Winter Backpacking Mistakes That Will Haunt You

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Stretching from three season backpacking into winter backpacking can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Avoid these mistakes that many new backpackers and campers make when winter camping and avoid trouble.
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[@hidiyates335]

The biggest mistake in winter backpacking is believing any temperature ratings on any sleeping bag or quilt. Always add 10-20 degrees to whatever the bag is supposedly rated for. In the snow and ice, there is no such thing as too warm. Trust me, you will thank yourself when you get out there and that windchill hits you at 2 am.

[@artysa.blackwood4261]

True, it is about 10 degrees for me.

[@Iamtherealjerkfreak]

That’s why I got myself a Carinthia Defence 4!

[@alexwbanks70]

Finally I have learned something new. I have watched countless backpacking/Camping/Bushcrafting video's and I'm not kidding, thousands. Not sure why because its the same over and over but I still enjoy them all. I consider myself well above average if not expert at this stuff myself and its the first time I have ever heard someone say to put water in the pot before bed, so if it freezes its ready to melt in the morning. Thank you!

[@BackpackingTV]

Wow, well glad I could be of service! Cheers!

[@steveb6444]

It’s all about vents for my winter clothes these days. Pit zips on the shell and hip vents for the pants. Makes it way easier to have the same layering system for hiking and chillin

[@BackpackingTV]

I'm relatively new to hiking pants with vents and yeah, they are great!

[@seedmole]

My favorite advice to keep from overlayering while hiking (as opposed to when at camp or resting) is "be bold, start cold." You want to be a bit cold when you start, because your body is going to warm up considerably once you get going. So conversely, if you're nice and toasty when setting out, you'll very quickly get too hot.

[@Team5TL]

Having a water bottle parka also helps along with turning your bottles up side down. Most of the time your bottles freeze from the top down thus inverting them makes the “top” freeze last. You can bury your water bottles in the snow if it is well below freezing. This will keep your bottles around the freezing point and they’ll freeze slower. Great tip about putting water in your pot before you go to bed.

[@chriseidam7319]

The snow trick is good to know. Thanks. I bought a generic 1L titanium drinking bottle on Ebay that can be placed on a stove or in a campfire (lid off, of course, and not all titanium bottles can be used this way). Sure, it weighs a lot more than a Smart bottle, which I also carry. But we shouldn't put hot water in a Smart bottle. I made a Reflectix cozy for it. I tuck that inside the neoprene cozy that comes with it. It isn't the best insulation set-up, but it is pretty good. I haven't bothered to use it as a hot water bottle. But it is great for hot coffee or tea while I am hiking. Of course, it is excellent for keeping some water from freezing overnight and as a sleep hot water bottle.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... Do not pack snow around water bottle ,, instead make a mini igloo around it ,, creates an insulation space similar to an igloo or quinzhee for yourself ....... OR makes a nice water bottle insulated parka ,, works for hot or cold ....

[@Olyphoto7]

Nice tips. Hot Hands hand warmers are good to have. My go to is using UCO candle lanterns to help keep the tent warmer, reduce condensation, and provide some light. I’ve burned two at a time in a three season tent and was pleased with the result.

[@papajeff5486]

Have used candles for decades. Got to be careful; but, the heat they give is wonderful. The light is good too.

[@mojaslovenija9903]

Regarding the fuel...I use 4-season mix propan/izobutan/butan mix which can handle -15°C , the cartridge of 230g is fine for five days of winter camping for three meals daily includning melting the snow. It can be bought in most sport shops (Alps area, Central Europe) and it is safe to use, more than liquid. The tip with adding some water and boiling it before adding snow is very usefull. I do use a silver emergency foil as inside base of the tent floor - it helps a lot keeping the warmth. I use it all the time, even in summer (summer camping in Alps in hihg altitudes can be very chilly).

[@marycarter6186]

Ditto, Moja; I always use a mylar blanket on the floor of my tent.

[@johnwest5070]

Another tip for warmth is if you have a fire then find a rock and put it near the fire and not in it. Place the heated rock into a sock and double wrap the rock with the sock. Place the sock wrapped rock inside the sleeping bag. Just don't put a blazing hot rock in the bag. You don't want to melt anything or give yourself any burns. Also, if you pile snow at the base of your tent you can get insulation from the snow.

[@BackpackingTV]

I've definitely used the snow pile for insulation tip. But I haven't tried a hot rock in a sock. I'd be worried it would be too hot and cause damage. But the logic is sound!

[@stuartelle4117]

Merrino base layers under my Gore Tex worked really well for me during snowshoe trips, and then when I put on additional layers at camp I have warm layer next to my skin when I put on additional layers. It's easy to moderate my activity level to stay warm and dry throughout the day.

[@wisenber]

Cotton isn't the demon people make it out to be in severe cold. A cotton canvas anorak outer layer will breath better than any Gore-tex, and any perspiration that makes its way to the outside frosts over to be easily brushed off. Knitted cotton absorbs water and dries slowly. Woven cotton canvas freezes on the outside to let you brush it off. There is no single "winter backpacking". Rules that apply at 28 degrees may or may not apply at minus 20. If the highs will be well below freezing, vapor barrier clothing helps remove the concerns of sweating into your insulating layers so you don't need to constantly be adding and removing layers underway. Zipping and unzipping will generally do. They will also prevent your down sleeping gear from absorbing perspiration and losing its loft. I'd argue that the most important thing to do is car camp with the gear you intend to winter backpack with prior to backpacking with it. Verify your system in the conditions and lower the risk before you ever get out in a spot with much higher consequences. That, and i can't tell you how many times I've seen people let there water filter freeze in their vehicles.

[@erict5878]

GREAT ideas for things to put in your bag for future use!

[@kathyls74]

Some good information, learned a lot! Thanks!

[@madchemist199]

Doing my first true winter backpacking trip this weekend. Thanks for the Vid!

[@pambrown6260]

Good points thank you.

[@backcountrybarracks]

Straight forward and key issues. Great video. Have a safe 2023 out there!

[@BackpackingTV]

thank you so much! You too!

[@Hannes2k]

thermal bottles (I bring one large 1,5 L and one small 0,7 L) are great for winter camping - keeps your water from freezing and let’s you have warm water whenever you wish.

[@papajeff5486]

The PCT is gonna be tough to hike in ‘23. This advice is right on time and excellent advice too.

[@ifonlyseethrumyeyes8957]

good info that I can use. thx so much

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Great review just before my first snowshoeing trip! Thanks, Eric!

[@davidlee6461]

Greeting from Hong Kong. Excellent advice. Thank you so much 😊

[@florindeaconu3169]

One of the best advices video, good job man!

[@BackpackingTV]

Well thank you!

[@benastwood]

Excellent info. I used to continually make the mistake of sleeping in too many layers. Fewer layers = more comfortable and (weirdly) warmer...

[@bladereenders]

Very good information!

[@KirstenBayes]

As ever, brilliant stuff. Nailed it. I'd probably talk a bit more about layer management (i.e. the need to be actively managing the layering system in winter rather than powering on through). But really, perfect video.

[@mootseighthecat]

Learned something, tks

[@gulaiymnurbolotova986]

Super video Nice tips

[@frwb3351]

thx buddy

[@chriswildingo]

Great tent.

[@BackpackingTV]

I have enjoyed it so far.

[@jonschmitt232]

Great video!

[@BackpackingTV]

thank you!

[@zmoore5555]

Thanks bro!

[@BackpackingTV]

welcome!

[@simonward4520]

Great thought out video. Good advice. I have a pee bottle so I don't get out of tent and get cold.

[@josephreber525]

Your the man 👍👍

[@BackpackingTV]

thank you!

[@Samoan_Stig]

I've been watching a lot of winter camping/backpacking videos lately and I noticed that no one says to use a heat reflective tarp on the inside of your tent on the floor. When i was a kid I remember that being taught to us and it being very important. Has that changed? how come no one talks about them anymore?

[@thomasskovan]

Eric, great video, like some other commenters, I've watched probably hundreds of winter backpacking videos, first time I've heard the tip about leaving your pot full of water. Sounds like a great idea, Just wondering if there's any possibility of it damaging (cracking) my titanium pot? I suppose since it can expand upwards it should be okay. Anyone have any thoughts?

[@KristiinaKasepaluHarakas]

Hope your camping was safe and awsome

[@BackpackingTV]

Thanks! it was great!

[@KristiinaKasepaluHarakas]

@@BackpackingTV if you like the comment... Push like... and it motivates more comments 😃❤️

[@robynroamsoutdoors]

What is the proper diameter of snowballs for throwing at people? What is your favorite size?

[@BackpackingTV]

6

[@sipapito]

Did not know that, thanks.

[@BackpackingTV]

Welcome!

[@gaborraczjr.5764]

Can't believe what snack I'm having... It's nuts!

[@RM-xl1ed]

handwarmers in the sleeping bag are also a great tip.

[@traceylasslett5514]

I knew filter froze but that some are useless after freezing I did not know. I wonder if my Katydyn hiker pro is one of those? Thanks for all the good winter tips! Trail on🥾

[@BackpackingTV]

Apparently there are some complicated methods for testing if a filter is toast or not, but yeah, sounds like it's mostly a who-knows type situation?

[@asmith7876]

If the filter doesn’t have a specific test to show whether it’s been compromised, assume it’s been compromised.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

It may be worth reaching out to Katadyn to find out, and err on the side of caution if it has frozen and you're unsure in the meantime.

[@chriseidam7319]

Thanks for all of your informative content. I think most people watching know about frozen filters. What I still don't know is how I can prove my Sawyer filters are good or bad after a winter trip. Do you know? As for your sleep system, I think I have a good nickname for it: "The Minion". Hey, I never heard back from Stephen Colbert's office about getting you and Dan on with a few others, like Dixie. Maybe I will try contacting Kimmel and some others.

[@jonsanford2515]

I heard a podcast with the president of Sawyer where he said that there is an integrity test to see if the filter still works after it’s been exposed to cold weather. The problem is, it’s a lab test, snd between shipping it both ways, and the cost of the test itself, it’s cheaper to buy a new filter.

[@wisenber]

"What I still don't know is how I can prove my Sawyer filters are good or bad after a winter trip. " The process is destructive to the device, and you don't want to find out that it is bad.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

It's better to err on the side of caution with the filter. I let mine freeze by accident in the car on a recent camping trip, and instead of finding out the hard way if it's still safe to use (because I believe it will still put water through it, even if it's not properly filtering), I just spent the $39 to replace it.

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

Hey, I’m planning a PCT hike and going through the Sierra in May. What are your thoughts about trail runners and seal skin socks within in Injini wool liners? Is there a better system? I’m a little concerned about waterproof boots, and Stream crossings.

[@Peycco]

almost the same experience in winter, I'll just add that I eat hot fatty meals twice a day (morning and evening) and dried fruit and walnuts during the day

[@valdius85]

Loos fittng clothes - thank you for mentioning it. Many wear way to tight clothes

[@BackpackingTV]

it makes a big difference!

[@elevatelife-nk7896]

How long do you recommend boiling the water if you are not filtering (ie- melting snow)? Or do you like to melt, filter and then drink?

[@BackpackingTV]

Just boiling water, ie not filtering is fine. I've heard a few arguments on boil time but I think getting it to a rapid boil for about thirty seconds is good.

[@russellmitchell3326]

if you do use a liquid fuel stove, be sure to keep that butane lighter in your pocket or bring matches... same butane, same problems...

[@marilynsue4273]

A cotton bandanna may fit better under your beanie hat, being smaller than a silk scarf.

[@godizself1]

A silk gaiter is an excellent investment.

[@smashy152]

The platypus equivalent to the squeeze has a sanity check to see if it has been damaged from being frozen.

[@TheCrusher2468]

I have to disagree about the cotton. I keep cotton close to my skin then layer nylon and wool outer layers. Im comfortable where I live when its freezing all day and in the 20 at night. If I sweat a lot from setting things up or doing extra prep for firewood I usually take my outer layers off when im near the fire, dry out my cotton layers before I go to sleep.

[@RealBoiJare]

It literally doesn’t make any sense to layer like that but okay. You’d still be better off having the nylon under the cotton. And if you don’t think nylon is comfortable theres other, better, comfy base layers too like marino blends

[@BkBuddha02]

Eric, what is the mid layer you are wearing in this video? The orange fleece looking hoodie?

[@BackpackingTV]

It's the Appalachian Gear Company Alpaca fleece. It's my favorite!

[@d.2110]

bamboo is a-ma-zing as a baselayer. Both as underwear and shirt

[@Living_Despite]

What if you have never used the filter but out of packaging?

[@RA-go5qk]

Many women have legs that freeze easily. It’s very painful and can take days to recover. I’m wearing fleece lined pants over wool long johns while hiking right now.

[@BackpackingTV]

It's true. Some people have raynauds, a condition that causes some people to be exceptionally vulnerable to cold weather and they have to take significant precaution to not have those painful experiences.

[@syindrome]

Never have I been sleeping in my puffy and though: "I could really take off my jacket for extra warmth"

[@markcummings6856]

Good info. In addition to constriction from tight clothing (yoga) pants, loose fitting provides pockets of air for the (heat) that is radiating from your skin to circulate and provide warmth. Example- which is warmer, mittens or gloves? I think most know the answer.

[@Jedwoods]

But the reason mittens are warmer is because they have less surface area-to-volume (ie they cool less quickly). If anything, loose clothing takes longer to warm up and (if they air can move around) will lose heat more easily. The insulating material inside the garment should trap air, to trap heat.

[@markcummings6856]

@@Jedwoods Google loose fitting clothing to stay warm. Even in your statement “the insulating material in the garment should trap air” - you mention AIR… and I agree. Key word- AIR! Space , which loose fitting clothing PROVIDES, is key. Space allows air circulation which is warmed up by the body, which then (as you say) is trapped by the insulative material.

[@Jedwoods]

@@markcummings6856 the keyword for insulation is 'trap' - if the air is able to move, you're losing heat. Eric addresses the issue of 'dead space' inside a sleeping bag in this video, and that principle applies to clothing as well.

[@markcummings6856]

@@Jedwoods how can you “trap” something if you don’t allow “space”? Nothing can be trapped unless you have a container. The whole science behind insulation is trapped air. Is trapped air a good conductor of heat? Explanation: Air is a poor conductor of heat. As air is trapped, particles cannot move around easily. This reduces conduction and convection currents of heat. Edit: Gaping spaces- No. Loose fitting- yes.

[@silvestro2in1]

Mittens are warmer as the fingers get to heat each other. The same applies for sleeping in fewer layers as to let your limbs (arms and legs) to heat from each other. Instead of sleeping with the down jacket on you is better to just lay it over you like a blanket either inside or outside of the sleeping bag. In the end, even at home if its cold at night, you are not adding more layers on yourself but rather add an additional blanket on top of the first blanket.

[@SurvivalSavvvy]

Put that water filter into a ziplock then toss it in the sleeping bag. Last thing you want is water coming out of it

[@madchemist199]

If the Saywer filter was exposed to freezing temperatures while in the package and never used is it still good?

[@5USgRWFH]

Most likely yes. It's the water in the microtubes that freezes and expands to rupture the membrane. No water in the tubes = no ice.

[@BackpackingTV]

As noted, it would be extremely strange to me if a dry filter were to break from freezing. It requires water inside to cause the the damage as it expands, it's not the cold itself. Only used water filters will have water inside them.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

According the to Sawyer website, if it's still in the package, and has never been used, it's okay. But once it's been used, anytime it freezes, it is considered damaged and should be replaced.

[@kennnuthatch5724]

What if my filter is dry, will freezing hurt it? Its a Sawyer squeeze

[@WanderingSwitchback]

If it's ever had water through it, it is considered damaged if it freezes, even if it's dry at that time.

[@roberttolley5055]

New to channel

[@MichaelsPwner]

So I’m not a scientist, but if I remember correctly, the reason it takes so long to melt without the liquid water is because the air insulates the snow from the heat. So the heat energy is going into the air molecules and transferring that into the surrounding atmosphere. That would be the reason leaving a pot of water out to freeze melts quicker than scooping snow. So I would imagine packing down the snow should help if you don’t happen to have any liquid water.

[@BackpackingTV]

That makes sense to me!

[@MoosebearAdventures]

Very cool vid. but I don't understand why you don't want to use a 2 person tunnel tent, cook inside, get warm and enjoy nature! Tunnel tents in winter can offset your weight, you can carry other much lighter things! 😄 and get a lighter weight on all equipment in total !!!

[@TheNypenfan]

Why have I never thought of putting my puffy in the foot box to keep it warm for the morning while taking up dead space?

[@dancancade7101]

Cotton; also known as "death cloth".

[@egled9297]

Tuck-in your tops into your pants for warmth saving. You can always recognize people, who were not born and raised in cold climates, by them blissfully skipping this important step of making yourself presentable and warm, the habit, that us, cold winter people, get with our mother's milk.

[@LA-cc6sy]

I'd imagine being careful with campsite selection is important too. Camp in the wrong spot and you can pay dearly!

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... For sleeping ,, get non-soled down booties ,,, don't put soled booties in your sleeping bag from outside use ,, getting snow ,, dirt and pebbles in to damage your bag ... .........good tips ,, most common problem I see is hikers sleeping in the days hiking clothes,,,, mostly because they don't pack extra sleep clothes ... Too many video's promoting Ultra light packing and push no extra clothes ,, even sleep wear is not needed .... after first winter trip = lesson learned ... ... AND don't have that last cup of tea or hot cocoa just before going to sleep ,,, it won't keep you warmer ,, the body will use energy to keep stomach and body warm ,, and you will probably have to get up thru the night to pee and lose all the body and bag warmth gained ... Q : Do you really hike with a pot of that size ?? I think most people hike with a Toaks size cup/pot 500-900ml. ,, still a good tip to start the day with a hot drink to get moving ...

[@BackpackingTV]

Lots of good points here! Yeah beware of dragging snow into your bag, clean em off! Dry, clean clothes are surprisingly satisfying to put on and are way better than the sweaty stuff. Good point on the tea / pee! And no, I've been trying out some new cook pots. I agree it's too big. I wasn't a huge fan of it.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Totally agree about the booties- I have ones from Goosefeet Gear that have a cover you can put over them outside so you don't have this issue. I've been quite happy with mine! I usually use a 750ml pot, and am going on my first snowshoeing trip with 1100ml pot for melting snow. We'll see if that size ends up being too much for a solo trip. I like it for when I have my wife or son with me.

[@GlacierPilotGst]

So having a brand new out of the box filter that has never seen water can’t be frozen? Shipping it in the mail here there would be a high chance of it getting frozen.

[@wisenber]

"So having a brand new out of the box filter that has never seen water can’t be frozen?" Frozen water causes the expansion and contraction. The fibers themselves are just a polyester derivative that is safe to the freezing point of that material which probably isn't seen anywhere on this planet outside of a lab.

[@wuffos]

It's the water in the microtubes that freezes and expands to rupture the membrane. No water in the tubes = no ice. A new, in-the-box, dry filter is not affected by freezing

[@hobofab]

If only I had the ability to make fire and unlimited supply of snow.

[@CharlesReedPi]

My first trip to figure out how I'm going to live in the forest in the winter

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

You are wrong cotton can be used in cold weather. It breaths better then any performance fabric. We used dress shirts on doing backcountry ski trips. But you have to be smart enough to know how to use cotton safely.

[@philipgrimm2638]

I’m always surprised when you talk about getting out of the tent to pee at night. Pee bottle is 100x better than getting out of the tent at night.

[@philipgrimm2638]

Also keep your water bottle in your coat.

[@BackpackingTV]

pee bottles are great for those who dare and/or have the, ahem, tools for it. Are you suggesting the ladies should try this method too? And you better not miss or overflow!

[@philipgrimm2638]

It’s not really fair to ask me that question because I’m not a woman. I can tell you that it works for me and it’s definitely worth it. I’ll bet it would be worth it for some women and others maybe not. I don’t know. They do have, ahem, adapter kits of sorts.

[@OldNavajoTricks]

(Looks at kilt...) Can you please use laymans terms as I'm confused by some of your phrases such as 'cold', 'underwear' and sweating, they make as much sense to me as that 'sun' word lol... :-p

[@DiabloOutdoors]

Some very good tips here. However, to start melting snow with water already in the container does NOT make the snow to melt faster. *That's an absolutely erroneous concept* (he couldn't even explain the why...). The real reason for having water, IF you already have some, is to avoid the pot to over heat and give a burnt taste to the water. Now, if you don't already have water, make a very tight/compact snow ball, the harder you can, and start melting it slowly. Then, add snow when there's some water at the bottom. Now, the reason of why making a very compact snow ball, is that you're removing most of the air from the snow, thus, preventing the "burnt factor". One last thing, the "concept" that snow contains 90% air and just 10% water, is completely false. The ratio depends on many factors so it can be very different from one time to another. Even during the same day. Another error: Isobutane vs liquid fuel. Isobutane is LIQUID, but it's compressed so it vaporize when release from the canister. Isobutnen will still work even when very cold, IF you know how. Now why this? Cold compresses gas, so there'll be less pressure in the isobutane canister, and the output will be very low, or even existent. A stove with white gas allows you to pump, so to compress, the gas in the small tank. It's all about pressure here. This being said, if you're stuck with an isobutane canister only, you can keep it warm in your jacket. Also, avoid to put it directly on the snow, make a small platform with wood and put the canister on it. Another pro trick from the experienced hikers: Use a hot pad for toes. Those ones have a sticker on it, so you simply stick the hot pad under the canister and VOILA! Bottom line, it's all about pressure and ambient temperature. Another very common mistake, not mentioned in this video. Is to keep your water bottle straight. See, water freezes from the top first. So, if you keep your bottle straight up, then the top will freeze and you may not be able to drink until it has melted. But worry not! There's a Pro Trick for that too! Simply keep the bottle upside down :) You can also put it upside down in the snow to help even more. Want another Pro tip? Why not... here's another one for you guys. Do NOT use a soft plastic bottle in winter, if you plan to put boiling water in it. Why? Because the bottle will compress/shrink when the water gets colder. The result is that the lid may become very hard to open. You twist, twist, and twist very hard and when it unlocks... POW! The bottle moves and you have water all over. But the most common problem is that the shrinking/deforming (whatever you want to call it), may unlock the cap. I almost forgot! A genius Pro Tip form Arctic/Antarctic explorers... cover the floor of your tent with Reflectix. It's very lightweight and it does wonders! A bit bulky tho, but if you don't mind, then do it! Happy camping!

[@erict5878]

What can I say.... COTTON KILLS"

[@wisenber]

I recall someone threatening me with a bandana once. It was pretty scary.

[@dtroy15]

Liquid fuel stoves are terrible for winter backpacking. They're heavy, expensive, bulky, fragile, and unreliable. Unless your trip is 7 days+, they're the heaviest option. MSR liquid stoves are famous for broken pumps. Just use an adapter for your isobutane stove and use mini compressed propane tanks. It'll work great down to -40 C/F (the boiling point of propane at atmospheric pressure)

[@BackpackingTV]

Well other than being heavy expensive bulky fragile and unreliable what's the problem?? JK good point.

[@asmith7876]

I’ve had a Coleman Peak 1 for over 40 years, used in all conditions for decades. While heavy, it is hardly fragile and extremely reliable. No problems, plus they work in any temperature range.

[@billy3c3]

Cotten kills

[@dampbutthole3025]

i think you and dan becker already did this video? isnt this like the same video you have done 8 times now?

[@Wsmith247]

So if your a vegetarian you cant winter hike? Some bad info here.

[@wisenber]

" Some bad info here." Or you missed the reference to nut butter. But if you want to see how long dehydrated apricots will keep you warm, feel free.

[@bstoph]

Why is it bad info? What he said about food is factual. Nobody said you couldn't winter hike as a vegetarian, but your food sources will just not be as warmth producing, or you won't have as many choices at least. Plenty of ways to mitigate that though. Hike on!

[@BackpackingTV]

As noted by the other replies, you can definitely be a vegetarian and winter hike! You just have to try a little harder for the fatty foods that'll keep you warm.