Join me for 3 days of Winter Camping, Hammock setup, Snowshoeing, Camp Stove testing with multiple Fuel types for Snow Melting, Cold Weather Clothing tips & more on this mega episode.
For this solo winter backpacking and snow camping adventure, I’ll be heading into the deep snow of the Sandwich Range Wilderness in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. If you’re serious about geeking out on the finer details of camping in deep snow in temperatures below zero F, this video is for you. We’ll be spending a lot of time at camp experimenting, demonstrating and discussing a lot of winter camping topics in detail, including –
Snowshoe types and usage
Campsite selection
Using the Outdoor Vitals Mummy Pod System
Snow melting for drinking water
Extensive testing using the Optimus Polaris Optifuel stove comparing several camping fuel types for winter cooking & snow melting – LPG canister fuel, white gas, and diesel fuel. Liquid fuel stove priming, inverted canister mode, fuel efficiency, etc.
Winter hammock camping tarp setup in the snow.
Trekking poles for winter hiking
Staying warm on winter camping trips – clothing layer management and strategy, sleeping bag choices, hot water bottle for supplemental warmth.
Traction & Traversal
MSR Denali Ascent Snowshoes *No longer in production, I got them on Ebay. A modern equivalent would be something like the MSR Evo Ascent Snowshoe. Kahtoola Micro Spikes *I didn’t end up using them, as I had my snowshoes on most of the time, but I always throw these in the pack for snow trips to deal with icy terrain. Trekking Poles – CNOC Outdoors Carbon Fiber Vertex Trekking Poles
A Review of the Olight S1 Mini Baton USB Rechargeable LED Flashlight.
This is currently my go-to flashlight for backpacking and camping trips due to it’s low-weight, 600 lumen capability when needed, and ultra-long run-time in moon light mode for tent and hammock lighting. I also find it to be a handy work project and EDC light (every day carry).
Links for full Manufacturer’s Specs, Features, etc
Disclosure: Item seen was received for evaluation & testing. A commission is received for purchases through the above links. Your support is appreciated and makes the backpacking trip videos on this channel possible. Be smart, make your own informed decisions.
Specs and Features, as per Manufacturer
General Data
Beam Distance (ft) 427
Beam Distance (m) 130
Max. Performance (lumens) 600
Charge type Micro-USB
Compatible Batteries 1 x CR123A/RCR123A
Light Intensity (candela) 4200
Light Form: Wide/broad hotspot. Perfect for up close illumination.
Lens / Reflector Type TIR reflector (big, defined wide hotspot)
Series Series S (EDC, General Use)
Available color temperature: Regular – cool white 6500k, 70 CRI (seen in review) or HCRI model -cool white 5500k, 90 CRI
HCRI version built for perfect color reproduction with illuminating objects eliminating all unwanted extra tints.
No charger is needed for charging the battery. The included battery is rechargeable through a built-in Micro-USB port, therefore it may share the same charging cable with a phone.
Magnetic tailcap. The flashlight attaches securely to any ferrous metal surface for hands free use.
Lighting Levels (for regular 6500k model)
Turbo – 600 lumens, 1 minute bursts
High – 330 lumens, 60 mins
Medium – 60 lumens, 6 hours
Low – 15 lumens, 30 hours
Moon – 0.5 lumens, 15 days
Other Modes
Strobe
Auto shutoff timer, 3 mins or 9 mins
Technical Characteristics
Waterproof IPX8
Weight (g / oz) 43 / 1.52
Length (mm / in) 54 / 2.13
Head Diameter (mm / in) 21 / 0.83
Body Diameter (mm / in) 21 / 0.83
Led Cree XM-L2
Package Contents
650mAh RCR123A Rechargeble Battery with microUSB charging port
Come along for 2 days of Winter Hammock Camping, Backpacking, & Camp cooking as we hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail near Port Clinton, PA.
For this winter camping adventure, I’ll be taking advantage of a couple of free days by heading up to Port Clinton, Pennsylvania for a spur of the moment solo backpacking trip. Along the way, we’ll see some sections of the Appalachian Trail that PA has to offer, go over my winter backpacking gear, setup a winter hammock camping rig, build a campfire, and do a a decent amount of camp cooking on my trusty, old-school canister stove.
Trailhead Parking
Appalachian Trailhead, Port Clinton, Pennsylvania, Rt 61 Note: Parking at the actual trailhead is no longer allowed / possible. I parked in the town of Port Clinton near the Fire Station and proceeded down Penn St to the dead end. This small detour allows you to hike directly under the highway bridge and link up with the Appalachian Trail on the other side.
This was a relatively simple ‘in and out’ hike with a total one way distance of just under 3 miles and an elevation gain of 1,284′.
Port Clinton Winter Hammock Camping Elevation Profile for Hike In – Sintax77
Notable Gear Used / Seen on this Backpacking Trip: For a more detailed account, check out my full Winter Ultralight Backpacking Gear List Blog Post / Video.
A cross-post of my Live Event on Katadyn USA’s Facebook page discussing my recent Winter Snow Camping trip, & a general discussion Q&A on winter Backpacking Gear, Clothing, Food and personal experiences.
My full winter camping clothing system that I used on my recent backpacking trip *I forgot to show my hat, socks and boots, but you can catch those details in the upcoming full length trip video.
years ago.
saw to replace our recently broken Coleman folding saw
.
with hands free on and off function.
Alpha
, long
*No longer in production, I got them on Ebay. A modern equivalent would be something like the 
.
*I didn’t end up using them, as I had my snowshoes on most of the time, but I always throw these in the pack for snow trips to deal with icy terrain.
*I’m not sure my model is in production anymore. The closest current version seems to be the 
.
(came with my Sawyer S3 system)
