A map and compass! These are pieces of equipment that should ALWAYS be taken when going into the backcountry. I understand that everyone (including myself) has access to GPS navigation on their phones in the backcountry thanks to awesome apps like Gaia, but having this as the only method of navigation is very risky. Electronics are known to fail or run out of battery, especially in the cold. It doesn't surprise me anymore when hikers get lost and have to be rescued, because the average person isn't relying on their critical thinking or their understanding of the surroundings for navigating the terrain. As soon as their phone fails, they have no clue how they got where they are and don't understand the route or landmarks to look for on the way back. As someone who is making an instructional video, it is important to promote practices that keep the less informed safe when they decide to hike. Besides that, great video!
Great video. I do SAR in Arizona. The only think I would add would be glow sticks. If you're in an emergency situation you might go to sleep but you can hang the glow stick outside of your shelter and the rescuers will be able to see it for quite a distance. We've stumbled upon lost subjects were were asleep. I recently found a guy asleep in a ravine. He only woke up after I called his name a dozen times.
My pack is laid out almost identically, with the exception of an MSR windburner 1l stove kit, and whenever I go backcountry skiing or snowshoeing I like to bring a small tent and a down sleeping bag just in case, in a decade of bringing the shelter I've only had to use it once when I got caught in a sever whiteout about 5 miles from the trailhead, after losing my sense of direction I just decided to make camp and ride out the storm.
I like hiking in the hills. So here in winter, that would mean adding a super basic ice axe to the kit. As I am a first aider, I prefer to carry a bothy shelter and 3-layer survival bag if there are other folks around. That way if I or somebody else becomes a casualty, we can treat whatever is going on and stave off hypothermia/shock until Mountain Rescue rolls in. If it's only you, you just need one of those, honestly.
Yep I agree, a small tent and a down sleeping bag are truly a lifesaver if you end up getting caught out in a storm, I also like to bring my little MSR windburner 1l stove kit. But that's mainly because I like my tea and coffee at a ridiculously hot temp.
My experience with a water bladder with tube was that it does not work in winter conditions. The water in the bladder is fine but the tube freezes solid and I was unable to drink without taking off the pack and pouring out of the bladder into a cup. Apart from that the video was very informative and useful. Thanks.
Luckily, I haven't experienced the freezing yet, even down to -20C. I keep it double insulated and blow the water back into the tube after drinking. I also drink regularly (every 30-35min). It's definitely a risk and I would never rely on a bladder for a multi-day or very committal trip!
just thought I should point out that emergency BIVY's are Dangerous in winter conditions if you don't know how to use them. They trap in all moisture, and getting Wet means geting more hypothermic and freezing to death.I'd use it more as a wind barrier/ snow barrier and cut it in half to make more of a space blanket. Again, i'd only be wrapped up in it for 2 hours at a time then take it off to manage moisture build up. when it's that cold staying dry is the most important thing.
100%, if planning a long stay in a bivy, better to go with one of the "breathable" ones and manage moisture. Moisture management can be a life or death factor for any winter activity.
Great video I'm going to add some of this to my kit I don't winter hike but I do snowshoe. Up here in Canada oh and yeah I can agree it's really dark really fast. I would like to get one of those SOS GPS thingies but the price of those Fockers so unbelievable. Right now I'm using a Deuter 28l futura it's nothing fancy like what you have but it does the job and is quite old
I respect you for carrying some emergency and repair stuff. When I'm mountain climbing in the winter (i.e., steep terrain that requires avalanche gear) I always carry a spare hat in case I lose one (usually a hat/balaclava combo that can be worn at the same time), spare handgear (usually gloves and mittens that I can wear at the same time), and spare eyewear (usually sunglasses and goggles). If you lose your hat, a glove, or sunglasses in the wintertime on steep terrain you could be in a world of hurt without them.
I definetly modify this list depending on the conditions. Often, my hat is also insulated and I'll bring a second pair of softshell gloves. Eyewear is SO important, good call!
The Kode series has been great for myself and a lot of friends. I'm currently looking at getting an airbag pack though - I just need to get over the nausea every time I look at the price tag!
I don’t think they’re made any more, but I really like my Mountain Hardwear Snowtastic 28. It’s made to carry skis, snowboard, or snowshoes, the straps are long enough to hold a pair of 1036 snowshoes. One thing I really like it its slim design, it doesn’t stick out on the sides so your arms don’t hit it when swinging trekking poles. It doesn’t carry as comfortably as any of my 3 Osprey packs, though. Regarding headlamps, for me they fall in the “2 is 1, 1 is none” category. I always have 2 (at least), with one always either in my pants/jacket pocket. Lithium batteries work better than alkaline in the cold, too.
@@NH2112 Ah, interesting on the headlamp. I usually have my headlamp and then a small bike light that is probably only a few lumens, but good enough in snow when it's dark and could be used to signal.
Justin Outdoors I do a lot of hiking at night, and even under a full moon with snow on the ground a headlamp makes shadows and helps with depth perception in the snow.
Just curious about how you're able to fit your wool liner gloves underneath your softshell gloves. For me, my wool liners wouldn't fit well under any softshell glove meant to also fit my bare hands. Are your wool gloves quite low profile? Any downsides to wearing the wool liners over top a pair of softshells instead? Thanks for the video! It was very informative!
@@JustinOutdoors Thanks for the reply! Just one more question if you don't mind. Are the softshell gloves water/wind-resistant at all? Decathalon's site doesn't seem to indicate anything about that. Thanks again!
@@saunamchan2908 Not really, no. They breath and dry really well, which is the benefit of them. It's good to have a waterproof shell to put over them if you expect wet conditions.
Man this is amazing, what kind of preparation for hiking at Glacier provincial park for earlier March? Do you think still the same preparation as this video?
Looks like we both spend a good amount of time in the same areas. How do you find that HAM radio for distance. I have been thinking of getting one but I’m not sure how much distance I guy can get from radio to radio in K-country back country.
What's one thing you always make sure to have with you for winter activities?
A map and compass! These are pieces of equipment that should ALWAYS be taken when going into the backcountry. I understand that everyone (including myself) has access to GPS navigation on their phones in the backcountry thanks to awesome apps like Gaia, but having this as the only method of navigation is very risky. Electronics are known to fail or run out of battery, especially in the cold. It doesn't surprise me anymore when hikers get lost and have to be rescued, because the average person isn't relying on their critical thinking or their understanding of the surroundings for navigating the terrain. As soon as their phone fails, they have no clue how they got where they are and don't understand the route or landmarks to look for on the way back. As someone who is making an instructional video, it is important to promote practices that keep the less informed safe when they decide to hike. Besides that, great video!
a waterproof backpack cover or a waterproof backpack
powerbank cause i use my phone app as a map and cold kills batteries .... And a space blanket (in case)
A lightweight tarp.
Silky hand saw
Great video. I do SAR in Arizona. The only think I would add would be glow sticks. If you're in an emergency situation you might go to sleep but you can hang the glow stick outside of your shelter and the rescuers will be able to see it for quite a distance. We've stumbled upon lost subjects were were asleep. I recently found a guy asleep in a ravine. He only woke up after I called his name a dozen times.
My pack is laid out almost identically, with the exception of an MSR windburner 1l stove kit, and whenever I go backcountry skiing or snowshoeing I like to bring a small tent and a down sleeping bag just in case, in a decade of bringing the shelter I've only had to use it once when I got caught in a sever whiteout about 5 miles from the trailhead, after losing my sense of direction I just decided to make camp and ride out the storm.
Thanks for sharing I plan on going hiking in the snow for the first time next week.
It's also a good idea to bring some hand held flares to ward off wildlife. Stoats, weasels, and chipmunks, etc...
I like hiking in the hills. So here in winter, that would mean adding a super basic ice axe to the kit. As I am a first aider, I prefer to carry a bothy shelter and 3-layer survival bag if there are other folks around. That way if I or somebody else becomes a casualty, we can treat whatever is going on and stave off hypothermia/shock until Mountain Rescue rolls in. If it's only you, you just need one of those, honestly.
That’s awfully nice of you to care for other people by packing more stuff.
Yep I agree, a small tent and a down sleeping bag are truly a lifesaver if you end up getting caught out in a storm, I also like to bring my little MSR windburner 1l stove kit. But that's mainly because I like my tea and coffee at a ridiculously hot temp.
My experience with a water bladder with tube was that it does not work in winter conditions. The water in the bladder is fine but the tube freezes solid and I was unable to drink without taking off the pack and pouring out of the bladder into a cup. Apart from that the video was very informative and useful. Thanks.
Luckily, I haven't experienced the freezing yet, even down to -20C. I keep it double insulated and blow the water back into the tube after drinking. I also drink regularly (every 30-35min). It's definitely a risk and I would never rely on a bladder for a multi-day or very committal trip!
Great video ! Gotta love the thermos and a hot drink ! Gotta be prepared for everything in the winter !
Thanks! Some hot spiced apple cider during lunch on a cold day is so amazing.
@@JustinOutdoors absolutely .
Great set of kit man love those Outdoor Research pants one of my favorite clothing gear companies thanks for sharing!
Thanks! They are great pants. Super versatile. I use them for a lot of my winter activities.
Awesome winter vid, Justin! Dark winter days call for extra safety! 🌲🌲👍🌲🌲
Thanks J!
just thought I should point out that emergency BIVY's are Dangerous in winter conditions if you don't know how to use them. They trap in all moisture, and getting Wet means geting more hypothermic and freezing to death.I'd use it more as a wind barrier/ snow barrier and cut it in half to make more of a space blanket. Again, i'd only be wrapped up in it for 2 hours at a time then take it off to manage moisture build up. when it's that cold staying dry is the most important thing.
100%, if planning a long stay in a bivy, better to go with one of the "breathable" ones and manage moisture. Moisture management can be a life or death factor for any winter activity.
Solid video!
Great video I'm going to add some of this to my kit I don't winter hike but I do snowshoe. Up here in Canada oh and yeah I can agree it's really dark really fast. I would like to get one of those SOS GPS thingies but the price of those Fockers so unbelievable. Right now I'm using a Deuter 28l futura it's nothing fancy like what you have but it does the job and is quite old
When would you use microspikes vs Exospikes. We’re planning to be in the Painted Desert/Petrified Forest. These might be ice on the trails
I had to Google toque. haha. I've never heard that term before.
Sometimes my Canadian shows through. haha
Toque just feels so natural for us. Whats a hat?
Haha as soon as I heard you say 'toque' I was like "ya hes Canadian!"
@@promdom or a beanie?
Any recommendations for a back pack that you can also strap on snow shoes. Will that one work.
I respect you for carrying some emergency and repair stuff. When I'm mountain climbing in the winter (i.e., steep terrain that requires avalanche gear) I always carry a spare hat in case I lose one (usually a hat/balaclava combo that can be worn at the same time), spare handgear (usually gloves and mittens that I can wear at the same time), and spare eyewear (usually sunglasses and goggles). If you lose your hat, a glove, or sunglasses in the wintertime on steep terrain you could be in a world of hurt without them.
I definetly modify this list depending on the conditions. Often, my hat is also insulated and I'll bring a second pair of softshell gloves. Eyewear is SO important, good call!
Looks like a nice pack! Currently looking for a backcountry ski pack, so will definitely have a closer look at it :)
The Kode series has been great for myself and a lot of friends. I'm currently looking at getting an airbag pack though - I just need to get over the nausea every time I look at the price tag!
I don’t think they’re made any more, but I really like my Mountain Hardwear Snowtastic 28. It’s made to carry skis, snowboard, or snowshoes, the straps are long enough to hold a pair of 1036 snowshoes. One thing I really like it its slim design, it doesn’t stick out on the sides so your arms don’t hit it when swinging trekking poles. It doesn’t carry as comfortably as any of my 3 Osprey packs, though.
Regarding headlamps, for me they fall in the “2 is 1, 1 is none” category. I always have 2 (at least), with one always either in my pants/jacket pocket. Lithium batteries work better than alkaline in the cold, too.
@@NH2112 Ah, interesting on the headlamp. I usually have my headlamp and then a small bike light that is probably only a few lumens, but good enough in snow when it's dark and could be used to signal.
Justin Outdoors I do a lot of hiking at night, and even under a full moon with snow on the ground a headlamp makes shadows and helps with depth perception in the snow.
Just curious about how you're able to fit your wool liner gloves underneath your softshell gloves. For me, my wool liners wouldn't fit well under any softshell glove meant to also fit my bare hands. Are your wool gloves quite low profile? Any downsides to wearing the wool liners over top a pair of softshells instead?
Thanks for the video! It was very informative!
They are very thin wool liners and the softshells have to stretch a bit. I'm more likely to throw the shell mitts on over the softshells for warmth.
@@JustinOutdoors Thanks for the reply! Just one more question if you don't mind. Are the softshell gloves water/wind-resistant at all? Decathalon's site doesn't seem to indicate anything about that.
Thanks again!
@@saunamchan2908 Not really, no. They breath and dry really well, which is the benefit of them. It's good to have a waterproof shell to put over them if you expect wet conditions.
Great video and gear...
Man this is amazing, what kind of preparation for hiking at Glacier provincial park for earlier March? Do you think still the same preparation as this video?
Depends on the type of trip but this would be a good start at least!
Looks like we both spend a good amount of time in the same areas. How do you find that HAM radio for distance. I have been thinking of getting one but I’m not sure how much distance I guy can get from radio to radio in K-country back country.
It depends a lot on the area and I haven't been in a situation where I am maxing out the distance.
No tent ?
Not for day trips :)
Very good movie!
Thanks!
what is about ur backpack
Osprey Kode 30
How much does it usually weigh?
Probably around 10lbs. I'm not exactly sure!
Nice vid! What clothing, boots and gloves were you wearing in the video?
Thanks! I list out everything in the video description - check it out!
What is the model of those Outdoor Research pants? Are they a hardshell or a softshell?
They are the OR trailbreaker IIs. Softshell pant with a waterproof breathable material where the grey is!
People look at me funny when I carry this much gear while I am Mall Walking.
Wigglythegreat2 h🤣🤣🤣🤣
Great shots! I have skiing videos on my channel too
Nice, I'll check it out!
too much advertisement and products ...paid well maybe...
that's way too many things for a day pack.
I'd be curious to know what you think is unnecessary!
Not in Canadian Winter it isn’t.
I'd say not enough, LOL. To each their own, I guess!