Eastern Great Lakes "Gearing up for Winter" - Jan 7, 2012, Valens Conservation Area

[BrianWillan]

I hope I can go... not sure of holiday plans yet.. This weekend I've been testing gear in the back yard, getting ready for winter. How cold might it get overnight in early January? -30?

One can only wish for -30C weather for the first week of January. That would probably be a record. I would just watch the 14 day trend weather graph.

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/fou...qlink_st_14day

Currently it shows that the 30 year average low (until Dec 24th) is -7C.

How is the quilt construction going there?

Cheers

Brian

[ontariohanger]

hmmmm, depending on the day i could defiantly make an appearance.

this gives me the chance to test out my new incubator 20!!

[BrianWillan]

hmmmm, depending on the day i could defiantly make an appearance.

this gives me the chance to test out my new incubator 20!!

In case you missed it in the thread title, the date for this hang is January 7, 2012.

What do you classify as Northern Ontario?

Cheers

Brian

[Bubba]

hmmmm, depending on the day i could defiantly make an appearance.

this gives me the chance to test out my new incubator 20!!

You're a trooper if you make the 5+ hour drive.

[[o]TTeR]

I hope I can go... not sure of holiday plans yet.. This weekend I've been testing gear in the back yard, getting ready for winter. How cold might it get overnight in early January? -30?

Not unless a record cold snap hits. Most average lows are -10C

With fourteen "Winter Hangs" in the past 3 years at Valens, our record low is only -16c over night with a high of -8c during the day (February 2010). Rug is correct; it would take a record cold snap to get even close to -30.

To share a few tips and tricks learned along the way…

In winter conditions, pitch your tarp low and bring something “shovel-like” to building short snow walls around the base. This creates a wind-break and limits the airflow underneath you.

When turning-in, tough it out in the opening stretch, start with your base layer and give your installation (rated for the condition of course!) a chance to do its job (warm up), if you’re still cold add layers until you’re warm enough. Doing the opposite (taking stuff off) usually causes uncomfortable overheating and moisture buildup due to sweat.

I’m an extreme warm sleeper so it’s never been cold enough for me to employ the “Hot Water Bottle” technique but the Cold sleepers I know swear by it.

I usually sleep with the following items ether in my pockets or inside my top quilt… my Headlamp because the cold does a number on the batteries and performance. Lighter & Fuel (for alcohol stove), when these items are cold they generally don’t cooperate. A bottle of water for the morning, keeping it on you prevents it from freezing; you need water to successfully melt ice for more water (it’s a catch 22 thing). Note!!! Although it goes without saying…make sure the water and especially the fuel bottle don’t leak…drip…drip…dam

[BrianWillan]

With fourteen "Winter Hangs" in the past 3 years at Valens, our record low is only -16c over night with a high of -8c during the day (February 2010). Rug is correct; it would take a record cold snap to get even close to -30.

To share a few tips and tricks learned along the way…

I usually sleep with the following items ether in my pockets or inside my top quilt… my Headlamp because the cold does a number on the batteries and performance. Lighter & Fuel (for alcohol stove), when these items are cold they generally don’t cooperate. A bottle of water for the morning, keeping it on you prevents it from freezing; you need water to successfully melt ice for more water (it’s a catch 22 thing). Note!!! Although it goes without saying…make sure the water and especially the fuel bottle don’t leak…drip…drip…dam

A couple more tips for cold weather camping, is to ensure that you drink enough water to ensure you are properly hydrated. Unless you are used to this level of hydration, it will invariably lead to the need to urinate during the night. As much as it will suck, be sure to relieve yourself (whether getting up or using a pee bottle). Not doing so will cause your body to continue to use energy to keep all that fluid warm instead of the rest of you.

Before turning in, eat something with a good fat content to fire up the metabolism to digest it (Coffee Crisp works good). Or go for a quick hike to get the blood flowing to generate some body heat as you're ready to turn in.

[o]TTeR is correct about needing some water to melt snow/ice. However at Valens this is a non issue as the heated washroom with running water is less than 100m from the camp site.

Cheers

Brian

[keg]

Not a huge winter fan but I'm considering this trip. Let you guys know after Christmas.

[Wolvaroo]

I'll probably be sitting this one out. I was looking at investing in some winter insulation but now I have to save up to attend my brother's wedding back in BC.

[Bubba]

Not a huge winter fan but I'm considering this trip. Let you guys know after Christmas.

Come to the dark side...

I'll probably be sitting this one out. I was looking at investing in some winter insulation but now I have to save up to attend my brother's wedding back in BC.

That's too bad. Hopefully the next one.

[BrianWillan]

I'll probably be sitting this one out. I was looking at investing in some winter insulation but now I have to save up to attend my brother's wedding back in BC.

That's too bad. Hopefully the next one.

Wolvaroo

I am sure there is enough extra gear among those that are going that you could borrow a 3season UQ to supplement your existing Shamu Underquilt.