by Thad Lintula

It's the middle of winter; the sun is just setting over the northern Wisconsin woods. As the shadows stretch long to the northeast, eight people make their way down a snowy trail. They travel on skis and snowshoes, laughing, as they tow their sleds laden with tents, sleeping bags, hunting and fishing equipment, and provisions. They help one another down the steep bank to the frozen, snow covered lake below, and fan out to find a camp site on the, now dark, shore. It was planned to reach the destination before dark, as is usually planned, but that plan didn't work out (as usual!).

Upon finding a campsite, some start trampling the snow flat for the tent and bivouac. Others start gathering downed firewood, and the sounds of axes and bow saws fill the woods. One of the guys loosens his Coleman lantern from his sled, lights it, and hangs it from a tree. The camp has light. Wen the fire is started, out comes the food. Cans of beans and stew have the tops ripped off and are put in the fire to heat. After supper is eaten and things cleaned up, the men and boys relax by the fire. Stories are told; jokes are cracked; and plans are made.

As the full moon rises over the lake one guy straps on his cross-country skis and goes pleasantly coasting across the quiet, luminous lake.
Upon his return, the group sits by the fire a while longer, and then quickly, to beat the chill, dive into their warm sleeping bags. As the "older" campers saw logs, the younger campers drift to sleep anticipating the morning with its promise of hunting and ice fishing adventures.

The above description is that of a winter camping trip we (the men/boys of the Lintula/Musch families) took a couple years ago, and is pretty much the way the trips usually go. However it can be simpler as I've been on trips where we just take a 4x4 pickup down a remote road and walk in about a hundred yards.

As far as shelter goes, I normally sleep in a simple dome tent, but have also camped in a wall tent that was heated by a wood stove (what luxury!); however many prefer to sleep under the stars, provided the weather is warm (20+ degrees) and there are stars.

For sleeping bags a good "10-0" degree bag will work for warmer weather (20+ degrees), and a -20 to -40 degree bag should be be good for all other situations. Combining two summer bags will work too.

Water can be packed in, but keeping it thawed can be a problem. The alternative is to use water from a lake or stream, but purification is necessary. If using a hand pumped water filter, be careful to keep it from freezing since they can crack. Other methods of purification can mean boiling it or using purification tablets. I prefer to boil it, not being convinced that the ingredients of the tablets are good for you. Much of the time we will just melt snow. It's a good idea to boil this too; however, we rarely do, and haven't lost a camper yet.

Thinking about eating on this trip (I always am!)? The easiest to prepare and lightest foods are the right choice for trips which include long hikes (if you can drive in it won't matter). For breakfasts things like instant oatmeal and toaster pastries are some good examples. (I prefer to volunteer to make pancakes and bacon!) For supper and lunch canned foods like baked beans and stew are nice. Dried food like ramen noodles work well, too, and are light to pack in.

Other assessors include: a good pair of winter boots (extra liners are nice), a decent size cargo sled, cross-country skis or snowshoes, snowshoes being more practical. Except for a few special items and, of course, warmer clothes, you can pretty much bring what you would on a summer camping trip. As you do more of it you will add and subtract equipment as the situation and your experience dictates. I know I'm always changing my gear as I forget that important what-cha-ma-call-it that I can't do without, or when my sled starts to weigh a ton being loaded with some unnecessary do-dad.

Well that's the basics of winter camping. Yes, it can be done; it doesn't break any rules; it's not all that crazy; and it can be enjoyable. I hope it will get some of you interested in this great outdoor activity. For some of you more experienced and hearty woodsmen, this may just be an encouragement that there are other crazy people out there like you, who enjoy sleeping in the snow!

Until next time, see you around the woods and water. Enjoy God's great creation!