Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Within reason, stuff the DRY clothes planned for the next day in the bag. At least socks/undies. That way they aren't as chilled when getting dressed initially.

 

I have a UCO candle lantern that I use for light that puts out a decent amount of heat too. When we're winter camping my buddy and I will mound snow around the tent and then shovel about a foot on top of it for extra insulation, and between the two of us and the candle it keeps the tent around 40 degrees. But, that's only while the lantern is on. As soon as you blow it out it doesn't take long for the tent to cool down, but it's still warmer than the -10 or whatever it is outside.

What kind of temp are you looking to maintain here?

 

but that's better than my coffee at waking me up!

 

This will be my first winter camping trip. I have the UCO lantern also that I generally hang in my tent for light. I will be going to Zion, Horseshoe bend, and Havasupai Point over the winter holidays and just want to be able to keep warm during that time.

 

I will be doing this.

 

That's also good at making the little guy fully disappear!

 

haha true... he is good at hide and seek in the winter!

 

Speaking from experience winter camping, you're better off keeping yourself warm rather than keeping your tent warm. Trying to heat a tent is a waste of time and fuel because it's got ZERO insulation. Your body provides its own heat, so all you need to do to be comfortable winter camping is to insulate yourself. Get two sets of a good base layer (synthetic or wool, NOT cotton) and wear it to bed. Swap them out the next morning and hang the used set in the sun to dry and reuse the next day and repeat for as long as you're out there. Bring the base layer for the next day into your bag with you the night before so it's warm in the morning. Getting a 3rd set is an option if you're going to be out there for longer than a week, because they'll get gamey pretty fast. Bring lots of light loose layers rather than just a heavy sweater and a heavy jacket. You can reuse the layers that aren't touching your skin, and having lots of light layers makes it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature without overheating and getting sweaty (which will get you chilled in no time). Do the hot water nalgene trick to warm the bag up before you get in it and keep it warm once you're in there.

Another tip that a lot of people forget when they're winter camping is to go easy on the fluids before you go to bed. Nothing gets you chilled faster than having to get out of your bag to pee at 2AM when it's 20 below outside.


Edit- Almost forgot; bring more food than you think you'll need. Hiking or camping in cold weather burns a lot of calories, so you'll find you're starving hungry by the end of the day. Another good trick is to bring that instant hot chocolate mix, coffee, tea, etc. because a cup of that is a good fast shot of heat directly to your core if you do get chilled. Those cubes of chicken bullion are a good option too, for the same reason, and they take up even less space.

 

I picked up this little gem this week:



All titanium, and only $15.50 on Amazon. BRS makes it (cheap China). I was skeptical about the strength to size ratio, but with my obsession in titanium backpacking gear, I rolled the dice. I sure am pleased with it. It's the tiniest stove I've ever owned, and it was surprisingly strong and feather light. Very stable with a 32oz pot full of water on it. No piezo, but nothing a ferro rod won't take care of. It fits in any pot set, is 1/3 of the weight of any other stove I've owned, and the stability is surprising. The vented gas exhaust creates a nice vortex which gave good flame coverage to the bottom of my pot. A windscreen would optimize it, but the output is plenty strong for a quick boil. When you open it up and lock the legs in place, they stay there. The teeth on the legs get a great grip on your slickest pots.

 

damn that things tiny! that's the only thing about my MSR international that I don't like. it wont fit in my pot!

 

THIS! and on the liquids note, pee before bed otherwise your body will expend additional energy trying to keep that additional body fluid warm.

 

Once your pee is warm inside of your body, it helps keep you warm. But, it is hard to sleep with a full bladder. Gatorade bottle in the tent as a urinal so you don't have to go outside!

 

Guess I will be doing water bottle, layering, and the candle lantern. Thanks for all the input guys.

 

What kind of temps do you expect to encounter? I've never camped your part of the country, so I'm not sure what qualifies as 'cold'

 

Somebody lied to you:
http://www.ussartf.org/hypothermia_cold_weather_injuries.htm

 

Dat ass.

 

Right, going pee if you have to go is better than not. But taking it easy on the fluids before bed means that you won't have to get up and go in the first place.