When I was younger, I tent camped during the shoulder seasons as much as the summer because I was getting paid to lead groups on backpacking trips. As I got older and changed careers, I pretty much stayed with summer camping because of the mess you have to deal with in yucky weather. Now... once I get an underquilt and more cool weather hammock gear, I am looking forward to the shoulder seasons once again!
"Extended" doesn't really describe the change for me. I was a 3 season hiker At Best,, Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall ONLY! Now, I camp year round. Or at least I don't hesitate to camp ANY time of the year. And YES, camping in the rain is a joy now, not abject misery as it used to be in the bad old days when I was a groundling.
My coldest ever in a tent was over 32, (no ice in/on water bottle or small puddles around tent, but it sure felt COLD) & I truly wasn't expecting it! Now: I have been sad because it didn't get down to ZERO on a winter hang. I have camped during a ice storm, in 8" of snow (that's DEEP in SW Ohio), gotten down to at least 14 degrees on several occasions, etc.
I'll never be a groundling again!
When you have a backpack on, no matter where you are, you’re home.
PAIN is INEVITABLE. MISERY is OPTIONAL.
I go yr round and lately all it has done is rain. The coldest I have tent camped was -5° with 8-10" of snow of the ground. No problem at all
'Classic.' A book which people praise and don't read.” ― Mark Twain
Who cares about showers, gourmet food, using flush toilets. Just keep on walking and being away from it all.
There are times that the only way you can do something is to do it alone.
It has made my backpacking more fun and a lot more interesting.
Shug
Whooooo Buddy)))) All Secure in Sector Seven
Yeah , hammocks have not only extended my season but increased the frequency during the whole year
Only reason i can think of is I enjoy the idea of camping but put off buy ground sleeping so I am looking for excuses to get out and because I am comfortable. now looking for ways to stay warmer so I can get out 4 seasons
Mike
Hammocking has made winter a whole new adventure. Semi wet/snowy weather is just part of the fun. Nothing better than waking up in the middle of the night, warm and secure, with no worries about how cold it gets. Spent a night up on the side of Mt. Madison last Febuary. I did not get very high up because the powder was to deep to navigate with my snow shoes, but, did get far enough to put all the great HF ideas to use. Can't wait for this winter to set in up there.
Since I retired, some times I stay awake all day, some times all night.
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