Most campers stack their gear up high in the basement or attic during the winter months. However, the winter time is prime time to get out into the woods and do some skiing, mountain climbing or snowshoeing. There aren’t a lot of crowds. You tend to be a lower impact during the winter time and it can create an adventure out of a single normal camp outing.
All the information gathered for this post comes directly from MOUNTAINEERING: The Freedom of the Hills. It is an excellent book and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
1. No Cotton- Cotton dries very slowly and when its wet it loses its insulating properties. If you’re winter hiking and/or camping DON’T wear one inch of cotton. My personal ranked list from best to worst on the garment scale is Polyester and Polypropylene, Nylon blends, Nylon, Wool and cotton at the bottom. I’m sure there are substitutes and new fangled expensive REI stuff out there but that’s a basically list. (Open for argument.)
2. Layer baby layer- Light and non bulky layers make up the optimal situation for winter camping. Use a wick away next to the skin, then insulating layers, and then a shell layer made for waterproofing.
3. Cold feet- Don’t mess around when it comes to your feet. A thin layer near the foot and then an outer thicker layer works best for me. Again NO COTTON!
4. Go for glory… and Gore-Tex- Plastic winter climbing boots or stiff leather boots with a Gore-Tex liner will keep you feet dry and warm.
5. Gaiter wrastlin’- high Gore-Tex gaiters that cover your boot and up to almost your knee are my favorite. They are almost magic in how well they can keep your boots and feet dry.
6.The swelter shelter- Get a four-season tent. Some people use three seasons because they are lighter just be prepared to keep warm. Some have been developed almost as hybrids. The tents have bracing cordage to secure the tent more and they also have thicker rain flys, that is what I use. However, there is no replacing a true four-season tent with a vestibule for storage and cooking.
Make sure you sure you lay down a tarp or footprint first to keep the tent dry. The smaller the tent the easier it will be to heat the insides of your tent. Make sure your rain fly is tightened down bomb proof and avalanche style to protect you from loads of falling snow and to trap more air.
Tent placement- Keep the tent out of harms way. Avalanche zones, dead fall areas, crevasses and cornices are not the places you want to pitch a tent. Flatten the area with your snow shoe, ski or shovel. Use T-shaped trenches to secure your anchor, keeping the tent taught. Snow walls around the tent help to cut down on winds.
7. Mummy I’m cold- get a cold rated mummy bag that fits you comfortably. The last thing you want is to be uncomfy while you’re catching zzz’s. Remember good rest = good day in the woods. I usually bring an extra sleeping bag that isn’t super cold rated for a little extra warmth.
8. Sleeping Pad – I use a general, but over-sized, Therm-A-Rest. I can pack it tight and when its blown up it keeps me elevated from the cold tent floor. It is also made of water repelling fabric to prevent dampening. Don’t forget this! It is a must have that I have forgotten and certainly paid the consequences!
9. Magic heat- Heat pack’s are pretty inexpensive and can be thrown at the bottom of your bag to keep you nice and toasty.
10. Camp booties- For some they are excessive but I love my booties. Put those on your feet and you’ll be sleeping like a baby in no time. Most are made of synthetic down with durable bottoms. My friends wear them constantly even to the grocery store! They look pretty silly but Rip Van Winkle would be proud.
11. Woof! – My pup loves the tent and he adds a little extra heat to my sleeping bag. Just make sure he has a couple layers himself to stay warm in the snow.
12. Light my fire- bring some dry news paper and some kindling if you can fit it. Emergency candles will also help to keep you warm if things go wrong.
Have fun in the snow, if you have any suggestions or comments on the list above. Please email me at brian.feulner@gmail.com. Or leave a comment below.
