Winter Camping Provides New Scenes And Solitude
When most people think about winter camping, there first thought is the local motel with heat and a nearby restaurant. For others, their passion for being outdoors far outweighs any inconvenience or discomfort sometimes associated with winter camping. They all agree, however that to enjoy being outdoors in the wintertime, you have to be prepared.
Having the right winter camping equipment can mean the difference between having a great time and a miserable time, as well as possibly being the difference between life and death. Many things can happen in the outdoors during the winter and being ready for any circumstance will make your winter camping experience more pleasurable. The right sleeping bag and knowing how to keep it warm and dry are necessary as well as making sure your tent stays vented to minimize ice from forming inside due to moisture buildup.
Your clothing for winter camping should be in layers which can be used to maintain your body temperature. One layer should be comfortable against your skin while the second layer can serve as an insulating layer. The outer layer needs to be waterproof and possibly windproof to protect you in case of a heavy storm. Do not use cotton materials when winter camping as it loses insulating qualities when wet and takes a long time to dry. Wool or synthetic materials are friendlier to camping in the winter.
Protection From Unexpected Elements Is Crucial
Even with a good weather forecast, Mother Nature can sometimes turn a beautiful day into a nightmare with unexpected storms or winds. Being prepared for such likelihood can help you survive your winter camping trip. If you are using a tent, set it up in an area protected from the prevailing winds to avoid the disaster of having a sudden heavy gust tear it away with all your belongings with it.
Remember that everything happens slower when winter camping except your water becoming frozen. It is important to stay hydrated in the winter, as the drier air will suck the moisture out of your body quicker. Do not plan on eating snow for hydration as all that does is drop your body temperature. If you count on the snow for a water source, make sure you have a means of melting it before it is consumed.
For your food supply, a diet high in carbohydrates will provide the needed energy for being outdoors in the winter. Any meals you plan should be simple and yet appetizing and preferably able to be cooked in a single pot.
Comments on Winter Camping Provides New Scenes And Solitude »
Getting The Most Fun Out Of Camping | 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics @ 5:19 am
[…] Instead of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, it should be marshmallows roasting on an open fire. Camping is an activity quite like any other. The serene quality of being out in nature is one that thousands of people take part in when the weather gets warmer. The tents become unfurled and sleeping bags make their way out of storage. Warm weather signals a great time to make camp and get out of the house. The long winter is over and now it is time to get outside and get active. Are you a camping enthusiast or are you a novice to this great pastime? If you are a novice then you are in luck. The rest of this article will cover the basics of what you will need while camping and what to expect of the great outdoors. Instead of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, it should be marshmallows roasting on an open fire. Camping is an activity quite like any other. The serene quality of being out in nature is one that thousands of people take part in when the weather gets warmer. The tents become unfurled and sleeping bags make their way out of storage. Warm weather signals a great time to make camp and get out of the house. The long winter is over and now it is time to get outside and get active. Are you a camping enthusiast or are you a novice to this great pastime? If you are a novice then you are in luck. The rest of this article will cover the basics of what you will need while camping and what to expect of the great outdoors. What type of things should I take with me camping? Let’s see…you will definitely need to take some extra clothing and depending on the weather will depend greatly on the type of clothing you will need. You will need to bring along the following items no matter where you go camping: sleeping bag, food, water, small hatchet for chopping firewood and matches. Other items that some people pack are: coolers for food, fishing poles, tents and a radio to listen to at night. What you take depends largely on how you want to camp and what you want to carry with you. Are there expeditions that involve camping? There are some great expeditions that involve camping. Some try to make it a fun filled activity by including horse back riding, canoeing, rafting or even mountain climbing. You should check into some of the different excursions that are available. One of the most popular in recent years involves being flown out to a small island and then being left there for three days or so. You get to experience what true camping is like by providing for yourself during that time. If you are taking small children or elderly you may want to find a more sedate expedition that is a little safer. How do I keep wild animals out of my food stuff? The best way to keep animals out of your food stuffs is to keep it in your car if you are in a campground. If you are the enthusiast who likes to hike into the woods away from everyone you will want to tie your food stuff out of reach so small animals, and even big ones, can not reach the food. Keeping a campfire going will also discourage animals from getting into your food supplies. Always keep scraps and other food wastes buried or far away from camp to discourage them as well. What are some typical foods that are eaten while camping? Who could possibly not go camping and not have hot dogs and marshmallows roasted over an open fire? It is just tradition to have those two staples. Other food items will depend on what type of camping you are doing. Many people love to catch their own food and roast them on the fire. Fish is an excellent food source and if you are near a river or stream it is a great way to hunt for your food. No matter what food you take, you will swear it is much better outside than if you were to cook it at home. What about showers? You are in luck. You do not have to remain dirty and sweaty if you utilize some campgrounds. Many of the newer family oriented campgrounds do have shower facilities you can use while you are camping. The cost is factored into your camp ground fees. You will need to provide your own towels, soap and shampoo if you intend on showering. Just because you are camping does not mean you have to completely rough it and be stinky. To learn more go to Wheelchair Accessible Camping also Camping Games and at Winter Camping […]
Jim Muller @ 9:18 am
I wanted to bring your attention to a winter camping resource that you might find interesting - www.WinterCampers.com
There is a comprehensive collection of Winter Camping Articles from varied journals and newspapers.
The discussion of Winter Camping Skills includes an article on How to Get Started Winter Camping, special tips on Leave No Trace for Winter Campers, there are Trip Logs and Photos from past adventures, how to build snow shelters, advanced Winter Camping Tips, Winter Camping Recipes and a Winter Camping Video.
Winter Camping Gear includes several gear reviews, a Sample Gear List, a discussion of The Ten Essentials and examples of What’s In My Pack? by different winter campers.
The Lighter Side of Winter Camping includes: a collection of Winter and Wilderness Survival Quizzes, a tongue in cheek Winter Camping Application, Winter Camping Poems, Winter Camping Quotes and the Top Ten List Reasons to Go Winter Camping.
The BLOG has the latest winter camping news, pictures and chatter.
Please give it your consideration.