Winter Camping?

butterybawls

butterybawls

Member
This summer a bunch of my buddies and I went on a camping trip for about 4 days. Long story short it was probably the highlight of my summer. I got an idea of going on another trip in the winter and during the day we can ski. It sounds like a good time but a pain in the ass. Has Anyone camped in the winter? Tips? Tricks? Stories?

Thanks NS
 
ive camped in the winter once and it was the coldest experience of my life.

prepare is all the advice i have for you, you probably cant have enough blankets, get a really good sleeping bag too.
 
13716999:Chubz. said:
ive camped in the winter once and it was the coldest experience of my life.

prepare is all the advice i have for you, you probably cant have enough blankets, get a really good sleeping bag too.
Click to expand...

How long was your trip?
 
Make sure your camp stove works in the cold before you try to use it in the cold. Know ways to coax it to work in colder temperatures. Smaller spaces are easier to keep warm so you may regret a spacious tent. If something is damp and you want it to dry keep it in your sleeping bag with you near your torso - this only really works for smaller items like gloves. Also consider bagging you ski boots and sleeping with them so they're easier to get on in the morning. If you think you need to piss in the night don't try to put it off. If your sleeping pad doesn't have a good R-value put an old foam pad underneath it. Sleeping bag temperatures often lie and some people sleep colder than others- know what temperatures you find yours comfortable for. More layers of clothes in your sleeping bag isn't better as they will start to compress the down.

Honestly I would want more than one trip's experience before tackling winter camping because efficiency can be so key. If that's not an option do what you can to do a dry run -you want to be pretty familiar with how your gear works in different conditions - maybe have a couple dinners out in the woods where you set up your tent and cook and everything but don't sleep out there.
 
I've got a bunch of winter backpacking trips under my belt. Hands down the best trips ever, but you really need to know what you're doing before you take it on.

It feels like there's too much to ask and too much to tell.

Where are you thinking? You need to know how cold to expect and what kind of snowpack.

What kind of budget are you functioning with? You're going to need a quality sleeping back and good quality equipment.

How long are you thinking? And how committed are your friends? This isn't something where you just bring a bunch of blankets. If a backpacking companion is underprepared things can go south really fucking fast.

Some other general tips and tricks:

-Like the other dude mentioned. Quality backpacking stove that you've used multiple times in harsh conditions. In the winter there is less accessible water. You've got to melt snow. And sometimes building a fire can't happen

-Your pad is also something to consider. If you have to sleep on the snow you'll have a thin layer of plastic and your pad between your sleeping bag and frozen water.

Don't get discouraged about it, just make sure you know what you're taking on.
 
It's fun but sucks at the same time. Buts it's still fun. Bring 3 more blankets then you think you need. Keep an open mind and don't go into it thinking "hee haw man, this is gunna suck, woah bruh, no way." Because with an additude like that kids, is gunna make it suck. Just have fun and you should be good. Just bring lots of blankets.
 
Did a 10 day trip. Was fun minus a norovirus.

But what I learned:

-Layering is key. You don't want to sweat because if you sweat, it will freeze and you will get cold.

-Extra socks. Sweaty feet=sad, cold feet.

-Tarps/Tents+ a pad is key. You want that extra layer

-A small shovel will help you flatten out a sleeping area if you don't use snowshoes. It will also help you dig a fire pit, cooking area, and anything else you want.

-Bring caloric-dense food.

-BOOTIES FOR THE CAMP SITE. Seriously.
 
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