By the time spring arrives I’ll have spent six weeks in remote, off-grid camps this winter. We just returned from our trip to northern Quebec, and today I’m provisioning for the first of two Boreal Snowshoe Expeditions, starting next week. Below are a few random ideas on living out in the winter that crossed my mind this morning.
- People bring too many clothes. I bring extra socks, underwear and one extra shirt. When it’s really cold and I’m dressed for it, I have 3/4 of my clothes on. If I get wet, I stop and dry stuff. This is for traveling. When you’re base camping there’s no down side to bringing extra clothes.
- Trying to economize on sleeping kit is a bad idea. Nothing will add to your comfort at night and ability to learn during the day than being warm when you sleep.
- Living in cold weather is all about moisture management. This includes keeping your clothing and sleeping kit dry, as well as personal hydration.
- Eating well becomes more important the colder it gets.
- Gear I want, more research needed: TEG generator. These things generate an electric current by placing them on a hot wood stove. They can charge batteries while you’re in the tent at night, and might be great for winter trips when the sun doesn’t shine for a few days. I need to do more research and see if they’d hold up to life on the trail. More at Devil Watt Thermoelectric Wood Stove Generators.
Now off to work preparing for the trip.
PHOTO: Dog modeling in front of a Jack Mountain Expedition Tent.
