On this trip I tested my winter camping skills once again. I packed out minimal gear, built a natural shelter, and slept next to a long fire with only a foam sleep pad and one wool blanket.
It was a lot of fun and I had a great time. I stayed plenty warm despite the temperature getting down to -26°C (-15°F). I have figured out a way to make a very effective long fire and I will make a video on this method in the near future.
Cooking in these extreme cold temperatures can be tricky. I try to bring out food that won’t freeze which is exactly what I did on this trip. I still had a delicious supper that filled my belly and was simple to make.
Thank you to everyone who watches. If you feel like supporting the channel be sure to hit the thumbs up button.
EXTRA INFO:
Are there wild animals in this area?
Yes. There’s a variety of big game (moose, deer, grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, wolves) in this area. They tend to avoid humans for the most part though and don’t pose much of a threat. I do carry a form of protection just in case.
What clothes am I wearing?
Upper body: cotton base layer, wool insulating layer, waxed cotton jacket (outer layer).
Lower body: cotton base layer, polyester insulating layer (I would like to have wool pants for insulation, but they are very expensive to buy.. I will likely make my own in the future), waxed cotton pants (outer layer).
How can I sleep in these cold temperatures?
My fire is the reason I stay warm. I build it to put off a lot of heat and I stoke it throughout the night (every 2-3 hours) so that I’m always getting heat. My wool blanket absorbs the heat from the fire and it feels like I’m sleeping under a heated blanket. It is very comfortable to sleep this way, as long as you don’t mind waking up every few hours to put wood on the fire.
Gear that I use:
Backpack – Kelty Redwing 44 – It’s an ok pack. Comfortable enough to carry but it has a lot of flaws in it’s design. I use it because it’s all I have. One day I will replace it I’m sure.
Hatchet – This was an $8 antique store find. I put a new handle on it and it has been my go to for a couple years now. No makers mark on it so I’m not sure what brand it is but it holds an edge very well.
Knife – Mora Carbon Steel – Mine has a custom wood handle I put on it. It’s a great blade and works excellent for carving/crafting. It’s inexpensive and is great quality. One of my best knives.
Saw – Bahco 21″ Peg Tooth Blade – The wood frame I made myself. the blade is decent quality. Works quite well.
Boots – Sorel Pac Boots (I think) – I don’t know if the specific model I have is still available. But they’re Sorel brand. Not the best boots. I have to wear thick wool socks to keep my feet warm and sometimes they still get cold. Once again though they’re all I have so it’s what I use.
Wool Blanket – Queen size 100% wool blanket – I received it as a gift and I believe it was bought second hand. No label or anything on it.
Sleep Mat – Cheapo foam sleep pad found in any camping store – It’s just the typical foam sleep pad that most camping stores carry. Inexpensive but the warmest sleep pad I’ve used. Bulkier than an inflatable one but a fraction of the cost and warmer.
If you have any other questions or comments please let me know in the comments section down below.
View original video here
