I forgot to mention that there's no shame in turning around before you reach the summit. If the weather changes or something happens, better to get down safely and hike another day! I really think that's one of the most important things to remember with any hike.
I think the weather is also a really important point in general! Really bad weather (cold, wet, bad visibility) can be dangerous in any season and will also help make you miserable. Hannah did not have the nice sunny day that you did :)
100% My dad, who used to be my hiking buddy, always said, "The summit is only halfway. You still need the energy to get back down off the mountain." One time, he made the wise decision to not go to the true summit where the geological marker was, and instead rested while I ran to the top and back. He swears that even though it was a huge regret it was the reason we made it back before it got dark. Never any shame with that.
I saw Hannah give this video a shout out on IG. 🤩 I would loooooove to see a collab video where you go on a winter hike together with Hannah. Balance out her negative experience with a great one! 🙂
The tip about socks applies to any activity, whether you're hiking a mountain, standing still a lot for your job, or sliding around your house to Old Time Rock n Roll . People really underestimate the difference a really good pair of socks make.
I double up with a thin pair of toe sock liners and heavier wool socks on top. For winter snowshoeing and backpacking, I started to use a vapor liner (bread bags) and have had good success.
There are avalanches in some of the mountains up here from time to time, and back country skiers and snowboarders sometimes get caught in them and die...
The registry is such a good idea! I go on solo hikes quite often and all year round. I usually text family when I'm out alone, but they live too far away to be any help if I run into trouble. I also got your hoodie in the mail today. It's super comfy!!
Hey wow! Thank you so much for getting the hoodie!! Ideally there are a couple other people on the trail, so you wouldn't be 100% isolated in the event of any emergency...
I live in Shiga and have gone up Ibuki about 7 times. Nice quick hike but I prefer it in warmer months. Going up in summer at night to watch the sunrise over Biwako is a great experience, although one night I went up alone and ended up in the middle a huge mob of deer (and a couple boars which were nerve wracking). Definitely recommend it to anyone in the Kansai area
Great tips! I am hoping to visit northern Japan in mid-Sept 2022, so probably won't need some of them. I have heard so much about this mountain I think I will put this on my "to do" list. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the great tips, I love a good winter hike but haven't hiked up a snowy mountain yet. The highest I have hiked up is the "Kahler Asten" (841 m). There was only a little bit of snow, but it was still pretty cold. Fortunatly there is a tower with a litte cafe on top.
The advice about crampons is incomplete. Crampons are traction devices, so they're used when it's hard to advance without slipping. This means, ice and very hard snow slopes. In addition to crampons, one needs to have an ice axe for hiking (different than the ones for climbing) and know how to stop oneself with it in the case of a fall. Crampons aren't used in softer snow conditions. Proper training is advised for using both of those pieces of equipment, courses are usually 1-2 days and it's totally worth it, otherwise you risk falling hundreds of meters on a fall because you couldn't stop.
Great advice, thanks! Yeah, crampons are best for ice and hard snow slopes, but here I see a lot of people using them on soft snow slopes as well. Not ideal, but better than no crampons. Maybe it's different where you live, but here in Japan they're pretty standard to use, and I haven't met anyone that took a course in them, thought that sounds ideal!
@@GoNorthJapan I took a 3 day course in Spain although I'm now living in Sendai. I see a lot of winter equipment misuse in Japan, especially in the easier mountains. I haven't had the chance to climb them myself, but from what I've seen in youtube videos, people who climb Fuji or Yari in winter know how to use it properly. In soft snow, the ideal equipment is either snowshoes or wakan, depending on how soft it is. If it can be walked regularly without slipping or sinking, then boots without any extra equipment are the best. If boots alone don't have enough traction, then crampons + an ice axe are necessary. The deal about the ice axe and training is that self-arrest needs to be practiced. Falling in an ice slope with crampons and without an ice axe means that either the fall is stopped with your crampons (and you break your legs) or the fall can't be stopped (and you accelerate until the slope ends). This is especially important in spring, when the Japanese powder snow starts turning into ice sheets. Sorry for the long comment but I hope that it was useful!
Thank you so much for making this great video! Really helpful tips and the scenery was spectacular. We love hiking in Japan but being fellow Aussies like Hannah, winter hiking is really not something we're used to. Hopefully next winter we can tag along with someone more experienced!
I think your tips were good. They're good tips to consider anywhere you go in Winter for hiking as I can see these big good for mountain hikes in the UK. Stunning views as well!
I went for a hike in New York state once and there was actually a little book to sign in at the entrance to the trail with your emergency contact information and your time starting/finishing the hike which I thought was really smart for a more remote area like that. My hike wasn't too long (the trail was waaaaay muddier than I expected) but in bear/snake/who knows what else country I was glad to see that kind of forward thinking when it came to safety!
I think any hike whether winter or summer, you should be prepared to spend the night. Always have extra food and clothing, especially in winter. Layers, have lots of them that you can remove and add as your body temperature changes and outside temperature changes. I always bring a down jacket even now until the snow is gone.
Maybe I’ll be brave enough to try and hike in Daisetsuzan National Park this coming late spring. I’ve hiked it in all other seasons but have no winter hiking experience.
Firstly, Thank you so much for these great tips!! Now, about socks, Can we use heat isolating skiing socks when hiking if we have them or do we need new ones specially made for hiking?
1:48 I live near enough to a military base that now and then I hear the faint noise of artillery or machine gun fire . That was way louder than I regularly hear it and that alone would give me motivation to go on a hike . As ugly as war and conflict is I can't help being fascinated by weapons in its many forms . Just please be smart 😅
There's a Japanese SDF base in Takizawa near the Umagaeshi trailhead, so when you're on the south face of Mt. Iwate, you can usually here them doing their artillery practice. It can be really loud once in a while. But the explosions aren't all that frequent.
Great video, Mr. Quinlan. One general thing I would add (and mind you I speak as a cyclist who does a fair bit of road cycling in the Rockies), is to always treat mountains with respect and be ready for anything even if the weather looks fine. There have been several days when I would start in the foothills in 25C heat only to be hit by a stray storm at the higher elevation.
You mentioned having to reapply sunblock because of how much you sweat, but there's another reason: after about two hours, it becomes a lot less effective, so you'll need to reapply anyway!
Another fantastic video! Thank you for sharing! Do you get requests from people who want to go hiking with you? I think you would be a great winter hiking buddy with all the experience and appreciation you have for Japan's special terrain. Also, is there a hiking app or something where hikers post comments about the trail's condition? I'm blanking on the name, but in the States, there is an app that people can post and make note of mudding conditions or dangerous rock slides, etc.
Yeah- I do get a few requests, but not so much with COVID these days. I'm actually about to do a 5-day intensive certification course in wilderness first-aid and emergency response.. so that will make me a bit more confident in doing paid hiking guiding gigs. For conditions I check the blogs people post on the YAMAP app mostly!
@@GoNorthJapan Thank you for that tip, I will be sure to get YAMAP when (not "IF", trying to be more positive!) I go to Japan. Best of luck on the intense course, I'm sure you'll pass with flying colors! I'll be sure to look out for your guided hikes as I would love to do winter hikes (or any hike) safely and with confidence. Always thank you for the amazing content!
I do all the filming myself, but I have an old friend named Kurt that lives down near Tokyo that I get feedback and advice from when I'm editing and making videos. He tells me what he thinks I should cut, etc.
Regarding the water bottle strap, what's your thoughts on that vs. a water bladder and hose? I know the water bladders take a little bit more effort to clean but the ease of access was nice. I used one for Mt Fuji hike and just had it in my backpack with hose strapped along the shoulder strap.
@@ichii-ka That's a good point but I think I remember reading about a system that has an insulated hose as an option. Also, on the up side, the water in your backpack probably doesn't get as cold and if you take regular sips, it won't get the time to fully freeze. Might be risky though!
Yeah, as ichii said - the general consensus is that there's too much risk of the hose part freezing during the winter. A lot of people I know use them in the warmer months, but the cleaning can be a pain for lazy people like me- keeping them mold free etc. I want to start using them someday, but being lazy I generally stick with bottles.
@@sianallama I did buy one last year, but somehow I haven't starting using it. I realized it only works with one of my backpacks, and I don't use that one as much when I need to carry my drone... I may try to use one more in summer hikes in the future though.
I forgot to mention that there's no shame in turning around before you reach the summit. If the weather changes or something happens, better to get down safely and hike another day! I really think that's one of the most important things to remember with any hike.
I think the weather is also a really important point in general! Really bad weather (cold, wet, bad visibility) can be dangerous in any season and will also help make you miserable. Hannah did not have the nice sunny day that you did :)
Journey up Mt. Iwate ft. GoNorth Japan needs to happen . Pressure must be put on Chris to get on it !
@@Nynke_K Yeah- another great point! I try to only go on good weather days in the winter.
100% My dad, who used to be my hiking buddy, always said, "The summit is only halfway. You still need the energy to get back down off the mountain." One time, he made the wise decision to not go to the true summit where the geological marker was, and instead rested while I ran to the top and back. He swears that even though it was a huge regret it was the reason we made it back before it got dark. Never any shame with that.
I saw Hannah give this video a shout out on IG. 🤩 I would loooooove to see a collab video where you go on a winter hike together with Hannah. Balance out her negative experience with a great one! 🙂
The tip about socks applies to any activity, whether you're hiking a mountain, standing still a lot for your job, or sliding around your house to Old Time Rock n Roll . People really underestimate the difference a really good pair of socks make.
Agreed! I was totally guilty of this until somewhat recently!
I double up with a thin pair of toe sock liners and heavier wool socks on top. For winter snowshoeing and backpacking, I started to use a vapor liner (bread bags) and have had good success.
@@bertman4 Hey, that's kinda how we did it in the Corps. A very thin sock liner under a more durable sock. Helps prevent blisters.
This video came up on top on my search for the right reasons 🙂. Thanks for sharing.
Another beautiful day over there, I never even thought about avalanche risk before cause of where Im from just doesn't have that risk
There are avalanches in some of the mountains up here from time to time, and back country skiers and snowboarders sometimes get caught in them and die...
The registry is such a good idea! I go on solo hikes quite often and all year round. I usually text family when I'm out alone, but they live too far away to be any help if I run into trouble.
I also got your hoodie in the mail today. It's super comfy!!
Hey wow! Thank you so much for getting the hoodie!!
Ideally there are a couple other people on the trail, so you wouldn't be 100% isolated in the event of any emergency...
Q bloody Awesome
Gosh this is stunning hike. The view is breathtakingly beautiful 😍😍
hehe "crampon"
I live in Shiga and have gone up Ibuki about 7 times. Nice quick hike but I prefer it in warmer months. Going up in summer at night to watch the sunrise over Biwako is a great experience, although one night I went up alone and ended up in the middle a huge mob of deer (and a couple boars which were nerve wracking). Definitely recommend it to anyone in the Kansai area
I haven't done a lot of night hiking. That sounds like great fun!
@@GoNorthJapan Try it in summer, do the hard part during the cool evening then enjoy the walk down after the suns out without it being too hot.
Wow that view is amazing!! I mean bla bla bla, beauty beauty beauty 😆 Seriously though I will hike this mountain one day. Someone hold me to it.
I loved this. you have great pacing between the nature shots and the commentary which is something I'm trying to work on! Great tips as well. Subbed!
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
Great tips! I am hoping to visit northern Japan in mid-Sept 2022, so probably won't need some of them. I have heard so much about this mountain I think I will put this on my "to do" list. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the great tips, I love a good winter hike but haven't hiked up a snowy mountain yet. The highest I have hiked up is the "Kahler Asten" (841 m). There was only a little bit of snow, but it was still pretty cold. Fortunatly there is a tower with a litte cafe on top.
That sounds nice! Nothing like coffee on a summit!
Do you use Yamap? It's just another tool you can use to keep you safe.
Yes- I do use Yamap!
The advice about crampons is incomplete. Crampons are traction devices, so they're used when it's hard to advance without slipping. This means, ice and very hard snow slopes. In addition to crampons, one needs to have an ice axe for hiking (different than the ones for climbing) and know how to stop oneself with it in the case of a fall. Crampons aren't used in softer snow conditions. Proper training is advised for using both of those pieces of equipment, courses are usually 1-2 days and it's totally worth it, otherwise you risk falling hundreds of meters on a fall because you couldn't stop.
Great advice, thanks! Yeah, crampons are best for ice and hard snow slopes, but here I see a lot of people using them on soft snow slopes as well. Not ideal, but better than no crampons. Maybe it's different where you live, but here in Japan they're pretty standard to use, and I haven't met anyone that took a course in them, thought that sounds ideal!
@@GoNorthJapan I took a 3 day course in Spain although I'm now living in Sendai. I see a lot of winter equipment misuse in Japan, especially in the easier mountains. I haven't had the chance to climb them myself, but from what I've seen in youtube videos, people who climb Fuji or Yari in winter know how to use it properly.
In soft snow, the ideal equipment is either snowshoes or wakan, depending on how soft it is. If it can be walked regularly without slipping or sinking, then boots without any extra equipment are the best. If boots alone don't have enough traction, then crampons + an ice axe are necessary.
The deal about the ice axe and training is that self-arrest needs to be practiced. Falling in an ice slope with crampons and without an ice axe means that either the fall is stopped with your crampons (and you break your legs) or the fall can't be stopped (and you accelerate until the slope ends). This is especially important in spring, when the Japanese powder snow starts turning into ice sheets.
Sorry for the long comment but I hope that it was useful!
キニナルイワテから来ました！
見てくれてありがとう！
Thank you so much for making this great video! Really helpful tips and the scenery was spectacular. We love hiking in Japan but being fellow Aussies like Hannah, winter hiking is really not something we're used to. Hopefully next winter we can tag along with someone more experienced!
I think your tips were good. They're good tips to consider anywhere you go in Winter for hiking as I can see these big good for mountain hikes in the UK. Stunning views as well!
I went for a hike in New York state once and there was actually a little book to sign in at the entrance to the trail with your emergency contact information and your time starting/finishing the hike which I thought was really smart for a more remote area like that. My hike wasn't too long (the trail was waaaaay muddier than I expected) but in bear/snake/who knows what else country I was glad to see that kind of forward thinking when it came to safety!
i cannot imagine his BPM when climbing , i think i would collaps , one healthy good looking man,
#10 Maybe use Quinlan more as a guideline than hard fact . It doesn't hurt to get second opinions
I think any hike whether winter or summer, you should be prepared to spend the night. Always have extra food and clothing, especially in winter. Layers, have lots of them that you can remove and add as your body temperature changes and outside temperature changes. I always bring a down jacket even now until the snow is gone.
Fantastic video as always, thanks Quinlan!
I love it! Thanks, Quinlan.
I saw that video. I thought of your videos.
Excellent video :) always wanted to know as I hope to hike in Japan in winter once it is allowed
we want to go some day thank you for the information
great video as always
Maybe I’ll be brave enough to try and hike in Daisetsuzan National Park this coming late spring. I’ve hiked it in all other seasons but have no winter hiking experience.
I know a Japanese adventure guide that lives right at the base of Daisetsuzan and does all kinds of guided activities up there. I really want to go!
Firstly, Thank you so much for these great tips!!
Now, about socks, Can we use heat isolating skiing socks when hiking if we have them or do we need new ones specially made for hiking?
I assume anything made fro skiing would be good for winter hiking!
Thanks for the video. My wife and I will be moving to morioka next month. I am looking forward to hiking mount iwate!
Hey! Welcome to town then, new neighbor!
Beautiful again.
1:48 I live near enough to a military base that now and then I hear the faint noise of artillery or machine gun fire . That was way louder than I regularly hear it and that alone would give me motivation to go on a hike .
As ugly as war and conflict is I can't help being fascinated by weapons in its many forms . Just please be smart 😅
There's a Japanese SDF base in Takizawa near the Umagaeshi trailhead, so when you're on the south face of Mt. Iwate, you can usually here them doing their artillery practice. It can be really loud once in a while. But the explosions aren't all that frequent.
Great video, Mr. Quinlan. One general thing I would add (and mind you I speak as a cyclist who does a fair bit of road cycling in the Rockies), is to always treat mountains with respect and be ready for anything even if the weather looks fine. There have been several days when I would start in the foothills in 25C heat only to be hit by a stray storm at the higher elevation.
Definitely! This is excellent advice!
You mentioned having to reapply sunblock because of how much you sweat, but there's another reason: after about two hours, it becomes a lot less effective, so you'll need to reapply anyway!
Ah! Good point! Thanks!
Another fantastic video! Thank you for sharing! Do you get requests from people who want to go hiking with you? I think you would be a great winter hiking buddy with all the experience and appreciation you have for Japan's special terrain. Also, is there a hiking app or something where hikers post comments about the trail's condition? I'm blanking on the name, but in the States, there is an app that people can post and make note of mudding conditions or dangerous rock slides, etc.
Yeah- I do get a few requests, but not so much with COVID these days. I'm actually about to do a 5-day intensive certification course in wilderness first-aid and emergency response.. so that will make me a bit more confident in doing paid hiking guiding gigs.
For conditions I check the blogs people post on the YAMAP app mostly!
@@GoNorthJapan Thank you for that tip, I will be sure to get YAMAP when (not "IF", trying to be more positive!) I go to Japan. Best of luck on the intense course, I'm sure you'll pass with flying colors! I'll be sure to look out for your guided hikes as I would love to do winter hikes (or any hike) safely and with confidence. Always thank you for the amazing content!
Poor Hannah almost froze to death
Yeah- people were really worried about her!
Hey Q, who is helping You with the videos?
I do all the filming myself, but I have an old friend named Kurt that lives down near Tokyo that I get feedback and advice from when I'm editing and making videos. He tells me what he thinks I should cut, etc.
@@GoNorthJapan The quality is really good, kudos to Kurt for helping out !
Regarding the water bottle strap, what's your thoughts on that vs. a water bladder and hose? I know the water bladders take a little bit more effort to clean but the ease of access was nice. I used one for Mt Fuji hike and just had it in my backpack with hose strapped along the shoulder strap.
In winter the water in the hose freezes, so pretty useless in that scenario.
@@ichii-ka ah yes true. I was thinking too general and wasn't thinking about winter, even though the whole video is about winter hiking, haha.
@@ichii-ka That's a good point but I think I remember reading about a system that has an insulated hose as an option. Also, on the up side, the water in your backpack probably doesn't get as cold and if you take regular sips, it won't get the time to fully freeze. Might be risky though!
Yeah, as ichii said - the general consensus is that there's too much risk of the hose part freezing during the winter. A lot of people I know use them in the warmer months, but the cleaning can be a pain for lazy people like me- keeping them mold free etc. I want to start using them someday, but being lazy I generally stick with bottles.
@@GoNorthJapan the guy with a channel about hiking mountains calling himself lazy? Haha.
But yeah, I get it.
✨ Socks ✨ Socks ✨ Socks ✨
Socks!
@@GoNorthJapan Have you thought about getting a camelbak for water instead of a water bottle?
@@sianallama I did buy one last year, but somehow I haven't starting using it. I realized it only works with one of my backpacks, and I don't use that one as much when I need to carry my drone... I may try to use one more in summer hikes in the future though.
@@GoNorthJapan Ah that's too bad that it doesn't work! You must carry so much gear around!!