The Winter Camping Community

This is not my usual post of trips, but I feel like it is important to share this information, as it just might help another camper in the future. First of all, I am no expert in Winter Camping, nor will I claim to be an expert. This is where the Winter Camping community that I have grown to love comes into this story. During this past weekend at the Winter in the Wild event held in Algonquin Park, there was a situation that needed immediate attention. No names nor the situation will be used as I feel that isn’t important in this post, it’s the response that I witnessed that is.

What is something that can go totally awry when winter camping? Well, just about anything, from not having enough water (it turns to ice if not properly stored), to not warm enough clothes, having gear break from the cold temperatures, to getting cold overnight in your sleeping bag (something I experience lots), to this, this, this… etc. You get the idea. Lots can happen. During this weekend, something didn’t go quite as planned for someone and this community came together to help rectify the issue.

I watched a complete stranger get the best help anyone could get from this community. It was clear they needed it and no one turned their backs.
You may be thinking what happened here, but I really don’t think that matters as much as the story of a stranger (or many) helping a stranger in need. Whether it was being offered a warm drink, an extra blanket, or someone to comfort you,this community was here to help. This stranger was not left to figure it out on their own, rather they had multiple winter campers assess the situation, come up with a solution, and carried out that plan. I know they were grateful as I watched them smile at each of us around the campfire that night before going to bed.

Why do we help?

We want everyone to enjoy the winter season as much as the next winter camper. It may seem like we are different campers from season to season, but inside we are the same. Winter camping just needs a bit more attention than other seasons and this is where the community of winter campers takes on that different feel. This community is here to help in ANY situation!! We all agree that no one should be afraid to ask questions and seek advice. If someone can’t offer help, the next person just might have the answer.

There is a big online presence for winter campers, and I encourage everyone to find those groups, join them, and ask questions. It is important to have the information required for these trips. I am still learning new tips and tricks and I have asked for advice from this community and have never been disappointed with the answers.

What Have I Learned?

Glad you asked!! Here are a few of the tips and tricks I have learned from this awesome community.

1. Hot tenting is hard! It takes a lot of work and patience to operate a wood stove correctly in your tent. I will talk about this more on my future blog.
2. Water will freeze. There are a couple of solutions here… You can bury your water upside down in the snow (yes this works), make or buy a drink cozy, or keep your water close to your hot stove.
3. For items that really need to be, well, not frozen… I learned this weekend that some people use a cooler to not cool their items, but rather place hot water bottles inside to keep those items from freezing. One item that came to my attention was insulin. I have a brother-in-law who depends on insulin and I couldn’t imagine what would happen if it was frozen when needed.
4. Change EVERYTHING when going to bed. You do not want to sleep in damp clothes that you have warn all day. This will help with staying warmer at night.

There are so many more tips and tricks and not enough space to review every one. This is why I encourage everyone to do their research before heading out into the wilderness, in ANY season. Please find your community and get involved. It just might be a life changing decision.