Looking forward to seeing more winter camping videos! I have been using the Osprey xenith 88 the last 2 winters. I generally hike on hard pack/snowshoe in southern Ab. I am usually travelling less than 10k/day and probably average around 40ish lbs all in. My pack is 6lbs by itself so heavy. But it has tons of space so a place for everything including outer pocket for shovel. I can even attach my snowshoes when I don’t need them. I prioritize the space over weight and generally feel my winter trips are more like training for summer - when I prioritize less weight.
I'm pretty happy with my seek outside divide 4800 for both summer and winter. Yes snow gets into the mesh outer pocket, but not too much. I see they just introduced a new version, "2.0." I have the old version. Not sure I'd want stretch fabric anywhere on a backpack - I'm skeptical of the longevity/durability.
Very informative. Seems like there’s room for another video here - key differences between winter and 3-season backpacking. Here, the focus is on the backpack itself, but the backpack is part of a whole system of gear. Anyway, great video, hope to see more on the general theme. Lots of people like me probably, Americans who 3-season backpack but have a fear of winter backpacking, and have lots of respect for you, Justin and other Canadians. 🇨🇦 🇺🇸 👊
Appreciate you starting the video off mentioning which pack you use right away. With the winter coming up I’d be interested to see a full gear breakdown for what you are running for the season
Bought the same pack that your buddy Justin is using in the footage you showed, Mountain Hardware in red and white. It’s a mountaineering pack and has fetuses I won’t use like ice tool loops and it’s heavy. It’s comfortable and has a great outside pocket for winter tools, shovel, crampons and such. No belt pockets but straps and options. Nice unit. Now that I lost weight, I have to achieve something this winter.
Solid points, Kane. I’m still a 1-2 night max backpacker. 55L has been more than enough for me. I like your point about carrying the foam sleeping pad vertically - less risk of trees shredding the pad.
I could definitely get by with 55L. I'll probably try the Kakwa this winter for and overnight just for fun. Unfortunately it doesn't have a good carry option for skis and the large mesh will be a snow/ice magnet. Imagine getting in freezing rain with that... I'm pretty sure I could do 7 a day trip with my catalyst, 6 for sure.
@@KaneDoesOutdoors ya, that makes sense. I've never enjoyed skiing - the army ruined that for me LOL. But I do like snowshoeing. Did a lot of that in the army - oddly, they didn't ruin that for me, LOL.
Newer to backpacking, so went overkill. Mountain hardware AMG 105L, bigger than most need but it's worked great for me so far! I do want to get the 75L at some point, but other things to upgrade first
I’ve used the Gregory Zulu 40 in the past for winter backpacking and find it a little smaller than I would want it even though I was managed to get away with a 2-night trip. Currently own an Osprey Exos 48 which is a perfect size for my winter trips. The only concern is it’s not waterproof so the pack outside would get soaked when it snows. I’ve used the Hyperlite Headwall before but I’d prefer a pack with load lifters especially when packing 30-35 lbs for the winter. I think the Zpack Arc Haul 50L would be a perfect winter pack.
Having a gear list takes care of weight and overpacking. I prefer having one bag that can handle multiple trip lengths and just roll it down for shorter outings. Pretty sure I could get up to 7 days in the winter with this volume pack no problem. On shorter trips I just let my insulation fill up some of the extra space.
For me the ideal winter pack would be a hybrid of some old military packs and recreational ones. Have huge interchangeable pockets that and lots of points to attach things to. You could then customize it for each adventure. Used a number of military and recreational bags over the years. Although I love the lighter weight of civilian packs I always seem to return to the military ones with the much larger outer pockets and like that they don't go much above the shoulders.
@@VinceFowler I keep gravitating back to the Canadian Army 1964 Pattern Universal Rucksack C2 (getting harder to find) but using the '82 pattern shoulder straps. The bag is often the original style, a shorter bag (20 maybe 30 L) with three large outer pockets (2 L maybe). A large valise/sleeping bag carrier (about 30 L) that has cords that compresses the sides in to make it skinnier then straps on above it. You can sandwich in other large/bulky items between the valise and frame like your shelter, parka, mukluk liners. I have used the '82 pattern bag on it as well, it has a bit more volume and the valise mounts below it. It also has lid pockets. Sometimes I strap a fanny pack to either of them if extra pocket space is needed (winter kit is big and bulky and where I was in Canada it would get -30C often and was out at -40C even). Large bulky items like sleep pads are strapped to the outside. Last overnight trip I did though, it was cool not cold as it just got down to -2 or -3C, I brought a US Army medium MOLLE rucksack with a couple extra pouches and closed cell sleep pad strapped to the outside. Hiked up to an Alberta Rocky Mountain lake and stayed the night, it was great woke up to a bit of snow on the ground even, currently living in southern US so that was nice. I have Have also used the Canadian Army "Clothe the Soldier" small rucksack (about 30 or 40 litres) with its additional side pouches (2 x 5L and 2 x 7.5L) and then a valise (probably about same volume as the ruck). The bag was not intended as an overnight bag so I jury-rigged it to the '64 pattern frame and used it's shoulder straps in place of the '84 pattern straps I normally use. I have also used the large Alice pack and loved the large outside pockets but didn't love the frame or suspension (it was OK but found I liked the Canadian one better). I have tried commercial 60L and 80L rucksacks and found the outside pockets too small and awkwardly shaped I couldn't fit much of anything in them. I just like having pockets and pouches to organize myself. If going for changeable pockets like flap pockets closed with a fastex buckle on a strap. This lets you synch down if not full or keep it secure when overfilled (can't do that with most zippered pouches). Thinking about trying to make my own bag out of modern materials and have a choice of colour other than different shades of Army green. There I rambled on enough. Have fun in your outdoor adventures.
@@bushcraftbasics2036 I have the same pack + an extra frame from when I was in the Airborne Regiment. And yes, put the '82 pattern shoulder straps on it along with a US Army Alice Pack hip pad, and you have a winner. It's a surprisingly comfortable pack. Still, I much prefer my HMG packs. I have a few now; the Unbound 40 & 55, and the Waypoint 35. I've used them all on multi-day trips.
I was going to buy a ULA, but the weight I carry had me look at Seek Outside. I bought a Divide 4800, that carries about 90 L, and more weight than I can carry. . If I need more than that, I kinda like my canoe pack, which is a Sealline 115L Pro Pack.
I like the crux AK 70, Fully waterproof, extremely rugged, light. No side pockets, so when you fall or it snows etc nothing builds up. Expensive but unbreakable.
Good point. I haven't done that but snapping the shoulder strap slider buckle would almost be catastrophic - a real headache at minimum. Hipbelt can just be tied off with a square knot.
Dan mchall packs are worth a look. he will build a pack to your exact requirements and measurements. its a process but you get exactly what you want, I live mine.
I love the catalyst’s size but man I just can’t get it to feel comfortable on my back. Contacted ULA but they pointed me to the aluminum stays shaping video, which helped a bit I but not perfect. Did have adjust the fit at all with yours?
I didn't do anything to it, but have to admit I'm not that particular when it comes to pack fit. I forgot to mention that I had them build it with XL shoulder straps.
There has been a lot of hate for the brain over the last few years. I don't really get it. My pack has a roll top and a (removable) brain. It doesn't have to be an either or choice. My pack weighs something like 2.1 lbs with the brain and 1.8 lbs without the brain. So a place to shave weight but not earth shattering. I store all the little stuff there, solar chargers, 1st aid & toiletries kits, dry place for my gloves, etcetera. It also does a very good job of keeping snow/rain away from the (roll top) access to the top of my pack. I get its omission if you're shaving every gram. Otherwise, I don't see it.
It's just preference, not really about weight savings for me. Just the fact that I need to move a brain out of the way anytime I want into the pack etc. I use a large or medium zippered X-pac pouch inside my pack as a "brain" for organization.
Looking forward to seeing more winter camping videos! I have been using the Osprey xenith 88 the last 2 winters. I generally hike on hard pack/snowshoe in southern Ab. I am usually travelling less than 10k/day and probably average around 40ish lbs all in. My pack is 6lbs by itself so heavy. But it has tons of space so a place for everything including outer pocket for shovel. I can even attach my snowshoes when I don’t need them. I prioritize the space over weight and generally feel my winter trips are more like training for summer - when I prioritize less weight.
Winter is coming ;)
I'm pretty happy with my seek outside divide 4800 for both summer and winter. Yes snow gets into the mesh outer pocket, but not too much. I see they just introduced a new version, "2.0." I have the old version. Not sure I'd want stretch fabric anywhere on a backpack - I'm skeptical of the longevity/durability.
Very informative. Seems like there’s room for another video here - key differences between winter and 3-season backpacking. Here, the focus is on the backpack itself, but the backpack is part of a whole system of gear. Anyway, great video, hope to see more on the general theme. Lots of people like me probably, Americans who 3-season backpack but have a fear of winter backpacking, and have lots of respect for you, Justin and other Canadians. 🇨🇦 🇺🇸 👊
Excellent content. All the key considerations covered here. Thanks!
Appreciate you starting the video off mentioning which pack you use right away. With the winter coming up I’d be interested to see a full gear breakdown for what you are running for the season
That video should be coming in December.
Bought the same pack that your buddy Justin is using in the footage you showed, Mountain Hardware in red and white. It’s a mountaineering pack and has fetuses I won’t use like ice tool loops and it’s heavy. It’s comfortable and has a great outside pocket for winter tools, shovel, crampons and such. No belt pockets but straps and options. Nice unit. Now that I lost weight, I have to achieve something this winter.
I think Marty has the same one. If I remember correctly it has storage for avalanche gear which is the feature I’m missing.
Solid points, Kane. I’m still a 1-2 night max backpacker. 55L has been more than enough for me.
I like your point about carrying the foam sleeping pad vertically - less risk of trees shredding the pad.
I could definitely get by with 55L. I'll probably try the Kakwa this winter for and overnight just for fun. Unfortunately it doesn't have a good carry option for skis and the large mesh will be a snow/ice magnet. Imagine getting in freezing rain with that...
I'm pretty sure I could do 7 a day trip with my catalyst, 6 for sure.
@@KaneDoesOutdoors ya, that makes sense. I've never enjoyed skiing - the army ruined that for me LOL. But I do like snowshoeing. Did a lot of that in the army - oddly, they didn't ruin that for me, LOL.
Newer to backpacking, so went overkill. Mountain hardware AMG 105L, bigger than most need but it's worked great for me so far! I do want to get the 75L at some point, but other things to upgrade first
I’ve used the Gregory Zulu 40 in the past for winter backpacking and find it a little smaller than I would want it even though I was managed to get away with a 2-night trip. Currently own an Osprey Exos 48 which is a perfect size for my winter trips. The only concern is it’s not waterproof so the pack outside would get soaked when it snows. I’ve used the Hyperlite Headwall before but I’d prefer a pack with load lifters especially when packing 30-35 lbs for the winter. I think the Zpack Arc Haul 50L would be a perfect winter pack.
I got the SWD Big Wild 70 this year for my winter and pack raft trips. It’s a dream!
I saw that you're using that pack, looks like a beast!
Wow, you do a great job of keeping the weight down on such a big bag Kane. Thanks for the insights.
Having a gear list takes care of weight and overpacking.
I prefer having one bag that can handle multiple trip lengths and just roll it down for shorter outings. Pretty sure I could get up to 7 days in the winter with this volume pack no problem. On shorter trips I just let my insulation fill up some of the extra space.
For me the ideal winter pack would be a hybrid of some old military packs and recreational ones.
Have huge interchangeable pockets that and lots of points to attach things to.
You could then customize it for each adventure.
Used a number of military and recreational bags over the years. Although I love the lighter weight of civilian packs I always seem to return to the military ones with the much larger outer pockets and like that they don't go much above the shoulders.
All depends what you're doing. Packs that are climbing or skiing centric to be quite sleek, keeping thing from getting caught and bits flying off etc.
Which military pack(s) are you using?
@@VinceFowler I keep gravitating back to the Canadian Army 1964 Pattern Universal Rucksack C2 (getting harder to find) but using the '82 pattern shoulder straps. The bag is often the original style, a shorter bag (20 maybe 30 L) with three large outer pockets (2 L maybe). A large valise/sleeping bag carrier (about 30 L) that has cords that compresses the sides in to make it skinnier then straps on above it. You can sandwich in other large/bulky items between the valise and frame like your shelter, parka, mukluk liners.
I have used the '82 pattern bag on it as well, it has a bit more volume and the valise mounts below it. It also has lid pockets.
Sometimes I strap a fanny pack to either of them if extra pocket space is needed (winter kit is big and bulky and where I was in Canada it would get -30C often and was out at -40C even). Large bulky items like sleep pads are strapped to the outside.
Last overnight trip I did though, it was cool not cold as it just got down to -2 or -3C, I brought a US Army medium MOLLE rucksack with a couple extra pouches and closed cell sleep pad strapped to the outside. Hiked up to an Alberta Rocky Mountain lake and stayed the night, it was great woke up to a bit of snow on the ground even, currently living in southern US so that was nice.
I have Have also used the Canadian Army "Clothe the Soldier" small rucksack (about 30 or 40 litres) with its additional side pouches (2 x 5L and 2 x 7.5L) and then a valise (probably about same volume as the ruck). The bag was not intended as an overnight bag so I jury-rigged it to the '64 pattern frame and used it's shoulder straps in place of the '84 pattern straps I normally use.
I have also used the large Alice pack and loved the large outside pockets but didn't love the frame or suspension (it was OK but found I liked the Canadian one better).
I have tried commercial 60L and 80L rucksacks and found the outside pockets too small and awkwardly shaped I couldn't fit much of anything in them.
I just like having pockets and pouches to organize myself.
If going for changeable pockets like flap pockets closed with a fastex buckle on a strap. This lets you synch down if not full or keep it secure when overfilled (can't do that with most zippered pouches).
Thinking about trying to make my own bag out of modern materials and have a choice of colour other than different shades of Army green.
There I rambled on enough. Have fun in your outdoor adventures.
@@bushcraftbasics2036 I have the same pack + an extra frame from when I was in the Airborne Regiment. And yes, put the '82 pattern shoulder straps on it along with a US Army Alice Pack hip pad, and you have a winner. It's a surprisingly comfortable pack.
Still, I much prefer my HMG packs. I have a few now; the Unbound 40 & 55, and the Waypoint 35. I've used them all on multi-day trips.
I was going to buy a ULA, but the weight I carry had me look at Seek Outside. I bought a Divide 4800, that carries about 90 L, and more weight than I can carry. . If I need more than that, I kinda like my canoe pack, which is a Sealline 115L Pro Pack.
I like the crux AK 70, Fully waterproof, extremely rugged, light. No side pockets, so when you fall or it snows etc nothing builds up. Expensive but unbreakable.
Never heard of the brand before, thanks for the info.
i've got an older seek outside divide. amazing pack!
I have changed many of the buckles to metal ones, the plastic gets so brittle when it gets below -10/-20 celcius.
Good point. I haven't done that but snapping the shoulder strap slider buckle would almost be catastrophic - a real headache at minimum. Hipbelt can just be tied off with a square knot.
Dan mchall packs are worth a look. he will build a pack to your exact requirements and measurements. its a process but you get exactly what you want, I live mine.
You forgot to mention that they start at around $900. That would stop most people from getting one. Otherwise they look and sound awesome.
I’ve looked at them before. Nice but a “little” pricey.
I love the catalyst’s size but man I just can’t get it to feel comfortable on my back. Contacted ULA but they pointed me to the aluminum stays shaping video, which helped a bit I but not perfect. Did have adjust the fit at all with yours?
I didn't do anything to it, but have to admit I'm not that particular when it comes to pack fit. I forgot to mention that I had them build it with XL shoulder straps.
🙏🏻
There has been a lot of hate for the brain over the last few years. I don't really get it. My pack has a roll top and a (removable) brain. It doesn't have to be an either or choice. My pack weighs something like 2.1 lbs with the brain and 1.8 lbs without the brain. So a place to shave weight but not earth shattering. I store all the little stuff there, solar chargers, 1st aid & toiletries kits, dry place for my gloves, etcetera. It also does a very good job of keeping snow/rain away from the (roll top) access to the top of my pack. I get its omission if you're shaving every gram. Otherwise, I don't see it.
It's just preference, not really about weight savings for me. Just the fact that I need to move a brain out of the way anytime I want into the pack etc. I use a large or medium zippered X-pac pouch inside my pack as a "brain" for organization.