I just got back from a backpacking trip in West Virginia and was able to reap the benefits of several key items. Depending on where your turf is, some or all of these may enhance your experience too. Here's what's been working for me. 

The Tent: MSR Access 1 (1-Person, 4-Seasons)

If you're going to be pushing your backcountry adventures late/early in the year and expect to face heavy snow and/or strong winds, then a 4-season tent will be the way to go. However, this doesn't mean that you need an over-the-top, expedition-style shelter. In the past, I used a bulky 2-person tent that tipped the scales at 10 pounds! Even though it kept me cozy, that is way too much weight to be taking on an otherwise casual hiking trip.

So I was happy to find MSR's Access 1 4-season tent this year. It weighs 3 pounds, 8 ounces, which is way more realistic for most people. One of the biggest differences of a 4-season tent is the drastic reduction in mesh.

A solid canvas maintains internal warmth better, but at the expense of ventilation. So the challenge becomes managing the moisture that accumulates inside. This is an expected trade-off, but be sure to open both vents (in the case of the Access 1) in order to reduce the build-up as much as possible. For my most recent outing, the nighttime temperatures dropped into the low 20s (Fahrenheit), but despite waking up to a bit of dampness inside the tent, I still had a pleasant sleep. And that's the key. 

Therm-a-Rest Parsec Sleeping Bag: 0-Deg (F) Down

When it comes to staying warm, dry, and making sound economic decisions, the Therm-a-Rest Parsec 0F/-18C Sleeping Bag has to be a top contender. This thing comes in at a fair $530 – $620 (USD, depending on the size), which is far less than heavy-duty (i.e. -10 to -20F) expedition bags, but it still has some clutch features for those winter camping trips.

Nikwax Hydrophobic Down

It is stuffed with 800-Fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, which is a more environmentally-friendly way to treat the individual feathers so that they repel moisture and dry faster. This means the down won't clump up as easily and you'll stay warmer, longer. 

I think the feel of the Parsec's fabric is right up there with the most comfortable that I've experienced. And then the little touches really help elevate this bag even further. The cell-phone pocket helps keep your battery alive through those cold nights, and the air-mattress straps anchor you comfortably in place, even if you stir frantically while sleeping.

Draft Collars for Cold Conditions

And finally, the Parsec has a draft collar, is critical for getting a quality sleep in cold conditions. And just a friendly reminder that the 0-degree (F) rating is this bag's lower limit. The comfort-rating for the Parsec is 14-degrees (-10C). 

Check out my article: Snowstorm Camping and Sleeping in Cold Weather

The Sleeping Pad: ZenBivy Light Mattress

The ZenBivy Light Mattress, for instance, is an R-5 rated (the minimum R-value, in my opinion, for winter conditions), ultralight inflatable mattress. When it comes to cold-weather camping, you have to use a properly insulated base in order to get the most out of your winter sleeping bag.

Another important aspect to note is the overall size of the mattress. The ZenBivy is 25-inches-wide by 77-inches-long, which is 5 more inches across each dimension than the industry standard. This extra space makes it not only more comfortable, but warmer too. The most insulated pad in the world can't do much for you if you roll off the edge. Or if your feet are free floating off the end. 

Fleece Mid Layers

My favorite addition to my winter backpacking wardrobe has been the Dawa Sherpa Fleece by Beyond. It has a welcomed weight to it. A little extra weight never hurts when it's chilly, ahem… The fleece has a great next-to-skin feel, and I always love being able to flip up a generous hood to further boost the coziness factor. It's a beauty layer to wear around camp, but also to sleep in. Plus, $80 (USD) is a pretty solid bargain for a piece like this. 

Cold Weather Backpacking Pants

This is my second winter rocking the Fjallraven Keb Trousers. They're thick enough that I often don't even need long johns underneath. I get a little toasty down there while moving about, I can unzip the vent pockets. I know $235 is steep for a pair of slacks, but these things are well-built for hardy adventures. 

Cold Weather Sleeping Pants

When settling into camp for the evening, I can't say enough good things about a comfy pair of insulated pants. They're essentially a more plush, more fashionable version of long johns. My personal favorite pair has been the Shadow Insulated Snow Pant by Outdoor Research ($179 USD).

I like to pop them under my Keb Trousers before getting dinner going. When it's time to turn in, I can strip off the outer layer and sleep soundly in these tapered puffy pants. I don't recommend hiking in these. When considering backpacking in the winter, you have to plan a little extra for those dormant periods around camp when your internal engine is no longer generating the same heat. 

Foolproof Footwear

Down booties are a game-changer. If you like camping in the cold, down booties are the perfect things to change into after shedding your hiking boots. I'll use them for bumming around camp, and if it's cold-enough, I'll sleep in them too. This approach not only insulates a poorly-circulated region of your body, but it also removes a barrier to getting up to pee in the middle of the night.

If you already have your footwear on then you'll be much more likely to heed the call the moment it arises (which will drastically improve your sleep afterwards). I recommend the Tundra Aerogel Booties by Outdoor Research. They come in a few killer styles and will only cost you $89 (USD). 

One of the most vital pieces of cold-weather gear you can get is a good pair of boots. It's so important to keep your feet not only warm, but dry. Especially if you're hiking through snow, your toes can quickly turn to popsicles if they're not properly protected. My saving grace this season has been the SuperAlp GTX by AKU. This pair is on the premium end of the price spectrum ($330 USD), but your feet will thank you once you get out there and mix it up this winter. 

Elevate Your Camping Experience

You may have heard me talking about Grand Trunk's Compass 360 Degree Stool in the past, but it's relevant again here. If you're hanging around camp in the winter, you'll want to make sure that you're elevated off of the cold hard ground. Otherwise, your body heat and morale will be sapped in no time.

What I like about this swivel stool is that it weighs only 1 pound. It set me back a mere $60 (USD). After a couple of hours sitting on this thing I do find myself wishing that it had a backrest. Given how packable and functional it is, I think it's a sufficient solution to an easily overlooked problem. 

Those are my Fresh Gear Friday items for cold weather backpacking gear. I hope you've spotted a few gaps in your arsenal. I hope this post will motivate you to go camping further into the season than you previously thought possible (or desirable). For more year-round backpacking tips and gear reviews, head on over to BackpackingTV. 

Tent: MSR Access 1 (1-Person, 4-Seasons)
Sleeping Bag: Therm-a-Rest Parsec Sleeping Bag: 0-Deg (F) Down
Sleeping Pad: ZenBivy Light Mattress
Down Jacket: Cotopaxi Fuego Hoodie
Fleece Top: Dawa Sherpa Fleece by Beyond
Pants: Fjallraven Keb Trousers, Shadow Insulated Snow Pant
Footwear: Tundra Aerogel Booties by Outdoor Research, SuperAlp GTX by AKU
Camp Stool: Grand Trunk's Compass 360 Degree Stool

The post Fresh Gear Friday: Cold Weather Backpacking Gear appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Dropping the ball while trying to sustain yourself in freezing temperatures can not only lead to a lousy experience, but potentially, a fatal one. Here's what you can do to adapt. 

Winter Backpacking Mistake #1: frozen water filter

A lot of people don't realize that if your water filter freezes, even one time, it is totally dead and can't be revived ever again. If you're using a hollow-fiber filtration system, which covers most filters on the backpacking market (ex. BeFree Lifestraw, etc.) then beware of sub-zero temperatures! If those fibers freeze, they will break beyond repair.

The only thing you can do at that point is get a new one. There are a few products that can rebound after being frozen (but only a few times), such as the MSR Guardian, Rapid Pure, and the Grayl Geopress. These models are designed with a little extra room and flexibility that allows the water to freeze and thaw without catastrophic consequences. 

Prevent backpacking water filters from freezing

Preventing common water filters from freezing in the winter (and therefore ruining them forever) is a fretfully overlooked problem amongst backpackers and campers. Your main options are to keep it close at all times, such as in your inside jacket pocket, and definitely bring it into your sleeping bag at night. Whatever you do, keep an eye on it and be proactive, because once those water crystals freeze and burst the hollow-fiber mechanism, that's the end of your water treatment plan. 

Tips to manage drinking water while winter camping

So if water filters are so finicky in the cold, how do you get clean drinking water while winter camping, and also, how do you keep it in liquid form? What I like to do is fill my Nalgene with boiling water right before bed, chuck it in the bottom of my sleeping bag (to help keep my feet warm), and then in the morning, it will have cooled off enough to drink.

I'll also fill my cookpot with an extra liter of water before turning in, so that in the morning I can light it up, melt the ice that will have formed overnight, and then use that to refill my water bottle.

During the day, I'll keep my water bottle close to me so that my own body heat can work its charm. Thankfully, Nalgenes can freeze without breaking, but they still freeze nonetheless if left out for too long. A double-walled insulated water bottle will better resist the slow transformation of your precious water into its not-so-helpful solid form.

Side Note: If you plan on melting snow, add a bit of water to the pot as this will greatly speed up the process. Not sure exactly why, but it works!

Winter Backpacking Mistake # 2: winter cooking fuel

While we're on the subject of melting snow or ice into drinking water, you had better make sure that your fuel itself can handle cold conditions. Liquid fuel is the way to go during this time of year. I'm sorry to break it to you die-hard JetBoil fans, but the isobutane used in those stoves only works up to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Winter Backpacking Mistake # 3: choice in winter layers

Despite the chill in the air, and maybe even snow on the ground, many wintertime campers still underestimate the importance of layering, or misjudge the types of fabrics to pack. Simply put, don't use cotton.

Base Layers like Merino Wool

Instead of cotton choose performance materials such as nylon, polyester, and Merino wool. Especially for your base layers (underwear, long johns, and socks). These will wick moisture away from your body and dry quickly. But try not to wear pieces that are too form-fitting. Tight yoga pants, for instance, restrict blood flow and therefore make you colder.

Active Mid Layers and a Shell

Once I have a solid base, I like to build on that with things such as a light long-sleeve hoodie and/or a down jacket, and then cap it off with a hardshell jacket and pants. Just be vigilant while hiking or working around camp, as wearing too many layers while active will cause you to sweat, which is a big oh-no-no in the winter. It's better to be slightly chilly while hustling and save your toastiest stuff for the day's end (or extended breaks). 

Why is cotton not good for cold weather?

Fresh cotton clothes have their time and place, but definitely not while camping in the winter. Though light, breathable, and natural, cotton also retains moisture (think your common kitchen cloth), and is super slow to dry. These soggy layers will feel cumbersome while moving around and will make you cold the second you settle.

Check the tags for fabric and material

I can't tell you the amount of times I see people rocking big cotton socks, sweats, or hoodies (and I assume underwear) in the backcountry. Check those tags and leave your cotton clothes at home. If you want something light and cozy, get yourself a nice down jacket. Down has the best warmth-to-weight ratio and condenses to practically nothing in your backpack. It's a win-win piece of gear. 

Cold weather camping food

Eating calorie-rich foods is important while winter camping. This is not the time of year to skimp on meals in order to reduce pack weight. Giving your body lots to burn, from complex carbohydrates to fatty, and even greasy foods (think salami, peanut butter, etc.), will help generate internal warmth, which your clothes and sleeping bag can then preserve. I also recommend indulging in comfort foods.

Warm winter meals to boost morale

Don't just rely on space-age meals that technically have what you need to survive. Treat yourself to what you love, and you'll get a nice, warm boost in morale. Another fun little tip is to eat before bed. Your body will be asking for fuel to keep itself warm while dormant. A nice bedtime meal has a similar effect to adding a bunch of extra logs to the fire before turning in. So eat well and eat often, and you'll be a lot warmer and happier for it!

Winter Backpacking Mistake # 4: choice in winter tent, sleeping bag & sleeping pad

Another common winter backpacking mistake I see out there is a lack of sleeping mattresses, or at least, appropriate ones. Campers may have a hefty sleepy bag (which is a non-negotiable necessity), but without the insulation underneath, the cold will still creep in. To ensure that your mattress is up to the task, have a look at its R-Value. The higher the number, the greater capacity it will have to block the chill coming off the ground. 

Winter Sleeping Clothes

Though there is some debate in the backpacking community, I think it is better to sleep in a simple base layer (and maybe a mid-layer) rather than with a puffy jacket. I find this to be more comfortable and actually a little bit warmer since the sleeping bag is then better able to catch and reflect my own body heat.

What I prefer to do with my down jacket at night is to stuff it in the hood of my sleeping bag (most high-quality winter bags should have one), or stash it below my feet to help fill some of that dead space in the bottom area (which will also help keep you warmer since your body heat doesn't have to work to warm that open air. The added bonus is that you'll have something nice to slip into in the morning, or in the middle of the night if you have to take a leak. 

Draft collar on a winter sleeping bag is important

A draft collar is an inner layer of fabric that also keeps the warm air inside the sleeping bag from escaping as you shift around throughout the night. Just like a hood, a good winter bag should have one of these. Make sure to cinch it up after crawling in so that your body doesn't have to continuously work to keep you comfortable. Just make sure that your entire face isn't covered, as that will trap all of your exhaled moisture throughout the night – and wet does not mix at all with winter (well, the staying warm part, that is). Check out the corresponding BackpackingTV video for a demonstration of how to properly use your hood and draft collar to their full capability. 

Down booties for winter sleeping

I love a good pair of down booties for my winter camping excursions. They keep my feet well-insulated in my tent and I'll even sleep with them on if my feet are extra cold. Plus, since they have a hard sole, you can walk around camp with them (as long as the conditions on the ground are reasonable). 

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I hope you liked this latest winter backpacking breakdown. Maybe some of these tips/warnings acted as gentle reminders, and perhaps some you're just hearing for the first time. Either way, if you take all of this into account and invest a little bit more in the planning phase, you can have a fun and safe time while backpacking in the winter.

If you want to delve a little deeper into the subject, check out this article on sleeping in cold weather. And as always, subscribe to the Hazeadventure.com newsletter or head on over to BackpackingTV for loads of cool videos about everything you need to know to support your year-round adventures. 

Tent: Marmot Thor

Sleeping Bag: Accent Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Mat: Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Pad

Waterbottle: Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle

Cook System: MSR Whisperlite

Cook Pot: Sea to Summit Alpha Pot

The post Winter Backpacking Mistakes appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Therm-a-Rest Parsec Zero Degree Bag

What is the best cold weather sleeping bag?

When it comes to staying warm, dry, and making sound economic decisions, the Therm-a-Rest Parsec 0F/-18C Sleeping Bag is a top contender. This cold weather sleeping bag costs $529 (USD), which is far less than heavy-duty (i.e. -10 to -20F) expedition bags, but it still has some clutch features for those winter camping trips.

Nikwax Hydrophobic Down

It is stuffed with 800-Fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down. This is an environmentally-friendly way to treat the individual feathers so that they repel moisture and dry faster. This means the down doesn't clump and you stay warmer, longer. I think the fabric on this cold weather sleeping bag is right up there with the most comfortable that I've experienced. And then the little touches really help elevate this bag even further.

Winter sleeping bag with cell phone pocket and draft collar

The Therm-a-Rest Parsec 0F/-18C Sleeping Bag has a cell-phone pocket helps keep your battery alive through those cold nights, and the air-mattress straps anchor you comfortably in place, even if you stir frantically while sleeping. And finally, the Parsec has a draft collar, which you've heard me say before, is critical for getting a quality sleep in cold conditions. And just a friendly reminder that the 0-degree (F) rating is the lower limit. The comfort-rating for the Parsec is 14-degrees (-10C). 

Lightweight Backpacking Chair – Hillsound BTR Stool 

If you've been following along with BackpackingTV and/or Hazeadventure.com, then you know that I've experienced a bit of a camping chair renaissance lately. In the past, I never bothered with the extra weight/bulk – choosing instead to park my keister wherever made sense. But lately I've come across a couple of stools that are so light, and so packable, that I can't resist.

Hillsound BTR Stool vs Grand Trunk Stool for backpacking

I've raved recently about the Grand Trunk Stool, and now I want to point you towards the Hillsound BTR Stool. Its minimal design is easy to use/pack, and it weighs only 14.7 ounces (17-inch version). Now, the downside of stools is that they lack the back support of a trustee chair. But, of course, chairs are also heavier. Chairs take up more space in your pack and good ones are quite a bit more expensive. So the never-ending list of backpacking trade-off calculations continues!

Backpacking Meals by Itacate

I love supporting small companies that contribute to the backpacking world in creative ways. Itacate was started by Martha Diaz. She is a fellow adventurer who decided to combine her Mexican cuisine sensibilities with her love of the outdoors. I tested out her Charge-up Chilaquiles the other night. I loved the flavor and enjoyed how spicy it was. But a note of caution for some, I suppose, since it is spicy. I just wish there was more.

The whole pack delivers 490 calories. I usually like to aim for that 600 – 700 range after a solid day of hiking. Be aware that these meals need to be added to a pot of boiling water. The package itself can't be cooked in like with some other dehydrated meals. I didn't mind this at all, but it's something worth mentioning. 

Thus concludes my triple-threat of recommendations to fantasize about over the weekend and into those post-seasonal sales. If you want to learn more about cold weather sleeping bags, backpacking chairs, or backpacking meals head on over to BackpackingTV for loads of other hiking tips and gear reviews. Also, get on the Hazeadventure mailing list so that you don't miss out on all our latest outdoor-adventure content. 

For more suggestions on how to sleep well while winter camping, click here. 

Sleeping Bag: Therm-a-Rest Parsec 0F/-18C Sleeping Bag
Camp Stool: Grand Trunk Stool, Hillsound BTR Stool
Food: Itacate

The post Fresh Gear Friday: Cold Weather Sleeping Bags and Other Gear appeared first on Hazeadventure.

There's no need to retreat for up to six months out of the year when all that is needed are a few key wardrobe upgrades and sleep-system tweaks. So today, I want to talk about four simple strategies to keep you going strong during the shoulder-season. Let's suit up!

Dress for success while winter camping

How should I dress for a winter camping trip? 

The best way to extend your backpacking/camping season is to dial in your layering system. Throughout the shoulder-season, and into early winter, you may encounter rain, snow, harsh winds, or even toasty, sunny afternoons.

Being able to adapt your get-up to the conditions is key. My core upper body wardrobe is typically composed of a moisture-wicking technical t-shirt, followed by a lightweight hoodie, and then topped off with a half-zip fleece sweater.

As required, I'll then bust out my favorite down jacket, which is the undisputed champ for warmth-to-weight ratio. And finally, regardless of the forecast, I like to pop on a rain jacket as the evening sets in. Hardshell layers are not only great for staying dry, but also for blocking out those surgical winter winds.

Some recommended winter camping gear:

• Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
• Helium Insulated Hooded Jacket

Downstairs, I always work off of a robust pair of hiking pants. When the sun dips behind the mountains, my next move is to throw on some long johns. Since it's much easier to stay warm than to get warm, make sure to be proactive with this simple base-layer. Once again, before settling in for the night, I'll cap things off with a pair of rain pants.

My last secret weapon (at any time of day) is a pair of gaiters. I prefer hiking in low-cut shoes and so gaiters are not only money for keeping my feet/ankles dry, but they also prevent the nippy winds from sneaking into those exposure points. 

Winter camping tent, sleeping pad and bag

Imagine having two bodies in a two-person tent vs taking that same shelter out on a solo trip. All of a sudden, there's a lot more dead space and one less organic heater to fill it with. Now, a tent obviously won't offer spectacular insulation, but a smaller space will certainly be more efficient at preserving extra warmth.

Do smaller tents keep you warmer?

So if you're heading out in cooler conditions, try to select the smallest tent possible in which you can still sleep comfortably. 

What does R-value mean for sleeping pads?

The R-value represents how well insulated a sleeping mattress is. The higher the number, the greater capacity it has to block the cold coming off the ground.

If you're camping on a chilly night, treat yourself to a nice and beefy, R-5 mattress to ensure a pleasant sleep. A simple foam pad might cut it during the fair-weather season, but otherwise, give this part of your sleep system a real ponder. 

Sleeping bags for cold weather

Not every backpacker is going to be able to own multiple sleeping bags that are perfectly tailored to different conditions. So one of the ways you can boost the range of a three-season (~15-degree) bag is by adding a sleeping bag liner.

• Check out the Big Agnes Lost Ranger UL 3N1 15 Sleeping Bag
• Also have a look at the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Sleeping Pad

This will add in the neighborhood of 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit worth of warmth. Keep in mind that the stated temperature capacities for various sleep systems tend to refer to raw survivability.

If you want to sleep comfortably while winter camping, then it's important to select a warm enough bag, and/or adequately retrofit it, so that the lowest nighttime temperature you face is still well-within the system's calculated capacity. For more information about sleeping soundly in winter conditions, check out this article.

So don't hibernate at home just because the temperatures have dropped. With these few simple tweaks, and maybe some Christmas wishlist gear additions, you can do what you love for much longer.

Winter camping is a lot of fun and the winter is a great time of year to go backpacking. You just have to be a bit more strategic in order to make it happen. 

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The post Winter Camping Tips appeared first on Hazeadventure.

I'm a big believer in the saying that there is no bad weather (within reason), only bad gear. If you have adequate protection, and know what you're doing, then winter camping can be a cozy and unique outdoor experience. Now, staying warm while moving around is one thing, but the thought of those bone-chilling nights can be intimidating. Fear not! I have a few tricks of the trade that will keep you warm and well-rested – not just surviving, but actually having a good time.

What type of sleeping bag is best for cold weather?

There is a big difference between a cool-weather (say 15-degrees Fahrenheit) sleeping bag that you may have poached from the attic, and investing in a full-blown, heavy-duty winter one.

For instance, one of my dependable go-tos has been a -20-degree bag from Marmot – complete with a cinchable hood to trap that precious body heat. I've used this to sleep soundly through multiple blizzards.

If you pay attention to the bag's posted temperature ratings (more on this in a second), and match this with the expected conditions for your adventure (with a buffer built in for safety reasons), you can totally have the same positive experiences. 

How do I choose a winter sleeping bag?

Just because a sleeping bag is rated for a certain temperature, doesn’t mean that you will be comfortable if the thermometer drops to exactly that number. The rating you’re looking at may simply mean that the bag can handle that type of weather and get you through to sun-up.

Some companies use the EN Rating System, which will tell you the comfort range, as well as the core (or risk) range. This will help you make an informed choice about what bag will be best for the conditions you expect to encounter. Making sure you’re comfortable (and not just clinically alive) will significantly improve your quality of sleep, and therefore, the quality of your outdoor adventure. 

How do you sleep in a tent during a snowstorm?

Having a sleeping bag that is sufficiently rated for sub-zero temperatures is the first step, but following that up with an adequate sleeping pad/mattress is just as important. Whether you're hunkering down in the snowstorm, or during winter months, what separates your body from the ground is going to be the difference maker.

I've had a lot of success with Sea to Summit's Comfort Plus Insulated Air Sleeping Mat. It's a 4-season pad that has two air chambers – one to absorb the cold air coming off the ground, and another to conserve the warmth coming off your body. So don't let the ground sap your energy during the night – get yourself a solid sleeping pad. 

Why are my feet always cold in a sleeping bag?

Now that your sleeping bag and mattress are appropriately rated for the weather, the next big mistake I see winter campers making is letting their feet hang freely out the back. Extremities are the first body parts to get cold in the night, and this is only exacerbated if they are making contact with the ground. So for starters, make sure that your sleeping pad is long enough for you, not just in theory, but when you get the pillow on there and plunk down in your usual fashion.

If the dimensions still don't line up, then the other option is to use your spare clothes/stuff sacs to make a little buffer. Shorter campers can also use this strategy inside their sleeping bag. If there's dead space at the end of your bag then your feet are going to pay the price (even if they're properly elevated). One of my favorite hacks is to chuck a hot water bottle (or even a Nalgene filled with warm water) down there. 

Is a sleeping bag with a hood better?

When it comes to cold-weather camping, a sleeping bag with a hood is essential. Without it, so much body heat is going to escape from your head and shoulders, and likewise, that crisp air is going to tease those areas all night. Cinch it up as much as you can without covering your mouth or nose. This will make it easier to breathe (obviously), but will also prevent the moisture that you exhale from building up inside. Being damp is not a good combo for deep sleep! 

What is a draft collar on a sleeping bag? 

A draft collar is an inner layer of fabric that also keeps the warm air inside the sleeping bag from escaping as you shift around throughout the night. A good winter bag should have one of these. Just like the hood, make sure to cinch it up after crawling in so that your body doesn't have to continuously work to keep you comfortable.   

Snowstorm Camping Tip #1: 

I know it's hard to willingly drag yourself out of a cozy sleeping bag on a cold night, but if you have to pee, heed the call! Don't kid yourself into thinking the urge will subside on its own.  Especially on a cold night, when you've probably been drinking lots of hot liquids around the campfire, it's only going to get progressively worse. Just bite the bullet and empty your bladder. You'll sleep much better afterwards. 

Snowstorm Camping #2: 

Winter camping is greatly enhanced by having a cuddle buddy. Both Kristi and Kovu have kept me warm through some pretty desolate nights. So don't be shy about cozying up during those chilly adventures. 

If you've been hesitant about extending your trips into the so-called “off-season,” then I hope these suggestions encourage you to give it a shot. Winter camping can be a beautiful experience, and you don't have to suffer through the nights to make it happen. Pack appropriately, and utilize your gear to its full potential, and you'll find you sleep surprisingly well. For more year-round tips, gear reviews, and travel/trail adventures, subscribe to Hazeadventure newsletters.

The post Snowstorm Camping and Sleeping in Cold Weather appeared first on Hazeadventure.