You’ll Hate Winter Camping…Unless You Bring This Gear

[@judyjrasmussen339]

Good tips for a physio-typical person. For one w/ cold sensitive asthma it’s more complicated, but either way the Sea to Summit liners are amazing. I use mine summer & fall too, pull it over my head & seems to alleviate the pollen & humidity & cold triggers that can wreck an otherwise nice overnight trip.

[@genglandoh]

I am getting back into winter camping/backpacking. The problem I have with sleeping pads is they lose heat from their sides. So what I do is the following 1. Put a closed cell pad down first (Cheap roll up pad from Walmart very light) 2. Put a pad of Reflectix (Very light) inside a cheap summer sleeping bag (Walmart weights 2.9 lbs) 3. Place the sleeping pad in top of the Reflectix also inside the summer sleeping bag. 4. Put my main sleeping bag on top of everything. 5. Inside my main sleeping bag I use a sheet of Insul-Bright as a inside to blanket.(very light) Insul-Bright is the material that is inside pot holders. It has reflective material that is breathable So the sleeping bag helps to keep the sleeping pad from losing heat from its sides. The Reflectix pad helps reflect heat back up to the sleeping pad. The Insul-Bright reflects heat back down but is breathable. This system works well for me. I use the sea to summit sleeping pad R4.2 and the TETON Sports Leef 0 sleeping bag.

[@ARAW-__-]

Super interesting video. I love UL hiking, although my channel is primarily bushcraft from a vagabond's POV. Moisture / condensation management is why I go with a poncho or tarp 🫡

[@jbvertexx]

Great timely video. There a so many good synthetic options our there now that it definitely should be a serious consideration for damp/wet conditions. One suggestion on your winter quilt setup. A 40 or 50 degree synthetic quilt from enlightened equipment adds enough warmth in the winter to get down in the below freezing conditions. Having the synthetic outer layer on your quilt system prevents condensation problems in the down quilt. Any condensation will occur on the synthetic quilt. As a bonus, you get a super--lightweight quilt for mid-summer backpacking, especially here on the east coast where summer nights can be humid and stifling.

[@coolbreezeoutdoors7177]

Hey Devon, on point with this video. I use primarily 3 items for sleeping in cold weather. Backpacking is the S to S, TkII and the Snugpak jungle blanket, just in case. And, the Exped ultra 5r, previous model. Cold weather car camping , I use the Thermarest Saros 0 sleeping bag. These three, bags and blanket , and pad, cover all seasons. Also, line the bottom of your tent. Much warmer and way less condensation.

[@rodoutdoors]

The main thing I'm worried about Winter snow camping is getting my car stuck on the way or at the trailhead 😅 In my area Winters are wet and cold but no snow. I rely on my rain jacket with pit zips a lot. To dry out my inner layers mostly. Sometimes I'll use my quilt and body heat to dry things out too. I'll pack an extra dry bag to separate wet, damp, and dry gear.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Good info! Travel to the trailhead I think often gets overlooked. Sometimes that can be a whole adventure by itself.

[@davidcooper8390]

Tons of good info in this video, although if using a closed cell foam pad I am not sure I would use the short version to put underneath your pad. One other trick is to go above your sleeping bag with a synthetic blanket to help insulate your bag from the cold air. Those sleeping bag liners like the Sea to Summit Reactor series are amazing at adding just enough warmth do get you through.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Oh absolutely a full length closed cell foam pad is ideal. Ha ha! @justinoutdoors is the king of presenting how effective a synthetic layer on top is for added warmth. Those Canadians are built different though.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing the informative tips. Stay safe out there. 😊

[@sgrebner1]

I really enjoyed this video. We have been buying more natural items to get away from plastics (I went down the rabbit hole). More wool and down products. I realize I don’t camp in a humid climate. Great video.

[@wisenber]

I imagine for your viewing audience, "winter" can mean lows of 7C to minus 50C. 7C is still pretty much 3-season camping. Minus 50C, tweaking your 3-season gear ain't gonna cut it. For the most part, I enjoy winter camping. But I'm not a fan of having such short days.

[@isabelledrolet4297]

I don't do deep winter backpacking trip as I am not equipped to do so safely, but I'll go out late fall and early spring, where the temp at night can go down quite a bit (-10°C/14°F is kinda my limit, more mental than gear wise I think). I use a summer bag as a "liner" for my quilt on an Xtherm pad. It keeps me toasty warm.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Sounds like a great system for being comfortable.

[@shawnr6117]

In Canada we have to be prepared to deal temps down to -40 and lower.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah, hard pass on that! ha ha. I love the winters we have herein Utah. Cold, but not crazy cold. :)

[@shawnr6117]

@BackcountryExposure I live in one of the more temperate parts of the country so we don't see it get that cold often but it happens. -10 to -25 is pretty normal though .

[@azclaimjumper]

#26 to "Like" Timely & informative. A video all winter campers/hikers/overnighters should watch & listen to several times Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thank you!!

[@woodchip2782]

I’ve read on several long trail hikers threads that it’s better to put the thinner pad on top of the inflatable pad. Their reasoning is that a thick mattress will have air movement inside that mixes temperature inside the whole thickness and length of the pad as the thinner one will keep heat exactly at the spot you are. I have yet to try this but I think it has some logic to it. What are your thoughts about this?😮

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah, certainly that's going to be a good way to go for sure.

[@ThisguyLeftthechat]

Winter is best time to backpack

[@StamfordBridge]

Why do you say that?

[@BackcountryExposure]

So quiet and that calm during and after a fresh snow fall… ☺️happy day!

[@ThisguyLeftthechat]

No bugs, no rain, clean ground, fresh dry air, morning coffe tastes so good especially tarp camping. Though we once had "ice rain" (wet rain in the winter that freezes on the ground and on you) in the winter and it wasnt fun

[@StamfordBridge]

@@ThisguyLeftthechat Thanks for the response. I used to backpack a lot but that was decades ago. About to get back into it. But I've never winter backpacked. Maybe I'll work up to it. If I can be confident about handling the cold conditions, yes, I could imagine it'd be a serene experience. And the absence of ticks is almost a selling point by itself.

[@xyliiii]

I'd love a review of that swd big wild pack

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yes! Once I have more time with it.

[@boredandagitated]

@@BackcountryExposureglad you got one! I’ve been curious about their packs for sure

[@Norcalhighker]

Brooo, you did not make a layering video and not mention alpha. It’s the business. 120gsm for super cold. Great video as usual! 💪😎

[@brianadventures9622]

That's my purchase plan for this winter season... My first piece of alpha direct. I was thinking 90 GSM though...

[@BackcountryExposure]

Ha ha ha ha! Ya know, oddly enough, I don't currently own anything that's alpha. So it didn't cross my mind to present. Sorry.

[@craig3401]

I'm definitely thinking of getting a cpl alpha tops and maybe pair it with a brynje mesh ls top

[@Norcalhighker]

@@brianadventures9622 that’s more versatile, for sure. Nice to sleep in, too

[@wolfeadventures]

Love these videos. Any specific tips on using non-freestanding tent in snow and frozen ground-Notch Li-?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Ooh good question. Having a good platform of snow that’s solid will be super helpful. Digging deadman anchors in the snow for your stakes using longer lengths of cord is a great way to get good tension. In really frozen ground I’ve seen people use long 9” screws from the hardware store to secure.

[@wolfeadventures]

@@BackcountryExposurenever considered those. Thank you!

[@jaggster]

I noticed you wearing a chest bag in one of the clips of you hiking with your backpack. Can you sharer which chest bag you are using?

[@BackcountryExposure]

It’s the Hill People Gear Snubby Runners Chest Pack.

[@toddshook1765]

Thanks

[@UGQ_Outdoor]

Devin, you can’t push cold down..everyone knows that! Duh! 😂😂

[@BackcountryExposure]

🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️I’m here to defy science!

[@iyacyas72]

Where did you get a "-5 deg" Zenbivy? or did you mean to say Celsius? I'm not policing you, I am just curious if that's something that will soon be available with Zenbivy.

[@BackcountryExposure]

@@iyacyas72 😁 yes, it’s a new option coming to the Light Bed for Zenbivy. I believe next month.

[@JV-ko6ov]

Rubber boots is the goat

[@PokerMuppet]

Those temp figures for the Zenbivy don't match up to their figures on their website at all...

[@BackcountryExposure]

It’s a new option for the Light Bed coming soon! I believe in November.

[@PokerMuppet]

@@BackcountryExposure ah, OK. I'll keep a look out. I'm looking forward to their new Trek and Overland beds.

[@carlos_2856]

You're missing the backpack i think.

[@4rr44E]

I get that the UL backpacks are the “thing,” but backpackers are typically weekend warriors and don’t really need UL packs. Through-hikers… sure. So when will all you guys start covering more affordable (but NOT Amazon specials) gear for the vast majority of us??

[@BackcountryExposure]

@@4rr44E I get that. I’ve been making videos on my channel for 10 years. Over that time I’ve covered a ton of budget, inexpensive, mid tier and premium gear. I’m always working through all types of gear of all price points and categories.

[@boredandagitated]

I’m building a 15 lb base weight 3 season kit on a college student budget. It’s possible man and lower weight is pretty awesome for anyone when hiking, even us weekend warriors

[@wolfeadventures]

UL gear allowed me to do some pretty great weekend trips with my back issues. My old gear killed my back. Yes it’s more expensive. Buying used has saved me almost half of retail on pads, tents and other gear.

[@boredandagitated]

@@wolfeadventures yeah I’ve been buying used, or on sale/clearance, and hitting up thrift stores/surplus stores/wal mart for clothes and such. Since I don’t have a lot of money I’ve had to be very patient

[@4rr44E]

@ Agreed. You certainly have. I think my point was less about concerns of expense and more about the right gear for the right people. I do not endorse “Amazoning” things as that’s become a knock-off marketplace that supports low wage production. But there is some middle ground and some good products at reasonable prices. But buy locally… that’s the first step.