Snow Hiking Vermont - Winter Backpacking & Frigid Camping in the Green Mountains
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ต.ค. 2024
- Tired of waiting for warmer weather, I decided to revisit Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest for some winter backpacking and a dose of snow camping. www.sintax77.com
The specific location I chose was the Big Branch Wilderness area. This is very close (just a bit further North) to the Lye Brook Wilderness, where I filmed my solo hike to the Stratton Pond area. This helped me to be familiar with the general area in terms of driving, but it would be my first visit to the Big Branch Wilderness, in hopes of doing some snowshoeing and getting a different Winter perspective on Vermont's Green Mountains.
My general direction taken was the along the Lake Trail towards Baker Peak and Griffith Lake, following and crossing McGinn Brook and eventually connecting to the Appalachian Trail / Vermont Long Trail. At least that was the plan... I also also try my hand at setting up a tent in the snow, which by the way, will be my 3-season tent, so we'll see how that goes too. Oh and speaking of that, here's my backpacking gear for the trip.
Gear List:
(32lb Base + 7lbs Food & Water = 39lb Total Pack Weight)
EMS Long Trail 70 Backpack
Kelty Salida 2 Tent amzn.to/2eOx3Z2 (3 season tent, not actually built for winter)
Nalgene 1 liter water bottle amzn.to/2vK1zr9 inside EMS insulated hip pouch.
Disposable 1 Liter Water Bottle kept in Pack
1 Liter Platypus Bladder amzn.to/2ePcdJ8 for backup water storage
DeLorme PN-60 GPS, Long Trail Map by Green Mountain Club, and Forest Service Print-Outs
Brunton Classic Compass amzn.to/2uyhQ3H
Layers of various synthetic clothing (worn plus spares):
(long underwear, short sleeve and longsleeve shirt, EMS fleece lined pants)
MontBell Ultralight Down Parka - 800FP
Water Proof Outer Layer - EMS Thunderhead Jacket and some cheapo synthetic track pants
Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters amzn.to/2uYhRiw
Zero Degree Down Sleeping Bag - Kelty Cosmic Down 0 amzn.to/2eOjGrN
Therm-a-rest Z-Lite Sleeping Pad amzn.to/2eOdS1x
Klymit Inertia X-Frame Sleeping Pad amzn.to/2eOGEiF
EMS Packable Pack - Used as pillow (but it's really a stuffable daypack)
EMS 'Altitude' Mittens with fleece inner gloves
Regular gloves, knit ski cap, balaclava etc.
Garmont GTX Snow Boots amzn.to/2uCPL9L
Carhartt Sock Liners paired with EMS Mountaineering Socks amzn.to/2w1v46Y
Kahtoola MICROspikes (ice traction for boots) amzn.to/2w0X0aU
Alps All Terrian Snowshoes 25" amzn.to/2eOU9P8
Swis Gear Hiking Poles
Large trash bag, paracord, extra assorted zip-lock bags
Ramen Noodles, Mountain House Pro-Pak dehydrated dinner, snacks etc
$8 Ultralight Canister Stove amzn.to/2w17RSm with small Jetboil Fuel canister
'Light My Fire' Mini Fire Steel amzn.to/2tZCPcj , waterproof matches amzn.to/2uYGLOZ , small lighter amzn.to/2uy2NXz
Space Blanket amzn.to/2uYj2OY
2 ReVive Solar ReStore chargers amzn.to/2eOFe7v for video camera, phone, etc
PTEC Byte Headlamp amzn.to/2uYtO7A & Preon 2 Penlight amzn.to/2uy4Nz5
Tin Can Cookset & Light My Fire Spork amzn.to/2w13SFm
Instant Coffee!
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That’s the best pre-intro I’ve ever seen
I'm envious of how little snow you have
You're a true outdoorsman!
You know what, I really put a lot of thought into going the hammock route for this winter adventure. The deciding factor was simply the fact that I am far more practiced and familiar with my tenting system. Since the winter elements introduced a whole new set of variables that I'm less experienced with, I thought it would be safer to not add another. Going back to hauling that thing sucked though!
Thanks for another good backpacking video.
Hardee's does make a mean burger, but I don't think they have them that far up north. They seem to start popping up once you get south of Pennsylvania.
I keep coming back to this video every once in a while... It's so good
I’ve had my butane/propane canister stove (MSR Pocket Rocket) start to flow ‘really slow’ when it was under 15 degrees out hiking in winter. A few times it took almost 20 minutes to bring roughly 30 oz. of water to a boil. Although that little MSR Pocket Rocket flowed slowly in mid-teen temps, it has never failed to boil or cook anything, ever - great stove. I always carry an Esbit for backup, and have never used it. (I know … why carry the extra weight with a backup Esbit …. because I like to, that’s why, haha.) I know that I can always arrange some rocks, build a fire, and place my pot over the flames to boil, but it’s never come to that yet. Great older video, Sean. (or is it Shawn?) I was going through some older winter trips of yours, and since I live in Vermont this was a good one to watch. I’m getting into the groove of the winter hiking season. I haven’t been out yet, but planning a couple nights out very soon, most likely on the Long Trail in the Richmond-Waterbury area. It’s time to spend less time amongst the brainwashed masses in America’s towns and cities, and get out hiking into the mountains as much as I can. As soon as they initiate the cashless system, I may never come back out of the mountains, and they’ll have to drag me back into their illusion of life and peaceful slavery. Be well all, and be prepared. - Jason/Freedom Fighter Until Death/Vermont, BSA (‘BSA’, meaning “The Brainwashed States Of America”)
You do an excellent job with your videos, I have watched about 10 of them, your lucky to have a wife that enjoys backpacking with you.
I haven't winter camped since I was a teenager. I'm now 54 and just bought my first backpack ever. I can't wait to fill it up w/ camping stuff and get out there. Like you said, plan well, tell others where you are going and be cautious at all time, esp. if you are going solo. I'm glad you found your way back to the trail. Thanks for filming and posting and the gear list, which I saw in detail in the prior video.
Lightwalker, CT AMC Chapter
Wish I lived further north to be able to hike in true winter conditions. Absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks, man. I'm actually enjoying checking out your channel right now as well.
Dryer lint, that's genius!
thanks for sharing your adventure. i've been using one of the no name chinese stoves like yours every morning to make my coffee. i've been happy with it for at least 60 boils.
You've inspired me to start now to get ready for some winter overnights. thanks again.
"I'm really digging this shovel."
i plan on heading out to vt quite a bit once the warmth comes back around. good to see a channel out there in the area. thanks for sharing man.
Bravo.......well done
Another great video. You should check out the Adirondack High Peaks area in NY. Think you'd enjoy the trails and mountains there, too.
Great video. Love your video's.
Thanks for the feedback, I'll have to look into that. Adirondacks are definitely on the to-do list!
My wife isn't going to be happy with you....I just ordered your $8 stove and the coleman folding saw!! LOL Thanks for the videos....they are awesome!
from southern California, nice job going out in tough icy conditions....looks like you have the gear for it....thanks for the effort of filming on top of the conditions ..well done!
That was great stuff man. I can totally appreciate how hard it can be to film out there - especially when it's cold. Awesome job! Frozen lens was pretty funny. 3 season mesh tents in middle of winter FTW!
Hadn't ever lost a trail in the snow, but then if I was in a new area definitely a possibility. Hadn't considered that until I watched your vid. I use a compass for specific or general direction. Haven't got in to GPS. Liked the lid and ultra light pot set. I like a pyramid shaped tent or tarp for winter camp. Liked sharing your trip. Thanks for the post.
Awesome vid, nice scenery, good and quiet. Unfortunately, I missed a camping trip last year and wont be able to go this year due to an injury last July2012, I go on a solo camping trip with me dog in April and October, dunno when I will be able to go again. Anyway, I do not have time to watch this vid will catch up on it later. but, I never went on a winter camping trip would like to someday. Nice gear you have there and I'll leave another comment after I view the whole vid. Awesome
great video, I always enjoy them, this one was an eye opener, not much chance for hiking and camping in those conditions down here in Aust , so it was pretty educational in that regard ... thanks for sharing .. Tony
This was great! Looking forward to more..more more!
Thanks for making this video. My buddy and I are debating going out before it gets warm.
love the videos sintax77..can't wait for the spring. my wife and I have the fever. maybe we will see you on the Pemi
I've been saving this vid for a time when I had sufficient freedom to watch it. Awesome vid and outing. I love those winter hikes! Good times. loved the intro! beautiful scenery!
Oh man, you did great if this was your first or even just one of your first winter trips.
Great video..
Looks like a lot of fun if you're geared for it.
Really stoked to watch this, love it when you film in my home state!
Good idea! I stuck one of those self adhesive toe warmers to my camera, but didn't even think to try it on my fuel canister. To Jetboil's credit it did pretty well without any pre-warming, but it was definitely struggling!
I've been using summer tents for winter camping for years. Been to colonial states of Maine to California across the northern states with a summer tent too. They do just fine. When it snows you just have to know to hang a tarp too, that's all. 4 season tents are required for mountaineers really, that's all. The rest of us can use summer tents without issue. We're not pitching tents on tops of mountains above the tree line in severe winds and snow storms. The poles would snap and they would rip and fail in such conditions. As for condensation. It's a non issue for a night or two at a time too.
Great Vid - I've been field testing a Kelty Gunnison Pro 3.1 in Vermont since September. I've only had a few issues. The most important issue of course is that it does a little twist with a heavy snow load - about 6 to 8 inches of the heavy stuff. But it did not break or collapse! I scraped it off and everything sprang back into shape.
One thing about snow up on your fly in the Winter - remember your famous words- "Condensation is your enemy". With a good bag you want that extra airflow.
Keep making these hiking videos I gaurantee this is where your subscribers come from. That's at least my opinion. keep going love the vids.
Hey, I think you were onto something.
I've watched all your more recent vids (last couple of years...) and am loving these "prequels"! It's fun to see your skills as a hiker and cinematographer develop. I love your style at both and the channel is definitely one of my favorites! Was wondering, was this your first use of your now "trademark" cheeseburger time closing? Great stuff!!
+Marty Rule Thanks, Marty! My first use of the cheeseburger line was actually at the end of my Mt Adams Solo Hike video.
Looks like a fun trip, I got a lightweight stove just like that and love it. Very compact and easy to use. I'm a 3 season tent transformed into 4 seasons tent guy too!
cool i grew up in pawlet vt im going to have to check that spot out when i get the chance
Thanks, especially for the food tip ;) I'll have to add that to my post-hike meal spots. Can't wait to have to break out the snow shoes again!
Oops, forgot to put that in the video description:
Base weight was 32lbs + 7lbs Food & Water = Total Pack Weight of 39lbs
Good call, I might have to do some sort of overview video on that subject one of these days...
hey Sintax, another great video! Just wanted to throw a tip for the stove since winter hiking season is now upon us. two tricks i use are, 1: put a small amount of water in any kind of small camp pot ( just enough for about an inch high) place the fuel canister in it while cooking or boiling ur water, or the easier way,#2: also less weight to carry just attach an adhesive toe warmer to the bottom of the fuel canister. both work well making your stove much more efficient in cold temps, i prefer the toe warmer method much more myself
Awesome tips, thank you! I'll have to give them a try this season.
Keep the canister & your water bottle in your sleeping bag. Morning coffee will be much easier.
Glad to hear you're inspired to get back out in the snow. I'm happy with that little stove as well. Maybe if I was on an expedition in the Himalayas, I'd spend more than the $8, but it works just fine for New England! :)
I have the Stasher Jacket and like it, but pretty much view it as a wind breaking / extra warmth layer at this point. It stands stand up to a light mist or so, but anything above a drizzle will permeate pretty quickly now days. I may try re-treating it with some water repellent some time though. Either way, I love throwing it in my daypack or car, when I'm unsure of the upcoming temps.
As always,incredible video.Liking your channel
Awesome Video, always thought winter camping would be cool just haven't tried it yet!
hey man great vid, i liked this one alot. makes me want to get out there and hike, but i dont have the right gear for winter hiking, learned that the hard way haha. ill stick with my small walks until it warms up a bit. take it easy
Excellent vid, I am off snow hammock camping in the UK this weekend. What are the name of your snowshoes
Yeah, I really do wish I had a digital thermometer with me to record what the overnight low was at my actual location and elevation, since my camp site was probably less than a hundred feet from the peak. I would guess it still stayed above zero that night, but it was definitely a unique experience.
Here is a tip on Cold trip. If you pack in a camp chair with a back, also bring a closed cell foam pad cut to the same width as the seat. Place the chair near the fire and drape the foam over the chair. You will be warm front and back. Without the foam you will keep turning round as the other side gets cold. Cut a piece of foam for a foot pad/ improvised seat as well. Funky colored foam pads can be spray painted solid or camouflage colors.
I like my Stabilicers Maxx best for non- boiler plate ice. They do not chew up the bridges and wooden walkways, and they do not slip on rocks. (I wear my mini cleats for the boiler plate, though.) And when I take pics, I use small chemical hand warmers held close to (not touching) the camera. Saves the batteries, and weighs almost nothing.
Nice hike. I'm surprised your canister worked at all. I've done a few day hikes and an overnighter with little success in the winter. I used an MSR XKG EX on my last trip to Mt. Lafayette. Worked great. Anyways cool video, watched a few more and subscribed.
Was that a live tree that you cut J/K. Love your vids man keep making videos and I'll keep watching. I have almost all the gear for winter backpacking but missing the most important thing SNOW... Live in southern California and the only snow we have in the local mountains is blown snow. Hoping to get snow soon to give it a run.Hope all you people that just had the coldest weather out east are still alive and well. Around here if it gets to be 45 degrees people think it's cold I just crack up. Here's a joke for you... I asked my wife if sex is better before or after my trip she said during.
We didn't use tents or fire while doing cold weather training in the marine corps in sub zero, was fun times :)
Thanks for taking us along on the trip. I was sitting here on my easy chair, bundled up from the cold that you were conveying to us. I was hoping you would show us how you pass the time while in the tent. Would a better tent have been any warmer in that situation?
I was looking forward to testing how the Jetboil canister would work, and it held up pretty well. I wasn't sure how accurate Jetboil's claim that their four-season mix is reliable down to 20*, and this was sub 20 degrees, plus I left the canister insulated over night and made no attempt to pre-warm it. Trust me, it was struggling a bit & it seemed less efficient than usual (melting snow was a painful wait!) , but I was impressed overall.
GOOD VIDEO DUDE!
Very cool video!
Just a suggestion, heat your water and put in your water bottle. Place the water bottle in the foot of your sleeping bag. That will keep your feet (and your camera, batteries and phone) and will give you warmish water to cook, wash and drink with the next morning. Old Canadian Army Arctic Warfare trick. Better than a bottle of frozen water.
Keep on keeping on!
great channel, looking forward to more videos..
Outstanding vid! Sub freezing overnighters are tough to do and film. Great effort as always.
u should come to central we have a ton of long trail up here thats what i do all the time love it !!!!!!!!
Cool man! I enjoyed the hike!
cool!
your awesome!
I love your videos:)
I hope on of these trips we get to see a cheeseburger.
Great video - Thanks!
The myth; the legend.
OH YEAH THAT IS COOL!
no hammock...ur nuts!!! LOL
so why not? it will keep you warm and toasty for any conditions. and fun at the same time. good luck to you celticbattleaxe~ always bring your garbage back to where it belongs~ don't leave them out in the nature~
Man, I could have used those micro-spikes last weekend. I'll have to do some research for next year.
Great vid, bro. Thanks
If u get a square can like a couple of altoids tins and some tea candles and put them by the entrance of your tent it does give off enough heat for a few hours.
Haha, I know exactly where you're talking about. I actually really like the Whitely Farms Trail in White Clay Creek State Park, has a cool open feeling vibe to it, mixed with some wooded areas. In fact, I filmed my series of G.I. Canteen cooking vids in the woods back there.
Bummer! I was watching the vid and readying my hang glider for the Vermont wilderness.
Yeah, for the sake of the video / adventure, I was actually hoping for more of the fluffy white stuff.
Skip to the last 30 seconds of my "26 Mile Dayhike" video ;)
Awesome channel, just found it..also subbed :) Makes me wanna go out and enjoy ^^
Love the Blair Witch look around 39:30. Another great video. I look forward to them. Thanks
Joe what kind of camera do you use??? And how long does it record??? great video !
yes indeed, i lived in manchester and locals told me 40 below on "the" mountain is normal. they always say "the" mountain and i would say which one we're surrounded by fucking mountains!! it's nice up there for a very short time. the weather is brutal (i worked outside) and it was expensive. did you meet any danby locals?? man o man what a bunch.
good video man , id like to do some walks with you
There is only one Cheese Burger in America you could have crowned this trip with.... The Hardees/Carl's Monster Burger , The Pilot Big Burger would do the job in a pinch but nothing beats a Monster Burger after a winter hike... Great video Dude..
I live in Vermont, great place
Great stuff as usual, always love the ending, 'its cheeseburger time' hah!
well, i think water filter is the safest way to go. reason being is that snow is no different than rain. meaning what ever falls off the sky may contain toxic fume and etc. furthermore, it isn't the area where you are backpacking, all possible air pollutions could come from near by cities... that is what is happening in the great smokey mountains... they said that you should not drink water straight out of the streams in the area. and building a campfire is a major part of backpacking.
FYI this is my other channel just in case I cross up conversations you don't get confused.. Have a question man, the EMS Stasher gear, what do you think of it? I just ordered the pants and jacket off ebay but I was thinking about getting the poncho and the parka as well, are they worth the money?
Nice. Thank you.
When you're ready to plan hit me up. I take trips up there three times a year and can give pointers on some cool loops to hike.
Just used a 3 season tent in -5 degrees in the ADKs, with a -30 degree bag and two pads i was warm as hell!
I'm all for foreplay but that leaving out the burger scenes is just cruel man... How about a burger review Dude break it down like a tent and show us what its made of Bro...LOL anyway that's my two cents , look forward to seeing your up coming vids should have taken my time but I ingested your entire channel in like 4 nights, and when I went looking for something similar there were non to be found. You are truly one of a kind on the tube... cant wait for the next one...
a tip for water in winter hiking bring some vodka and add a shot of vodka to every 2 liters of water it prevents them from freezing and makes just about everything a little easier though you have to take you fluids in little sips at a time otherwise you will be dangerously lowering your core temperature.
The pad works easier with a chair with arm rests. Or you can bring a DIY hammock ( cut 3 yards of nylon or polyester taffeta, do a prussic 18" piece around each end of it, and a DIY under quilt from a summer sleeping bag at the thrift store. Then you don't need the chair or fire.
ENJOYED THE VIDEO. I ONLY WATCH WINTER CAMPING.SO FAR I WATCHED ABOUT 30 I WOULD RATE THIS ONE IN THE TOP 10.
Great video, thanks for sharing.
I was camping the other day at -1c and by lunch my battery was half depleted. I put my film of camp on TH-cam ;-)
Just noticed @ 35.40, those track bottoms are official FC Barcelona wear. Quality gear for $15.00.
Brilliant video...you might think of leaving anti-freeze spray under the wheel of your car in case your door lock freezes .......
Hello first cooking out of can isn't safe... Toxic comes out of the cans, second, carry a water filter to get drinking water. I think that is far better than snow melting. Third, why don't u make camp fire? It will be warmer to hang out and bring your moral up. And last, I would not use needle valve stove in winter time instead use white fuel stove or use soto regulator for canister fuel. Works great even if freezing condition. But I dig your passion for the nature. I'm with u on that matter
holy crap, i used to live near there. i do believe up on the mountain the temps will go down to -20 -30 it's so cold in VT
It's my friend's DeLorme PN-60
dude isn'it dangerous to go camping there .because of the black bears ?
Today's door locks are pretty impervious - unless you actually try and roll through a car wash on a freezing night (most car washes close when the temps dip real low) you are pretty safe.
Still, sometimes it's nice to know you carry hot water with a much lower freezing point with you anywhere you go. If it gets real bad, urine has a much lower freezing point than water - single digits or so. ::Grin::