Well one more week of being the poor person in the office before we head up to the land of the frozen BWCA! Looks like the weather is cooperating better with the colder temperatures and better ICE conditions for travel. Wouldn’t want that slushy stuff like mud to walk in!

What do people usually bring for food and drink? I will have my wood stove with reflector oven and can probably make just about anything you can make at home. Some ideas would be nice.

What do people use for chairs on winter trips?

Here is a link to my set up. Enjoy!

Boneli

http://www.forward-progression.com/general/Winter/winter_camping.html

Food choices should be high in water content such as pasta and rice dishes. Also don't be afraid of fat and protien. They are going to be the true fuel since you know the rigors of winter travel. Everything is more work in the winter.

I try to bring things like beef stew, steaks, rice and noodle dishes that come in a pouch. Anything that can be cooked with just water is huge. The adage of eat a good breakfast is still very true. I just try to work something warm into every meal. Usually oatmeal or malt-o-meal cereal with coffee or hot chocolate, soups, stews or maybe a hot ham and cheese sandwich for lunch and dinners are pretty hardy too. I like steaks or stews with flavored rice or jambalaya.
Since weight isn't that huge a factor when you're bringing a wood stove, bring whatever chair you find comfortable. I cut a closed cell (blue foam) pad to fit my chair so my backsides don't get cold. I've got one for under my feet too if I'm just sitting. That stuff is worth its weight in gold winter camping.

EPFD217 said it pretty well, soups and stews, blue pad. I also bring a 1/2 pound of summer sausage from the local meat shop and peanut butter for bagels. Remember that some of that type of food freezes and is tough to cut or spread.

Boneli, were are you planning on going? I was just trying to figure out a destination for next month.

I do hope that the slush is not a factor for you up there. I was going to go fishing up around Ely just before new years but stayed away because of the slush.

Can't wait to hear about your trip, have fun!

We will be on Ramshead and into Oyster. Details to follow. With the slight meltdown of the snow pack this past week and the great freeze will have next week, I am sure the slush will be crust by the time we get on the lakes.

As for another food question, what spreads in winter? Peanut butter?

Thanks guys!

Boneli

I always make pre-made ham and cheese bagel squares(asiago)and egg mcmuffin style sandwiches wrapped in aluminum foil. Heat over the fire.

Pad for chair is a must.

Hi boneli ~
I see that you are bringing your wood stove. My brother and I are getting ready for our first winter trip in Feb and am wondering are you hot camping? Or do you bring your wood stove just to cook on? We have pretty much decided to cold camp and am wondering if a wood stove is a huge asset while camping or is cooking our meals over an campfire is just as good?

You are probably better off with coking over a campfire.

Like you said, you can make anything with your setup. I know a guy who actually baked homemade apple pie in his setup.

AS for chairs, I have the best one available. I got it at REI about 4 years ago. It actually reclines but is low enough to the ground. It is the chair I am sleeping on nd the chair that Derek (no shirt) is sitting on. The other chair was less than adequate. A good chair makes a HUGE differance, espeically when you are staying up late playing cards.

Thanks for the tips George.

You guys look almost too comfortable to be "winter camping!!"

I imagine that the hot camping is a lot of fun, but what we have actually decided to do is to get ourselves one of those "icebox's" that you have! I'm telling ya, my son and neice are gonna go nuts this coming weekend! So I figure a couple practice runs with making an igloo and then give it a shot in the BWCA. Our plan (after looking at some of your pics.), is to at least get it started and finish it the next day. Many of you talk about sleepind directly outside, which also interests me. It could be nice having three different places to sleep...tent, igloo, outside!

I'll be going through all my gear since the last time I used it was last summer, to take inventory and see what needs repair/replacement. I have a great chair that is very lite and reclines as well, sits low to the ground. Not to mention, it is very comfortable! I've made a commitment to not buy anything "new" for a year...ok, the usual stuff like unerwear, socks, food, tolietries...so if I need anything, I'll need to do some checking around at some of the thrift/second hand stores in and around Mpls.

I appreciate your experience and am thankful that there is so much useful information here!

Michael

Sounds like a good plan. You'll love the ice box! Regarding the igloo, you can sleep in it even if it is not totally built. I recommend bringing a tarp if you decide to do this (if it snows or worse, rains, you have protection till it is finished.

The advantages of an igloo over a nylon tent are as follows:
1.) It will block the wind better than a tent
2.) Better insulation
3.) No moisture problems (nylon tents tend to accumulate a ton of moisture unless you have very good ventilation). You can get down right soaked in a nylon tent, even when it is well below zero....your breath will cake the inside of the tent, and everything in the tent. It really sucks. Thus many people find it warmer to sleep outside, without the tent).

Make sure you let us know how it went with a quick trip report, good luck!

Actually, it has been my thoughts on all the moisture that collects inside of the tent that had me looking/considering alternative shelter. Both my brother and I are fairly robust men...me: 6'-220 and he is 6' 4" about 225. I also think the igloo will provide more space than my two person tent.

I'll make sure to post my trip report with some pix! I'm sure I'll come across more questions...have a great day!