| Backpacking in the winter is a truly unique | | | | situation. A winter rated tent is a must but do |
| experience. There is a certain solitude that can't | | | | you know how to properly protect it using |
| be found during the warmer months of the year. | | | | survival shelter techniques. Learning how to make |
| But there is a certain amount of underlying danger | | | | snow blocks can come in handy as it will allow you |
| as well simply because the weather and | | | | to make a wind block that you can place your |
| environment is less forgiving. But if you take the | | | | tent behind. In an emergency you can use this |
| time to properly plan your trip, take stock of | | | | ability to make a shelter out of snow blocks. |
| your equipment, and learn a few basic survival | | | | Staying dry in the backcountry during the winter |
| skills you can offset the danger by simply being | | | | is also an important consideration. If you get wet |
| prepared. | | | | or are sweating you will notice that as long as |
| One of the biggest dangers going winter | | | | you are active you stay warm but as soon as |
| backpacking is the cold. There is just no way | | | | stop moving any moisture on your skin will start |
| around that issue so staying warm in probably | | | | to transfer any heat away from your body. In a |
| your most important task. This makes learning to | | | | cold environment this can rapidly lead to |
| make a fire in the cold and snow vitally important. | | | | hypothermia, which can be deadly. |
| Always carry waterproof matches and as a | | | | Sweating is something you want to avoid if |
| backup one of the many sparking devices | | | | possible. This is why dressing in layers is important |
| available today. | | | | as adding and removing them allows you to |
| You also need to learn which materials burn best | | | | better regulate your body temperature. Bring |
| when wet, because wood and tinder that's been | | | | extra clothes to change into if you do sweat |
| buried in snow is hard to light. Birch bark, for | | | | because damp or wet clothes will lead to rapid |
| instance, will burn when wet as will the sap from | | | | body heat loss, particularly if you have to sleep in |
| spruce and pine trees. | | | | them. Dry your wet clothes by the fire or dry |
| The most important thing about learning to light a | | | | them in the sun the next morning. Staying dry |
| fire in the backcountry in the winter is to practice | | | | means staying warm. |
| at home first. Doing it in your backyard in the cold | | | | Winter backpacking is a great experience if you |
| will give you not only an idea of how difficult it | | | | are properly prepared and know the basics of |
| may be but it will also teach you what you need | | | | winter camping. Fire, shelter, and staying dry are |
| to do and be prepared for once you are far from | | | | three of the most important parts of winter |
| the comfort of your own home. | | | | camping. Keep these in mind and plan accordingly |
| Having a proper shelter is just as important as | | | | and your next winter trek will be met with |
| learning how to build a fire. It allows you to get | | | | success. |
| out of the elements and take stock of your | | | | |