Sunday, November 27, 2005

Essential gear for safe winter camping

By CAREY KISH

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Snow is piling up outside, and the wind is howling through the treetops as the storm grows in ferocity. It's cold, very cold. Zipped up inside your tent, however, nestled in your sleeping bag with a cup of cocoa in hand, you are warm, well-fed and quite comfortable.

Outfitted properly with dependable winter gear, you cannot only survive the harsh winter weather, you can downright enjoy it. Essential to your winter comfort and safety are a sturdy four-season tent, a warm but lightweight sleeping bag, and a stove that cranks out the heat.

TENTS

"Double-wall tents are the way to go in winter," said Ned Doughty, of Eastern Mountain Sports on Marginal Way in Portland.

Single-wall tents, although lightweight, don't breathe well, so condensation is a big problem. They're only for dry climates.

A good double-wall tent, with a breathable inner wall and waterproof outer wall, is constructed of rip-stop nylon, has a bathtub floor, factory sealed seams and a rounded zipper door to keep out the elements, said Doughty. It also should have a roomy vestibule for storing gear and netting for ventilation.

A dome-shaped tent provides the best wind resistance and maximum interior space, critical when hunkering down in a storm with all your gear stowed inside.

Aluminum poles are strongest and will bend considerably before breaking. Fiberglass poles are lighter but less sturdy. Some newer tents come with aluminum and carbon fiber poles, a strong, lightweight combination.

Big tie-loops at the corners make it easier to stake the tent down with ski poles or deadmen (long L-shaped aluminum stakes).

Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $500 or more for a four-season tent. Six to eight pounds is the typical weight range.

STOVES

White gasoline stoves are the standard for cold weather use because of their tremendous heat output and ability to boil water quickly using a minimum of fuel. A separate fuel bottle allows you to monitor fuel use and ration accordingly.

"This is very important when you're melting snow for all your water," Doughty said.

The downside to gasoline stoves: fuel spills and volatility. You have to be careful. Doughty recommends against cooking inside your tent because the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning are too great.

Doughty advises campers to avoid canister stoves (usually a butane-propane mixture) in winter.

"They just don't work well in really cold weather, and you can't tell how much fuel is left in them, so it's hard to ration," he said.

Gas stoves for winter use range from about $80 to $125, depending on firepower, and weigh between 1 and 1 1/2 pounds.

SLEEPING BAGS

Your sleeping bag is the ultimate survival tool, and you want to protect it at all costs. That means keeping it dry.

But it's hard to keep snow out of the tent, and you have sweaty clothes, damp boots and condensation. These factors can create wet conditions that will soak your sleeping bag. That's why synthetic bags are best for the cold, wet winter weather in Maine.

Down is OK for three-season use. It's lightweight, compact and lasts longer. But synthetics fight the elements should everything go to hell in a hand basket, said Doughty.

The downside of synthetic bags: They're bulky, and you need a big pack to carry them.

Features to look for include a mummy shape, water resistant shell, double draft tubes, and a neck collar and snug hood to retain precious warmth. A full-length zipper makes it easier to get in and out of the bag and helps with ventilation.

Temperature ratings of winter bags vary, and every individual sleeps differently, as well. Doughty recommends nothing less than a 0 degree sleeping bag. A bag rated to 20 degrees below zero is probably the safest bet to ensure a warm night's rest.

Use a waterproof stuff sack to carry your bag, and line it with a trash bag for added protection. A sleeping pad of closed cell foam or an inflatable mattress underneath you is essential.

The cost of a winter bag depends on the cover material and inside fill. Synthetic bags start at about $150, while down bags sell for $400 or more. The weight range for a winter bag is 3 to 4 1/2 pounds.

When purchasing serious winter gear, "you basically get what you pay for," said Doughty. Materials and craftsmanship, customer service and a satisfaction guarantee are all things to consider.