Winter Hammock Camping

[Montexan]

Mentioned previously: no bugs, carry raw meat, access, skiing, sleds (the 2-stroke variety).

Yes, it's dark longer, but on a clear night during a bright moon, you can forego a headlamp. (Mt. Rainier below)
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I don't mind winter hanging, but unlike Summer, I think you're limiting yourself and missing out on my personal favourite camping, snow caves! So I'm going to be the dissenting hanger here.

The grunt work is worth it.
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Yes, our avy danger is low here.
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You wake up to a dead silent, warm, blue-glowing shelter.
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If that doesn't sell it.

But! Winter is an unremorseful killer.

Gear, fitness and skill requirements are higher. Tools break, jam and crack. While surrounded by snow, you still need liquid water to make water. Batteries and fuel require protection. Emergency navigation skills might save your life. And most of all, realise most avy equipment is for body recovery--saves the HRD dog a trip out.

That said, it's my favourite camping season. Unfortunately the the West Coast has very poor snowfall this year, so I'm not sure I'll build a cave this Winter.

[atrane21]

Winter camping is my absolute favorite. No skiters, not as crowded and there's something just so peaceful about it, especially while it's snowing. Also, when it's cold you can always put on more layers, when it's hot you can only take off so many layers before it becomes illegal

[Dutch]

Love the winter. I dress warm though for sleeping. It protects me from drafts. I don't like to be cold.
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[12trysomething]

Love the winter. I dress warm though for sleeping. It protects me from drafts. I don't like to be cold.
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Who is the guy in the picture? Something you found on the web?

[LuvmyBonnet]

Love the winter. I dress warm though for sleeping. It protects me from drafts. I don't like to be cold.
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AWESOME PICTURE DUTCH!!!!!!

[DanglingModifier]

Great photo Dutch. That reminded me of an old one I have kicking around.

Here is me jumping off a cornice at Rocky Mtn Nat Park in showshoes. I promise it was somewhat higher, and considerably steeper than it looks in the photo. I swear the fish was T-T-T-H-H-I-I-I-I-I-S big!

I was with a group of about six people and they thought it was quite ill-advised when I climbed up the ridgeline to jump off. Once I came to a stop from the cushy slide everyone wanted a turn.

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You can't do that in the summer!

[Chard]

Although there's a real satisfaction in testing one's knowledge, equipment and flesh by thriving in an otherwise hostile environment, that's not the end of it. Winter transforms the land and our summertime nursery takes on a harsh, brooding tone no less beautiful.

I'd say that "winter camping" is a fairly new idea, but it's little more than a gentrified version of the winter living that our ancestors have been successfully doing, in one form or another, for many, many millennia. Like two legged huskies, some people are just "wired" to love the crisp air of winter.

Woof Woof

[bkrgi]

I think the whole Hammock thing just makes a Winter hang so much more enjoyable, with the right gear/quilts, and we can all agree that is applicable to the rest of the seasons as well.
It is just about getting out there and doing it without limits being placed on one. If you got the gear ...use it. Most everyone is running 20* quilts so why should a little snow stop you.
The beauty of the landscape as it changes through the seasons is so worth getting out and experiencing.
Sleeping in the middle of a snowstorm without a care is just a awesome feeling..to me.
Pushing the limits of self and gear has a huge degree of satisfaction....you seriously have to think and testing in ones backyard is just a mighty fine excuse to hang no matter what time of yr.
Everyone thinks your CRAZY.....hahahhahhaahahahahahahahahahahaaa ...yes your definitely not following the sheeple on this one

Pic was after a -7c night with wind and blowing snow......never noticed once tucked in
Threw a 8oz cotton canvas drop cloth over the ridge line and it work amazing at keeping the wind and snow out yet still being breathable
And looks like I will not be able to do it again this winter given the weather trend we are on...almost sad at that thought.

[ps22285]

I love the looks people give you when you tell them you went hanging last weekend

[GT]

I did a lot of winter camping when I was a kid. Figured I'd start back at it this year for some reason. Love my hammock in the spring summer and fall, but this winter it's going to be a tent, woodstove, cart, and air mattress.
it comes with age.