Tip: bring a lightweight bike cover. This keeps bike snow free so less work in the morning and you can then park the bike to block the wind. Easier to start a fire, etc.
Since Revelate Design no longer offers the Wampak, at least when I was looking for one they didn't, running vests work great for under the jacket hydration. Or wearing a cycling jersey and just stuffing a 2L bladder in the back pocket works too. I live in Minnesota and when the temps drop down below 5f/-15c, a bladder under the jacket is the best solution to keep water from freezing.
The heated Nalgene woks great, BUT, be very, very careful that there is no ice on the gasket and that it seals well. Leaking water in your bag could range from a night ride out to a life threatning situation.
The vapor barrier is the number one tip!! I like to use them when I am riding, remove the wet sock and barrier when I get to camp, my boot is dry and a dry pair of socks go on my feet!!! A shower cap over the helmet and beanie will also help if it is snowing!! There is no bad weather, just bad clothing choices!!
Well done Neil! Liked the water bottle with hot water to keep the feet warm. Made me remember my father saying they slept with water bottles at their feet in their poorly heated home. So cold their water basin was frozen in the morning 🥶. Life at 45 degrees.
Hi Neil, the bacon tip worked amazing. I double layered the cleats... After I ate the bacon and cleats was more or less problem free!. Thanks a lot for the tips!
Although slightly heavier than plastic bottles, insulated steel bottles are really the best at keeping water hot or cold. 24 ounces is a good size without being too big. Rock bar cycling also has an insulated storage case for bottles.
I always have a flask with hot water in it. To ensure there is a instant hot drink if needed. Or some non frozen water to quickly heat for cooking. Out on the trail I ensure in cold weather I replace the flask fluids when it’s empty. Also if there are two of us or more, each person has a flask and we use it to empty it for a drink stop. Ensuring the other flasks are kept sealed till needed, individual 1/2 full flask go cold fast.
Hi Neil, Thanks for another ( mostly) great video. I would like to take issue with the segment on fires. Outside of official campgrounds a campfire is almost always completley at odds with the principles of LNT. Bikepacking doesn't really facilitate the carrying of shoves and fire pans to enable a true LNT fire. The scorched ground beneath a fire will prevent the regrowth of vegetation for many years to come. If you must have a fire on a trip have it below the high water mark on the shore or on a gravel bank in ther river where the next tide/ winter storm will wash away the evidence. I feel that the thumbnail used for the video is sending the wrong message or a mixed message at best especially as this video is aimed at the less experienced bikepacker. I'd love to see an LNt video being prioritised as the next in the series.
I remember learning all of this back when I took a NOLS semester in the PNW years ago. I remember we only had one "backcountry" fire in over my 70+ day course and it was on the Olympic Coast. We certainly have an issues with this in the Western U.S. as most campfire "rings" are made by a passerby. So I think you bring up a great point, and I should have done a better job advocating in this video. LNT video is high on the list, thanks for the direction.
We had a 30 below trip in the snow this weekend. A theory got brought up that metal cleat and soles could suck the heat away from your feet like a heat sink. I’ve decided to switch to composite flats and less stiff shoes for winter rides.
Fwiw, I’ve used cleats in -40f with no real issues. How I did it: medium weight wool socks, vapor layer, heavy duty wool sock and 45NRTH wolfgars two sizes up. It’s all important but I think the boot size is most important here.
I use a similar setup: vapor barrier plus sized up 45NRTH Wolfgars. The Wolfgars have a lot of insulation between the foot and the pedal that you can probably replicate a bit with any sized up winter boot to save $$. Size up and add an extra insole for insulation if you think you're getting cold from the pedals, borrow insoles from any other winter boots since they're often made out of wool felt.
Just wanted to add I ended up switching to Mavic Crossmax Thermos!for winter and couldn’t be happier. Getting the right shoes has helped tremendously! Thanks for this review!
Use a larger tent in winter. to make room for gear in the tent, and to be able to move around a wee bit. I carry candles year around. They help take the chill off a cold rain, and quickly warm a tent. I carry a small aluminum plate and secure the candle with my miniature vice grip. I carry a 4 cup thermos year around traveling by bike , car, plane with a 4 oz cup screwed to the top. It looks like a bullet. Fill it with a hot drink at bed time and you will have a warm water, tea, coffee, or broth in the morning. A white gas is easier to start in the winter, but it is hard to beat a pressurized kerosene stove. with a roar burner.
If the ground is frozen hard cat-holes aren't going to happen. Crap into a zip-loc, leave it outside to freeze, and pack that yule log out with rthe rest of your trash. Also, please only light fires in existing fire circles.
Greetings from the UK dude! I'm new to this and have only really done summer/autumn camp videos so far, thanks for the info especially the simple hacks like the shopping bag around feet. Simple but very effective..... Many thanks..... Hopefully I don't freeze 😰😎
So basically what you're saying is that I should load up my bike, ride around all day, then go home to a hot meal, hot shower and a loving wife. Gotcha
If you got a fire going, put some rocks around it, at bedtime take couple rocks wrap them in a towel, blanket or a shirt and keep it in your sleeping bag. Little heater for the night. Like the hot bottle idea too. Keep your food in your sleeping bag too, don't want to wakeup to a frozen bagel or banana. A flask of whisky is a nice touch for the winter. Enjoy!
Watching this again while out the campout itself. It’s 14 degrees at the moment. No way Im going outside to cook in the snow lol. I’m only 4 miles from home. Until then Ill live on clif bars....
I usually don't comment much. Your content is great and I enjoy watching (sometimes just listening), but can't really bear this particular word pronounced wrongly; 7:52 escape is easy as to combine S + Cape, and not X + Cape.
Camelbak and others make some great hydration packs for skiing that can be worn inside the jacket or handle 10F+ temps outside the jacket. I found mine to be a bit better design than the Wampak with a great insulated sleeve for the hose. Even under a jacket the hose can freeze if it's not insulated.
Another tip is that if you have to pee in the middle of the night, you'll stay warmer if you get up and go than if you hold it. Holding your pee means your body is keeping it warm instead of you.
Tip: bring a lightweight bike cover. This keeps bike snow free so less work in the morning and you can then park the bike to block the wind. Easier to start a fire, etc.
Since Revelate Design no longer offers the Wampak, at least when I was looking for one they didn't, running vests work great for under the jacket hydration. Or wearing a cycling jersey and just stuffing a 2L bladder in the back pocket works too. I live in Minnesota and when the temps drop down below 5f/-15c, a bladder under the jacket is the best solution to keep water from freezing.
the wampak was discontinued because so many winter systems exist already for back packing. and at good prices.
LNT as it relates to bike packing would make a great video.
Great idea, thanks Tim.
Nice job. Glad to see the poo-pooing of the isobutane in the winter. I've had trouble with mine even at 30 degrees F.
Already like it! Ready to say “goodbye” to 2020!
The heated Nalgene woks great, BUT, be very, very careful that there is no ice on the gasket and that it seals well. Leaking water in your bag could range from a night ride out to a life threatning situation.
Put it in a waterproof bag to be extra safe. Bonus: your Nalgene bottle won’t smell like feet 🦶
Love your channel !! keep pedaling!!
The vapor barrier is the number one tip!! I like to use them when I am riding, remove the wet sock and barrier when I get to camp, my boot is dry and a dry pair of socks go on my feet!!! A shower cap over the helmet and beanie will also help if it is snowing!! There is no bad weather, just bad clothing choices!!
Excellent video. Thanks for the tips!
Well done Neil! Liked the water bottle with hot water to keep the feet warm. Made me remember my father saying they slept with water bottles at their feet in their poorly heated home. So cold their water basin was frozen in the morning 🥶. Life at 45 degrees.
Hi Neil, the bacon tip worked amazing. I double layered the cleats... After I ate the bacon and cleats was more or less problem free!. Thanks a lot for the tips!
You're awesome Neil!
Although slightly heavier than plastic bottles, insulated steel bottles are really the best at keeping water hot or cold. 24 ounces is a good size without being too big. Rock bar cycling also has an insulated storage case for bottles.
I always have a flask with hot water in it. To ensure there is a instant hot drink if needed. Or some non frozen water to quickly heat for cooking. Out on the trail I ensure in cold weather I replace the flask fluids when it’s empty. Also if there are two of us or more, each person has a flask and we use it to empty it for a drink stop. Ensuring the other flasks are kept sealed till needed, individual 1/2 full flask go cold fast.
Hi Neil, Thanks for another ( mostly) great video. I would like to take issue with the segment on fires. Outside of official campgrounds a campfire is almost always completley at odds with the principles of LNT. Bikepacking doesn't really facilitate the carrying of shoves and fire pans to enable a true LNT fire. The scorched ground beneath a fire will prevent the regrowth of vegetation for many years to come. If you must have a fire on a trip have it below the high water mark on the shore or on a gravel bank in ther river where the next tide/ winter storm will wash away the evidence.
I feel that the thumbnail used for the video is sending the wrong message or a mixed message at best especially as this video is aimed at the less experienced bikepacker.
I'd love to see an LNt video being prioritised as the next in the series.
I remember learning all of this back when I took a NOLS semester in the PNW years ago. I remember we only had one "backcountry" fire in over my 70+ day course and it was on the Olympic Coast. We certainly have an issues with this in the Western U.S. as most campfire "rings" are made by a passerby. So I think you bring up a great point, and I should have done a better job advocating in this video. LNT video is high on the list, thanks for the direction.
I dig that #2006 race plate there behind you Neil. Must have been a long day and then some!
We had a 30 below trip in the snow this weekend. A theory got brought up that metal cleat and soles could suck the heat away from your feet like a heat sink.
I’ve decided to switch to composite flats and less stiff shoes for winter rides.
Fwiw, I’ve used cleats in -40f with no real issues. How I did it: medium weight wool socks, vapor layer, heavy duty wool sock and 45NRTH wolfgars two sizes up. It’s all important but I think the boot size is most important here.
I use a similar setup: vapor barrier plus sized up 45NRTH Wolfgars. The Wolfgars have a lot of insulation between the foot and the pedal that you can probably replicate a bit with any sized up winter boot to save $$. Size up and add an extra insole for insulation if you think you're getting cold from the pedals, borrow insoles from any other winter boots since they're often made out of wool felt.
Just wanted to add I ended up switching to Mavic Crossmax Thermos!for winter and couldn’t be happier. Getting the right shoes has helped tremendously! Thanks for this review!
if you put your butane can in the cup that comes with your stove and add a bit of water itll work much better in the cold while running it
Use a larger tent in winter. to make room for gear in the tent, and to be able to move around a wee bit. I carry candles year around. They help take the chill off a cold rain, and quickly warm a tent. I carry a small aluminum plate and secure the candle with my miniature vice grip. I carry a 4 cup thermos year around traveling by bike , car, plane with a 4 oz cup screwed to the top. It looks like a bullet. Fill it with a hot drink at bed time and you will have a warm water, tea, coffee, or broth in the morning. A white gas is easier to start in the winter, but it is hard to beat a pressurized kerosene stove. with a roar burner.
If the ground is frozen hard cat-holes aren't going to happen. Crap into a zip-loc, leave it outside to freeze, and pack that yule log out with rthe rest of your trash.
Also, please only light fires in existing fire circles.
Greetings from the UK dude! I'm new to this and have only really done summer/autumn camp videos so far, thanks for the info especially the simple hacks like the shopping bag around feet. Simple but very effective..... Many thanks..... Hopefully I don't freeze 😰😎
I just opened up my Melanzana and then I watched this video. I was like,”hey, Neil’s wearing the same top.” Okay, I thought it was 😄
Remember of you build a fire, don't build it under tree branches that have snow on them. The snow will melt and fall into the fire.
So basically what you're saying is that I should load up my bike, ride around all day, then go home to a hot meal, hot shower and a loving wife. Gotcha
Thanks NB was great info
Solid tips Neil!
If you got a fire going, put some rocks around it, at bedtime take couple rocks wrap them in a towel, blanket or a shirt and keep it in your sleeping bag. Little heater for the night. Like the hot bottle idea too. Keep your food in your sleeping bag too, don't want to wakeup to a frozen bagel or banana. A flask of whisky is a nice touch for the winter. Enjoy!
New Monsoon rocks!!!
Do I see a Phishman donut 🧐
@@BIKEPACKINGcom drive.google.com/file/d/1IQAcncPo-2q62au8uSKOcvRaTqahxwF2/view?usp=sharing
@@bbobcats1 YES!!!!!! That is incredible, well done!
That’s nuts!
Watching this again while out the campout itself. It’s 14 degrees at the moment. No way Im going outside to cook in the snow lol. I’m only 4 miles from home. Until then Ill live on clif bars....
sounds fun, wish I didn't have to work 40 hours this weekend!!
Good stuff!
Thanks for all your videos you do, they are great, what kind of camera do you use?
Using a Sony a7iii
Hej, great video and tips. What hoodie do you wear? It looks comfy.
Is this the one you're referring to? If so, I got one in October, have barely taken it off! Super comfy. melanzana.com/product/micro-grid-hoodie/
Where do you get your Adidas Terre gear? I don't want to blind but great and am really curious about their stuff.
Can you be specific on what sleeping system you use in winter?
What hoodie you wearing neil?
melanzana.com one of my favs!
I usually don't comment much. Your content is great and I enjoy watching (sometimes just listening), but can't really bear this particular word pronounced wrongly; 7:52 escape is easy as to combine S + Cape, and not X + Cape.
Geez, you commenters are on a roll this morning, thanks for the English lesson. Seems like a stretch to complain about this but I’ll work on it.
I’m interested in this thermo back pack for the water, but I can not understand the name of the producer. Could you please write it to me ? 😊
It's from Revelate Designs, it is no longer being made, but you can still find it at bike shops. Just search "Revelate Designs Wampack."
@@BIKEPACKINGcom thanks 🙏
Camelbak and others make some great hydration packs for skiing that can be worn inside the jacket or handle 10F+ temps outside the jacket. I found mine to be a bit better design than the Wampak with a great insulated sleeve for the hose. Even under a jacket the hose can freeze if it's not insulated.
Definitely don't want a frozen hose.
we have a saying - 5/6 Ps. Prior Preparation Prevents (Piss!!) Poor Performance - good one ehhh,
Another tip is that if you have to pee in the middle of the night, you'll stay warmer if you get up and go than if you hold it. Holding your pee means your body is keeping it warm instead of you.
One tip to sleep warmer: eat right before bed
Especially high calories or fat. Nut butters, butter etc.
cool
Prior Preparation & Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. ( 7 Ps.)
Don't use white gas. PIA. Use your canister (eg Jetboil) with a Moulder or HX strip. Search youtube or see here: instagram.com/p/Bq3M0YsASmr/?
Bid farewell to 2020? You big farewell to your friends. I’m saying, “good riddance 2020.”
ps, bring the kitchen sink, winter bike camping = not really bike packing. just touring with lots of straps.