Winter Camping 101, 1 night, 0 e.g., 1.2 miles total

This event is open to both backpackers and campers. Somewhat recent. If its been 10-15-20 years, this event is not for you. We'll address that come spring/summer.

Everyone has all their gear. In the conditions we'll be camping in no one needs a 4-season tent, or a zero degree sleeping bag (I use a 3-season tent along with a 15 degree Mountain Hardwear bag). But if you have a 4-season tent and or a cold weather bag, DO bring it.

Now, just because there is snow on the ground, don't assume it's going to be colder in your sleeping bag at night. One piece of gear can make all the difference--that being either a insulated sleeping pad or, the pad you own now in conjunction with a foam pad beneath it. *A foam pad that is made from the material that a pool noodle is made from.

The key to warmth comes down to layers. I would like everyone to click on the link I provided from REI. It'll serve as a refresher for the seasoned amongst us and crucial info for newbies.

Check this out: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/winter-camping.html

What to bring? The 10 Essentials, what you'd normally bring with you backpacking. Bring one dinner, one breakfast, lots of snacks, 2 liters of water, extra wool socks, gloves (mittens are better), along with hand and foot warmers--the 18 hour variety are the best. Also, a headlamp with fresh batteries. I'll recomend bringing your poles with snow baskets if you are somewhat new. It'll help with stability.

Tips for staying warm.

• Working from the ground up, using two mats (one closed-cell foam, then one inflatable) will stop the cold seeping through underneath. If this isn’t enough, swap out your silk sleeping bag liner for a thermal liner to add a few extra degrees to your sleeping bag.
• No night in the snow is complete without a hot-water bottle; filling up a Nalgene water bottle with hot water, and wrapping it in a sock will keep your coldest parts warm throughout the night (beware of cheaper bottles, you don’t want that hot water escaping!).
• Bring the S.O.L. "Escape Lite" 35% Breathable Emergency Bivvy available from Amazon, REI, etc. Many members of our group have adopted this method. What you do is to slip you and your sleeping bag into the bivvy. It'll cut out any bit of draft, and reflect escaped heat from your bag back to you. It also serves to keep your sleeping bag dry from condensation, or perhaps wind-blown rain or snow. I use this method religiously.

I'll be bringing my sled. I can usually haul a few bundles of wood plus two backpacks. You can find sleds lots o' places for about $15. -or- carry your gear donning your backpack.

No dogs this time out.

***Everyone brings a bundle of wood! Somebody bring a little kindling too.

I'll need a couple of drivers with snow park passes. Everyone chips in $5 for gas.

Contact me with questions. 541-408-6768
Tom