Strawberry Mountain 4.0 Part - 1

Published on February 23, 2020
Duration: 18:30

This video documents a challenging solo winter backpacking trip to Strawberry Mountain, focusing on the difficulties of snow travel, vehicle recovery, and camp setup. The presenter, Ivan from Kit Badger, details a previous failed attempt with a friend due to getting their vehicle stuck in snow, highlighting the importance of proper recovery gear like shovels and traction aids. The solo trip involves a long hike to the trailhead, crossing a partially frozen creek, and establishing a winter camp. The narrative emphasizes the mental and physical demands of solo winter expeditions, including carrying heavy loads and managing resources like water and fire.

Quick Summary

Solo winter backpacking to Strawberry Mountain presents significant challenges, including heavy pack weight, difficult snow travel, and vehicle recovery issues. The presenter faced getting stuck in snow, a sketchy creek crossing, and the need to melt snow for water, emphasizing the importance of preparation and resource management for such expeditions.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Introduction and Previous Attempt
  2. 00:51Getting Stuck in the Snow
  3. 02:18Using Recovery Gear
  4. 03:22Assistance from a Local
  5. 04:46Setting Up Camp
  6. 05:00Broken Saw and Fire Issues
  7. 06:11Morning Recovery Efforts
  8. 07:18Planning the Solo Trip
  9. 08:57Pack Weight and Solo Challenges
  10. 09:31Driving into Snow with Chains
  11. 09:48Encounter with Snowmobiler
  12. 10:38Hiking to the Trailhead
  13. 11:42First Obstacle: Creek Crossing
  14. 13:00Slow Progress and Water Concerns
  15. 14:14Melting Snow for Water
  16. 15:16Decision to Camp Overnight
  17. 15:57Camp Setup and Firewood
  18. 17:37Plan for the Next Day

Frequently Asked Questions

What challenges did the presenter face during the initial attempt to reach Strawberry Mountain?

During the initial attempt, the presenter and his friend got their vehicle stuck in deep snow about three-quarters of a mile up an unplowed road. They lacked adequate traction and had to use a shovel and saw to try and free the vehicle, ultimately leading to a decision to camp overnight.

How did the presenter prepare for his solo winter backpacking trip to Strawberry Mountain?

For the solo trip, the presenter packed essential gear for winter camping, including a tent, cook system, and survival equipment, resulting in a significantly heavy pack. He also prepared for the long hike to the trailhead by putting chains on his vehicle and carrying a substantial amount of food and water.

What were the main difficulties encountered during the solo hike to the Strawberry Mountain trailhead?

The solo hike to the trailhead involved walking 5.62 miles on a snow-covered road, which was physically demanding. The presenter also had to cross a partially frozen creek, which was sketchy, and he underestimated his water needs, forcing him to stop and melt snow.

What safety considerations are important for solo winter backpacking trips?

Key safety considerations for solo winter backpacking include carrying sufficient gear for survival and comfort, being prepared for vehicle recovery if driving into snow, managing water resources by melting snow, and having a way to communicate, such as cell phone service, which was available in parts of this area.

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