Who goes camping?

[ila]

Enough of this wimpy summer camping. If you want to experience a true camping adventure try the winter. I don't mean a typical mild European winter either. Go camping when the temperature goes down to -40°C (-40° is exactly the same in Fahrenheit or Centigrade). It doesn't matter whether you use a snowmobile, skis, snowshoes, or your feet alone to get to your campsite. Take along a tent or make your own shelter from snow or tree branches. If you use a tent I recommend canvas with sturdy steel or aluminium poles and not a light nylon tent that you would use in summer. Also make sure your tent doesn't have a floor. Snow is quite adequate for a floor. For the adventurous that want to make their own snow shelter take along a shovel, with a big scoop, to pile up the snow and then hollow out the mound. Don't try to build an igloo unless you are in the arctic where the wind will cause the snow to form hard drifts. Also don't try to build an igloo unless you first have a competent person show you how to do it, as igloos are not easy to make.

Equipment to take with you (in addition to food and warm clothing). This list is not comprehensive and is only a guide:
o A naphtha stove
o Naphtha
o Lantern
o Pots
o Shovel
o Machete/knife/axe
o Warm sleeping bag
o Air mattress (only fools take foam in winter)
o Toboggan
o Extra rope or cord
o Reflective foil blanket
o For the adventurous types that go to the arctic take a rifle. Polar bears see humans as a potential meal and I guarantee that you will not best one in a wrestling match. Dogs make excellent companions as well as early warning alarms against polar bears.

For those that are wondering I have been on many winter camping trips. The coldest I have ever experienced was -50°C. I have usually slept in a tent and only once in a snow shelter. I have never been in or made an igloo even though I have been to the arctic.

Winter camping is a truly exhilarating experience for those that try it or those that have done it.

[GRH]

Originally Posted by ila

Go camping when the temperature goes down to -40°C (-40° is exactly the same in Fahrenheit or Centigrade)

I have to admit Ila, I thought you were lying on this point until I did the calculation myself. You are, in fact correct!

I've wanted to go winter camping as you describe. For that matter, I've wanted to spend a winter in Antarctica, but I doubt I ever have the chance. Recently, I saw a job opening for a summer position in Antarctica doing hydroponic food production...If only I didn't have my committments here. Oh well...

Winter camping is a completely different ball of wax than the summer variant, but I think it stands to be more rewarding.

[ila]

Originally Posted by GRH

For that matter, I've wanted to spend a winter in Antarctica, but I doubt I ever have the chance.

Winter in Antarctica - you must be foolhardy, or brave, or adventurous or possibly even a bit of each. The northern hemisphere bloody cold in winter, Antarctica is blisteringly, achingly, numbingly freezing. I commend you on your sense of adventure. I too would like to see Antarctica in winter, but I don't know if I would want to spend a whole winter there.

[GRH]

Originally Posted by ila

Winter in Antarctica - you must be foolhardy, or brave, or adventurous or possibly even a bit of each. The northern hemisphere bloody cold in winter, Antarctica is blisteringly, achingly, numbingly freezing. I commend you on your sense of adventure. I too would like to see Antarctica in winter, but I don't know if I would want to spend a whole winter there.

I would rank myself probably 2 parts foolhardy, 1 part brave, and 2 parts adventurous. I'm just a classic adrenaline junkie, I've wanted to climb Everest and K2, for the sole reason that "they are there." I used to go cave diving, and I could never go deep enough or far enough. I want to push where very few have gone before, and if I die in the process, oh well.

[SluttyShemaleAnna]

I think climbing Everest would be mores boring than exciting.

It's certainly boring when someone tells you about them climbing it.

Now punching an alligator, that's a whole different story.....

[sesame]

Originally Posted by GRH

I would rank myself probably 2 parts foolhardy, 1 part brave, and 2 parts adventurous. I'm just a classic adrenaline junkie, I've wanted to climb Everest and K2, for the sole reason that "they are there." I used to go cave diving, and I could never go deep enough or far enough. I want to push where very few have gone before, and if I die in the process, oh well.

GRH, I didnt know about this hidden facet of yours! Well, Bravo
But then, you say, "I want to push where very few have gone before"...
I think too many people have gone to conquer the summits of Everest or Godwin-Austen. Its time to choose some new virgin peaks! I like to go places where there are very few human faces to see. viz. Deep forests, high mountains... no groups, no guides, no hullaballoo, no fellow campers. Just peaceful solitude. AAAh!