Winter camping tips

[Grumpy Grandpa]

Great post Scythe, as always...but can I add that for winter conditions it's always a good idea to be familiar with the construction of snow-holes and to practice building them at every opportunity? They're not terribly complicated but do take a fair bit of time to construct and you should allow plenty of daylight to get the job done. From the entry hole, dig in horizontally to begin with, then up a level to cut out sleeping platform/s. That leaves the entry trench as the cold trap, where cold air can sink to.

On your No 12, if you can get by without the fun element of having the sledge along, a poly-bag or a cagoule will do just as well for hauling wood or a casualty.

On No 15, ventilation is equally important for reducing CO2 build up as it is for reducing condensation, more so when snowholing. Punch a hole through the roof and check regularly that it remains clear.

16, the spade. If you're going to snowhole, you'll need one, or something similar. Some rucksacks have a malleable alloy backplate that is ideal for the purpose. Improvise - but make sure in advance that you'll have something to do it with!

35, a couple of those tea-light candles can bring the temperature of your snowhole up to around or a bit above, freezing level, making all the difference to your comfort and your survival.

39, might also apply to bivvying on islands in the middle of streams!

45, Have fun - wholeheartedly agree!! There is nothing more beautiful than waking in a camp under a couple of feet of fresh snow where there was little the night before - magical!