Ok. so im going camping in 2 weeks, what to take?

[mtnbkr]

All the recommendations above echo what I would do. I would add a single candle "candle-latern" to the kit in order help warm the tent at night. I normally light mine 2-3 hours before bedtime and let it burn until I'm in the tent and ready for bed. It doesn't drip wax and won't start a fire unless the chimney contacts flammable material. It will take the chill off. Candles last about 8 hours.

If you can get them in Canada, find some Trioxane fuel bars (similar to the hexane bars you use in an Esbit stove, but larger and longer burning. I've used one to light a campfire of wet wood (on the ground, place some twigs, then a trioxane bar, then some kindling, then larger logs. Light the bar with a lighter and let it dry the wood). I get them in military surplus stores. Sportsman's Guide also sells them (as does Cheaper than Dirt, etc).

For what it's worth, I do most of my camping during the late fall, winter, and early spring.

Chris

 

[longbow50]

I carry the trioxane fuel bars myself. I also carry PitchWitch fire starter. Use it similar as to how you described using the trioxane for starting a fire. Once the PitchWitch starts burning, it drips down onto the pile of wet/dry wood and gets it burning. It works everytime and under most weather conditions. It can be gotten at backcountry inc

 

[Allen242]

Rifter, I have done a few ski trips into yurts over the years and on the first one only a road flare could get the frozen wood in the stove started. Some idiot before us put the fire out with water! I was the only one with a headlamp the first year, but since then most everyone takes a fifteen minute flair and a headlamp if were traveling in the dark. Good luck and keep it safe!

PS: Don't get downwind of the flares, they have nasty stuff in the fumes.

 

[baraqyal]

I hate to say it, but.. I don't like winter camping.

Call me a big baby if you want. Maybe I've just spent too many nights out in the bitter cold. I don't find it to be much fun.

Spring, Summer, Fall - A-OK.
Winter - No thanks.

Unless, of course, it's in Death Valley, which is a LOT more fun in the winter/spring than the fall/summer.

I'd like to add a few things that I've found useful.

A pair of fingerless wool or synthetic gloves. Makes it a LOT easier to keep your hands warm, and still gives you grip and the ability to do fine work with your fingers. Full gloves are nice as well.

A complete change of clothes in a waterproof bag would definitely be worth carrying. I've had mildly damp clothes freeze solid - not the sort of thing you want to put on first thing in the morning. And it is SOOO hard to get things dry once they're wet, especially when it won't stop raining. Even if you're wearing a shell - your clothes can get wet from sweat, or from falling in a river/puddle/etc.

If its not on your list - a good thick foam pad. Makes a BIG difference for comfort, especially if you have to sleep on snow. In my mind, it is almost as important as a sleeping bag.

A flannel sleeping bag liner can help make things warm and cozy.

Forget about anything cotton. Go for synthetics, even if its just cheap rayon or whatever. I'm not too sure about wool - I'd probably stick with synthetic, because in general, it will dry faster. I believe wool is supposed to retain heat even when wet, but.. a lot of synthetics have that advantage as well and they're not as scratchy.

Headlamps are nice. You have the flashlight part more than covered, but, hands free light is sometimes helpful.

A folding camp chair. No reason to sit on a cold, wet log or rock, especially around a campfire.

Maybe a set of chains for the Accord? Be prepared to leave if things start getting too nasty.

In my mind, a waterproof container of strike anywhere matches are more useful than a zippo. YMMV, but zippos seem to run out of fuel fast, and you can't just throw the zippo into a pile of kindling or into tight spaces. Sometimes matches aren't ideal. But, I'd take a few along, just in case. More fire = good.

I'd probably take some better food. If you're only going for a few days, and not far, it might be worth carrying in some better vittles. At least take a couple extra powerbars, in case something happens. Being hungry in the cold is no good. Your body will burn more energy than normal to keep itself warm. Take lots of food. Oh yeah, a small spoon or spork for eating, and a big one for stiring your cooking pot.

A map and compass, because you never know how different the area will look in the snow. And a good whistle.

One of those emergency blankets - the thin shiny mylar kind.

An axe or saw instead of the machette.

Overall, it sounds like you're already pretty well prepared. If it were me, I'd cut a bunch of the gear you're carrying. But then, I'd be staying in a nice, warm cabin.

Have a good time, stay warm, don't drink all the rum at once.

-- Rob