I'm Cold!

So, are you a three-season camper who's eagerly awaiting spring's blossoms? Perhaps you are even waiting for the groundhog's forecast here in Pennsylvania next week. If so, you are not alone; but, I would encourage you to take the leap into a winter camping or backpacking trip. The downside... well, of course it's cold!

But let's talk about some potential upsides... For one thing, trails and campsites won't be crowded. Also, bugs won't be a concern. And finally, for those of us who like a challenge, you get the opportunity to test your mettle in the frigid weather.

So, how do you prepare? Whether you are backpacking or car camping, make sure you plan details in advance so that you are well informed of conditions and the needed gear. In the winter you will find many campgrounds and trails closed or allowing only limited access. For the novice, don't be afraid to reschedule if a blizzard rolls in and the three inches of snow you planned on backpacking through gets covered by a foot - and you don't have snowshoes. But, don't wimp out - reschedule!

For the car camper, you just need more of everything. More insulation, more firewood, more fuel/batteries (less daylight!), and in some cases more food and water. For the backpacker, that's the same, which means fewer miles on the trail. But, I should stress again - being prepared is essential. Don't go out in the winter without finding some more details beyond what's discussed here (disclaimer!).

I try to make it a point to get out one or more times each winter, but I haven't been afraid to change a trip if conditions were too much for me. Some memorable winter excursions for me...

- A pre-kid Thanksgiving (in the Mid-Atlantic I'd loosely consider "winter" anything from November to March) car-camp with my wife. A couple of inches of snow on the ground, steaks on the fire, and a massive pile of blankets in the tent.
- A one-child cabin trip to Cook Forest State Park in PA. Great family time in the outdoors.
- A one night backpack on the Laurel Highlands Trail with a friend when I was a little less experienced. We almost got lost without a tent in the snow and I burned up my shirt drying it over the fire, but... oh well.
- A March backpacking trip on the Chuck Keiper Trail without all that advance planning, only to find six inches of snow on the northern slopes!
- An annual Christmas backpacking trip to the West Rim Trail, Chuck Keiper Trail, Allegheny Front Trail, and other locales. That trip received less approval as the family grew and the gods of fate took over on the AFT when my friend's stove nearly exploded and we conceded to the cold and our wives' wishes by coming home early.

I've had several other trips, and in order to get my children involved, some of those trips have been to cabins with day hikes. In fact, as I think about it, that's the only think in the pipeline this winter. Am I getting soft? I am going to have to keep my eyes out for an open weekend!

Of course this has been only a basic primer on getting out in the winter. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me at thewildernestchris@gmail.com. Don't fret too much about the cold, everyone stays warm while walking!