Here's another tip no one mentions: put clean clothes you will wear the next day at the bottom of your sleeping bag. It removes the cold air space down there and your clothes will be ready to put on the next day.
That IS a good tip. Every morning you find me trying to warm up my cold cold clothes in front of the Mr. Heater Buddy, haha. I will try to remember to give this a shot.
Was doing this for years back in the day as a long haul trucker, lay my pants out under my bed roll etc, next morning all toasty even at -10c or colder.
I love how you are incorporating your daughter into more of your videos. How cool would it be to (eventually) turn this into a father-daughter channel?
I always find my back gets cold when I'm sitting by a campfire. Now I bring a reflectix pad with me to sit on in the camp chair (cut to fit) and it reflects my body heat back at me, making it a bit more comfortable to sit by the fire.
Great video! In reference to staying dry, don't sweat. If you get sweaty and have a damp underlayer, you'll get chilled very quickly. Very dangerous when winter hiking.
Cotton kills, is the saying...it gets wet and stays wet, only to freeze if not changed immediately...wear a base layer that wicks moisture away from your body and this is not an issue :)
The only thing that comes to mind for staying warm, and this is lower down on the list from what you covered, is drinking a hot beverage in an insulated mug. A coat with a hood also really helps by keeping the cold air off your neck and ears.
I have spent every video trying to think of who you're voice and cadamce reminds me of. Literally, every video. It is Rick Steves. Thanks for the good content. Keep it up!
Solid advice on all points ! I do all of them. We just got back from a winter trip. It was so cold I inserted a 30°f bag into a 0°f bag. One of my favorite things about winter camping is the campfire. There is just something about a campfire that is surrounded by snow. Great video !
I find changing my socks whenever I feel my feet getting cold is one of the best ways to keep them warm. Sweaty socks means freezing toes. I also learned a near trick for keeping my feet warm around the campfire...I threw 2 pieces of a half-split log on the ground and used them as a makeshift porch...2 side by side outside of my sliding door on the van then 2 more in front of my chair by the fire. If it's muddy at camp I'll throw down cardboard for makeshift sidewalks...easy to pack and dispose of...makes a world of difference when camping in inclement weather. Slippery on snow so I don't use it during my winter camps but great for Springtime after the winter thaw. Love that you're in a Gazelle...I have 2. Best tents ever!!! ❤😊
All good tips. To add to other comments here: Yes wear socks when sleeping but ideally a different dry pair, not the ones you have had on all day and might be sweaty else they will make you cold. Change socks and shove the ones you take off to the bottom of the bag. Keep your extra clothes or clothes for the morning in the bottom of the sleeping bag too. Ground insulation is super important. Heat will be sucked away from you into the ground with a poor quality sleeping mat; even on a cot you really want an extra mat on top of it (or wool blanket) in the cold else the air moving under you will chill you off. I typically don’t bother with a cot for speed of set up but place a wool blanket on the ground, good insulated sleeping pad over that then fold the blanket over the sleeping pad so it is extra insulated top and bottom. The rougher texture of wool helps stop the pad sliding around against the sleeping bag too (or you could put it inside but I don’t like that). Eat something before bed. Also, go to the bathroom before bed so you are not full of excess liquid and don’t need to get up in the cold (have a bottle handy if you are ok with that). Have water and a snack bar close by. If it’s super super cold in the morning sometimes you want to just lay in the warm a little longer and getting hydrated and a bit of fuel in you will help. If you have an insulated bottle it can stay near by but if not sleep with it inside your bag or blanket. You can always put an extra sleeping bag inside another one. When super cold I put a down bag inside a synthetic -30 bag and it’s toasty without being sweaty. If you feel like you are too hot or going to sweat it’s important to take layers off. Else you will get cold. I don’t use a heater in a tent but if you do I wouldn’t suggest sleeping with it turned on. Never cook or use an open flame in a tent. Have a knife within reach - lots of things it’s good for - and if you do have a heater or insist on cooking on open propane or butane and you manage to set fire to your tent and things start melting and zips fuse together and you are trapped you can easily slice your way out in seconds. It’s more difficult to shoot your way out. Have a hot drink before bed and use the extra water for a good ole hot water bottle. Either a proper one or hot water in a non insulated drinking bottle making sure it’s not too full and it’s securely tightened. Wear a wool beanie hat. Drink plenty of wine or beer. It won’t give you quality sleep but hey...it’s camping and you will definitely go unconscious and not be cold :o)
Great tips....I complete agree about a regular sized sleeping bad compared to a mummy bag. I’m more comfortable with a little chill and room to move. Thanks for the info!
I have a blanket from Klymet, it's a synthetic fill and is amazing. I highly recommend putting it in the sleeping bag, way better than on top of the bag when you are the heat source. And a hat is critical for sure. 👍
Great video, my girlfriend got the Ocoopa handwarmer for christmas, damn shes happy haha. Also some tipps from my hiking trips in Iceland: - Eat if possible warm and try to go to sleep as soon as possible after eating. Heat is a byproduct of your bodies digestion - Electric handwarmer in the sleeping bag, or a waterbag with warmed up water - If no handwarmer or waterbag available: grab your rainproof coat, zip it and pull it over your sleeping bag at the foot end - The smaller your tent, the easier it is to warm it up with your own body, the big gazelle tent needs a heating source for example - several people on the trip? Still cold? Get them in your tent, more body heat. Snoring is easier to deal with than being super cold - Once in your sleeping bag, strip down, the less clothes the better (if the sleepingbag is sized correctly to your body!), then do some crunches to warm up the air inside - Bad oversized sleepingbag? Get your clothes inside - DONT forget air ventilation. At first counterintuitive, but the better the ventilation the warmer it will be during the night. Condensation will cause your tent to mould, and will cool you down once your stuff gets wet. Find the perfect balance for ventilation. - dont cook inside your tent (carbonmonoxide poisoning AND propane + butane turn into CO2, CO and Water when burnt, the water will condensate everywhere)
from someone who’s done a fair amount of winter camping. A single walled metal bottle filled with hot water in the sleeping bag does wonders. If you have a heater in your tent open up your sleeping bag to warm the fill, also if your bag is in a compression bag open it up first thing to let it gain loft. Hot drink before bed is also wonderful, like a little hot toddy. Lastly use wool as much as possible and dress in layers and never let your clothes get sweaty. Ok, one last thing a scarf is wonderful to keep your exposed neck warm, a lot of blood flows through your neck.
Great tips! I sleep with my dog to keep warm on cold camping nights. Although I have never been snow camping ...yet, I have camped in Central Oregon in February with temps in the 30's at night and my dog was definitely my bed warmer and snuggle buddy! I also layered in long underwear and sweats with a beanie and a hoodie to put over my head as well as wool socks. I stayed toasty warm and even got too warm. Thanks for another fun video, Donald!
I have found that if you have the space for it having 1 giant warm insulated coat that hangs down low Is the best thing for extreme cold. Especially when you don't want to fuss around with different layers When it's freezing out. If it's big enough you can throw it on your sleeping bag when you're sleeping like an extra layer on top it will retain a little bit of heat so you can throw it right on in the morning or if you have to take an emergency trip out of the tent.
My go to keep warm at night camping methods include the wife, and dogs. We all create heat and share when sleeping close to each other. When I am alone, I wear a BUFF on my head, and just sleep in my Celsius 0 degree bag in my skivies. I am a hot sleeper so this works really well for me.
Often overlooked, neoprene socks in bed, light knit gloves, hot water bottle, emergency blanket behind camp chair at open fire, diesel air heater, (blows dry air unlike the buddy), nice video, great points, I use an insulated 3 layer pull up winter tent with wood burning stove, leave no trace etc.
I was all in on buying a 2016 Used Crosstrek one day until I found your channel! Love the look and stance of your 2012 Forester! You got me questioning everything now. Love your channel/Super stoked I found it!
@@timothydurkan I've owned a 2003 Subaru Baja for almost 3 years now. No major problems with it at all. Sorry your Forester didn't pan out, I just love the stance of this one and think it'd be a good car for my family as well.
Thanks for all the good information about winter camping. Good info on the sleeping bag and keeping your head warmer. Thanks for the video and be safe!
These are all great tips, Don. I bought the Ocoopa hand warmer after you recommended it. It is one of the best pieces of gear and I always pack it first. The four levels of heat, indicated by blue LED's, helps to prolong battery usage as I only use one or two levels. I use it with a hand sleeve like the football players use and keep the Ocoopa at two lights. When my hands get cold I insert my hands and within minutes my hands are warm. The sleeve came with a waist pack by Vanquest I bought at a hunting store; but I'm not a hunter, I just like the gear offered. With the sleeve around my waist (has its own waist belt) and the Ocoopa on this helps to maintain my core temperature. As far as my sleeping bag (Coleman) I "pre-warm" the foot box by putting a container of hot water, a Pathfinder single wall 32oz, in the bag five to ten minutes before I crawl in, actually crawl under as I use my bag like a top quilt. I use a long thick wool hunter's sock to insulate the bottle preventing damage to my sleeping bag. Take the sock and from the bottom of the bottle bring the sock over the bottle's cap, twist it a couple turns, then bring the sock back down over itself effecting a double layer of wool preventing any damage to the sleeping bag. Sometimes I "cuddle" the bottle and it keeps me comfortable. Merino wool layers work incredibly well. I usually sleep in just long johns and a long sleeve top, Darn Tough socks (fresh pair), a balaclava if it's super cold, a merino wool stocking cap with built-in LED lights with the switch behind my right ear and a pair of mittens. I keep a folding urinal next to my cot or my air mattress allowing me to remain in my sleep roll without having to get out from under my covers. Amazon sells the compact accordion urinals. Even if I'm in a hammock I use it. At 73 I'd be up two to three times a night otherwise. As far as upper layers, I found some incredible apparel at Goodwill stores, especially in the more affluent areas. Some examples are: Patagonia waterproof/windproof soft shell for $12 (sells for 150 or more at regular retail); a brand new, price tag still attached, winter jacket from Banana Republic, water and wind resistant for $12 (one size larger than what I normally wear) and a beautiful blue rain jacket with hood by Eddie Bauer for $9...all in pristine condition. I won't pay asking prices or MSRP. My boots, however, cost me $165 plus tax, but they are so comfortable even with thick wool socks. They are a brand made by hunters for hunters. A great alternative at around $110 are the LL Bean duck boots but they always seem to be on back order; extremely popular boots. My advice is never buy boots or hiking shoes from Walmart. I did three years ago to save money and I paid the price...ending in hiking several miles in my Crocs.
Good info. Suggestion: fleece bag liner (zipper kind). That will give you another 8-10° of insulation. Saved me in the Tetons last September during an unusual cold snap combined with a failed inflatable mattress.
As others have mentioned, staying dry also means not sweating and being able to vent out any moisture from it. Breathable, synthetic or wool thermal under garments are key. Also, a wool scarf does wonders for staying warm.
I have a 12 volt electric blanket. It has a timer. Put it in your sleeping bag before you get in for about 10 minutes as you get ready for bed. If it gets cold again later you can press the button and get another dose of warmth. I use a REI XL camping pad, then the electric blanket with a coleman mummy bag used as a top blanket.
We got some wool blankets to put over our sleeping bag when it gets colder than the bag rating. Also, we got some of the reusable hand warmers that are the gel in a heavy plastic bag that you boil to reset. We put them in our sleeping bag to warm it up about 30 minutes before we go to bed. I got a pair of hunting boots because they are made for hunters that are sitting still waiting for game, they are great for camping and the least bit of activity warms my feet up fast. A really good pair of gloves helps a lot. Last, I got an infinity scarf because you can wrap it around your head and neck like a hat scarf combo when its really cold.
i havent done any winter camping since iwas in the ARMY! i never done any winter type camping since then, the only tip i can offer is to find a snug dry shelter to use.
Some solid points there. I would add to the keeping dry aspect that you need to mitigate sweat as much as outside moisture, sometimes rain jackets can make you more wet than without it. On that point as well, I think materials you choose are far more important than most people account for. Wool is amazing, not only is it warmer than synthetics, but it does a much better job of staying warm when wet, and expelling that moisture. You will commonly find acrylic knit gloves and hats, but they really won't keep you warm. It's very much worth the extra money for wool.
I have the Guide Gear -15 sleeping bag and I love it! Love the roominess it offers and the flannel lining is nice to crawl into. One thing to remember with all sleeping bags is to fluff them up when you take them out of the stuff bag. Storage in the stuff bag compresses the insulation and makes it not keep in the warmth as well. Wearing some thermal socks to bed can keep the feet toasty too. Thanks for the video! George.
I was actually trying to buy the Guide Gear -15° bag on your recommendation, but it was backordered everywhere and I reeeeally wanted a new roomier bag before my weeklong trip in November, so I went with this instead. I wish I had waited, I think I would like that bag better. The Guide Gear 0° is almost too roomy, it's extra wide for some reason and gets a little cold along the edges. I almost always wear socks to bed but I really do not like sleeping in socks and almost always remove them at some point during the night, even if my feet end up a little cold. :-)
Nalgene water bottles can hold boiling water. So you can heat up water and pour it into the bottle and put that into your sleeping bag. You can hug it and keep your core warm. When it cools down you just drink it. So nothing is wasted and nothing is thrown away.
Haha, I love sipping a little of Kentucky's best around the campfire. I try to go easy because I never sleep as well if I sip a little too much, and there's nothing like lying there awake to make you aware of the cold, haha.
One thing we do, and I see that you do as well, is create a buffer between body and ground. In your case it’s a cot - we use an inflatable Coleman mattress in our tent. Slept like a bear on a 27° night using a 30° bag, stocking cap, lightweight thermals, socks, and one of those throwaway hand warmers. Appreciate all your tips and OJT experiences!
A lot of the newer sleeping mats actually provide an R value for their pads too which is pretty cool. I just saw that when I bought a pad on my way out of town for a trip last month.
I knew I recognized you from somewhere. I looked through your videos and remembered seeing you and Primal Outdoors do a few videos! I am subbed now! One tip is putting a Nalgene with hot water wrapped in a tshirt at the bottom of your sleeping bag.
Crazy, I've had one of them for years and do the same as you, never, ever run it while i'm sleeping. Last month I was at a camping music festival and mentioned to this lady that i have one of them and she told that back in the winter one of her close friends and her boyfriend was using one and left it running all night in their tent and died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Be careful people with those. I was just always concerned about running it while i was sleeping in that my tent would catch fire, which is why i never ran it while sleeping.
I saw where someone uses an MSR footprint between the fly cover and top of their gazelle tent. I haven't tried this yet, but reviews said it helps tremendously. Ditto on the Get Out Gear blanket. Love mine.
Try using that Coleman mummy bag as a quilt. Leave a bit of the bottom zipped to put your feet into it, then leave the rest unzipped. Tuck it under your sides as you get colder. The insulation on the bottom of the bag doesn't do anything when its compressed by your body anyways. This give you a lot more movement and less constraint. This assumes you have a good thick sleeping pad, which is especially important when using cots. For my cot I use a Teton 1.5" foam "Cot Pad" (and often put a memory foam pad over that). Its covered in cotton duck fabric and very durable and warm. One last tip, as you are sitting around a fire, put a shovel full of hot coals under your chair once in awhile. A hot cocoa before bed helps too.
Oh yeah! Someone showed me the coals-under-the-chair trick a year ago and I completely forgot about it, but I tried it that one time and it was fabulous.
Thanks for the video and good tips. I have a down puffy blanket also. I slip it inside of the bag, instead of on top. It really helps. I also keep my clothes for the next morning inside the bag so they are warm.
Working for years in Northern IL and WI I can tell you Sorrels are by far the best footwear for cold and wet weather. Take out the liners and dry over night. I also swear by insulated bib overalls. With a jacket wind can't find its way in
Wearing a toque to sleep is a great idea in the cold. If your head is cold it doesn't matter how warm the rest of you is, you will have a miserable sleep.
My tips are wool socks, good reflective fire ring and hot cocoa. The Coco tip is from my mom it's warm it's good and it's protein. Love the videos but I can't wait for summer just looking at you in the snow makes my arthritis hurt.
I have a video about that here: ruclips.net/video/LoT5Z3rwdj0/видео.html In that video, the awning is mounted to the side of my Forester, but I eventually moved the entire thing around to the rear. You may also want to check out my more recent and more simplified adaptation of this idea: ruclips.net/video/8BkafvoLCBs/видео.html The more recent version is used on the back of my pickup canopy rather than a car/SUV, but some of the ideas here may still be useful, and it's an even faster, even more simple approach.
I am old school and use a Woods Down 30 5 star sleeping bag that is real old and I keep it fresh by using a bag liner. The main down side is I usually end up wrapped like a burrito by morning. lol This bag comes in a duffle and isn't small to pack up. It isn't a light weight bag either but, dame it is warm, sometimes to warm. lol
I put a 1 litre Nalgene bottle of boiling water in my bag. It warms the whole bag as you're getting ready for bed, and your feet through the night. The thermal mass of a litre of water is great. Fill it all the way so that the small air pocket doesn't create too much of a vacuum as it cools. Otherwise it can be hard to open. In the morning you have a litre of un-frozen water that you can make coffee and oatmeal with.
Thanks for sharing these tips! I've been winter camping off and on for years, sometimes in a tent or car but now in a van. The USB rechargeable hand warmer was a new idea for me. I had not heard of those before, but will have to check it out now!
I have down booties for sleeping in with fresh dry sock your feet will never get cold. I used a small tent fan/light behind my Mr heater makes a HUGE difference.
How we stay warm in Northern Norway: *ALWAYS* wear a base layer of 100% (merino) wool, including socks and hat. Wear the base layer, with fluffier woollen socks, to bed. This is essential. Also, keep the sleeping bag/duvet/blanket which insulates the most closest to the body. If I get cold in my sleeping bag, it is *much more efficient* to put the woollen blanket inside of the sleeping bag than to drape it over the top. I think the same would apply with that down throw you've got :) It's true: movement makes you warm. It's crucial to shed layers with increased activity levels, so that sweat can evaporate and you don't get wet from your own sweat, then as you decrease your activity levels, add layers as you start to feel cool. Never wear your jacket and hat in a heated car while driving; you'll freeze immediately as you step out of the car. An excellent method for keeping feet warm is to layer a thin woollen liner sock underneath a thick woollen sock. Avoid gloves as much as possible and opt for mittens instead; having all of the fingers together in one cocoon makes an enormous difference. Opt for the layering system for your entire body; 100% thin to mid-weight (merino) wool base layer, followed by a thicker mid-layer, preferably also wool, then a shell layer to protect against rain and wind. If needed, you can add multiple mid-layers, just make sure they're of slightly different sizes so that there's air pockets in between every single layer. (For example: Lightweight merino base layer, followed by mid-weight merino sweater, followed by heavyweight loose-fitted wool sweater, and lastly, a jacket which is rain and wind proof.) Remember to tuck the upper into the trousers so that you don't get the wind blowing up between the layers and straight onto your belly. (We have a dedicated name for this, it's called being "mellombær", "bare in between", and it makes grandparents very upset.) Mittens, socks, and hats can be layered as well. If it's windy, it's crucial to wear an outer layer that is windproof. Remember a sleeping pad (or woollen blanket, or animal hide, or whatever) with a high enough R-value -- or layer them, too. The ground, or the air underneath the cot or hammock, is a master thief of heat. Oh, and remember to SIT on something to insulate from the ground, as well! If you can find a woollen sit-pad, that is of course optimal, but even those Thermarest ones are better than sitting straight on metal or plastic or rocks. TL;DR: Wear all the wool and you'll be good.
Why haven’t you mentioned the layer you sleep on top of? A decent mattress is essential to keep warm. Also, you seem to sleep on some sort of folding bed: put a blanket over the top of that, so that the sides touch the ground. This prevents air circulating under the bed & keeps you much warmer.
Didn't really think about it, but yeah, my cot has a little mattress thing that it came with. It seems to insulate well, I don't perceive coldness from underneath. The blanket skirt is a great idea though to remove airflow below the cot, especially in my drafty Gazelle tent. I'll give that a try for sure!
Use your fire to boil water and fill a metal thermos flask, place in the bottom of your sleeping bag. This will stay warm all night. In the morning refill the flask and place in your bedding this will help remove moisture.
The one cold weather tip I found most useful was boiling some water and putting it in a nalgene bottle. You bring it inside the sleeping bag with you. In between the legs works well. It keeps the chill off and is still warm in the morning.
Someone brought up the fact to me that even forest service workers are required to have specific training and a certificate to be allowed to operate a chain saw in the forest. If the saw hits a rock and causes a spark, the spark could start a fire. They said they would hate to be enjoying a trail, think they were doing a good deed by using a chain saw to clear an obstruction, and start a fire in the process.
A camp fire seems to be every bit as much psychological warmth as actual warmth. One of my favorite warming tips is hot drinks. A hot cup of coffee or tea really hits the spot.
The girlfriend and I bought some 20 degree sleeping bags, some cheap inflatable sleeping pads, and a mr heater buddy for our first snow camping trip. Since then we bought cots, an electric blanket for her, and an ocoopa hand warmer. I think the next move is to get the 0 degree sleeping bags. We also need better snow clothing, as we’re from Southern California and it mostly only snows in the mountains.
I prefer winter camping/camping on the lake when ice fishing over summer camping. My go to setup is my Eskimo 650XD (insulated hub) tent with the Dewalt heater and a supply line running to a propane tank outside. The Dewalt heater is nice over the buddy heater because it has a built in fan, light, and USB ports that run off of a battery. I also run the Dewalt battery fan behind the heater to provide circulation and condensation is pretty minimal. I basically use Dewalt for everything while camping, and it’s my only source of power including their lights and chainsaw for misc firewood, and recharge all batteries off my Jeep during the day….but being in construction I have no shortage of tools and batteries available to me. I’ll run my heater all night on low (with a CM detector) and have never gotten cold, even on some very chilly nights (well below 0). Mostly thanks to having an insulated tent. I sleep on a cot, with a cheaper sleeping bag layer first to provide more cushion and insulation and then my nicer, warmer, sleeping bag. There have been many nights I wake up sweating, even on a frozen lake.
I use a good -10C bag, but was still suffering from the cold, so I purchased a zero rated, slightly smaller bag, (and compact size), that would fit inside the bigger one, and sleep in that one, problem solved. I then have the flexibility of mix n match, depending on the conditions. A self inflating mattress, rather than a straight air mattress, due to the better insulating qualities, is also a good investment. Cheers.
Buddy heaters are only good if you have enough ventilation because if you don’t you will wake up with everything wet. I just purchased a diesel heater for $124 bucks to try that out as I hear hood things about it and also having no condensation inside your tent
The Gazelle is extremely well ventilated, almost to a fault in winter, but the propane heater nonetheless results in some condensation inside if the ambient humidity is high. In dryer cold desert areas, condensation has been less of an issue that when I'm in the snowy mountains.
@@softroadingthewest that’s good to know. I’m new to getting heaters for tents. Heading up to Oregon and Washington at the end of the month in my subie 😃
To dress warm, In general for winter camping, I’ve come up with the 40-20 rule. If you are gonna be outside and but not being super active, wear clothes that you would normally consider for temperatures 20 degrees F colder than what would normally for these temps at home. If you are just standing around, 40 degrees warmer. When I camped out the back of my Jeep during winter, on my XC road trip, I picked up an enormous puffy down overcoat that I only donned if I was gonna be standing around outside. Thing must be like 4 inches thick. Never was cold, down to 0 degrees weather.
The Ocoopa hand warmer works out very expensive. I bought one for myself and then lost it to my wife so bought another. I promptly lost that to my elderly mother who loves it when she's out walking so that means buying a third. Quick tip: Hide them, don't show them to anyone!
@@softroadingthewest The only downside I find to those types of hand warmers is their bulk. Great if you're standing around but are awkward in a pair gloves when you're snowshoeing or need to wrap your hands around something. The chemical warmers, although limited for their duration have come in handy when you need dexterity with you hands. :)
I have the same question. I use exactly the same tent and have tried to block the heat loss with old blankets but it doesn’t help much. Is there a trick I’m missing?
It definitely loses heat fast. I run the heater while I'm up and around in tent, and it's plenty warm, and I don't shut it off until I'm cozy in bed and have had time to warm up the sleeping bag a bit. As soon as the heater is turned off, the tent is cold. With a good sleeping bag, I haven't found it to be a problem in the cold, but if it's cold and the wind is blowing, it is drafty which makes it feel colder than it need be. It is not an ideal winter tent for sure...I tolerate it because it is good in so many other ways.
@softroadingthewest how does the Gazelle tent work out in the winter. Been thinking about one, but thought all that space would be hard to keep warm at night.
Great tips. Thanks! I actually purchased 4 of the hand warmers for Santa. Two for my wife and two for myself. Figured one per pocket/hand. How is moisture on tent in the morning? Do you dry it off before breaking camp or does the heater evaporate the moisture away?
I've found condensation depends on the humidity. I've been in very cold weather in arid desert climates, running the heater, and the tent stays dry, but up in the mountains where it might not even be as cold but much more humidity in the air, and get significant condensation. If it's cold and damp out, I can't ever get it dry enough at camp, so I just don't worry about it, pack it up wet, and set it back up in the garage when I get home to let it dry out. It's fast & easy enough with the Gazelle.
Thank you for the video. I noticed you have the Gazelle hub tent. I am very interested in buying one, but due to its shape concerned about snow accumulation. How has it fared for you in snowy conditions? Thanks.
It has withstood a few inches of snow accumulation. I've not had more snow than that ever fall on me while I used it, so I can't speak to what 6"+ would be like. With the weight of a few inches on top, the side walls bulged out slightly, but the framework is remarkably stout. With a lot more weight, I *think* what would happen first is that the roof hub would pop in (as if you were breaking it down to fold up the tent) but I think the side walls would still stand. I mean, that would be a rude awakening for sure in the middle of the night, heh, but I think that would be your warning to get snow off the roof. Again, I can't say for sure, but that's just my sense of what would happen based on my experience with the Gazelle. Overall I was super happy with the tent. I no longer use it and now sleep in a truck cap, but if I were to go back to ground tent camping, it would be the Gazelle. As a winter tent, it wasn't ideal mostly because the entire roof panel below the rain fly is mesh. This is excellent ventilation in spring, summer, and fall, but perhaps excessive ventilation in winter. On windy winter nights, the tent was on the drafty side. I have heard of people putting a tarp or blanket directing over the roof vent before putting on the rain fly, so that is perhaps a minor issue that could be dealt with. My main other gripe with this tent is the doors. With the hub construction, it's obviously the only way doors can be integrated, but they are awkward to get in and out of, and especially awkward to carry large stuff like cots in and out of the tent, especially on the T3...certainly a little easier on the larger T4, but it's still like moving through a submarine hatch. :-) And the positioning of the two doors in opposite corners make it impossible to set up two cots to either side of the tent without blocking both doors...no matter how you orient the two cots, they both end up blocking both doors, so you have to climb over them to get in and out of the tent (at least, that's the case in the T3). If you haven't already seen it, I have a pretty comprehensive video about my Gazelle T3: ruclips.net/video/X8Kteaob5pk/видео.html
@@softroadingthewest thank you for your response. I typically am a solo camper, but my daughter does join me from time to time. Having to step over her may be an issue. Being a little drafty wouldn’t be an issue I don’t believe, as I’d likely be using a heater. The extra ventilation may be a good thing. But you aren’t the only person I’ve heard say the corner door is awkward. That’s closer to a deal breaker than anything I think. I am 6’2” and find it frustrating sometimes having to squeeze into tight areas. I also have a truck bed tent, which is great in most circumstances, except for when the vehicle needs to be used. I suppose the appeal of the Gazelle was that it was an affordable quality tent and would allow me to stand up inside. I’ll probably keep looking for another straight walled tent that might be easier to access and may allow for a better sleeping arrangement for 2. Thanks again. Just found your channel, but will definitely keep watching.
I don't. It gets cold in there. But I have a propane heater I use when getting ready for bed, and when I get up in the morning, to take the chill off. A 0° sleeping bag, occasionally supplemented with a lightweight down blanket, gets me through the night pretty cozily.
@@softroadingthewest wow, I spoke with Gazelle and the rep said a lot of people use moving blankets between the mesh roof and the rain fly to keep the heat in and some of that cold air out. I am gonna try, the Gazelle is mainly for when the kids go camping. Thanks for all the tips
If you are sleeping in a tent/shelter without a source of heat, lay down fully clothed on top of your sleeping bag for a little while before you go to bed, making sure you don't have any snow on your clothing. This will pre-heat the sleeping bag/bed, and make it much easier to get comfortable and fall asleep when you actually get into it. Wear the least amount of clothing you can when you go into your sleeping bag/blankets so you don't sweat while sleeping, only add layers as needed. The aim is to keep your sleeping equipment dry. A damp sleeping bag will compromise its insulating properties.
Just a suggestion, get one of these. You put it in your sleeping bag and lay on it, or tick it where you need some heat. I place it under my torso, and I swear by them. I just plug it in to the Jackery since I allay use it for my CPAP, but you could use any portable power bank. Best part is they are only $15. Heating Pad 5V 2A USB Electric... www.amazon.com/dp/B07KB1J6D6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I'm curious what you do with your awning when your snow camping. Do you set it out if you know there will be snow? If you set it up do you just brush the snow off and roll it up once your done then dry it out once your home?
I generally only put it up if I need protection at that time. Like, on my recent trip with my daughter, I didn't put it up the night we arrived because there was no precipitation. I ended up putting it up in the morning so we could cook and eat breakfast because it was dumping on us. Most winter trips, I come home and have to spread everything out in the garage to dry.
How cold can you comfortably tent im a gazelle t4 tent with a mr heater propane? Im trying to decide if i should invest this fall in an insulated tent like ShiftPod 3 but i know i want a gazelle t4 plus for summer... if my mr heater doesmt need to blast all night long to keep gazelle above -5c i think I'll be fine in my bed setup. I'd prefer to heat tent to say +15c, turn off heater and wake up to -5c. But im guessing if its -15c outside or colder the gazelle will probably cool down quickly to be almost as cold as outside. I'm new to winter camping. This winter will be my first. And sorry i dont know Fahrenheit, just celsius cuz I'm in Canada 😊 -15c outside is honestly warm for me lol
The Gazelle is very…ventilated. It doesn’t retain any amount of heat. I never run my Mr Heater Buddy when I sleep, so I rely on bedding to stay warm enough through the night. These days I couple a 0°F-rated sleeping bag with a 12v electric blanket I run off a power station. Then fire up the heater when I wake up to warm up the space for getting dressed.
I guess I didn’t answer your actual question. 😄 How cold I can camp in it is a function of my bedding, not a function of the tent. I’ve slept comfortably at -12°F (-24°C) with an electric blanket and an extra blanket on top of my sleeping bag.
Thank you. Both your replies are very helpful. I agree about not running a propane heater or anything more than an electric blanket at night! I might camp in -24c and my sleeping setup should be super warm - and I plan to have a power station by winter so my electric blanket should work! Those things don't use much power. I'd much rather own this ventilated tent for summer and still be able to use it for winter rather than owning both this expensive tent and another expensive tent like the ShiftPod. So, do you think in -10 to -20c weather that during the day Mr heater can keep the tent warmer than 5c without being on high heat? Thanks again!!
@@TheSkystrider I mean, I've never sat in there with a thermometer to know exactly what the temperatures are. I would run the heater on High until it's too warm inside, and then turn it down to low to maintain. I feel like I could generally keep it 40 degrees (F) warmer inside than outside...again, that's just an estimate based on the recollection that I could keep it comfortably "room temperature" inside even if it was freezing outside. One other thing that was suggested to me but which I never tried (because I moved on from the Gazelle to sleeping in my truck): in cold weather some people drape some kind of blanket over that massive roof vent before putting on the rain fly. I'm sure that would make a significant difference in reducing heat loss.
What do you do for ventilation for the buddy heater? I camp in my small transit connect and find that if I place a fleece blanket below me and then my sleeping bag on top, my bottom layer stays very warm
The Gazelle tent is extremely well ventilated, almost too much so actually, it's drafty on a windy winter night. The entire roof is mesh. That gets covered with the rainfly but remains a lot of airflow all the time.
Your timing is impeccable. I am moving a family member to TX in Feb. and I'll be making an exploration out of the return--TX, NM, AZ, CA: 2200 miles. The highest elevation will be in New Mexico (9000ft) where recent weather forecast had the lows at 16 degrees F, and dropping. (YIKES!) These will be the coldest temps I'll have camped thus far. You're right about looking out for deals, I just got a sweet deal on a 0 degree sleeping bag from REI's used gear store--almost 80% off! But the little experience I have has taught method BASE layers are clutch! Morino cotton or polypropylene fabrics are the best for these.
I need to revisit REI for sale items - last purchase was a lightweight Smartwool long sleeve Merino wool top. One of the most important purchases I've made. On my way back to my TX "homebase", I camped near Whites City, NM, finding the temps a little warmer than the rest of the state. Of course, camping in a desert like area is a trade off - no windbreaks to speak of.
Haha, I'm sure our winters don't begin to compare. :-) Plus it's been unusually warm and lacking in snow this year. A year ago it was impossible to get to this spot...there were feet of snow here, not inches. :-)
Here's another tip no one mentions: put clean clothes you will wear the next day at the bottom of your sleeping bag. It removes the cold air space down there and your clothes will be ready to put on the next day.
This is a fantastic tip!! Normally my clothes are in a bag just in the RTT with us....and they are not warm when you go to change!!
That IS a good tip. Every morning you find me trying to warm up my cold cold clothes in front of the Mr. Heater Buddy, haha. I will try to remember to give this a shot.
That's a great idea why have I never though of it. I keep my phone and tablet under the blankets with me.
Was doing this for years back in the day as a long haul trucker, lay my pants out under my bed roll etc, next morning all toasty even at -10c or colder.
In addition to sleeping with the toque/beanie, wear socks, even if they're thin ones; the difference is stupendous!
I love how you are incorporating your daughter into more of your videos. How cool would it be to (eventually) turn this into a father-daughter channel?
I always find my back gets cold when I'm sitting by a campfire. Now I bring a reflectix pad with me to sit on in the camp chair (cut to fit) and it reflects my body heat back at me, making it a bit more comfortable to sit by the fire.
Great video! In reference to staying dry, don't sweat. If you get sweaty and have a damp underlayer, you'll get chilled very quickly. Very dangerous when winter hiking.
Cotton kills, is the saying...it gets wet and stays wet, only to freeze if not changed immediately...wear a base layer that wicks moisture away from your body and this is not an issue :)
@@MrChristopher007 For sure, cotton is the worst as an under layer and synthetics are the the way to go.
I bought the USB hand warmer, I was so impressed I bought a second, higher output warmer. I have poor circulation and these are a godsend.
The only thing that comes to mind for staying warm, and this is lower down on the list from what you covered, is drinking a hot beverage in an insulated mug. A coat with a hood also really helps by keeping the cold air off your neck and ears.
I agree on most of your comments. Having going winter camping when I lived in Wisconsin mummy bags were my best friend
I have spent every video trying to think of who you're voice and cadamce reminds me of. Literally, every video.
It is Rick Steves.
Thanks for the good content. Keep it up!
Rick Steves is a national treasure.
Great observation!!
It's not Rick Steves, imo.
Solid advice on all points ! I do all of them. We just got back from a winter trip. It was so cold I inserted a 30°f bag into a 0°f bag. One of my favorite things about winter camping is the campfire. There is just something about a campfire that is surrounded by snow. Great video !
I find changing my socks whenever I feel my feet getting cold is one of the best ways to keep them warm. Sweaty socks means freezing toes.
I also learned a near trick for keeping my feet warm around the campfire...I threw 2 pieces of a half-split log on the ground and used them as a makeshift porch...2 side by side outside of my sliding door on the van then 2 more in front of my chair by the fire.
If it's muddy at camp I'll throw down cardboard for makeshift sidewalks...easy to pack and dispose of...makes a world of difference when camping in inclement weather. Slippery on snow so I don't use it during my winter camps but great for Springtime after the winter thaw.
Love that you're in a Gazelle...I have 2. Best tents ever!!! ❤😊
The Ocoopa is worth it's weight in gold. I now have 2 since your initial review and recommendation! Thanks again for a great vid, Donald!
All good tips. To add to other comments here:
Yes wear socks when sleeping but ideally a different dry pair, not the ones you have had on all day and might be sweaty else they will make you cold. Change socks and shove the ones you take off to the bottom of the bag. Keep your extra clothes or clothes for the morning in the bottom of the sleeping bag too.
Ground insulation is super important. Heat will be sucked away from you into the ground with a poor quality sleeping mat; even on a cot you really want an extra mat on top of it (or wool blanket) in the cold else the air moving under you will chill you off. I typically don’t bother with a cot for speed of set up but place a wool blanket on the ground, good insulated sleeping pad over that then fold the blanket over the sleeping pad so it is extra insulated top and bottom. The rougher texture of wool helps stop the pad sliding around against the sleeping bag too (or you could put it inside but I don’t like that).
Eat something before bed. Also, go to the bathroom before bed so you are not full of excess liquid and don’t need to get up in the cold (have a bottle handy if you are ok with that).
Have water and a snack bar close by. If it’s super super cold in the morning sometimes you want to just lay in the warm a little longer and getting hydrated and a bit of fuel in you will help. If you have an insulated bottle it can stay near by but if not sleep with it inside your bag or blanket.
You can always put an extra sleeping bag inside another one. When super cold I put a down bag inside a synthetic -30 bag and it’s toasty without being sweaty.
If you feel like you are too hot or going to sweat it’s important to take layers off. Else you will get cold.
I don’t use a heater in a tent but if you do I wouldn’t suggest sleeping with it turned on. Never cook or use an open flame in a tent.
Have a knife within reach - lots of things it’s good for - and if you do have a heater or insist on cooking on open propane or butane and you manage to set fire to your tent and things start melting and zips fuse together and you are trapped you can easily slice your way out in seconds. It’s more difficult to shoot your way out.
Have a hot drink before bed and use the extra water for a good ole hot water bottle. Either a proper one or hot water in a non insulated drinking bottle making sure it’s not too full and it’s securely tightened.
Wear a wool beanie hat.
Drink plenty of wine or beer. It won’t give you quality sleep but hey...it’s camping and you will definitely go unconscious and not be cold :o)
Excellent tips!
@@softroadingthewest I’m blessed by the man himself :) from England but in Las Vegas. Hit me up if you come to Nevada sir.
A mid week video?! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I’ve contemplated camping in seasons other then summer. This video was very helpful. Thanks Donald👍🚙🏕🍻
Great tips....I complete agree about a regular sized sleeping bad compared to a mummy bag. I’m more comfortable with a little chill and room to move. Thanks for the info!
I absolutely love my teton sports xxl -10 degree bag. It's bulky, but a very warm bag.
I have a blanket from Klymet, it's a synthetic fill and is amazing. I highly recommend putting it in the sleeping bag, way better than on top of the bag when you are the heat source. And a hat is critical for sure. 👍
Great video, my girlfriend got the Ocoopa handwarmer for christmas, damn shes happy haha.
Also some tipps from my hiking trips in Iceland:
- Eat if possible warm and try to go to sleep as soon as possible after eating. Heat is a byproduct of your bodies digestion
- Electric handwarmer in the sleeping bag, or a waterbag with warmed up water
- If no handwarmer or waterbag available: grab your rainproof coat, zip it and pull it over your sleeping bag at the foot end
- The smaller your tent, the easier it is to warm it up with your own body, the big gazelle tent needs a heating source for example
- several people on the trip? Still cold? Get them in your tent, more body heat. Snoring is easier to deal with than being super cold
- Once in your sleeping bag, strip down, the less clothes the better (if the sleepingbag is sized correctly to your body!), then do some crunches to warm up the air inside
- Bad oversized sleepingbag? Get your clothes inside
- DONT forget air ventilation. At first counterintuitive, but the better the ventilation the warmer it will be during the night. Condensation will cause your tent to mould, and will cool you down once your stuff gets wet. Find the perfect balance for ventilation.
- dont cook inside your tent (carbonmonoxide poisoning AND propane + butane turn into CO2, CO and Water when burnt, the water will condensate everywhere)
Excellent info! Thanks Dennis!
from someone who’s done a fair amount of winter camping. A single walled metal bottle filled with hot water in the sleeping bag does wonders. If you have a heater in your tent open up your sleeping bag to warm the fill, also if your bag is in a compression bag open it up first thing to let it gain loft. Hot drink before bed is also wonderful, like a little hot toddy. Lastly use wool as much as possible and dress in layers and never let your clothes get sweaty. Ok, one last thing a scarf is wonderful to keep your exposed neck warm, a lot of blood flows through your neck.
I'm a big fan of wool. I keep forgetting to try the hot water bottle, I need to do that next time.
Great tips! I sleep with my dog to keep warm on cold camping nights. Although I have never been snow camping ...yet, I have camped in Central Oregon in February with temps in the 30's at night and my dog was definitely my bed warmer and snuggle buddy! I also layered in long underwear and sweats with a beanie and a hoodie to put over my head as well as wool socks. I stayed toasty warm and even got too warm. Thanks for another fun video, Donald!
I have found that if you have the space for it having 1 giant warm insulated coat that hangs down low Is the best thing for extreme cold. Especially when you don't want to fuss around with different layers When it's freezing out. If it's big enough you can throw it on your sleeping bag when you're sleeping like an extra layer on top it will retain a little bit of heat so you can throw it right on in the morning or if you have to take an emergency trip out of the tent.
My go to keep warm at night camping methods include the wife, and dogs. We all create heat and share when sleeping close to each other. When I am alone, I wear a BUFF on my head, and just sleep in my Celsius 0 degree bag in my skivies. I am a hot sleeper so this works really well for me.
Often overlooked, neoprene socks in bed, light knit gloves, hot water bottle, emergency blanket behind camp chair at open fire, diesel air heater, (blows dry air unlike the buddy), nice video, great points, I use an insulated 3 layer pull up winter tent with wood burning stove, leave no trace etc.
Thanks for all the tips ...great videos ..
I was all in on buying a 2016 Used Crosstrek one day until I found your channel! Love the look and stance of your 2012 Forester! You got me questioning everything now. Love your channel/Super stoked I found it!
I just got rid of my 2012 forrester due to high oil consumption even AFTER an engine replacement. Tread lightly.
@@timothydurkan I've owned a 2003 Subaru Baja for almost 3 years now. No major problems with it at all. Sorry your Forester didn't pan out, I just love the stance of this one and think it'd be a good car for my family as well.
Thanks for all the good information about winter camping. Good info on the sleeping bag and keeping your head warmer. Thanks for the video and be safe!
Thanks Frank!
Merino wool base layer
These are all great tips, Don. I bought the Ocoopa hand warmer after you recommended it. It is one of the best pieces of gear and I always pack it first. The four levels of heat, indicated by blue LED's, helps to prolong battery usage as I only use one or two levels. I use it with a hand sleeve like the football players use and keep the Ocoopa at two lights. When my hands get cold I insert my hands and within minutes my hands are warm. The sleeve came with a waist pack by Vanquest I bought at a hunting store; but I'm not a hunter, I just like the gear offered. With the sleeve around my waist (has its own waist belt) and the Ocoopa on this helps to maintain my core temperature. As far as my sleeping bag (Coleman) I "pre-warm" the foot box by putting a container of hot water, a Pathfinder single wall 32oz, in the bag five to ten minutes before I crawl in, actually crawl under as I use my bag like a top quilt. I use a long thick wool hunter's sock to insulate the bottle preventing damage to my sleeping bag. Take the sock and from the bottom of the bottle bring the sock over the bottle's cap, twist it a couple turns, then bring the sock back down over itself effecting a double layer of wool preventing any damage to the sleeping bag. Sometimes I "cuddle" the bottle and it keeps me comfortable. Merino wool layers work incredibly well. I usually sleep in just long johns and a long sleeve top, Darn Tough socks (fresh pair), a balaclava if it's super cold, a merino wool stocking cap with built-in LED lights with the switch behind my right ear and a pair of mittens. I keep a folding urinal next to my cot or my air mattress allowing me to remain in my sleep roll without having to get out from under my covers. Amazon sells the compact accordion urinals. Even if I'm in a hammock I use it. At 73 I'd be up two to three times a night otherwise. As far as upper layers, I found some incredible apparel at Goodwill stores, especially in the more affluent areas. Some examples are: Patagonia waterproof/windproof soft shell for $12 (sells for 150 or more at regular retail); a brand new, price tag still attached, winter jacket from Banana Republic, water and wind resistant for $12 (one size larger than what I normally wear) and a beautiful blue rain jacket with hood by Eddie Bauer for $9...all in pristine condition. I won't pay asking prices or MSRP. My boots, however, cost me $165 plus tax, but they are so comfortable even with thick wool socks. They are a brand made by hunters for hunters. A great alternative at around $110 are the LL Bean duck boots but they always seem to be on back order; extremely popular boots. My advice is never buy boots or hiking shoes from Walmart. I did three years ago to save money and I paid the price...ending in hiking several miles in my Crocs.
Awesome tips!
Good info. Suggestion: fleece bag liner (zipper kind). That will give you another 8-10° of insulation. Saved me in the Tetons last September during an unusual cold snap combined with a failed inflatable mattress.
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GREAT INFORMATION ! CHILLY / COLD RAIN 🌧 RIGHT NOW ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU BOTH ALWAYS ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! ENJOYED !
Down booties around camp in the snow are wonderful for keeping comfortable.
I was previously unaware of these but recently saw someone mention them on another channel. Sounds like nice bit of gear to have!
As others have mentioned, staying dry also means not sweating and being able to vent out any moisture from it. Breathable, synthetic or wool thermal under garments are key. Also, a wool scarf does wonders for staying warm.
Just got back from the first of this winter. Was consistently 24°F and loved it.
I have a 12 volt electric blanket. It has a timer. Put it in your sleeping bag before you get in for about 10 minutes as you get ready for bed. If it gets cold again later you can press the button and get another dose of warmth. I use a REI XL camping pad, then the electric blanket with a coleman mummy bag used as a top blanket.
The electric blanket seems like a great addition. I think I'm going to give that a try.
We got some wool blankets to put over our sleeping bag when it gets colder than the bag rating. Also, we got some of the reusable hand warmers that are the gel in a heavy plastic bag that you boil to reset. We put them in our sleeping bag to warm it up about 30 minutes before we go to bed. I got a pair of hunting boots because they are made for hunters that are sitting still waiting for game, they are great for camping and the least bit of activity warms my feet up fast. A really good pair of gloves helps a lot. Last, I got an infinity scarf because you can wrap it around your head and neck like a hat scarf combo when its really cold.
i havent done any winter camping since iwas in the ARMY! i never done any winter type camping since then, the only tip i can offer is to find a snug dry shelter to use.
Just bought the blanket using your link, i look forward to trying it out soon!
Some solid points there. I would add to the keeping dry aspect that you need to mitigate sweat as much as outside moisture, sometimes rain jackets can make you more wet than without it. On that point as well, I think materials you choose are far more important than most people account for. Wool is amazing, not only is it warmer than synthetics, but it does a much better job of staying warm when wet, and expelling that moisture. You will commonly find acrylic knit gloves and hats, but they really won't keep you warm. It's very much worth the extra money for wool.
I have the Guide Gear -15 sleeping bag and I love it! Love the roominess it offers and the flannel lining is nice to crawl into. One thing to remember with all sleeping bags is to fluff them up when you take them out of the stuff bag. Storage in the stuff bag compresses the insulation and makes it not keep in the warmth as well.
Wearing some thermal socks to bed can keep the feet toasty too.
Thanks for the video! George.
I was actually trying to buy the Guide Gear -15° bag on your recommendation, but it was backordered everywhere and I reeeeally wanted a new roomier bag before my weeklong trip in November, so I went with this instead. I wish I had waited, I think I would like that bag better. The Guide Gear 0° is almost too roomy, it's extra wide for some reason and gets a little cold along the edges. I almost always wear socks to bed but I really do not like sleeping in socks and almost always remove them at some point during the night, even if my feet end up a little cold. :-)
Well done brother. I especially agree with the footwear... I Half size up...the air pocket acts as insulation. Keep up the good work!
I enjoy snow camping too. Just be well prepared with the right gear or extra items. It's not for everyone but it's a lot of fun if your setup right.
Nalgene water bottles can hold boiling water. So you can heat up water and pour it into the bottle and put that into your sleeping bag. You can hug it and keep your core warm. When it cools down you just drink it. So nothing is wasted and nothing is thrown away.
When you said sleep supplements I thought you were going to pull out a flask of Kentucky's best.
Alcohol actually thins your blood but it’ll make you feel macho
@@ZacTexC I was thinking too deep in the bottle to notice the cold (:
Haha, I love sipping a little of Kentucky's best around the campfire. I try to go easy because I never sleep as well if I sip a little too much, and there's nothing like lying there awake to make you aware of the cold, haha.
One thing we do, and I see that you do as well, is create a buffer between body and ground. In your case it’s a cot - we use an inflatable Coleman mattress in our tent. Slept like a bear on a 27° night using a 30° bag, stocking cap, lightweight thermals, socks, and one of those throwaway hand warmers.
Appreciate all your tips and OJT experiences!
A lot of the newer sleeping mats actually provide an R value for their pads too which is pretty cool. I just saw that when I bought a pad on my way out of town for a trip last month.
I knew I recognized you from somewhere. I looked through your videos and remembered seeing you and Primal Outdoors do a few videos! I am subbed now!
One tip is putting a Nalgene with hot water wrapped in a tshirt at the bottom of your sleeping bag.
Crazy, I've had one of them for years and do the same as you, never, ever run it while i'm sleeping. Last month I was at a camping music festival and mentioned to this lady that i have one of them and she told that back in the winter one of her close friends and her boyfriend was using one and left it running all night in their tent and died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Be careful people with those. I was just always concerned about running it while i was sleeping in that my tent would catch fire, which is why i never ran it while sleeping.
Great video Don but you did miss my personal favorite. Hampton Inn
LOLOL
I saw where someone uses an MSR footprint between the fly cover and top of their gazelle tent. I haven't tried this yet, but reviews said it helps tremendously. Ditto on the Get Out Gear blanket. Love mine.
Try using that Coleman mummy bag as a quilt. Leave a bit of the bottom zipped to put your feet into it, then leave the rest unzipped. Tuck it under your sides as you get colder. The insulation on the bottom of the bag doesn't do anything when its compressed by your body anyways. This give you a lot more movement and less constraint. This assumes you have a good thick sleeping pad, which is especially important when using cots. For my cot I use a Teton 1.5" foam "Cot Pad" (and often put a memory foam pad over that). Its covered in cotton duck fabric and very durable and warm. One last tip, as you are sitting around a fire, put a shovel full of hot coals under your chair once in awhile. A hot cocoa before bed helps too.
Oh yeah! Someone showed me the coals-under-the-chair trick a year ago and I completely forgot about it, but I tried it that one time and it was fabulous.
Thanks for the video and good tips. I have a down puffy blanket also. I slip it inside of the bag, instead of on top. It really helps. I also keep my clothes for the next morning inside the bag so they are warm.
I tried that this past weekend and agree it was a much better way to use the blanket!
Elevate your sleep system, cots and a good sleeping pad. If ground sleeping, the the pad is very important.
My winter camping game is NOT very strong.
That blanket and hand warmer sound like really good additions to my kit.
Working for years in Northern IL and WI I can tell you Sorrels are by far the best footwear for cold and wet weather. Take out the liners and dry over night. I also swear by insulated bib overalls. With a jacket wind can't find its way in
Wearing a toque to sleep is a great idea in the cold. If your head is cold it doesn't matter how warm the rest of you is, you will have a miserable sleep.
They had those down blankets at Costco last season. We have the same slipping problem with them.
But you can’t emphasize proper clothes enough.
My tips are wool socks, good reflective fire ring and hot cocoa. The Coco tip is from my mom it's warm it's good and it's protein. Love the videos but I can't wait for summer just looking at you in the snow makes my arthritis hurt.
I would like to see video on that hatch awning build! Looks awesome!
I have a video about that here: ruclips.net/video/LoT5Z3rwdj0/видео.html In that video, the awning is mounted to the side of my Forester, but I eventually moved the entire thing around to the rear.
You may also want to check out my more recent and more simplified adaptation of this idea: ruclips.net/video/8BkafvoLCBs/видео.html The more recent version is used on the back of my pickup canopy rather than a car/SUV, but some of the ideas here may still be useful, and it's an even faster, even more simple approach.
I am old school and use a Woods Down 30 5 star sleeping bag that is real old and I keep it fresh by using a bag liner. The main down side is I usually end up wrapped like a burrito by morning. lol
This bag comes in a duffle and isn't small to pack up. It isn't a light weight bag either but, dame it is warm, sometimes to warm. lol
I saw the IG story. Glad you guys are okay.
I put a 1 litre Nalgene bottle of boiling water in my bag. It warms the whole bag as you're getting ready for bed, and your feet through the night. The thermal mass of a litre of water is great. Fill it all the way so that the small air pocket doesn't create too much of a vacuum as it cools. Otherwise it can be hard to open. In the morning you have a litre of un-frozen water that you can make coffee and oatmeal with.
Thanks for sharing these tips! I've been winter camping off and on for years, sometimes in a tent or car but now in a van. The USB rechargeable hand warmer was a new idea for me. I had not heard of those before, but will have to check it out now!
I just got that Get Out Gear blanket in that color. It's good! Weird.
I have down booties for sleeping in with fresh dry sock your feet will never get cold. I used a small tent fan/light behind my Mr heater makes a HUGE difference.
Excellent ideas!
Great tips
How we stay warm in Northern Norway: *ALWAYS* wear a base layer of 100% (merino) wool, including socks and hat. Wear the base layer, with fluffier woollen socks, to bed. This is essential. Also, keep the sleeping bag/duvet/blanket which insulates the most closest to the body. If I get cold in my sleeping bag, it is *much more efficient* to put the woollen blanket inside of the sleeping bag than to drape it over the top. I think the same would apply with that down throw you've got :)
It's true: movement makes you warm. It's crucial to shed layers with increased activity levels, so that sweat can evaporate and you don't get wet from your own sweat, then as you decrease your activity levels, add layers as you start to feel cool. Never wear your jacket and hat in a heated car while driving; you'll freeze immediately as you step out of the car. An excellent method for keeping feet warm is to layer a thin woollen liner sock underneath a thick woollen sock. Avoid gloves as much as possible and opt for mittens instead; having all of the fingers together in one cocoon makes an enormous difference.
Opt for the layering system for your entire body; 100% thin to mid-weight (merino) wool base layer, followed by a thicker mid-layer, preferably also wool, then a shell layer to protect against rain and wind. If needed, you can add multiple mid-layers, just make sure they're of slightly different sizes so that there's air pockets in between every single layer. (For example: Lightweight merino base layer, followed by mid-weight merino sweater, followed by heavyweight loose-fitted wool sweater, and lastly, a jacket which is rain and wind proof.) Remember to tuck the upper into the trousers so that you don't get the wind blowing up between the layers and straight onto your belly. (We have a dedicated name for this, it's called being "mellombær", "bare in between", and it makes grandparents very upset.) Mittens, socks, and hats can be layered as well. If it's windy, it's crucial to wear an outer layer that is windproof.
Remember a sleeping pad (or woollen blanket, or animal hide, or whatever) with a high enough R-value -- or layer them, too. The ground, or the air underneath the cot or hammock, is a master thief of heat. Oh, and remember to SIT on something to insulate from the ground, as well! If you can find a woollen sit-pad, that is of course optimal, but even those Thermarest ones are better than sitting straight on metal or plastic or rocks.
TL;DR: Wear all the wool and you'll be good.
Why haven’t you mentioned the layer you sleep on top of? A decent mattress is essential to keep warm.
Also, you seem to sleep on some sort of folding bed: put a blanket over the top of that, so that the sides touch the ground. This prevents air circulating under the bed & keeps you much warmer.
Didn't really think about it, but yeah, my cot has a little mattress thing that it came with. It seems to insulate well, I don't perceive coldness from underneath. The blanket skirt is a great idea though to remove airflow below the cot, especially in my drafty Gazelle tent. I'll give that a try for sure!
I have a cot plus reflecting layer plus 2" memory foam. Will try it this winter and I love the skirt advice! That makes tons of sense it will help!
Use your fire to boil water and fill a metal thermos flask, place in the bottom of your sleeping bag. This will stay warm all night. In the morning refill the flask and place in your bedding this will help remove moisture.
The one cold weather tip I found most useful was boiling some water and putting it in a nalgene bottle. You bring it inside the sleeping bag with you. In between the legs works well. It keeps the chill off and is still warm in the morning.
Someone brought up the fact to me that even forest service workers are required to have specific training and a certificate to be allowed to operate a chain saw in the forest. If the saw hits a rock and causes a spark, the spark could start a fire. They said they would hate to be enjoying a trail, think they were doing a good deed by using a chain saw to clear an obstruction, and start a fire in the process.
A camp fire seems to be every bit as much psychological warmth as actual warmth.
One of my favorite warming tips is hot drinks. A hot cup of coffee or tea really hits the spot.
The girlfriend and I bought some 20 degree sleeping bags, some cheap inflatable sleeping pads, and a mr heater buddy for our first snow camping trip. Since then we bought cots, an electric blanket for her, and an ocoopa hand warmer. I think the next move is to get the 0 degree sleeping bags. We also need better snow clothing, as we’re from Southern California and it mostly only snows in the mountains.
I prefer winter camping/camping on the lake when ice fishing over summer camping.
My go to setup is my Eskimo 650XD (insulated hub) tent with the Dewalt heater and a supply line running to a propane tank outside. The Dewalt heater is nice over the buddy heater because it has a built in fan, light, and USB ports that run off of a battery. I also run the Dewalt battery fan behind the heater to provide circulation and condensation is pretty minimal.
I basically use Dewalt for everything while camping, and it’s my only source of power including their lights and chainsaw for misc firewood, and recharge all batteries off my Jeep during the day….but being in construction I have no shortage of tools and batteries available to me.
I’ll run my heater all night on low (with a CM detector) and have never gotten cold, even on some very chilly nights (well below 0). Mostly thanks to having an insulated tent.
I sleep on a cot, with a cheaper sleeping bag layer first to provide more cushion and insulation and then my nicer, warmer, sleeping bag. There have been many nights I wake up sweating, even on a frozen lake.
That sounds like a very well-dialed-in setup! I didn't know about the Dewalt heater, it sounds great!
From one bald guy to another, a hat makes a world of difference--I vouch for that one!!
3:40 Another Element Of Keeping Warm, Is Luci with a Hand Warmer.
I use a good -10C bag, but was still suffering from the cold, so I purchased a zero rated, slightly smaller bag, (and compact size), that would fit inside the bigger one, and sleep in that one, problem solved. I then have the flexibility of mix n match, depending on the conditions.
A self inflating mattress, rather than a straight air mattress, due to the better insulating qualities, is also a good investment. Cheers.
Good ideas!
Buddy heaters are only good if you have enough ventilation because if you don’t you will wake up with everything wet. I just purchased a diesel heater for $124 bucks to try that out as I hear hood things about it and also having no condensation inside your tent
The Gazelle is extremely well ventilated, almost to a fault in winter, but the propane heater nonetheless results in some condensation inside if the ambient humidity is high. In dryer cold desert areas, condensation has been less of an issue that when I'm in the snowy mountains.
@@softroadingthewest that’s good to know. I’m new to getting heaters for tents. Heading up to Oregon and Washington at the end of the month in my subie 😃
To dress warm, In general for winter camping, I’ve come up with the 40-20 rule. If you are gonna be outside and but not being super active, wear clothes that you would normally consider for temperatures 20 degrees F colder than what would normally for these temps at home. If you are just standing around, 40 degrees warmer.
When I camped out the back of my Jeep during winter, on my XC road trip, I picked up an enormous puffy down overcoat that I only donned if I was gonna be standing around outside. Thing must be like 4 inches thick. Never was cold, down to 0 degrees weather.
I set the temp on the Propex heater in my tiny off road trailer roll over and go to sleep.
Have you heard anything about when we might see a T3 replacement from Gazelle?
The Ocoopa hand warmer works out very expensive. I bought one for myself and then lost it to my wife so bought another. I promptly lost that to my elderly mother who loves it when she's out walking so that means buying a third. Quick tip: Hide them, don't show them to anyone!
Haha!
@@softroadingthewest The only downside I find to those types of hand warmers is their bulk. Great if you're standing around but are awkward in a pair gloves when you're snowshoeing or need to wrap your hands around something. The chemical warmers, although limited for their duration have come in handy when you need dexterity with you hands. :)
Hows the Gazelle tent due in winter due to the top being open? Yes the rain fly helps.. but I'm sure you still loose heat up top.
I have the same question. I use exactly the same tent and have tried to block the heat loss with old blankets but it doesn’t help much. Is there a trick I’m missing?
It definitely loses heat fast. I run the heater while I'm up and around in tent, and it's plenty warm, and I don't shut it off until I'm cozy in bed and have had time to warm up the sleeping bag a bit. As soon as the heater is turned off, the tent is cold. With a good sleeping bag, I haven't found it to be a problem in the cold, but if it's cold and the wind is blowing, it is drafty which makes it feel colder than it need be. It is not an ideal winter tent for sure...I tolerate it because it is good in so many other ways.
Eating to keep warm while digesting also has a negative side effect....staying asleep. : - )
Get x2 sleeping bag
Get spouse. Make her angry.
Put in bag.
Warm and cozy all night long!
Get a spouse, make her angry... you have to sleep outside in the snow without your bag?🤔
How much snow can that Gazelle hold up before collapsing?! I’m thinking of either getting a Gazelle G6 deluxe gazebo or a Clam ice fishing shelter.
@softroadingthewest how does the Gazelle tent work out in the winter. Been thinking about one, but thought all that space would be hard to keep warm at night.
Thank you Captain obvious
Great tips. Thanks! I actually purchased 4 of the hand warmers for Santa. Two for my wife and two for myself. Figured one per pocket/hand. How is moisture on tent in the morning? Do you dry it off before breaking camp or does the heater evaporate the moisture away?
I've found condensation depends on the humidity. I've been in very cold weather in arid desert climates, running the heater, and the tent stays dry, but up in the mountains where it might not even be as cold but much more humidity in the air, and get significant condensation. If it's cold and damp out, I can't ever get it dry enough at camp, so I just don't worry about it, pack it up wet, and set it back up in the garage when I get home to let it dry out. It's fast & easy enough with the Gazelle.
@@softroadingthewest Thanks! Nice setup.
Thank you for the video. I noticed you have the Gazelle hub tent. I am very interested in buying one, but due to its shape concerned about snow accumulation. How has it fared for you in snowy conditions? Thanks.
It has withstood a few inches of snow accumulation. I've not had more snow than that ever fall on me while I used it, so I can't speak to what 6"+ would be like. With the weight of a few inches on top, the side walls bulged out slightly, but the framework is remarkably stout. With a lot more weight, I *think* what would happen first is that the roof hub would pop in (as if you were breaking it down to fold up the tent) but I think the side walls would still stand. I mean, that would be a rude awakening for sure in the middle of the night, heh, but I think that would be your warning to get snow off the roof. Again, I can't say for sure, but that's just my sense of what would happen based on my experience with the Gazelle.
Overall I was super happy with the tent. I no longer use it and now sleep in a truck cap, but if I were to go back to ground tent camping, it would be the Gazelle. As a winter tent, it wasn't ideal mostly because the entire roof panel below the rain fly is mesh. This is excellent ventilation in spring, summer, and fall, but perhaps excessive ventilation in winter. On windy winter nights, the tent was on the drafty side. I have heard of people putting a tarp or blanket directing over the roof vent before putting on the rain fly, so that is perhaps a minor issue that could be dealt with.
My main other gripe with this tent is the doors. With the hub construction, it's obviously the only way doors can be integrated, but they are awkward to get in and out of, and especially awkward to carry large stuff like cots in and out of the tent, especially on the T3...certainly a little easier on the larger T4, but it's still like moving through a submarine hatch. :-) And the positioning of the two doors in opposite corners make it impossible to set up two cots to either side of the tent without blocking both doors...no matter how you orient the two cots, they both end up blocking both doors, so you have to climb over them to get in and out of the tent (at least, that's the case in the T3).
If you haven't already seen it, I have a pretty comprehensive video about my Gazelle T3:
ruclips.net/video/X8Kteaob5pk/видео.html
@@softroadingthewest thank you for your response. I typically am a solo camper, but my daughter does join me from time to time. Having to step over her may be an issue.
Being a little drafty wouldn’t be an issue I don’t believe, as I’d likely be using a heater. The extra ventilation may be a good thing. But you aren’t the only person I’ve heard say the corner door is awkward. That’s closer to a deal breaker than anything I think. I am 6’2” and find it frustrating sometimes having to squeeze into tight areas.
I also have a truck bed tent, which is great in most circumstances, except for when the vehicle needs to be used.
I suppose the appeal of the Gazelle was that it was an affordable quality tent and would allow me to stand up inside. I’ll probably keep looking for another straight walled tent that might be easier to access and may allow for a better sleeping arrangement for 2.
Thanks again. Just found your channel, but will definitely keep watching.
Hey, great video, I may have missed it, but how do you insulate that Gazelle T4 tent for the winter cold temps?
I don't. It gets cold in there. But I have a propane heater I use when getting ready for bed, and when I get up in the morning, to take the chill off. A 0° sleeping bag, occasionally supplemented with a lightweight down blanket, gets me through the night pretty cozily.
@@softroadingthewest wow, I spoke with Gazelle and the rep said a lot of people use moving blankets between the mesh roof and the rain fly to keep the heat in and some of that cold air out. I am gonna try, the Gazelle is mainly for when the kids go camping. Thanks for all the tips
If you are sleeping in a tent/shelter without a source of heat, lay down fully clothed on top of your sleeping bag for a little while before you go to bed, making sure you don't have any snow on your clothing. This will pre-heat the sleeping bag/bed, and make it much easier to get comfortable and fall asleep when you actually get into it.
Wear the least amount of clothing you can when you go into your sleeping bag/blankets so you don't sweat while sleeping, only add layers as needed. The aim is to keep your sleeping equipment dry. A damp sleeping bag will compromise its insulating properties.
Great tips!
avoid a tent with a high ceiling - and a low volume in general. The little warm(er) air that can be trapped in the tent will keep best in less space.
Do you think the Mr buddy heater will warm the Gazelle T4?
Absolutely. I could only run mine in my Gazelle T3 for brief periods as it would overheat the space.
Just a suggestion, get one of these. You put it in your sleeping bag and lay on it, or tick it where you need some heat. I place it under my torso, and I swear by them. I just plug it in to the Jackery since I allay use it for my CPAP, but you could use any portable power bank. Best part is they are only $15.
Heating Pad 5V 2A USB Electric... www.amazon.com/dp/B07KB1J6D6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I'm curious what you do with your awning when your snow camping. Do you set it out if you know there will be snow? If you set it up do you just brush the snow off and roll it up once your done then dry it out once your home?
I generally only put it up if I need protection at that time. Like, on my recent trip with my daughter, I didn't put it up the night we arrived because there was no precipitation. I ended up putting it up in the morning so we could cook and eat breakfast because it was dumping on us. Most winter trips, I come home and have to spread everything out in the garage to dry.
How cold can you comfortably tent im a gazelle t4 tent with a mr heater propane? Im trying to decide if i should invest this fall in an insulated tent like ShiftPod 3 but i know i want a gazelle t4 plus for summer... if my mr heater doesmt need to blast all night long to keep gazelle above -5c i think I'll be fine in my bed setup. I'd prefer to heat tent to say +15c, turn off heater and wake up to -5c. But im guessing if its -15c outside or colder the gazelle will probably cool down quickly to be almost as cold as outside. I'm new to winter camping. This winter will be my first. And sorry i dont know Fahrenheit, just celsius cuz I'm in Canada 😊
-15c outside is honestly warm for me lol
The Gazelle is very…ventilated. It doesn’t retain any amount of heat. I never run my Mr Heater Buddy when I sleep, so I rely on bedding to stay warm enough through the night. These days I couple a 0°F-rated sleeping bag with a 12v electric blanket I run off a power station. Then fire up the heater when I wake up to warm up the space for getting dressed.
I guess I didn’t answer your actual question. 😄 How cold I can camp in it is a function of my bedding, not a function of the tent. I’ve slept comfortably at -12°F (-24°C) with an electric blanket and an extra blanket on top of my sleeping bag.
Thank you. Both your replies are very helpful. I agree about not running a propane heater or anything more than an electric blanket at night!
I might camp in -24c and my sleeping setup should be super warm - and I plan to have a power station by winter so my electric blanket should work! Those things don't use much power. I'd much rather own this ventilated tent for summer and still be able to use it for winter rather than owning both this expensive tent and another expensive tent like the ShiftPod.
So, do you think in -10 to -20c weather that during the day Mr heater can keep the tent warmer than 5c without being on high heat? Thanks again!!
@@TheSkystrider I mean, I've never sat in there with a thermometer to know exactly what the temperatures are. I would run the heater on High until it's too warm inside, and then turn it down to low to maintain. I feel like I could generally keep it 40 degrees (F) warmer inside than outside...again, that's just an estimate based on the recollection that I could keep it comfortably "room temperature" inside even if it was freezing outside.
One other thing that was suggested to me but which I never tried (because I moved on from the Gazelle to sleeping in my truck): in cold weather some people drape some kind of blanket over that massive roof vent before putting on the rain fly. I'm sure that would make a significant difference in reducing heat loss.
What do you do for ventilation for the buddy heater?
I camp in my small transit connect and find that if I place a fleece blanket below me and then my sleeping bag on top, my bottom layer stays very warm
The Gazelle tent is extremely well ventilated, almost too much so actually, it's drafty on a windy winter night. The entire roof is mesh. That gets covered with the rainfly but remains a lot of airflow all the time.
My favorite way to stay warm is to wait till spring to camp , like a normal person
A diesel heater, LOL!
Your timing is impeccable. I am moving a family member to TX in Feb. and I'll be making an exploration out of the return--TX, NM, AZ, CA: 2200 miles. The highest elevation will be in New Mexico (9000ft) where recent weather forecast had the lows at 16 degrees F, and dropping. (YIKES!) These will be the coldest temps I'll have camped thus far. You're right about looking out for deals, I just got a sweet deal on a 0 degree sleeping bag from REI's used gear store--almost 80% off! But the little experience I have has taught method BASE layers are clutch! Morino cotton or polypropylene fabrics are the best for these.
I need to revisit REI for sale items - last purchase was a lightweight Smartwool long sleeve Merino wool top. One of the most important purchases I've made.
On my way back to my TX "homebase", I camped near Whites City, NM, finding the temps a little warmer than the rest of the state. Of course, camping in a desert like area is a trade off - no windbreaks to speak of.
Nice score from REI!
Looks like spring in Russia)
Haha, I'm sure our winters don't begin to compare. :-) Plus it's been unusually warm and lacking in snow this year. A year ago it was impossible to get to this spot...there were feet of snow here, not inches. :-)