Winter Camping - Just as Fun as Summer Camping

You ask, 'why go camping in the winter time? It's so cold!'.  Well clearly its cold, but believe me, if you do it right, it feels down right toasty warm!  When camping in cold weather, it boils down to two factors: proper equipment and over preparation.  You can't just throw together your equipment as if you were going on a summer campout.  You MUST pack proper gloves, headgear, layered top layers and pants and most important of all a sleep system that can handle cold temperatures.

What do I consider the most important part of winter camping? You absolutely must have a sleeping pad that insulates, but not necessarily one that is super cushy soft.  Sometimes you can have both, but that means more bulk and weight.  If you must choose one or the other, always choose the pad that insulates from the cold ground and your own body heat.  Even with a slightly inadequate sleeping bag ( ie. rated for 15 degrees when it is subzero outside), as long as you can't feel that cold ground you can compensate by adding layers to increase the bag heat efficiency.  Over the years, with all the winter camping I have done, that is the one lesson I have taken to heart, use a proper sleeping pad.

When it comes to shelter in a winter camp out, you have several options: tent, snow cave, snow pit, yurt, R.V. or cabin....oh wait, those last three aren't camping, sorry.  Tents and snow caves though are perfectly acceptable.  If you choose to use a tent, a four season is the best because it is sturdy and handles inclement weather very well.  I have also found that with proper planning (there's that concept again!) you can use a three season tent when weather will be clear and not stormy.  Now, on to the big kahuna of winter camping! the SNOW CAVE. Nothing strikes fear into the heart of those who enjoy the soft life of living indoors. How do you surround yourself with snow and like it! When enough of the white stuff has fallen, building a snow cave is the ultimate adventure in survival and enjoyment of winter. When properly built, the inside temperature will hover just around freezing or 32 degrees, while it can be subzero outside.  Snow caves insulate so well that nothing is more peaceful then riding out a snow storm or chilly night in the comfort of a snow cave.

The most efficient way to build a snow cave is to build into a snow bank.

It takes up to an hour or longer to build the inside large enough for two people.

Notice how the camera is angled down at myself looking in through the entrance. The sleeping platform MUST be higher than the doorway.

That right there is a happy camper! 

When building a snow cave, always follow these concepts below:
1. Utilize a large snowdrift to build into, rather than piling up snow into a mound. Do not build your cave under tree branches or in avalanche paths.
2. Build a large enough entrance that makes ingress or egress a simple affair. Not too large that the entrance can't be covered at night to keep wind and cold air from getting in.
3. Your sleeping platform MUST be elevated higher than the entrance. Cold air sinks, maximize body heat by allowing the cold to have a place to sink towards.
4. Keep the walls thick enough to support the weight of snow on top while still allowing for a spacious interior that allows you to sit up and move around.
5. Poke a couple of holes through the ceiling for fresh air to circulate. A ski pole is perfect, or several well placed ice ax holes work too.
6. Always keep your snow shovel inside, in case you get snowed in and need to dig out.
7. Close the interior from from the outside by plugging the entrance with your packs.
8. Pack a tent footprint or tarp, to keep your sleeping pad off of the snow. Invest in a bivy sack, it keeps your down sleeping bag dry and increases the temperature efficiency of the bag.
9. Try not to freak out if you find the ceiling dropping over the course of a night or several days. Your perspiration naturally causes the snow to settle as it heats up and refreezes. Snow caves only last for a couple of days.

Sleeping in a snow cave should be one of your life goals. When you build it spaciously and properly, it can last several days and be more comfortable than a tent.

When it comes to winter camping. Nutrition is incredibly important.  When you can't feel your fingers and toes, you won't eat, believe me, you can only focus on one thing at that moment. It isn't uncommon for your appetite to be less than if at home. You don't feel like pounding down food or drink.  You must eat and drink though if you want to keep warm and have sufficient energy to climb and hike. Pack an efficient stove that works in subzero temperatures. I've had good experience with JetBoils, though pressurized canisters (especially straight butane) can fail or burn very inefficiently.  Pack hot chocolate to warm up with and bring food that is EASY to prepare. Remember, it all comes down to over planning and proper preparation so that you don't have to worry about it when you are cold and can't focus.

I won't go too much into clothing except to say NO COTTON. It won't dry and doesn't insulate well (though I have found chamois and flannel to work well when weather is mild).  Remember to layer your clothing and wear good winter boots.

Winter Camping is so much fun when you stay warm.  The forest is quiet, it's even more beautiful and you test your meddle.

                                        Go for it, otherwise you will miss out on views like this!