anyone out Winter Camping?

[Hooliganz]

Just curious if anyone has been winter camping? what did you use for shelter, heat etc..?

[Powerstroke]

I was curious when the winter camping thread would get started. I have not been out this year yet and it certainly won't be in the next week! BRRRRR!

I'm planning a trip right now for sometime in March. The temps moderate a little bit and thats about the only time I've got right now that isn't booked for ice fishing or otherwise.

I use a 4person dome tent with full coverage fly. I've got a 20* down bag and cover it with a wool bag cover or else I've got a 2-person 0* queen size bag that can be folded for more insulation for one person.

Heat comes from the fire. We use a cold tent. I don't see any need to hot tent yet, but I do find the canvas tent with stove idea pretty inviting. Its just too much weight to drag around for me.

I've thought about doing the ice cave or even just a tarp for shelter, but I like being in a tent.

Any others?

[fishermn]

I'll probably be sleeping out this weekend, just to get the blood flowing. Seriously, though, I will be camping with my BSA troop, so I will probably try to spend one night out and test my gear's cold weather capabilities. Personally, I usually wait until march for my winter camping/fishing outings. The weather is nicer and usually the snow has compacted nicely for skiing or snowshoeing by that time. I use a relatively standard 6x6 dome tent without any heating. A good sleeping bag (or 2) and a good ground pad will keep you warm.

[Powerstroke]

It is very true that the ground pad is probably the most important part of insulating yourself for sleeping. Closed cell foam is a must. In fact I use my Thermarest Pro-lite 4 for sleeping on and then place a pair of blue CC foam pads side by side underneith me. That stuff is amazing and cheap. I have one for my lounging chair so my backsides don't get cold and one for under my feet if I'm just standing around like cooking dinner.

[Dbl]

I've spent years winter camping in just about every conceivable shelter. We used to camp in the Boundry Waters in March and April, not a soul in sight that time of the year and when we had the late deer season in Minnesota we base camped. The other guys are right, March is my favorite time of the year to camp. What type of camping are you planning, car, ski or snowshoe, how much gear will you be packing?

Powerstroke is sure correct when he says the ground pad is what matters the most! For backpack camping I use the same basic setup he mentioned, closed cell foam. If I am basecamp tenting I use a bale or two of straw under the tent. Soft and warm to boot!

For heat... fires, catalytic heaters, propane heaters all depending on how much gear you are packing. Backpack camping- cold tent, basecamp camping always heated.

If you haven't tried winter camping go! No crowds, no bugs, it really is fun!

[Powerstroke]

I love winter camping since there are no bugs, no people, there is snow for melting or you boil water. You can bring fresh foods cause they won't spoil in the heat and you can always be warm.

Currently I will car/base camp since I don't have ski's or shoes. I'm looking to buy one or the other before our march trip. For me its finally time to do it.

I can't wait to do a BWCA winter trip. I want to ice fish and take pictures in the BWCA with the amazing winter backdrop. I owuld also like to try and bowhunt that way.

I would eventually like to go the canvas tent route, but I've always preferred ultralight setups. I don't know why I'm such a minimalist, but its a theme I carry in the summer and follow it closely in the winter. Obviously you need more clothes and more gear in the winter, but its a bit easier to move around with a sled.

[Duffman]

Here's my traveling rig from my trip last March into the BW;

Winter camping in short sleeves?

A shot of my tent, on the last day the only place you could find snow in this area was under my sleeping pads. There will be plenty of snow left this March I'm guessing.

Hey brookie, can you get any fatter??

I'm constructing a new tobaggon for this year trip, that sled above did not survive the rocky, snowless portage out. I've been on a half a dozen BW trips in the winter, and seen other people on every trip.

[Dbl]

Hey Duffman great looking setup and nice photos to boot! Looks like some good fishing as well. You must have had some nice weather up there, even with the short sleeves you look comfortable!