| Author |
Outpost:  Winter camping  |
|
|
bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 13 2004 : 11:57:22 AM
|
Do any of you brave the elements in the winter and go camping? My son's scout troop is going to something like winter olympics in January and they are camping out! I have gone as late as December but never in the freezing rain, sleet and snow season so I am a little apprehensive about being well prepared. Anyone have experience with this? They are extremely excited as they get a free day at the ski resort this is held at to ski or snowboard til their hearts content!
I'm just being mother hen I know, but any useful tips would be great!
with a happy heart |
|
|
cecelia
True Blue Farmgirl
497 Posts
cecelia
new york
USA
497 Posts |
Posted - Dec 13 2004 : 3:46:44 PM
|
I went backpacking/camping to Pennsylvania one year in early Nov. When we left home it was raining, by the time we camped out (after driving 3 hours and hiking about 7 miles) we had about 6 inches of snow on the ground, which became 10 inches overnight. We had no trouble cooking, found enough dry wood (I had brought "firestarters"), but most of the 8 people in the group had worn jeans! I was wearing wool pants, silk underwear and a wool shirt, under a parka. I had brought gloves and a knit hat (always keep some in the car in winter). If there's prepared there should be no problem, but the key is being prepared. Check out the library for books on winter camping for some tips. It depends also if they're staying in cabins or tents, and where they are going (mts. or whatever). Being prepared for the worst is the key.
Cecelia
ce's farm
"Curiosity is one of the forms of feminine bravery" Victor Hugo |
 |
|
|
Eileen
True Blue Farmgirl
1199 Posts
Eileen
USA
1199 Posts |
Posted - Dec 13 2004 : 4:11:16 PM
|
Good advice cecelia. Wool pants are a must! Silk longunderwear is also the very best. Down sleeping bags too.
Eileen
songbird; singing joy to the earth |
|
|
|
cecelia
True Blue Farmgirl
497 Posts
cecelia
new york
USA
497 Posts |
Posted - Dec 14 2004 : 08:42:21 AM
|
I disagree with the down sleeping bags - once down (or any feathers) get wet, they quickly lose their insulating properties (unless they're still on the duck or goose!). Polyester type fillings are much better, though they can be bulkier or heavier. Same goes for down jackets - unless you have Goretex, you are risking your life. I have tried the down and still use a down sleeping bag, but not in winter. For coats/parkas for outdoors, I've gone back to wool or wool blends. They can be heavier but I find them very windproof and warm.
Cecelia
ce's farm
"Curiosity is one of the forms of feminine bravery" Victor Hugo |
|
|
|
MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Dec 14 2004 : 11:43:38 AM
|
I agree with Cecelia about the down. When wet it cannot insulate against the cold. Layers of lightweight cotton or silk clothing, underneath wool sweaters and poly filled water repellant pants work well for our sub zero weather. Several layers of wool socks and waterproof boots are a must, as well as keeping the head and face covered. Most body heat escapes through the head. And stay tuned to local weather forcasts!
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
|
|
|
Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Dec 14 2004 : 7:00:12 PM
|
My husband is a scout leader and they have an annual "klondike campout" in late January. They actually sleep in snow caves! The boys love it and the leaders get through it somehow. I think wool is the best. The only thing that is still warm wet or dry.
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
|
|
|
bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2004 : 08:50:58 AM
|
Jenny-- That's what I'm talking about! We have been tent and backpack campers for years so we knew how to travel light in good weather and protect ourselves from rain, etc and worked out a pretty good system. I don't know how this sub zero experience will go but we are trying to think ahead. My husband went last year just to see what they were going to deal with as a troop this year and it should be fine . Just thought those of you more experienced in the winter stuff might have some tips we hadn't covered . I guess the snow caves depend on whether we get snow! Thanks everyone!
with a happy heart |
|
|
|
climbergirl
Farmgirl in Training
11 Posts
west & north roadtrip
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - Dec 22 2004 : 5:44:48 PM
|
| For a good night's sleep, remember to insulate your sleeping surface. This is especially important if you have an air mattress as air can't retain body heat. I have a huge tarp that has a metallic finish on one side. Not sure that it matters, but I put the metallic side up and then my sleeping pad (Thermarest air pad) on top of it. It makes a huge difference in the winter! |
|
|
| |
Outpost: Winter camping |
|
Winter camping
