just did a week of cold weather camping

[frumpy]

Well just got back from a week out in the field for work. Stayed in a tent with the temperature hitting about -15 (and waking up to the ground being frozen along with everything else). Not too bad but it does feel pretty damn cold.

A few points...

bivy bags - worth their weight in gold. I had my winter sleeping bag but could have easily gotten away with my summer one and the bivy bag.

Glow sticks - awesome to have and have a ton of uses.

real food is good - I kept my ration packs to keep in my vehicle for emergencies and took full advantage of the fresh breakfasts and dinners. For lunches, PB&J with fresh fruit :victory:

Sleeping pad - a good defiantly helps keep you warm

and lesson learned, I'm defiantly getting a heater for next time.

 

[Abel Villesca]

Wow! I have been contemplating some winter camping and have been scared off by 20 degree weather. Your thread makes me feel like a chicken. :sombrero:

 

[frumpy]

those are Celsius temperatures, about 5 F. My gear is rated to -40C though so not that bad at all lol.

 

[Abel Villesca]

I was guessing celcius. It doesn't make me any less chicken. :sombrero:

 

[Weasel Mender]

I guess I am old school.......wall tent, wood stove cot and pad. Just like home and fireside (pun intended).

Weasel

 

[frumpy]

Bit different when all you can bring is a valise and duffel :elkgrin:

 

[jh504]

I've been thinking about the same thing for January. I've camped in 20 degrees before and been alright but that was with the Jeep and a lot of gear. Me and a friend are plannin on hiking/camping a portion of the AT after we graduate paramedic in December. Any suggestions for hiking in those temps?

 

[R_Lefebvre]

You haven't lived till you've slept in a quinzhee.

 

[Corey]

I am going to try this winter some camping in my AirLander.

Had to Google the above term, had not heard it before.
It is similar to an igloo kind of.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MniKeLZGsCY

 

[frumpy]

Best tips I can give are to use a bivy bag and dress in layers

 

[Desert Dan]

When camping in the winter I usually sleep in the back of my H3 or bring my 4 season backpacking tent.

At least when you sleep in a truck or camper shell you don't get the wind noise from the tent/rainfly.

 

[rctr03]

keeping food and beverages in vehicle helps. a good bag with bivy is a must.

 

[Red90]

I've slept in a nylon tent at -50 C. I don't recommend it.

 

[mauricio_28]

Recommendations? Western Mountaineering

 

[adventureduo]

Worst i've been in is -18 C. Cold enough for me. I love cold weather though... i'll take it over triple digit heat anyday. I can always get warmer... its hard for me to cool down. Can't wait for it to snow here, so we can do another snow trip.