Ryan Johns
I really want to head up into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, or even Canada if I can, this winter and go camping with my buddies. I need to know what the best gear is for Cold Weather Camping though. It has been a long time sense the last time I went camping so my knowledge on gear is a bit out of date. A comprehensive list though would be very effective though. The most cost effective gear would be nice also. I don't want someone putting on a list a pair of $100 boots and $30 socks. Lets be real people not all of us are Scrooge Mc'Duck
Answer
The keys to staying warm are staying dry, insulation and diet. You will need to spend a little more for quality gear that's for sure buying second hand will save you some bucks. Start with a tent rated for 3-4 seasons these are built to handle the weather and keep you dry. Coleman tents are well known for completing that task without breaking the budget.
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/category_main.asp?CategoryID=11000
Next is tent site selection and preparation. Choose a site that is level or with a very slight slope so that rain will drain away from your tent, with full sun and wind protection. Put down a thick layer of leaf duff, throw a ground tarp over that and set up your tent on top of that. The duff is a natural insulator, the tarp is a water barrier. Make sure your tent is set good and taught so it performs as designed.
Inside the tent put down a furniture pad $10 bucks at uhaul and then put down a closed cell foam mat, the thicker the better I use a 3inch pad I got at Walmart for $40. Next use a winter rated sleeping bag zero* or colder again Coleman makes a bag in your price range. Add a fleece liner and on top of that use a regular comforter.
Now some folks argue effectively to sleep in the buff I say sleep in your thermal under-ware that is a wicking type since the body sweats and moisture is a heat killer. That is all you can do for that.
Next is diet. Before you hit the sack eat a meal high in carbs and drink lots of fluids. Your body needs the carbs and fluids to make heat energy, of course drinking fluids (no booze) will cause a call of nature so get up and go as it takes away heat to heat up a full bladder and you can't sleep anyway. You will warm up quickly after.
Next is always a big debate the use of heaters in a tent. ALL FUEL BASED HEATERS ARE DEADLY. They produce carbon monoxide gas and burn up oxygen a deadly combination. Now some tents are designed for tent stoves that have vents for chimneys and these are the only tents safe to do so, however they are not cheap $500+. and another $500 for the stove. If your camping at a site that has electricity, and many do now, an electric heater is the only way to go.
Do all this and you will be toasty warm without spending a fortune. Here is a link with more winter camping info,
The keys to staying warm are staying dry, insulation and diet. You will need to spend a little more for quality gear that's for sure buying second hand will save you some bucks. Start with a tent rated for 3-4 seasons these are built to handle the weather and keep you dry. Coleman tents are well known for completing that task without breaking the budget.
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/category_main.asp?CategoryID=11000
Next is tent site selection and preparation. Choose a site that is level or with a very slight slope so that rain will drain away from your tent, with full sun and wind protection. Put down a thick layer of leaf duff, throw a ground tarp over that and set up your tent on top of that. The duff is a natural insulator, the tarp is a water barrier. Make sure your tent is set good and taught so it performs as designed.
Inside the tent put down a furniture pad $10 bucks at uhaul and then put down a closed cell foam mat, the thicker the better I use a 3inch pad I got at Walmart for $40. Next use a winter rated sleeping bag zero* or colder again Coleman makes a bag in your price range. Add a fleece liner and on top of that use a regular comforter.
Now some folks argue effectively to sleep in the buff I say sleep in your thermal under-ware that is a wicking type since the body sweats and moisture is a heat killer. That is all you can do for that.
Next is diet. Before you hit the sack eat a meal high in carbs and drink lots of fluids. Your body needs the carbs and fluids to make heat energy, of course drinking fluids (no booze) will cause a call of nature so get up and go as it takes away heat to heat up a full bladder and you can't sleep anyway. You will warm up quickly after.
Next is always a big debate the use of heaters in a tent. ALL FUEL BASED HEATERS ARE DEADLY. They produce carbon monoxide gas and burn up oxygen a deadly combination. Now some tents are designed for tent stoves that have vents for chimneys and these are the only tents safe to do so, however they are not cheap $500+. and another $500 for the stove. If your camping at a site that has electricity, and many do now, an electric heater is the only way to go.
Do all this and you will be toasty warm without spending a fortune. Here is a link with more winter camping info,
Best campgrounds in Michigan ?
Jerry D
I'm in Grand Rapids and am willing to travel to the right spot.
I'm looking for a good affordable campground with easy access to tubing, fishing, and bike trails. I can tent camp or would like to cabin or bunk camp if the price is right. a place with cheap kayak / canoe rental would be a plus.
thanks!
Answer
You can go here:
1Ludington State ParkLudington, Michigan
2Newaygo State ParkNewaygo, Michigan
You can go here:
1Ludington State ParkLudington, Michigan
2Newaygo State ParkNewaygo, Michigan
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