When it comes to sleeping on hopefully not "thin ice:", staying warm and dry is of utmost importance to avoid hypothermia. A waterproof and warm sleeping bag is a must-have for ice camping and backpacking. Look for a bag with a high temperature rating and consider using a liner to add extra warmth. Additionally, using a waterproof and insulated sleeping pad can help keep you warm by providing insulation between you and the ground. In addition to a warm and waterproof sleeping bag, it's also important to pack comfortable bedding accessories. Consider bringing a cozy sleeping bag liner or a warm and soft fleece blanket to add extra comfort to your sleeping setup. An inflatable pillow can also provide support for your head and neck. Investing in high-quality sleeping gear can make all the difference in having a warm and restful night's sleep in the great outdoors.
A pro tip for ice camping and backpacking is always carrying a shovel. Believe it or not, shovels aren't just for gold diggers but also for intelligent ice-camping enthusiasts! A shovel is an excellent tool for staying safe and comfortable while ice camping or backpacking. This is important because it can be used to dig out a shelter or survival chamber if an avalanche occurs. It can also create a level campsite and move snow away from sleeping bags and other gear while camping. Furthermore, it helps cut and dig out ice floes or blocks used to make snow walls, windbreaks, and even shelters -- an ice camping essential!
You don’t need to plunk down big bucks for fancy equipment in preparation for an ice camping trip. Cheaper is often better. A propane heater and a tiny desk fan is all you need for warmth. A $20 butane stove is the only cooking tool you need when you’re camping on the ice. It’s perfect for warming up a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast or a cup of noodles for dinner. You can even cook bacon with it. Also, for lighting, all you need is a USB light bulb, which costs about $8.00 on Amazon. If you want to spend money, spend it on clothes that will keep you warm and a tent that will keep you protected from the elements, but everything else can be bought dirt cheap.
One invaluable pro tip I've learnt over the years of ice camping and ice backpacking is to always pee before you sleep! This may sound strange, but it has so many benefits. Peeing before going to bed allows your body heat to stay in that critical sleeping bag and keeps you warm throughout the night. It also decreases the chances you'll wake up in the middle of the night with an urgent need to pee and brave the cold darkness. Lastly, it eliminates any stress about having to find a place for relief when nature calls in an unfamiliar--and potentially dangerous--environment. Peeing before going to bed when ice camping or backpacking really can make all the difference for a good night's rest.
Ice camping and ice backpacking require specialized gear, which can add a lot of weight. Be sure to only bring the essential items that you need and leave anything non-essential behind. Make sure your gear is lightweight and suitable for cold temperatures. It’s important to keep your overall pack weight as light as possible in order to reduce the strain on your body during the trek. Bring only what you need and leave the rest behind. Thank you for your consideration and I hope this helps! Best, Nick Varga nick@eridejournal.com
One pro tip for ice camping and ice backpacking is to make sure you have a good insulating layer between you and the ice. Even with a good sleeping bag, it’s important to have a layer of insulation between your sleeping pad and the ice to prevent heat loss. This can be achieved by using closed-cell foam pads, inflatable pads with a high R-value, or even a combination of both. Additionally, using a good quality four-season tent that is designed to withstand the harsh condition of ice camping can also help to keep you warm and dry. Finally, it's important to stay well-hydrated and well-fed, as your body will need extra energy to stay warm in cold conditions.
I recently learned so much from a Wisconsinite who is an avid ice fisherman. A group of us joined him and we crossed the border into Canada and set up camp on a lake. We could not believe how attentive this man was to every detail regarding his tent, his gear – and basically every item inside his tent. One of many lessons I learned from him was that you could keep your propane heater at a low or medium level if you accompany it with a portable fan. The fan helps greatly by circulating the heat across the tent. It may seem like it wouldn’t be necessary because your tent isn’t all that big, but when you’re literally living outside in sub-zero weather, any area that isn’t getting enough heat is going to feel very cold. Your fan will be your savior.
There are several lakes in this alpine splendor besides Ice Lake. Take a little detour to Island Lake, another magnificent lake in the northeast. U.S. Grant Peak encircles this lake, which as its name suggests has a little island in the midst of it. Your journey will climb 130 feet in height and add a little over a mile to get to Island Lake. The walk to Fuller Lake is another little side excursion. After passing Ice Lake, continue on the route to the south to find this lake. Your total distance after this journey will be 1.75 miles, with a 355-foot elevation gain. Along the shoreline, there is an ancient mining hut that has fallen, and there are other trails to explore.
Stay warm and dry: For a safe and enjoyable ice camping or backpacking adventure, in my opinion, staying warm and dry is crucial. Invest in high-quality, insulated sleeping bags and sleeping pads rated for sub-zero temperatures to keep you warm while sleeping. Wear warm, moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers to protect yourself from cold, wind, and wet conditions. Bring a reliable, high-quality stove and fuel to melt snow for drinking water and to cook hot meals, which will help keep you warm and hydrated.
Be prepared for emergencies: Any outdoor activity can involve an emergency, thus it's crucial to be ready for it, in my opinion. Bring a first aid kit and learn how to treat common injuries and illnesses that can occur in cold weather, such as hypothermia and frostbite. Always keep a way to start a fire, such as matches or a lighter, in case you need to create warmth quickly. Additionally, know how to signal for help in case of an emergency.
When ice camping and ice backpacking, one important pro tip to keep in mind is to always use the right gear. Make sure your clothing and equipment are designed for cold weather conditions. Invest in quality items such as a warm sleeping bag, a water-resistant tent or tarp, insulated boots, and plenty of layers. Additionally, bringing along a GPS device and an ice axe can help with navigation in icy terrain. Having the right gear will ensure that you stay safe and comfortable during your adventure.
In order to enjoy your time ice camping and backpacking without worrying about discomfort or safety, it is important to invest in high-quality equipment. Invest in insulated boots to keep your feet toasty, and a sleeping bag and pad made to trap heat. Keep your water from turning to ice by bringing an insulated container with you. And lastly, always bring a cell phone and a satellite-enabled GPS in case of emergency.
Preparing your camper for winter is vital, in my opinion. All experienced and novice winter campers ensure that their furnace is properly maintained and prepared to keep their family warm and safe, and that their water lines and tanks are undamaged. The more winter-ready your camper is, the better! If necessary, get your camper serviced to ensure that everything is operating properly. Having RV problems in the summer and fall is unpleasant, but having problems in the winter is even worse, so make sure your camper is in good condition.