisper lite I think and then he played around with a cool brass stove that was a very old design but worked really well for the temps he was in.

[@jerrydavis5934]

I am thinking of trying the Coleman 533 an old and dependable design.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

+Jerry Davis it looks like a great stove. It might be a bit heavy for backpacking but it's not fragile and should last a good couple year.

[@guidingmike2823]

how do you film these so that it looks like someone is filming for you? I notice a couple of scenes where the camera kind of goes around you when you are walking. How do you do that?

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Usually I crane my arm out as far as it will go to make it look like someone else is filming me. It also takes a couple tries to get it right every time. I'm hoping to do a video this year about how I film my trips.

[@MattyOutdoors]

you hiked out in a t-shirt... thats not winter backpacking....

[@swanben11]

Where I live, and I believe I speak for Mat as well, 10-20F is not an unusual DAY temp in December and January. Like he said, that's not winter. At least, not to us anyway.

[@MattyOutdoors]

I'm in northern Canada.. winter hikes for me are generally 0F or below.. snowshoes are a must. tshirts dont exist. the temps hes posting, i would hike with my summer gear and be perfectly comfortable.

[@rexberger7026]

Hey Kdawg i know that you can't respond but if you leave an email address that would be great. Anyway thanks for my first subscription. I am going out this weekend but not going to be able to film. I have two other guys that go out with me we are all 14 and we love to go backpacking. I will try to film a vid within the month. I greatly appreciate the time and money you put out for your viewers. I will try to put out the same for you. Again put down a email and hope to keep in touch soon. Thanks keep up the great videos. Rex Berger

[@ruggsyfun]

never cook around or in your tent !!! Crazy i dont want you to become a Cougar or Bear,,,soft taco....during the fall and winter months, starving,sick,hurt animals are very opportunists, even wild dogs will not be a mans best friend

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Cougar or Bear soft taco. LOL. Awesome! That's exactly how I felt on the Old Baldy Trail trip. I was all comfy in my bivy and got up to pee only to find what I'm pretty sure was a cougar that had been watching me from just outside my campsite. Terrified just doesn't give justice to the feeling I had that night. I haven't been back to that trail since. I'm trying to work up to it. LOL. As for the tent cooking. 1 to 2 minutes of a good clean burning stove with good ventilation is ok but not necessarily safe. I'm very careful with fumes and the tent material when I do it which is not that often.

[@ruggsyfun]

KdawgCrazy in my experience even the slightest food odor will stick to your clothes and shelter. so even taking a tent/tarp/bivy out that you once cooked in or ate in ,will retain food odors...for a long time. I enjoy your videos,your one of the few who "rough it". try Hormel Compleats Microwave Bowls. they cost $2.00, compared to 8-14 dollars. they are really good,and if your in a "burn restriction " no hot water is needed. lunch, let em sit in the sun for 5-10 min hot meal without a fire. my worst experience was camping White river trails, when 4 Feral Dogs entered my camp around 1 am.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks brother. I gotta hear the rest of the feral dog story...