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#144843 - 01/13/11 10:40 PM Winter camping in Minnesota
Tango61 Offline
member

Registered: 12/27/05
Posts: 931
Loc: East Texas Piney Woods

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.
_________________________
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you can't. Either way, you're right.

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#145394 - 01/24/11 04:09 PM Re: Winter camping in Minnesota [Re: Tango61]
billstephenson Offline
Moderator

Registered: 02/07/07
Posts: 3917
Loc: Ozark Mountains in SW Missouri
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!
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#145760 - 02/02/11 04:31 PM Re: Winter camping in Minnesota [Re: Tango61]
billstephenson Offline
Moderator

Registered: 02/07/07
Posts: 3917
Loc: Ozark Mountains in SW Missouri
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
_________________________
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"You want to go where?"



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#147909 - 03/17/11 12:39 AM Re: Winter camping in Minnesota [Re: Tango61]
sailorman Offline
newbie

Registered: 02/27/11
Posts: 9
Loc: Minneapolis, MN
Very Cool. I am looking to hit Cascade River in the next month. Hit the trail early.

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#147951 - 03/17/11 11:03 PM Re: Winter camping in Minnesota [Re: sailorman]
thecook Offline


Registered: 10/03/08
Posts: 541
Loc: Minnesota
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.
_________________________
If I wouldn't eat it at home, why would I want to eat it on the trail?

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#149076 - 04/09/11 04:27 PM Re: Winter camping in Minnesota [Re: Tango61]
skcreidc Offline
member

Registered: 08/16/10
Posts: 1590
Loc: San Diego CA
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!

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