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[RedLeader]

Now that the weather is getting cold it seems like a top time to discuss winter camping. Some of my best camps have been on crisp, clear, icy nights but some decent organisation is required if you want to enjoy it.

The few things that come to mind are:
* Try and camp in wooded areas. The trees give plenty of shelter, keep the temperature up and bit and, most importantly, provide fuel to get a fire going!
* Stay off the higher hills when it's overly windy. Once you get above a few hundred meters it can be nearly impossible to find shelter.
* If you're not in a forest bring a hobo stove and chunks of firelog. It's a lovely warmer and lifts your spirits.
* Always have a way to easily make a hot drink. When things go pete tong a hot coffee can get you toasty and feeling awesome again.

[twentyclicks]

Pack spare gloves and hat.  I also put 2 of those 8hr pocket handwarmers in my FAK for 'extending the range of my sleeping bag' if things get extreme.  I often carry a splint if it's icy but as long as you have something you could fashion one with - duck tape + trekking pole/stick/sit-mat/pack-stay.

Good sunglasses, SPF for when it's nice.

[Belfastman1958]

I agree with Craig....

I keep a coupla little heat packs - the kind that are used for back pain - in my kit bag. (The cheap and cheerful "Poundshop" variety)

They do wonders for raising the temperature of a small tent or inside a sleeping bag when it's too cold.

Alan.

[666_pack]

Now that the weather is getting cold it seems like a top time to discuss winter camping. Some of my best camps have been on crisp, clear, icy nights but some decent organisation is required if you want to enjoy it.

The few things that come to mind are:
* Try and camp in wooded areas. The trees give plenty of shelter, keep the temperature up and bit and, most importantly, provide fuel to get a fire going!
* Stay off the higher hills when it's overly windy. Once you get above a few hundred meters it can be nearly impossible to find shelter.
* If you're not in a forest bring a hobo stove and chunks of firelog. It's a lovely warmer and lifts your spirits.
* Always have a way to easily make a hot drink. When things go pete tong a hot coffee can get you toasty and feeling awesome again.

where's the fun in that J?

But the hand warmers in the sleeping bag is a great tip

[RedLeader]

Usually I'd not care but when we were at Douglas Crag and the wind was so strong it actually blew the stove away and the food off my plate I did start to think that sitting round a roaring fire in the forest might have been a shade more comfy. Luckily I had enough Jack Daniels to ward off the strongest gale!

Now that the weather is getting cold it seems like a top time to discuss winter camping. Some of my best camps have been on crisp, clear, icy nights but some decent organisation is required if you want to enjoy it.

The few things that come to mind are:
* Try and camp in wooded areas. The trees give plenty of shelter, keep the temperature up and bit and, most importantly, provide fuel to get a fire going!
* Stay off the higher hills when it's overly windy. Once you get above a few hundred meters it can be nearly impossible to find shelter.
* If you're not in a forest bring a hobo stove and chunks of firelog. It's a lovely warmer and lifts your spirits.
* Always have a way to easily make a hot drink. When things go pete tong a hot coffee can get you toasty and feeling awesome again.

where's the fun in that J?

But the hand warmers in the sleeping bag is a great tip

[666_pack]

ahh!
so another tip is to get so drunk you pass out and are such a dead weight you can't be blown of the hill.......I like you style.

I really need a night in the hills.

[Scribble]

I have never done any winter camping but def will be this time , I have most of my kit sorted but need your hardened happy campers advice on sleep mats , what would you recommend .

As for the lying down drunk bit I will be practicing that when ever I get a chance

[suspectmonkey]

the wind was so strong it actually blew the stove away and the food off my plate

That musta been some wind to blow away an 18oz sirloin steak

I can't remember if I read this on here, or else where, but for those sub-zero nights turn your water bottle upside down!  Water freezes from the top down, so when you leave your bottle upside down overnight the water will freeze at the bottom rather than blocking up the neck.

[LennyJ1]

the wind was so strong it actually blew the stove away and the food off my plate

That musta been some wind to blow away an 18oz sirloin steak

I can't remember if I read this on here, or else where, but for those sub-zero nights turn your water bottle upside down!  Water freezes from the top down, so when you leave your bottle upside down overnight the water will freeze at the bottom rather than blocking up the neck.

Good Tip

[Scribble]

Found this an Intrestening read about winter camping

http://www.trailspace.com/forums/backcountry/topics/34350.html

[Rugged Track]

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