With the right equipment and clothes winter can be a great time for camping. There are no crowds or bugs, and there's the fun of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, animal tracking, bird watching, and ice fishing. Preparing to winter camp starts with the shelter.
Specialized “four season” tents designed for winter can be purchased or a summer tent will serve the purpose but not as well. The tent should be the “free standing” type as pounding stakes into frozen ground can be difficult. Only use heavy metal spikes for staking, not plastic. Campers can push snow around the sides of the tent to hold it in place.
Keep the tent open and vented, as body moisture will condense ice crystals on the walls, which can be a nuisance when they fall.
A good sleeping bag system is a must for any winter camp. Winter campers can either purchase a goose down or synthetic sleeping bag rated to at least minus 30 degrees or they can put one heavy summer sleeping bag inside of another. If the summer bags do not have a mummy type hood and drawstring campers should wear a hat and gloves.
A closed-cell sleeping pad underneath the sleeping back will help insulate the sleeper from the cold ground, and a plastic or waterproof sheet under the pad will keep any water or snow away from the bag.
A couple of chemical hand warmers tossed into the bag before crawling in can also make the difference in getting a good nights sleep. They will pre-warm the bag and can be used on cold spots in the night.
Preparing meals also poses special challenges in the cold
Winter campers should plan easy to prepare meals. As no refrigeration is needed, meat and vegetable based meals can be wrapped in tin foil and cooked or re-heated on a fire. Pre-made pasta and cereal dishes placed in special “boiling bags” can be reheated in hot water. With tin foil and boiling bag meals, there are also few dishes to wash – just remember camping etiquette and be prepared to pack out all waste.
Cooking gear need only consists of a one or two gallon pot for boiling water, an insulated mug, a spoon, and a bowl. For those who dislike cooking over wood fires there are pack-able fuel stoves. Bring extra fuel as it takes about ten cups of snow to yield a cup of water.
Stay hydrated and warm
Dry winter air means it is especially important to keep the body hydrated. Water can be kept from freezing by carrying it in either a wineskin type bota or a plastic bottle placed inside of a jacket either on a shoulder strap or in an inside pocket. Make sure the container has seal tight cap.
Keeping warm depends on clothing, and the key word for winter camping is "layering." Start with polypropylene or other synthetic underwear tops and bottoms. Next a wool shirt and pants followed by a nylon wind jacket and pants. Lastly have a parka or heavy coat.
Layering allows winter campers to shed clothes when physical activity demands and to add warmth when relaxing. It is best to bring several hats, gloves and mittens to replace those that get wet. Chopper mitts are required for extreme cold and work well for holding hot foods.
Purchase the warmest and lightest boots available and big enough for two pair of heavy wool socks. Take along a spare pair of boots.
Other winter gear includes a headlamp with extra batteries, pack saw, sunglasses, pocketknife, waterproof-windproof matches, 12-Hour chemical handwarmers, and a lightweight shovel.
Unless you drive to a campsite you will pack all gear on your back or on a sled or toboggan. Even with a 50-pound load a toboggan is an easy pull across snow and ice.
Winter camping, whether in a campground or remote wilderness at minus 20 below zero or 30 degrees above, can be fun, but only w ith the right preparation and gear.
By James Bishop, Wisconsin DNR public affairs manager and avid winter camper