Its November already. We are planning to do another trip in a few weeks, and a few more with any luck over the next few winter months.
We have a handful of cold weather trips under our belts, but its always the trickiest of times to get out in the woods.
What are some tips you can think of for making sub-freezing hiking/hammocking trips go more smoothly?
Weight will always be an issue so...Originally Posted by binfordw
I would recommend making buying or taking a pulk so weight and bulkiness are not a problem.
Bring extra socks underwear and base layers in case they get cold or you need extra warmth.
If you can find some of the chemical hand and feet warmers these can be used to keep your water from freezing.
Bring Ziploc bags to keep your water filter in.
Like Shug does keep your alcohol fuel if that's what you're using for a stove on your body or in the hammock with you so your morning breakfast works well.
I highly recommend using tracking poles or ski poles
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Last edited by GilligansWorld; 11-02-2020 at 14:53.
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Here is my Winter Camping Tips playlist.......https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...tiuDQk48ccHSY-
It may help you out some.
Shug
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Try not to sweat! Stay hydrated even if you don’t feel thirsty. Bring extra gloves and hats. No when it’s time to turn back.
Give your kit a good check - you don't want to be out in the woods to find that your stove needs fixing. Make sure batteries are charged and that you have spares.
Avoid sweating - being warm is fine, dripping sweat isn't.
Have some warm clothing, duvet & overtrousers, to put on as soon as you stop - you don't want to lose any of the heat you've worked hard to gain. Have some dry clothing to sleep in - even if you didn't sweat your hiking clothes, particularly your base layer will be damp. Plenty of spare clothing - if it's snowy it's surprising just how soon gloves and the like get damp. Generally you are aiming to stay in the Goldilocks zone, perhaps the only exception to this is when just starting out from your car or after camp when you want to be a bit cooler as you'll warm up with the exertion of walking. If you consciously think: "I'm too warm/cold" then you've left it too late.
Get your hammock, tarp, top and under quilts set up ASAP so that your quilts have time to loft up after being stuffed in their bags.
Add some extra cordage - if the ground's frozen you might need to use logs/rocks/etc. to tie out your tarp.
Drink more than you think you should - cold air is dry air so you'll lose moisture through breathing.
Better weight than wisdom, a traveller cannot carry - Viking proverb
Good book HERE by a couple of guys who did the PCT in winter. Very thorough.
It can be done without carrying the proverbial kitchen sink. With a well-dialed kit and lots of experience, trips of 2-3 nights can be done with pack weight of 20lbs or so.
However, when testing any new strategy or gear or clothing don't stray too far from the trailhead in case a hasty bail-out is necessary. I have a favorite testing venue that is only 1.4 miles into the woods that I have used many, many times for just this purpose.
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On the subject of testing your kit...if you’re interested, take a look at jbarklow on Instagram. Former cold weather specialist for the military. Most posts are short videos about getting acquainted with your gear, thermal management, basic cold weather ‘be comfy don’t die’ skills. It’s hunting centric but applies to anyone who walks in the woods regardless of purpose.
There was an older thread with a ton of info. I can't find it now. I think it was posted by the old moderator Cannibal.
I'll keep looking since I'd only get a fraction off the top of my head...
p.s. I was searching Hannibal but someone reminded me it was Cannibal. Thanks! I always found this old thread informative
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...et-s-talk-cold
Last edited by OneClick; 11-02-2020 at 11:33.
My tip is to winter camp in Florida. Cold weather for us is what ya'll up north use your 3 season gear on.
Yeah, just beware of B52 sized skeeters! Wind chill factor off their wings alone will send you running.
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