What a nice campground for a walk-in. Thank-you. Watching this I'm dialing in my Baltoro 65 and have 27 lbs but I have one of those helinox/MEC 'type' chairs with is 2 lbs plus my MSR 1/2 L fuel bottle for my Dragonfly.

@RachelWhelton

4 ай бұрын

Sounds like a good gear day. I think of this campsite every day we have bad weather, as if it is the easiest one to go to. But I'd maybe like to explore more around there. Basically I like the parking lot! But I don't want to always go to the same place. Maybe we all need a go-to, "easy" spot.

So if you ever go back there, if you go past that gate at the end for about a half a mile there’s a beautiful swimming hole that’s also a great spot for a sunset!! Been enjoying your videos as I too have been thinking about doing some winter camping, this is definitely a great spot for training!!

@RachelWhelton

7 ай бұрын

Oh thanks. I do want to go past that gate very much because it represents learning about wilderness skills instead of only relying on established campsites. That is the frontier of my learning and adventuring!

Thank you for the video. One of my first backpack trip was to Franconia Brook campsite, at that time it was on the other site of the East Branch near Franconia Falls. I assume the former bridge you reference is the former one where the Cedar Brook trial intersects the Wilderness trail.

@RachelWhelton

5 ай бұрын

Yes, I've heard of this bridge but never seen it. They should put up a display or explanation somewhere. Maybe somebody should write a new book on the history of campsites around here.

Solitude in Nature is always a beautiful view.

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

It really is!

Cold weather camping is the best. Definitely a learning process but you choose a good way to do it. Nothing too crazy, just a good night in the woods to dial stuff in.

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Thanks. I appreciate the feedback.

Great idea with a few practice runs although I think this would be an awesome place to snowshoe camp. 21/2 miles from your would be plenty for me in the snow then make camp and cook some outrageous meals and just go exploring around the river. Perfect

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

That's a great idea! I was saving it for snow but then became timid about other locations. I can just go back again when it's time to test the snowshoes.

Great orientation video of all the sites. I've only walked by those in the winter cross country skiing. Always wondered about camping there. As you say, it is nice and close to the parking lot, so a good starter to camping. I think I’ve only seen 13 falls campsite videos shot in summer. You might like that for the warmer weather, as we all know how you like to swim after a hike 😊

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Yes, I was planning to go to 13 Falls and opted for the easy one last minute. I'll go farther I hope, when I get the backpack adjusted better. It's good to see these places so we can all make cool plans.

Rachel, very smart of you to try some simpler trips as venture into Winter camping. Pomoly stoves and tents is a great provider of winter hot tenting equipment, trying it out myself this year. Thanks for today’s tour.

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Thanks. Oh wow a hot tent. That will definitely be an adventure for you!

Enjoy your videos a ton Can’t wait to explore that area some more -Jay and Leah

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Thank you for the nice comment. Yes, this are and the entire Lincoln to Kancamagus to Franconia and across to Conway - that whole area is fantastic with years' worth of exploring to do in every season.

Thank you for this video. I have never done cold weather camping and it's been at least 20 years since I did a backpacking trip up to the Garfield camp site. I have been thinking of doing the hike you did. I will have to try that soon.

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

It has been years of wanting to do winter camping. I spent a lot of money, collecting gear and trying to get best prices on expensive things. I've researched a lot. Still feels right in between easy and sketchy. But I'm going to press forward, trying to extend my experiences but also keep more than the usual safety valves and escape routes.

Kudos to you! Don't know that id be brave enough to camp out on my own, cold weather or no!

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Thanks. Yeah, it wasn't scary but maybe partly that is because I'm alone. I know it sounds odd but when you have somebody, you know it and you can share the fear or lean on them or worry about them. But alone you know you've got to keep busy, follow the plan, and deal with anything that comes up. I suppose if I ever get a bear outside my tent, I might never camp again. But let's hope the good luck continues.

@stephaniestory9029

8 ай бұрын

@@RachelWhelton I'd be opposite, safety in numbers, even if it's just a false sense of security!🙂

We camped at Franconia Falls. It was cold and raining, and we slept like babies.

@RachelWhelton

4 ай бұрын

That would be a lot of water sound in the background I guess!

@Tenebarum

4 ай бұрын

@RachelWhelton it was, and we loved it. My boyfriend lived on a sailboat in Ft Lauderdale, and always needed to be on or near the water. We also camped somewhere on the Ellis River and he got in the water every day. Just fording the river, and standing under small waterfalls. I miss living on the boat and vacations in NH.

Nice down pants. What are they? Always try new things and gear intelligently. Very smart

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

The brand is Nanga from Japan, which I got for 130 bucks from Backcountry dot com. Ran small so I had to exchange for a size up. However they are equally comfortable as wearing a puffy jacket on the upper body.

How long of a hike is it from parking area You inspired to give this trip a go Just contacted my nephew to see if he want to go with me

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

2.5 miles but it's pretty much flat. It's just a matter of how heavy your bag is and whether that makes you go a bit slower. It took me one and a half hours from my car to camp and I took my time and carried a 30 pound pack. Good luck and always check conditions as they may change day to day.

It would be helpful to know what you "dialed in". What did you appreciate most, and what was "not so much"?

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Sorry I was not specific but I feel it will all change more so I should try again before saying I'm doing this or that. On this trip the major change was the backpack, which I keep adjusting to fit my torso. And moving gear around in it. I brought a tripod which helped. I brought puffy pants for the first time which was comfortable. I'll change out the air mat for my older (warmer) one. I'll soon switch the stove to a winter model. I see your point and I'll try to be more specific soon.

Squats at home daily make the miles on trail easier. Stronger legs are a better investment than buying more expensive gear.

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

Yes. But old age makes some compromises along the way.

@icpchad

8 ай бұрын

@@RachelWhelton 20 squats a day and you won't have to compromise anything, at any age. Start with 10 a day. After a month, increase to 20. Takes less than a minute, and because life is cumulative ... that's 3,065 squats a year.

Was there more than just the foam pad underneath your sleeping bag?

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

In this case I used one full length thermarest foam pad called Sol Lite I think. I put the pad on top of the Nemo Tensor insulated air mat. The sleeping bag is rated for 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-15C). I sleep "cold" I guess so I also had my base layer shorts and kept those down pants on, plus base layer top and a puffy vest, plus hat. Basically just trying everything as I figure it out. I was not cold but I still think I can dial it in better because it's going to get a lot colder outside.

What, no swim!

@RachelWhelton

8 ай бұрын

I thought about it. I really did.