Winter camping in Minnesota

Posted by: Tango61

Winter camping in Minnesota - 01/13/11 10:40 PM


I thought I would post this for those that get to do winter camping. This is something I've always wanted to try but haven't had the opportunity yet.

This trip was definitely for those more experienced campers/backpackers and I definitely would not recommend this for a newbie.

Pretrip post (weed through and find all the good nuggets of information)
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=23930

Post trip report
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26995

I will say that the group over there (which I am a member) presents plenty of opportunities for people to get together.
I've attended one group hang and really enjoyed it and plan on doing more.
Posted by: billstephenson

Re: Winter camping in Minnesota - 01/24/11 04:09 PM

Yeah, sure. That looked pretty dern cold to me.

I did like the guys video on the heated space, and I think I need to try that. They said they were going to measure the in/out temps but never gave them. It might not have worked too well with the damp wood they were using. But with some dry wood I can see potential with that set-up.

Thanks Tango61!
Posted by: billstephenson

Re: Winter camping in Minnesota - 02/02/11 04:31 PM

After seeing the video of the guy who used the mylar and clear plastic to capture the heat from a fire I made sure to bring my bubble wrap w/mylar sitting pad with me last weekend.

I brought a piece about 18" x 36" and while sitting in front of our camp fire I held it in a curve behind my head. Almost instantly the back of my neck and ears warmed up. Then I held in under my chin and again I could feel the heat reflecting off it.

Since we have a few days of snow and cold here right now I'm going to try and make the shelter design shown in the video and give it a test. I'm going to try and make it big enough to fit my hammock inside, like on the video.

I might also try and set up some reflectors around a tent to see it they will heat the inside of it. I think a couple of those windshield reflectors you get for your car might work perfect for testing that out (my wife has one too wink

If it works, I'm going to see how much weight it adds to my pack. I'm already convinced that the 18"x30" piece I take is worth the weight. I sit on it, and place it under my sleeping bag when I'm in it, to help keep me warm. It works and it's light and cheap.

But I'm excited to try that heated shelter, I'll let you know how I do laugh
Posted by: sailorman

Re: Winter camping in Minnesota - 03/17/11 12:39 AM

Very Cool. I am looking to hit Cascade River in the next month. Hit the trail early.
Posted by: thecook

Re: Winter camping in Minnesota - 03/17/11 11:03 PM

Be aware, you'll probably still have snow in lots of places and definately ice in the shade. Maybe think about throwing in a pair of microspikes or yaktracks.
Posted by: skcreidc

Re: Winter camping in Minnesota - 04/09/11 04:27 PM

Tango61, did you check out that younger guys video of four dogs explaining that "supershelter"? Looks like a great way to dry your stuff out before going to bed. Actually, the way the whole thing was set up is giving me ideas...Thanks for posting it up!