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Cold Weather Camping Tips & Tricks

Discussion in 'Ontario, Canada' started by Saturnine, Dec 20, 2021.

  1. Dec 20, 2021 at 12:35 PM
    #1
    Saturnine

    Saturnine [OP] YVAN EHT NIOJ

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    In twist from my normal role as an internet troll/shitposter, I'm going to try to help anyone who is inexperienced or has questions about winter camping. Caveat: I am by no means and expert, nor am I really "experienced", per se. This is just what works for me and your experiences may vary greatly. I have done this multiple times but there are people who, no doubt, have way more input/experience. This is more for those who have little-to-no experience and are looking to dabble.

    Caveat the second: most of my stuff is lightweight (and thus expensive) because it is dual-purpose for me. The great thing about truck camping is that size and weight is mostly irrelevant so you can get heavier/bigger stuff cheaper and it won't really affect your experience.

    While I almost exclusively camp in the truck, the same things apply to tents and I have done this in tents as well.

    So...

    This is my winter packout. Everything here except for the cot fits in this box:
    IMG_20211220_131626.jpg
    plano sportsman's trunk 108qt

    First thing you want to do is put as much between you and the ground as possible. Cots are great, but you can also just put anything underneath to get you off of the ground. I use a teton somnia which fits over the wheel well and is literally the exact length required to fit in a long bed.
    IMG_20211220_132917.jpg

    Typically I only use one sleeping pad for the winter but the good thing about R-value, is that it is like money - it stacks. The more you have, the more you get. It also costs money. My standard winter pad is a klymit static-v insulated with R-value of 4.4
    IMG_20211220_131920~2.jpg
    IMG_20211220_132941~2.jpg

    R-value is just a measure of warmth. The more R, the more waRmth. It's science, don't worry about the details.

    My secondary pad is a MEC camper sleeping pad with an R-value of 4.2
    IMG_20211220_132000~2.jpg

    For those keeping score at home, that's an R-value of 8.6 for sleeping pads. For comparison, here's a single pad with an R-value of ~9. My setup gives you a lot more flexibility and also costs less.

    Here's where it gets expensive - sleeping bags. Listen, you beat up $40k trucks. You know the adage - you live by it; Buy once, cry once. Obviously, budget and usage are relevant but if this is something you want to do frequently, do it right. I'm not saying I have the best stuff, but I don't have the cheapest, either. Mid-range is fine. The more expensive it gets, the lighter it gets (generally) and the options for using without shelters or other equipment increases. We're not climbing Everest, we don't need that.

    I use a Klymit KSB 20 that i've had for at least 5 years. Divide initial cost by that and it's not that much. I didn't pay MSRP and if you take care of it, it'll last a long time.
    IMG_20211220_133247~2.jpg

    It's a little warm for fall in Ardbeg, but it works if you keep it unzipped. Don't need many layers in fall. To protect the bag from dirty me, I use a liner - Woods Mummy Liner. This will add a little warmth in addition to protecting the inside of the bag itself. You can get polyester, fleece or whatever type of material you prefer. They say it'll add 5-10 degrees but I don't necessarily agree with that.
    IMG_20211220_133311~2.jpg

    The great thing about all of these parts of a single system is the ability to add or remove as it gets colder/warmer.

    IMG_20211220_133513.jpg
    IMG_20211220_133552.jpg

    Pillows are a totally personal thing. I won't tell you what to do. I have 3 or 4 depending on situation but there's no reason not to use your pillow from home. Just don't use memory foam because it's just gonna harden to a solid brick and an air pillow will make your head colder than a filled pillow.

    SLEEP CLOTHING

    It's imperative to have separate, clean, warm, dry clothing just for sleeping. You don't want to wear what you've been wearing all day. AVOID COTTON at all costs. It loses warmth when wet and it doesn't insulate. If you don't have wool, you're a fool. Merino base-layers are (insert religious deity's) gift to mankind. It wicks, it stays warm while wet and it's fire-retardant. Any merino will do. you can get it really expensive or you can get it cheap. It's generally pretty fragile and has a finite life so even the most expensive stuff will eventually get a bunch of holes and fall apart. That's merino, man. This is my typical baselayer:

    IMG_20211220_135858.jpg
    not the exact stuff, but close enough
    pants
    shirt
    socks

    For colder nights, add more layers!

    I also use Baffin Cush Booties
    IMG_20211220_131825.jpg

    And any midlayer if necessary. A fleece, a down jacket, even a sweater will do. I use a Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Jacket when necessary. Think Wetum Road. A toque or head covering can be added for additional warmth.

    IMG_20211220_140325.jpg

    All of this stuff got me through -25 at the cottage. I did add a wool blanket on top. I also have a buddy heater, though I haven't used it yet.
    IMG_20211220_135103.jpg

    Pro Tip: if you boil water and put it in a nalgene inside your sleeping bag it'll add additional warmth for hours.

    That's it. There's nothing more to it, really. I'm using a softopper lined with some Reflectix but that in itself isn't really additional warmth, it mostly just keeps the wind and wet away.
     
    Last edited: Dec 20, 2021
    somebody, Norilsk, Marc70 and 4 others like this.
  2. Dec 20, 2021 at 12:40 PM
    #2
    skeletron

    skeletron Disgraced Member

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    Pro Pro Tip: wrap that nalgene in a jacket or sweater to keep from getting 2nd degree burns and extend the amount of time it provides warmth
     
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  3. Dec 20, 2021 at 1:53 PM
    #3
    vonclicas

    vonclicas Well-Known Member

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    I also camp in - 25c, without heaters, and pretty much use the same system as you.
    In my case, very useful has been a 4 season tent with snow skirts where you can shovel the snow on the bottom sides of the tent to get more warmth,

    This floor insulation mat does wonders for just 15$. You can walk over it and not feel the cold from the ground.
    https://www.amazon.ca/Hilarocky-Aluminum-Waterproof-Insulated-Footprint/dp/B0752D7BWM/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?crid=1NTHYA59F4SG7&dchild=1&keywords=foldable+aluminum+foil+camping&qid=1635630163&sprefix=foldable+aluminum+foil+camping,aps,203&sr=8-15

    I ended up buying a cheaper self inflatable foam mat. These mats have some r value, but not sure how much.
    Also bought an under 100$ - 15 sleeping bag from teton


    Like you, i also carry a wool blanket for temps lower than - 15c.


    Thanks for the tip on the booties. The only thing i didn't figure out yet is how to get my feet warm, most of the times taking out the socks works, the bare feet on contact with the sleeping bag liner has been working but i rather that the feet would not get cold at all. Hot Water bottle would work too.

    Do those booties work better than wool socks while sleeping?

    IMG-20210204-WA0027.jpg
     
    Last edited: Dec 20, 2021
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  4. Dec 20, 2021 at 4:41 PM
    #4
    Saturnine

    Saturnine [OP] YVAN EHT NIOJ

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    Better when they need to be. Usually in conjunction with socks but only necessary when it's really cold.
     
  5. Dec 20, 2021 at 4:50 PM
    #5
    Shveet

    Shveet joe-shmo

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    this thread isn't healthy for my wallet.

    Havn't done -20c and lower camping trips but i recall the coldest night i've been camping would be about -10 or so.

    MEC Camper 2 3-season tent (I think MEC is phasing out the Camper tent, i can't find it on their site anymore) and yes i know a 3 season doesn't hold up as well as a 4 season due to ventilation, but some tape helps.
    MEC Reactor 6.5 sleeping pad (https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5025-645/Reactor-6-5-Sleeping-Pad?colour=RED85)
    rocking chair pad
    old North Fork sleeping bag rated for -30c iirc (no tags on it so i can't verify the model)
    Outbound bag (https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/outbound-comfort-sleeping-bag-6c-0765434p.html#srp) that slips into the North Fork bag
    and heavy sweater
    Shemagh (https://www.hirbawi.ps/ because it's incredibly warm and acts as a plug around my neck for the sleeping bags.

    besides not moving, i slept comfortably but i dont believe i could do that for more than 2 or 3 nights.

    been considering something for colder climates and the more i look at th Assuie swag bag setsups on cots - the more i'm interested in getting one, taking the tent portion off my hoboRTT and using that.
     
  6. Dec 20, 2021 at 6:06 PM
    #6
    Taruuk

    Taruuk Well-Known Member

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    Solid posts. Gear reviews from like minded users are a great way to educate/brag about the stuff you have lol.



    Does anyone have a good read on soft tops vs hardshells for winter camping? The best advice i've seen is to line the inside of a hard-shell with insulation and a felt liner to stop reduce condensation.
     
  7. Dec 20, 2021 at 6:10 PM
    #7
    Saturnine

    Saturnine [OP] YVAN EHT NIOJ

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    That's pretty much all there is to it. Condensation isn't going anywhere, you just want to not drip. My softopper will absorb the condensation to the inner canvas and the rails get frost on them. This doesn't affect me in any way so I'm not really searching for a fix. Hard top might be different but my friend camped with me last winter in his hard shell and didn't really make note of any issue.
     
  8. Dec 20, 2021 at 6:24 PM
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    Taruuk

    Taruuk Well-Known Member

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    Good to know @Saturnine. Before having a truck I leaned heavily toward a hardshell but having a tyger trifold tonneau cover for two years now has me appreciating the easy of removal and versatility. fuel savings could be a few percent due to weight.

    Edit: That makes a soft topper much more appealing.
     
    Last edited: Dec 21, 2021
  9. Dec 20, 2021 at 9:07 PM
    #9
    zuknewbie

    zuknewbie Well-Known Member

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    Sounds like we need to do a Tacomaworld winter camping weekend
     
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  10. Dec 20, 2021 at 9:36 PM
    #10
    Saturnine

    Saturnine [OP] YVAN EHT NIOJ

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    This guy gets it
     
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  11. Dec 21, 2021 at 11:55 AM
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    vonclicas

    vonclicas Well-Known Member

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    Vmuts and calabogie are the best places to go, some trails are available in the winter for off-road.
    In calabogie, i would only do the darling hydroline. The rest can be a shit show with deep snow.
     
  12. Dec 21, 2021 at 12:06 PM
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    D2.

    D2. Well-Known Member

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    Cruise Control install. Intermittent wipers Hood lights Bed Lights Sliders 3" lift 886's on Billy 5100's Icon AAL 285/75 R16 Falken Wildpeak AT3W's
    also wanted to point out that while nalgene works good, an old fashoned hot water bottle will do the same thing ( and is a bit easier to manipulate / wrap in a towel )

    but YMMV.

    took my boys out in -15, ran the little buddy heater in my "dog house" with -9 sleeping bags. Everyone survived with smiles on their face :) ( which is all that matters am I right? )

    AM-JKLWOpLoXfRLVmsQQN15Y8DB8OBkEuSEBMFaR_dbec7e34a892ad04718ff481783ed9dc74287625.jpg
     
    Last edited: Dec 21, 2021
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  13. Dec 21, 2021 at 12:13 PM
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    D2.

    D2. Well-Known Member

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    One last thing on my part,
    A "pee" bottle.
    For those of us who have a little bit of an easier time peeing in confined spaces.... A pee bottle ( designated nalgene bottle ) helps keep you warm since your body isn't trying to keep that warm as well. Also..... doubles as a foot warmer for a little bit...... :D
     
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  14. Dec 21, 2021 at 12:55 PM
    #14
    Saturnine

    Saturnine [OP] YVAN EHT NIOJ

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    My sister has a cottage in greater madawaska. I can camp inside with heat :thumbsup:
     
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  15. Jan 9, 2022 at 11:42 AM
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    Bluenoser009

    Bluenoser009 Well-Known Member

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    Nice thread OP! I’ll definitely take some of this advice as I get better outfitted for winter camping. Appreciate the detailed gear tips
     
  16. Jan 9, 2022 at 11:44 AM
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    skeletron

    skeletron Disgraced Member

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    There's a guy on here who added a vent to the center of his camper shell to remove heat but I assume it would function equally well for venting condensation
     
  17. Jan 9, 2022 at 12:35 PM
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    billum v2.0

    billum v2.0 Well-Known Member

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    Excellent write up @Saturnine. Even better detailed pics for us mouth breathers..........

    Will add a twist on your bag liner recommendation. Stay with me, this goes against most everything we've been taught/learned the hard way. Buy two cotton mummy bag liners and rotate daily. A well weathered NOLS instructor suggested this decades ago. Several of us pushed back at the idea. Tried it (decades ago as well). Works incredibly well, adopted it ever since.

    In this case, you want the cotton to absorb your moisture/oils. Keeps the bag dry/clear unless you're a profuse sweater. Just rotate the liners daily, one dries all day while the other in use. Ignore if sleeping in rain/high humidity.
     

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