Well this trip was quite the adventure. I went out expecting to have a relaxing camp where I could practice some bushcraft skills. I got the camp and skills part, but this trip was anything but relaxing.
I spent most of the first day hiking due to the deep snow. It was a long and difficult hike. I was able to get my fire going and get a nice little camp set up still. Since I ran out of daylight so fast I decided to stay up a bit later than usual enjoying my fire and the outdoors.
When I finally went to bed, the wind picked up. It was gusting pretty good and a lot of trees were falling that night. Whenever I set up a campsite I always make sure there are no big dead-standing trees in my immediate surroundings. The last thing I need is to get squished while I’m trying to sleep. The noise of a large tree falling is definitely enough to wake me up though and because of that my sleep was often interrupted.
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse… I heard a large animal running in my direction. The sound of it got louder and louder real quick. Luckily it stopped at around 25 yards away from where I was sleeping and went in a different direction.
Wolves are pretty timid towards humans. They do not see us as a food source. Rather, they see us as a threat. I can only assume that wolf was travelling and just so happened to stumble upon my camp. Once it caught my smell I believe it turned and ran away wanting nothing to do with me. Even though I know that a wolf attack is extremely unlikely, it was still nerve wracking to have something running in my direction at night. In the morning when I checked the tracks and realized it was a wolf it definitely shocked me a little.
Now, with that being said, one should always take precautions when it comes to wildlife. Just because a wolf doesn’t consider you food doesn’t mean it can’t attack you. I do carry a form of protection with me whenever I’m in the outdoors.
I want to thank everyone who watches my videos. Your support means the world to me.
FAQ/Gear Info:
Are there wild animals in this area?
Yes. There's a variety of big game (moose, deer, grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, wolves) in this area. They tend to avoid humans for the most part though and don't pose much of a threat. I do carry a form of protection just in case.
What clothes am I wearing?
Upper body: cotton base layer, wool insulating layer, waxed cotton jacket (outer layer).
Lower body: cotton base layer, polyester insulating layer (I would like to have wool pants for insulation, but they are very expensive to buy.. I will likely make my own in the future), waxed cotton pants (outer layer).
I've been criticized for wearing cotton as my base layer. Cotton is actually a great insulator... as long as it stays dry. I do not allow myself to work up a sweat so my base layer always stays dry. I've been wearing cotton base layers for many years and I've never had an issue, even in -30 degree weather. I know wool is better and my reasoning for not wearing wool is solely due to the cost.
What was the temperature on this trip?
It was not very cold. About -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) during the night.
Gear that I use:
Backpack - Kelty Redwing 44 - It's an ok pack. Comfortable enough to carry but it has a lot of flaws in it's design. I use it because it's all I have. One day I will replace it I'm sure.
Hatchet - This was an $8 antique store find. I put a new handle on it and it has been my go to for a couple years now. No makers mark on it so I'm not sure what brand it is but it holds an edge very well.
Knife - Mora Carbon Steel - Mine has a custom wood handle I put on it. It's a great blade and works excellent for carving/crafting. It's inexpensive and is great quality. One of my best knives.
Saw - Bahco 21" Peg Tooth Blade - The wood frame I made myself. the blade is decent quality. Works quite well.
Boots - Sorel Pac Boots (I think) - I don't know if the specific model I have is still available. But they're Sorel brand. Not the best boots. I have to wear thick wool socks to keep my feet warm and sometimes they still get cold. Once again though they're all I have so it's what I use.
Wool Blanket - 2x queen size 100% wool blankets - I received both as a gift and I believe they were bought second hand. No label or anything on them.
Sleep Mat - Cheapo foam sleep pad found in any camping store - It's just the typical foam sleep pad that most camping stores carry. Inexpensive but the warmest sleep pad I've used. Bulkier than an inflatable one but a fraction of the cost and warmer. I've placed this sleep pad on bare ground in -30 degree Celsius weather and never had the cold come through. There's a lot of myths about camping gear out there... get out and experiment. You'll be surprised.
If you have any other questions or comments please let me know in the comments section down below.
2 июн 2024
