Winter camping

[rrolleston]

Anyone do any winter camping? Always been tempted to do some at our camp property. Curious what type of tent is used?

[MacGyver]

Re: Winter camping

Fall and Winter are my favorite seasons for camping. Winter, at least for me, calls for a canvas tent - with a heater. I like to rough it smoothly.

[Karla "with a k"]

Re: Winter camping

I camp all year long. However, I hammock camp. Actually, staying warmer was one of the top reasons I switched to a hammock.

[Happy Joe]

Re: Winter camping

Haven't done any snow camping for several years; however I agree with MacG canvass (as heavy as possible).

The last time I went snow camping I used the Cabela's alaknak 12x12...

Worked fine but tended to accumulate condensation if used with propane heat (this model has since been improved with better ventilation).

I have used previous 9x9 domes, and they too worked OK but were the coldest of my tents (recommend warming the tent before entering/exiting a very good sleeping bag).
If I were just going to do an overnighter/weekender I would likely just use the ol' Eureka 9x9 dome with partially blocked ventilation and just grit my teeth and do it using the heavy sleeping bag...


If I were going cold weather (below freezing) camping for more than a weekend, now, I think that I would probably bring the standing room/canopy tent and install the canopy walls to make it a double wall tent.


This too is a quite heavy tent mostly due to the steel canopy that supports it.

I would only use these tents because I currently have them; not sure if I would purchase a tent, especially one of these, just for winter camping as I am not that into cold...

Enjoy!

[a65hoosier]

Re: Winter camping

I'm a four season camper.



Like MacGyver...I prefer the fall and winter seasons (no bugs, no crowds, no unreasonable heat, empty trails, etc etc). Unlike MacGyver...I prefer to do my winter camping in a poly/nylon double wall tent which has a full rainfly and an inner tent with minimal mesh "windows/panels". These panels also have fabric covers which can be zipped closed/open depending how much ventilation/condensation prevention one needs. Strong pole structure to resist snow loads (usually 7 or more). Just my personal preference on canvas vs poly. Pictures above show my Field&Stream Cloudpeak 4P...which is a clone of the Cabelas Alaskan Guide series of tents (great for winter).

[terasec]

Re: Winter camping

i winter camp, but northern NY has some long brutal winters,
i try to avoid 0 degree temps, but in northern NY thats most of the winter
i use same tents as other seasons including hammock on occassion
just increase my bedding and ground cloth for insulation,
the additional insulation also means I camp closer to the car than other seasons

[toedtoes]

Re: Winter camping

I'm a four season camper, but I camp in lower elevation in the winter so no snow.

[roomdistrict]

Re: Winter camping

i winter camp, but northern NY has some long brutal winters,
i try to avoid 0 degree temps, but in northern NY thats most of the winter
i use same tents as other seasons including hammock on occassion
just increase my bedding and ground cloth for insulation how to insulate a tent for winter camping,
the additional insulation also means I camp closer to the car than other seasons

I am thinking of trying camping out in snow, with a tent. The tent I have is a dome tent and I have used it before in temperatures of -5C and it was cold but not unbearable. Is anyone expert in the field of staying warm in a tent in the snow, and do you have any tips. I would probably use two sleeping bags, one 4 season and one 3 season. I would also have a gas cooker to heat water for a hot water bottle. Maybe also a neoprene face mask and a hat. There must be some extreme campers out here with other tips.

[Jerrod Walker]

When camping in winter, you must keep warm. It is important to prepare a heating tool.

[Happy Joe]

I haven't winter camped for several years, my advise (based on camping just below tree line in the Rocky mountains);
Wear minimal clothing inside the sleeping bag, keep the bag cleaner with a bag liner.
Use a bag that is warm enough,
use a bag with multiple layers so that it can be adjusted warmer or cooler,
Wear a wool stocking cap to bed, and pull the covers up over your head (breathe through an air hole).
have good insulation beneath your bag (I used 2 foam pads between the cot and my bag),
Having a problem with cold feet; i use a fake fur bathmat alongside the cot so it can be grabbed in the middle of the night and thrown over the foot of the cot/bag for additional insulation.
Try using a small heater to pre-warm the tent before entering or leaving the sleeping bag; then shut it off.
My current tents have minimal venting, just enough to keep the water condensation away (you can exhale up to a quart of moisture per night)... If you use an oxygen consuming device be sure you have extra ventilation to be safe. But extra ventilation equates to greater heat loss; its a balancing act.
I've tried pretty much every type of tent heater and found that they all have draw backs the best heaters, IMO, have the flame outside the tent and either blow warm air into the tent or use a separate, in the tent, radiator.... for preheating the tent I use a radiant heater accessory, on a stove, then turn it off, and rely on the sleeping bag to keep me warm.

Enjoy!

[James Oliver]

Winter camping is fantastic! Your choice of tent depends on the conditions. Four-season tents are great for harsh winters, while three-season ones can work with modifications. Hot tents offer coziness, and ultralight tents are an option for experienced campers. For minimalism, try bivy sacks. Remember to pack warm gear and check the weather forecast for a safe trip.
Visit star tents

[Naila313]

I love doing winter camping in truck campers and it one of the best experience. I will definitely share it some time.