Why do we do this?

**eviscerate3** · 11-05-2013, 15:59

So I am curious why we WANT to camp in the cold? And it seems for most, the colder the better. And to make it even "harder" do it in a hammock! We can't even be happy sleeping in a t@^t where it might be a little warmer.

I get asked these questions all the time. For me it is the challenge and solitude. Since I have yet to see another camper in the woods in the 7 or so years of winter camping here in eastern central Iowa there is plenty of solitude. I have always liked the feeling of success (warm and dry) in the morning doing something that most consider miserable or impossible. I enjoy the challenges that the winter provides and the bigger the challenge the better. We have been out in blizzards, ice storms, -30F temperatures and the crazier the weather the more serious it becomes but the "reward" is much greater and the fun level goes up. We have had some bad experiences in the past but they were lessons learned as we progress. When the weather is really bad we have a car within 1 mile stocked with food, water, hand warmers, and extra clothes as a safety backup. I have been told by many that it is selfish and not fair to my family to run these risks unnecessarily.

I am curious why others do it? Are we crazy as most people around here say? What are the reactions you get from others when it comes up? Thanks!

Mods: If this is in the wrong category please move it. Sorry, I wasn't sure wher to put it.

**Ewker** · 11-05-2013, 16:02

no bugs,no snakes, no sweating. I can put on enough clothes to keep me warm but I can't take off enough to keep me cool without be arrested

**fishbait** · 11-05-2013, 16:19

I seem to sleep better in the colder weather.

**dkurfiss** · 11-05-2013, 16:37

Originally Posted by Ewker

no bugs,no snakes, no sweating. I can put on enough clothes to keep me warm but I can't take off enough to keep me cool without be arrested

+1

and I just look bad with no clothes on.

**Gadgets** · 11-05-2013, 16:47

I'm by no means a winter camper yet. But in the past few weeks I've slept out in the coldest I ever have. It's only been into the 30's but I've been warm and toasty in the modest gear I have. I really enjoy being out in the woods in winter. Especially when it snows. It's so peaceful. You get to see things you might not even know were there, hidden by all the green of spring and summer. The deer are still walking around. Crows are still crowing. And the squirrels can be as nutty as ever. Being out in nature is just as enjoyable in the cold as it is when it's warm. You just need to be prepared better. I can definitely see me sleeping in my hammock down into the 20's at least for now. If someone will donate some zero degree gear to me I'll be out all winter.

**Cali** · 11-05-2013, 17:09

I think it is nice to know I can sleep out and be warm and toasty in cold weather. It gives me a sense of accomplishment, and a secure feeling knowing I have the gear to do it, if I ever need to, I know I can. It prepares you for whatever.
Everyone thinks I am nuts, but when the power goes out and they are freezing and starving, I will be prepared. Not as prepared as I would like, but more than they are.

**BrianWillan** · 11-05-2013, 19:05

The best reasons for cold weather camping are what I call the 3 B's.

No Bears
No Bugs
No Bodies.

The people that you do find out cold weather camping are experienced campers and not the outdoor partier type found in the warm months of the year.

I tend to sweat rather easily, so I find it easier to thermo regulate in colder weather. As Ewker said, it is easier to add or remove layers in winter than it is in the summer.

That's my $0.02 on the matter.

Cheers

Brian

**skinnys11** · 11-05-2013, 19:16

I like cold weather camping because it gives me an excuse to try all the expensive gear I bought during the rest of the year.

I don't really get to many negative reactions about it though. but it also never really gets that cold. So if -30 and blizzards is the definition of cold weather camping, then, its summer all year long here buddy. On a side note though, id have to agree that -30 and blizzards does call for a couple of questions.