Winter Gear Put To The Test! Backpacking My Home State!

[@elip1970]

What’s up! I was one of the Boy Scouts who walked by you guys and all of us have subscribed and enjoy your videos. Hope to encounter you again.

[@DanBecker]

Awesome Eli! Thanks!!!

[@alexfarkas9122]

I was one of the Boy Scouts from troop 9

[@DanBecker]

Thanks for letting me know Alex!!

[@rebeccaremmel6384]

You already know this I'm sure, but I'd highly recommend a bright orange beanie as well. The brighter you all are the safer you are. And your pack covered the vest on the back so I'd add a bright orange rain cover to the pack to add to your safety.

[@jaynecobb5774]

So many amazing places to hike in this nation. Salute to generations past for having the wisdom to set those special places aside for us.

[@randyheckman3733]

The national parks etc. might have been the only good thing the US government has done in the last 100 or so years.

[@jaynecobb5774]

@@randyheckman3733 One of the best things for sure

[@JordanSwailes]

Take a look at the state trying to Exempt the Tongass rainforest, opening it up to exploitation! Need to save it before too late

[@Beastro777]

Yeah almost like the constitution how the Democrat party Stroman destroy it because President Trump isn’t part of the boys club. I wish you guys would realize how lucky you are for the freedom we have in this country that’s why you’re able to go hike in those parks and come back alive.

[@lexxb6386]

Public lands are being sold off to industries. Watch the new Patagonia movie. Eye opening

[@youwild4432]

Breakfast at a restaurant after a few nights in the woods is probably the greatest breakfast of the whole trip. A lot of people believe it's just about the trip...but the adventure truly begins when you get in the car to go until you get out of it back at the house. Preparing for some winter fun of my own...great trip Dan.

[@Raymasseyus]

I have a suggestion if you're out hiking where there is hunting. Some states also require it. You might want to consider a blaze orange hat. With your backpack on your back gets covered so they can't see the vest back there and with straps over it in the front there may not be a lot of orange actually exposed and it won't be exposed in all directions. Just a word to the wise based on experience. Great video and I enjoy your channel a lot.

[@hoser7706]

Nice video. No idea how Zi missed this one but I enjoyed it. Two yrs later

[@amynelson9362]

The Kettles are such a great place to hike! WI has a lot to offer. Thanks for sharing your trip!

[@bobreeder6738]

shelter,water source,pretty nice temps.More like fall weather if you're from upstate NY,got it made

[@jdmccartney1]

wikipedia’d ‘kettle moraine’ sounds fascinating .... hard to imagine that only 10,000 years ago the whole of wisconsin and my home state of michigan was under a mile of ice that stretched down to new york 😳😳...

[@DanBecker]

Crazy huh?! 🥶

[@jwvica01]

"I don't want to make a video where I get picked up in a car". Dude thank you for your Honesty! LOL

[@denischasse3567]

Thank you Dan! I agree with you it's a bit heavy but there is still a price to pay to sleep well and I do not feel like sleeping on a bag of chipps 😂😂😂

[@b.k.691]

I live about an hour south of Kettle Moraine. I never really thought of it as an option for backpacking but after your video I may have to give a closer look.

[@DanBecker]

It’s actually really nice! The only downside is having to reserve shelters. Definitely some pretty forest.

[@DragonRoams]

Nice hike. It would be cool if they adjusted how they do the shelter setup so more hikers could enjoy the area

[@bluefire025]

holy crap I love the southern unit. only really close place to my house. and its funny seeing the shelter that I go to all the time on your video. surreal. its a great place to go to as you found out the parking is only 15 min walk to the shelter. great place to test out gear and if it breaks you don't have long to go. that view from where the gap in the trees are by the fire pit can be amazing during sunset and sunrise.

[@richardbonner9199]

Dan, I too have the ZPacks Arc Haul and I too have had that very annoying squeak from the frame. I contacted ZPacks and they told me that after a lot of miles the finish wears off of the carbon upright struts and they rub against the cross stays. I took the pack apart and indeed that was true. ZPacks being the company that they are sent me replacement carbon rods at no cost....WORKED!!

[@DanBecker]

Wow!!! Thank you for that! I could never figure out where it came from! It was one of the most annoying things ever! The last few backpacking videos I have you can hear the squeak several times as I hike! I’ll definitely be contacting them :-) thank you again!

[@kristinaparrish915]

I am so excited you were hiking in my neck of the ‘woods’. 😉 Very familiar with Kettle Moraine. I have to agree that the shelter/camping situation is so frustrating. Leaves you no option but to stealth camp!

[@DIYDad1]

Kristina Parrish hundreds of acres in this area but no where we are officially allowed to just camp on a whim. Always having to reserve and stay on designated areas is kind of a bummer. I’m all about LNT and stealth camping can be done properly but having to stay at or near a shelter kind of ruins the experience for me. Sometimes I like to just be remote and away from people and highways and noise if you know what I mean! The dnr doesn’t let you camp at all on most of the public lands so it’s day hikes only most of the time.

[@walkingwriter4325]

What a beautiful trail. The snow makes the leaf colors pop. And I like my Aqua Clip, too!

[@GrumpyGrunt]

I 💕WI. I haven't been there for years. Thanks for taking us along, Dan!

[@kappy0405]

Wisconsin really prides itself on maintaining it's parks. Kinda over the top with some of the regulations, but at least you see where your money is going. Coming from Illinois, where we put zero effort into our parks, it's like a completley different world. The Kettle Moraine is really nice. I have a friend in Palmyra & hike out there quite a bit.

[@farid5661]

Amazing place. soldiers trees ? Lol👍👍👍

[@KarinaHo3207]

Nice scenery Dan

[@LiboltAdventures]

Looked like a great time, loved the sky at the end.

[@alexandergutfeldt1144]

When trees stand in many rows, like soldiers, you aren't in a forest, you are in/on a tree plantation, an unnatural 'mono culture' Many of our 'forests' (Switzerland) look like that too. I like 'natural' forests better, but the plantation style at least has trees, and the lumber pays for the upkeep and some profit margin, thus ensuring there will be 'forests' in the future. The changes in climate is a big stress on mono cultures though.

[@DanBecker]

I knew they were obviously man-made forests but I had no idea what they were for! Good to know! Thank you!

[@john_kelley]

I'm ready for Mandrioli vs. Becker 1 "The Battle of the Aqua Clip"!

[@DanBecker]

🤣🤣🤣

[@markpanarese2452]

Backpacking and Blisters is a great Podcast! Don’t forget about Derek however!

[@aerialadventure7907]

Dan your still the backpacking man!!!

[@GoAdventure83]

I've got a few hundred miles on the IAT this year. I would like to thru-hike it some day. Alot of the country road connection routes actually aren't too bad, although I hope some day the trail will be complete.

[@DIYDad1]

Go Adventure! I’ve got about 3 counties covered of the IAT. Everything south of fon du lac county. I need to make a point of getting north one of these days. The KMSF segments are some of my favorite.

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Nice trip. It’s always nice to go backpacking in your own state. I love the podcast Backpack and Blisters. Nice trip Dan. It’s always fun to get the winter gear out.

[@DanBecker]

Thanks Jason! You need to get up here and hike with me!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Dan Becker I’m already planning it out. 😁. Hopefully in warmer weather though. Lol.

[@takeahikespike2141]

another excellent video mister! I would like to know what your thoughts are on the Inreach Mini? I am thinking about getting one. Thanks in advance...

[@BacktotheOutdoors]

Have you tried your Nemo Tensor Insulated pad during the winter yet? How did your buddy like it on this trip?

[@DanBecker]

I’ve had it down to about 25°F and it did great. Both my friends used that pad and they both said it was warm and comfortable

[@sha6mm]

Looks to have been a nice Weekend and good call wearing blaze orange. Looks like the weather was nice. Or as I call it any day the wind is less than 5mph regardless of temp is a nice day.

[@LostAgainwithJim]

I've grown to enjoy night hiking. Most of the time I've done it it's been by accident, haha, but now I've done it on purpose a few times too.

[@pnwadventuresandgearreview8749]

Nice Dan way to finish strong and not take the easy way out cool area thanks for sharing

[@lindahikes2760]

Love your videos. Any thoughts on Kettle Moraine North vs South? Looking to do the Ice Age Trail and can't decide between the two of them.

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Nice video and clear trail. The shelters look really nice. Take Care and Keep Enjoying the Outdoors.

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job

[@JeremiahStringer]

Great trip man! Really enjoyed it. MARK!!!! I need more Mark in my life!

[@DanBecker]

🤣🤣 He’s a fun guy to hike with!

[@markv.nelson9817]

Let’s go hiking!

[@JeremiahStringer]

@@markv.nelson9817 Pictured Rocks...?

[@cmacrafton]

I found you because of the Backpacking and Blisters podcast.

[@michiganpathways7872]

Good call on the water..very important during the winter.also I love my zpack aqua clip great call on that dan.

[@DanBecker]

That’s awesome! I love the aqua clip! Totally underrated piece of gear

[@michiganpathways7872]

If you get a chance take a look at the new video that I just posted sent it to your box

[@edscully8531]

Shelters... Those are nice ones. In N.H. we have open front shelters and cabins. But, outside of "campgrounds", water sources are natural (springs, streams & ponds). We don't have "tap" water as at your site. Also a basic outhouse is a luxury. Night hiking... The word is "don't", but I like night hikes. Headlamps and small flashlights are so good now that I am very comfortable being out at night. It's always good to see what trails and camps are like in other places. Yet, home is home. If you are ever going to be in New Hampshire look me up. The White Mountains are worth the trip. Love your videos!

[@DanBecker]

That’s awesome! I’ve seen videos of that place. I would love to hike that!

[@Smokey0284]

Backpacking and Blisters! Carl and Derek are great.

[@shaunrobinson5139]

Hey Dan, I hope you and your family are well, I can't find the video.... however, I was wondering, you mentioned a sheet you place under your sleep pad to help keep you warm and stop the pad from sliding around. Can I kindly ask you what it is?? I'm looking to kit myself out to take my 6-year-old son and we want to be comfy :) great vids BTW I find them very helpful. Thank you!

[@BackpackingandBlisters]

You're the man!

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Great shelters and a very nice video of your states hiking opportunities.

[@VictoriaWTX]

Way to go finishing the hike and not being picked up in a car!! Wooohoo!

[@jerryg957]

Nice !

[@HarvyDangerFilms]

I think it was a ‘Fall’ hike. Haha! - I never feel quite relaxed when there are hunters around. I’ve been really interested in that pack.

[@peadookie]

As a hunter, I'm sorry you feel that way. I do my best to be respectful of others. I never shoot at anything that I haven't identified and don't take shots without a proper backstop.

[@JonathanRobsonPhoto]

Great vid Dan. More like this!

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Looks incredible 🤙

[@DIYDad1]

Just found your channel a few days ago, then I saw this video and didn’t realize you were in WI! I’m just north of mke and I have a very hard time finding “backcountry” areas for dispersed camping. You need to go like 5 hours north to the National Forest if you actually want a legit backpacking experience. I HATE the fact that you need permits and reserved designated spots. It just turns me off for those times you just want to camp on a whim one weekend when you have a day or two free. The IAT is really the only decent trail within a 4 hour drive of me. So frustrating that we have little to no public area. A lot of the public lands are limited use I.e. day hikes only. No camping no hunting they are very strict with rules around here. Kinda wish we had tons of blm land lol. Too much private farm land too don’t even get me started lol like your channel! Good to see content like this!

[@DB-xo6xh]

Maybe get a bright orange beanie for hunting season. so people was see your bright hat from any angle. Because you Do Not want to get shot from the back

[@scottgephart9749]

Dan, beautiful scenery! I agree with you on the Nemo Tensor pad. Based on your advice & Devin's advice (from Backcountry Exposure) I purchased one. I bought the "Field Insulated" version, and I love it! I took it on one of my son's Scout camping trips, where the temps got down to about 28 or 29°F... and I got the best night's sleep I've ever had on a camping trip. It has the "old" version of the valve, but it still worked great. Thanks for the advice!

[@DanBecker]

That’s awesome Scott! Honestly, it’s one of the main reasons I am no longer afraid to use my tents. In the past I had such rough sleep. It’s worth every extra ounce!

[@tuckbecky1]

aqua clips are great

[@bonkersblock]

Hello! chad back with you!

[@HuckOutdoors]

Ice Age Trail is a trail i'm interested in. Loved seeing all that snow already!

[@DanBecker]

Get your butt up here and hike with me then! 🤣

[@emcvicker]

Always enjoy your videos. thanks.

[@DHFlip18]

Hey Dan, pass me some of that food you're showing at the end of the video, looks delicious 😆 Great video and I'm glad you're still hiking in the lower temps

[@I_Am_Monstrum]

The voice change at 12:20 was hilarious :) I just got back from doing a solo overnighter about an hour and a half away from home near Mt. Hood and it was coooold but super beautiful! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@DanBecker]

Ha! That’s my Barry White morning voice lol!

[@robpelton]

Looks like a great area. I may have to take trip. Good stuff Dan! Cheers.

[@DanBecker]

Let’s go!!

[@thomasmcnab5068]

Great channel Dan!

[@DanBecker]

Thanks!!

[@georgepeterman2232]

Thanks for the video, and for your channel. You do an excellent job! It's great to see a fellow cheesehead enjoying the same things I enjoy. I backpacked this same length of the Ice Age Trail. Stayed overnight in Shelter 2. After a long day of hiking, it seemed like a cruel joke how far up hill and off trail the shelter was. Once there however, I was able to enjoy great views and relative privacy. Keep up the great work with your videos!

[@georgepeterman2232]

BTW - what was the brand of winter cap you were wearing? I checked the gear list and didn't see it.

[@DanBecker]

That is so true! It was a pretty long day and the walk to the second shelter was ridiculous going up that hill! So funny that you were there! The hat I am wearing is the UGQ Skullie. ugqoutdoor.com

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Dan, thank you for sharing this fine video. You always do a great job of filming and narrating. Two thumbs up on this one. All the best to you and your family. 🤗

[@DanBecker]

Thanks Ronald!!

[@JacquesItch]

I'm pretty sure that an ultramarathon happens up there. Good work, Dan.

[@johneason6540]

Great job DB

[@colorful_christine]

LOVE the Ice Age Trail. Thanks so much for sharing this! Do the northern kettle morrain... It's beautiful. My son and I have finished all the kettle morrain sections and parnel tower hiking north is amazing 😁👣

[@DanBecker]

I have hiked the northern section several times! It’s a great place as well. Hopefully I’ll get a video of that this year.

[@midwestoutdoors3286]

Very nice trail and amenities but I’m not a fan of the reservation process for the shelters

[@DanBecker]

Truth! It’s a total pain.

[@tylerfaust6262]

Awesome video man, out of breath talking about that aqua clip lol

[@DanBecker]

🤣 I had just come up a large hill! Bad timing I suppose 🤣

[@MNWCreations]

My parents (I used to) live right off the trail. the Scuppernog springs trail is a nice hike if you didn't do it and would make nice video. Let me know and I'll go with you.

[@MNWCreations]

I assume you ate at the hen house, lol. I used to work there many years and owners ago.

[@MNWCreations]

And you can winter camp in Ottawa, it is self registration which is why they don't allow it on the websites. I am heading there next weekend.

[@joewehner9837]

AMEN on needing more spots to camp!!! I live near you and backpacking is very limited. The only other place I know of for dispersed camping is Black River forest.

[@DanBecker]

Yep I’ve heard of that as well! I’ve never hiked there though. I’ve heard it’s not as nice to hike. I could be wrong though!

[@joewehner9837]

Kettle Moraine is definitely more scenic. Black River forest is used for logging, but cool that you can dispersed camp, and it's free, you just have to fill out a permit.

[@ezcamping8887]

Good video

[@dmoconnellusaf]

Another good one Dan!

[@Slatari]

State parks only? I hope National Forest is open camping

[@grinch5x04]

Loved the new video, Dan. Looks like an awesome trail!! Also, random comment. I was a to pick up a Trekology pillow for $1.11 and a Trekology Aluft Sleeping Pad for $11.11 on their Veterans Day sale. Cant wait to try them out!!

[@DanBecker]

Hey Robin! Good to hear from you! You got that pillow for one dollar??? That’s amazing!

[@grinch5x04]

@@DanBecker yeah!!! I was stoked. Cant beat a deal like that!!! 😃

[@marjiecleveland]

Nice area to backpack! I'd like to hike it.

[@patriotkennethburlingham7059]

I too am from the cheese head state and have never hiked that trail. Looks awesome!

[@brent7390]

Viva La Nemo!

[@mrbohl]

What kind of winter hat is that? It’s not in the description.

[@HikeCamp]

Great hike... I have seen a couple of videos on the ice age trail... Looks like a really nice trail... the camping restrictions would make it tough to thru-hike. 😒

[@DanBecker]

It’s definitely possible to through hike. It’s a very long trail actually. Over 1100 miles long through Wisconsin! Lots of road walking and in the northern part of the state you can pretty much camp where you want. It’s when you get to the southern part of the state that makes it a bit difficult.

[@marktomasko7863]

Wrong-way Becker....has a fitting Trail-name resonance, doesnt it, Wrong-way?!?

[@mikepowers5820]

What did you guys bring for food?

[@DanBecker]

Mountain House

[@arocosadventures724]

Sorry but Wisconsin kind of Su...s tent in shelter🤔⁉️ Thought there were alot of 🇸🇪-heritage in Wisconsin. Here we have the ”allemansrätt” you can camp almost everywere for one night (no Wisconsin toilet Glamping though😜). Keep up the good work!

[@DanBecker]

Things must be good out there! I agree it’s a bit frustrating for us here especially in southern Wisconsin to have to deal with limited camping spots. Hopefully the Wisconsin government will listen and let us start camping more freely!

[@arocosadventures724]

Dan Becker A Swede descendent 🇸🇪 for Wisconsin governor🤙

[@lorismith8479]

What brand is your down hat....looks like it fits well and is warm...Cheers

[@DanBecker]

UGQ Skullie. It’s fantastic!

[@danielmassengale]

I noticed that you have used the Big Agnes Tiger Wall tent. How has that held up for you? Have you had it in any storms, it seem like it’s pretty light weight and I wonder how it would hold up to the weather. Thanks and keep up the great work

[@DanBecker]

Hey Daniel! I absolutely love that tent. It’s my favorite by far. I have had it in a extremely wicked storm! I was in South Dakota on top of a cliff and the winds were gusting up to 50 miles an hour. They held up great with no leaks whatsoever! Highly recommend!

[@danielmassengale]

@@DanBecker I appreciate the time you took to reply, maybe a topic for another video but id be interested in why you chose a tent like that over a Cuben Fiber tent. thanks and keep up the great videos

[@natechundrlek4201]

Do you have a link to that aqua clip. That thing is awesome!! Love watching your videos with my kid’s.

[@DanBecker]

Awesome! You can get it here! zpacks.com/products/aquaclip-kit

[@natechundrlek4201]

Thanks dan I just crushed like 5 of your videos.

[@amkboyd]

Why doesn’t he like that aqua clip? I bought it because of you and it’s changed my life. I consume more water because of the accessibility. I’d like to know what he uses.

[@DanBecker]

Truth! Also I think that’s awesome! I think I might screenshot your comment and send it over to him just to rub it in LOL! 🤣🤣🤣

[@NooperTrooper13579]

I still think you sound exactly like Jim Halpert

[@IgnacioGlezCllo]

whats that little device on your rucksack shoulder strap??

[@DanBecker]

Garmin Inreach Mini. It’s a satellite communicator. Can track my location, text my family when there is no cell service, and provide emergency services at the push of a button.

[@IgnacioGlezCllo]

@@DanBecker cheers!

[@packblixty2147]

I wasnt one of those people but I am from the same troop

[@DanBecker]

Awesome!!!!

[@Prim--]

Your hike needs more cowbell and blocks of sharp cheddar cheese... No hike is complete without these simple staples while hiking in Wisconsin.. Get with the program Dan.. lol

[@DanBecker]

Truth! I failed Wisconsin! 🤣🤣🤣

[@twocross]

A Milwaukee backpacker/hiker here! Been through there a million times. Have you gotten the patch for hiking those sections?

[@DanBecker]

I had no idea there was a patch!

[@twocross]

Dan Becker, yes there are two that I know of. The patches are made by county chapters. One is for Walworth/Jefferson county chapter, and the other is the Waukesha county chapter. Complete the 8 or so sections of the IAT, mail in the printable sheets (with a few dollars for the postage and you’ll get a patch. Which reminds me, I should mail mine in!

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

@Dan Becker in my quest to shave weight. I am trying to decide on a lighter backpack. I did get an Osprey Atmos 65. But it comes in at around 4 lbs. But it is comfortable compared to the Gregory paragon that I had to return due it's very uncomfortable fit. So I am seriously considering the HMG 3400 or the Zpacks arc haul. I figure I can take 2 lbs off. Baring in mid that comfort is important. Which of these packs do you recommend?

[@DanBecker]

Wandering Aloud With Mark honestly both are amazing backpacks! Zpacks is a little smaller and lighter but has a really nice open spot on your back so it does not get too hot in the summer.. And HMG is definitely more capacity but in my opinion carries more comfortably. You can’t go wrong with either one!

[@edgit69]

Awesome channel you have. You derserve more subscribers 👍

[@DanBecker]

Thank you so much Bob! I truly appreciate your encouragement!

[@lundiboy8]

Literally just got my hyperlite pack yesterday for my AT hike in 2020.

[@DanBecker]

Awesome! What do you think of it? So far I am really impressed! Congrats on your AT hike by the way!

[@lundiboy8]

@@DanBecker Love it. Coming from the Osprey Atmos, more than half the weight is cut and it is water resistant. It withstood a shower test with no water seeping through. Plus the black is a thicker material which gives me piece of mind for durability.

[@alexweigelhikes]

What were you guys getting for daily mileage? Also, I'm surprised you didn't use that sweet new UGQ zero degree!

[@John-Adam]

No wonder we sleep everywhere thats how we are

[@mikevargas809]

do you wear something over your puffy around the fire to protect from sparks?

[@DanBecker]

Great question! Honestly, I used to do that because anytime I get something new I want to protect it. But I realized that my hardshell rain jacket is an expensive rain jacket as well. So instead I just try to avoid sparks when I see them. If they do end up burning my jacket I consider that a back country battle wound and a badge of backpacking honor 🤣🤣

[@mikevargas809]

@@DanBecker thank you. Love your channel

[@rogerkomula8057]

Wisconsin? Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. Come to the U.P.

[@RAMtrails]

do you ever have pain in your left knee? not trolling

[@davidsawmandave8731]

Sweet trip buddy I think I'm going to do one this weekend also undecided on overnight or though I need that ugq quilt

[@DanBecker]

That’s awesome! Are you hiking in Wisconsin? UGQ is great!

[@davidsawmandave8731]

No here In Va. , at the Shenandoah national park

[@jeffrenda9857]

Hi Dan. Zpacks quilt? From your last video I thought you were trying out your new UGQ quilt.

[@DanBecker]

I brought both. Used the UGQ the first night and Zpacks the second to test them both. I kept one in the car so I didn’t have to carry it.

[@jeffrenda9857]

@@DanBecker Ahh. I am interested to hear your results. I am trying to decide between UGQ and Katabatic, and UGQ has a sale running right now :-)

[@DanBecker]

UGQ is awesome! never used Katabatic