Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Winter Camping and Activities :: Need some help
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awbrown |
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Thisismatthew |
quote ZaraSp00k: "My gear list for winter is no different than fall or spring, except more layers to compensate for the colder weather and leave the water filter behind. it's kinda like the difference between summer and fall/spring, change your packing for the difference in weather" Thanks for all the information. This community is just a wealth of knowledge! |
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ZaraSp00k |
there really isn't any need to pack more beyond more layers when winter camping unless some other activity dictates, my biggest problem is overheating, trudging through the snow is a lot more work than walking on bare ground, even if it is 60-110 degrees colder than summer |
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Thisismatthew |
quote awbrown: "I see the OP lives in Minnesota. Check out the Winter Camping Symposium if you get a chance. It's coming up later in October." I am going to try to make this. |
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tg |
Rich aka tg |
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Thisismatthew |
A couple of things that you may need to know for the style of winter camping I am hoping to do: -Most likely will do a floorless shelter or hammock. (Will not hot tent it) -Would like to keep it as light as possible. I plan on doing trips where I will be moving daily. Such as hiking/snowshoeing the sioux hustler or powwow trail. -Mukluks or Pac boots? I have read up on both but have no idea which way to go. |
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Doughboy12 |
I use Pac boots because I don't have and can't afford Mukluks at this time. Winter/Snow Camping Checklist The Ten Essentials (for safety, survival and basic comfort.) 1. Navigation Map (with protective case) Compass GPS (optional) 2. Sun protection Sunscreen and lip balm Sunglasses 3. Insulation Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing) 4. Illumination Headlamp or flashlight Extra batteries (Lithium) 5. First-aid supplies First-aid kit (see First-aid checklist) 6. Fire Matches or lighter Waterproof container Fire starter (for emergency survival fire) 7. Repair kit and tools Knife or multi-tool Duct tape strips; repair items as needed 8. Nutrition Extra day’s supply of food 9. Hydration Water bottles or hydration system (insulated) Water treatment system 10. Emergency shelter Tent, tarp, bivy or reflective blanket Beyond the Ten Essentials; Backpack / Day pack / sled 4-season tent, or tarp or bivy sack Snow or tent stakes and guylines Tent-pole repair sleeve Footprint (if needed for tent) Sleeping bag (liner optional) Stuff sack or compression sack 2 sleeping pads per person (+ optional chair kit) Pillow or stuffable pillow case Packable lantern Snowshoes / skis Crampons / Ice cleats Trekking poles (w/snow baskets) Signaling mirror (often on compass) Whistle Snow shovel Meals; Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix) Energy beverages or drink mixes Stove & Fuel Large pot (for melting snow) Bowl, Utensils, and Cup Pot grabber Food-storage sacks or canister liter Nalgene bottle (2) Water Bottle Parka (each) 50-foot nylon cord Backup water treatment (e.g., halogens) Clothing; Base layer: wicking underwear Mid layer: insulating jacket/vest/pants Shell: Rain jacket (or soft shell) Rain pants (or soft-shell pants) Dry clothing for camp Insulating hat, cap or headband Balaclava and/or face mask Goggles Gloves and/or mittens Waterproof overmitts Footwear; Boots (Mukluks or Pac boots) Main socks, liner socks, spare socks Gaiters Camp booties Assorted personal options; Bandanna or buff Toilet paper and wet wipes Hand sanitizer + quick-dry towel Toothbrush and/or toiletry kit Notebook and pen or pencil Guidebook; interpretive field guide(s) Camera Binoculars Two-way radios Cell or satellite phone Trip itinerary left w/friend + under car seat |
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Thisismatthew |
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SevenofNine |
winter |
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NotLight |
You also want to keep your boots as dry as possible. Covering the tops of your boots with snowpants (rainpants are better - layering) is good. Using snowshoes - even small ones - to help keep your boots snow-free is good. I use lightweight compact Soloman low cut boots good to -20F and snowshoes, and cross country skis. If you travel above about 10F, you can get by with just a big backpack for a couple days. Otherwise, you'll need a sled. A good sled to start with is the "Paris Expedition" sled, which True Value hardware sells and will ship to store for free. About $40. So my starter list: - Breathable oversized shell suitable for layering - snowpants or rainpants or gaiters - snowshoes - boots that will fit your snowshoes - Paris expedition sled - hiking poles or cross country ski poles For sleeping, last year I used a tarp/floorless tent (BD Megalight), a thermarest xtherm sleeping pad, and a 15 degree bag (I went when it was warm). I also have a -20F bag. A hammock setup is more complicated. Beyond that your gear list is not grossly different than a late fall camping gear list. |
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Jaywalker |
As for the jacket, I'm one who does like to have a puffy down jacket along, but I usually end up not using it much now that I hot tent. 95% of the time I'm in my fleece or anorak, but for trail breaks or first thing in the morning it's still helpful. Since you mentioned ice climbing, you might consider looking at some of the belay jackets with their higher cut for harnesses and oversized hoods for helmets. There are often some great last season deals out there, which then leaves more for a good anorak or mukluks. Lastly, check out the thread on the symposium. That would be a great way to learn a ton fast. |
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Doughboy12 |
quote Thisismatthew: "Very Helpful Doughboy! What kind of jacket do you use I have been looking at some of the winter expedition types from canada goose and fjallraven but are those overkill?" The others covered jackets fairly well...layers. The poofy down jacket is good for sitting around camp while making hot water...not much else. Take it if you have space, but I don't even own one. |
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ZaraSp00k |
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pastorjsackett |
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