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When winter camping, use a four-season tent, keeping the vents open to prevent condensation from freezing to the ceiling. And don’t forget to enjoy the beauty around you.
time so you’re safe.” We are being taught as though we are trekking to the North Pole — though we have only a 2-mile snowshoe hike from the trailhead to Lake Irwin, where we’ll set up camp. It’s easy to stay warm, Larsen explains, if we layer correctly. “There’s no such thing as cold weather — just not enough layers,” he says, adding that he’s more concerned about getting too warm than being too cold. “Sweat is your enemy.” Larsen uses a standard layering system to limit perspiration: Start by putting on your wicking layer first (your thinnest layer, preferably synthetic), insulating layers second (Larsen likes zip-ups so he can vent if he gets warm) and wind protection third. Also, always have a down jacket that you can easily access. “When you notice a change in your body, either heating up or cooling down, do something,” Larsen says. Fortunately, the weather is kind on this November afternoon, as it’s a bluebird day with temperatures in the 30s when we’re dropped at the trailhead. Once there, Larsen equips each of us with a sled that’s connected by a carabiner to our waist — he’s running this as expeditionstyle as possible — onto which we load our food, tents (most of which sleep three), picks, shovels, stoves and gear. (Larsen provides food and some equipment, but not personal gear. Campers are also provided with a list of recommended items to bring.) We step into snowshoes and begin the uphill trek to Lake Irwin. We stop along the way for the view; for every hour of activity, Larsen schedules 10-minute breaks for hydrating and fueling. But I’m honestly in no hurry to leave as I have a frontrow seat to the lake, its backdrop Colorado’s mighty Rockies. At one point, I follow his lead and sip hot soup I made. It hits the spot, providing warm hydration — crucial in winter because you’re more likely to drink less. Once at the site, we’re split into groups of three. After we’ve stomped down the snow to flatten it, we set up our tent, arrange our beds (air mattress under a sleeping bag) and prep for dinner. There’s a stove for each tent, and I’m tasked with looking for clean snow (“no yellow snow,” Larsen says) and shoveling it into a duffel bag, to be kept outside our tent. We fill the stove with snow and wait until it melts; the hot water hydrates our freeze-dried meals. The night ends around the fire — we’ve set up camp just a few feet back from a cliff that spills into a canyon between the mountains. >
NO COLD SHOULDERS By preparing properly, you can set yourself up for a better winter camping trip. Here are five ways to boost your experience, provided by accomplished explorer Eric Larsen:
uChoose a flat campsite that’s sheltered from wind, has lower snow levels and is away from possible avalanche danger.
uWear mittens instead of gloves, and add a glove liner underneath, which should fit snugly but not cut off circulation.
uBring your boots into your tent at night so they don’t freeze. If possible, remove the liners.
uStash a thermos filled with hot water at your feet in your sleeping bag for extra warmth.
uHeed nature’s call, even in the middle of the night. Having extra fluids in your body wastes energy that could be keeping you warm. — Karen Asp
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