Solo in the Snow! Nordhouse Dunes (MI)

[OutandBack]

I'll definitely need to try a few things. Hand warmers seem like an easy solution, but they just don't seem to put out much heat. I tried them the first night and everything was fine, but I think that may be due to relatively warmer temps (still cold around 12° though) and not as wet to start.

It's warming up, but if it gets cold here again I'll try to dampen the boots and do a test at home.

Some hand warmers will burn a mark on your skin and some barely get warm.
It's hard to find the good ones.
You could try the old bread bag over the feet(VB) to see if your boots are getting wet from you or the elements.
Maybe some outdoor chores around the house or a walk around the block just something to get your feet
sweating and snow and slush on the boots.

EDIT- Oops, I forgot we were in the trip report folder, sorry.

[OneClick]

Let me follow up with a few other things I changed this trip.

1. I took my small tripod stool for somewhere to sit. What a difference this makes! Sitting by the fire to dry socks, lace boots, use as a table to set things on, etc. I believe it's 2lbs, but worth it...at least for winter trips.

2. Return of the compression sack! I swore off compression sacks after switching to the "everything in a bag liner in the bottom of pack" method, but my sleeping bag is very lofty and makes it difficult to get compressed and stay that way in the bottom.

This time I compressed my sleeping bag but still put that in the pack liner, then stuffed the 20° Incubator around to fill the voids. This really freed up space in the pack compared to my last winter trip where I had to use a larger, heavier (+2lb) pack. I think this really contributed to a much more comfortable carry.

3. Burying water in snow. I never did this but I figured I would give it a shot. Even after 3° or lower, my Dromlite bag only had a tiny bit of ice around the cap. The rest did not freeze.

Always learning...

[Refreshing]

Why didn't you hammock at that location?

Great photos. Thanks for sharing.

[canoebie]

Thanks for the report. Looks like a great time. I'm impressed that the UQ kept you warm. Great tips as well.

[Boudah]

Going to Nordhouse next weekend. Seriously. Love that place.

[michigandave]

Nice trip report. Nordhouse looks great anytime of the year.

[Randy]

I love seeing these snowy camp pictures.... Ya'll keep my bucket list full.

Thanks for sharing.

[BackpackerGuy]

Thanks for the great pics and trip report.
I'll be there the weekend of March 7-8-9.
After seeing your pics,,,,, can't wait!

[OutandBack]

Let me follow up with a few other things I changed this trip.

1. I took my small tripod stool for somewhere to sit. What a difference this makes! Sitting by the fire to dry socks, lace boots, use as a table to set things on, etc. I believe it's 2lbs, but worth it...at least for winter trips.

2. Return of the compression sack! I swore off compression sacks after switching to the "everything in a bag liner in the bottom of pack" method, but my sleeping bag is very lofty and makes it difficult to get compressed and stay that way in the bottom.

This time I compressed my sleeping bag but still put that in the pack liner, then stuffed the 20° Incubator around to fill the voids. This really freed up space in the pack compared to my last winter trip where I had to use a larger, heavier (+2lb) pack. I think this really contributed to a much more comfortable carry.

3. Burying water in snow. I never did this but I figured I would give it a shot. Even after 3° or lower, my Dromlite bag only had a tiny bit of ice around the cap. The rest did not freeze.

Always learning...

Glad to see this wasn't a stupid-light trip...haha (inside joke) in that cold weather your feet may not have been the only thing chilly.

[Randy]

Speaking of handwarmers. I have been using those Zippo hand warmers with old fashion coleman lantern fuel for 2 years now and absolutely love them...