.
What should we camp in? We've considered tents but aren't sure how bad the wildlife can get up there. We want to check out the Porcupine Mts. and all around there. We don't really plan on staying at an actual campground...like a state owned one...due to the cost. (we're staying a week)
We've also considered a popup camper but is this much safer than a tent really?
Answer
The only thing up north that could be considered "dangerous" would be black bears or wolves and I've never heard of any problems with either.I'd use a pop-up only for comfort reasons.Don't sweat it
The only thing up north that could be considered "dangerous" would be black bears or wolves and I've never heard of any problems with either.I'd use a pop-up only for comfort reasons.Don't sweat it
Cold Weather Camping Equipment?
Ryan Johns
I really want to head up into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, or even Canada if I can, this winter and go camping with my buddies. I need to know what the best gear is for Cold Weather Camping though. It has been a long time sense the last time I went camping so my knowledge on gear is a bit out of date. A comprehensive list though would be very effective though. The most cost effective gear would be nice also. I don't want someone putting on a list a pair of $100 boots and $30 socks. Lets be real people not all of us are Scrooge Mc'Duck
Answer
The keys to staying warm are staying dry, insulation and diet. You will need to spend a little more for quality gear that's for sure buying second hand will save you some bucks. Start with a tent rated for 3-4 seasons these are built to handle the weather and keep you dry. Coleman tents are well known for completing that task without breaking the budget.
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/category_main.asp?CategoryID=11000
Next is tent site selection and preparation. Choose a site that is level or with a very slight slope so that rain will drain away from your tent, with full sun and wind protection. Put down a thick layer of leaf duff, throw a ground tarp over that and set up your tent on top of that. The duff is a natural insulator, the tarp is a water barrier. Make sure your tent is set good and taught so it performs as designed.
Inside the tent put down a furniture pad $10 bucks at uhaul and then put down a closed cell foam mat, the thicker the better I use a 3inch pad I got at Walmart for $40. Next use a winter rated sleeping bag zero* or colder again Coleman makes a bag in your price range. Add a fleece liner and on top of that use a regular comforter.
Now some folks argue effectively to sleep in the buff I say sleep in your thermal under-ware that is a wicking type since the body sweats and moisture is a heat killer. That is all you can do for that.
Next is diet. Before you hit the sack eat a meal high in carbs and drink lots of fluids. Your body needs the carbs and fluids to make heat energy, of course drinking fluids (no booze) will cause a call of nature so get up and go as it takes away heat to heat up a full bladder and you can't sleep anyway. You will warm up quickly after.
Next is always a big debate the use of heaters in a tent. ALL FUEL BASED HEATERS ARE DEADLY. They produce carbon monoxide gas and burn up oxygen a deadly combination. Now some tents are designed for tent stoves that have vents for chimneys and these are the only tents safe to do so, however they are not cheap $500+. and another $500 for the stove. If your camping at a site that has electricity, and many do now, an electric heater is the only way to go.
Do all this and you will be toasty warm without spending a fortune. Here is a link with more winter camping info,
The keys to staying warm are staying dry, insulation and diet. You will need to spend a little more for quality gear that's for sure buying second hand will save you some bucks. Start with a tent rated for 3-4 seasons these are built to handle the weather and keep you dry. Coleman tents are well known for completing that task without breaking the budget.
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/category_main.asp?CategoryID=11000
Next is tent site selection and preparation. Choose a site that is level or with a very slight slope so that rain will drain away from your tent, with full sun and wind protection. Put down a thick layer of leaf duff, throw a ground tarp over that and set up your tent on top of that. The duff is a natural insulator, the tarp is a water barrier. Make sure your tent is set good and taught so it performs as designed.
Inside the tent put down a furniture pad $10 bucks at uhaul and then put down a closed cell foam mat, the thicker the better I use a 3inch pad I got at Walmart for $40. Next use a winter rated sleeping bag zero* or colder again Coleman makes a bag in your price range. Add a fleece liner and on top of that use a regular comforter.
Now some folks argue effectively to sleep in the buff I say sleep in your thermal under-ware that is a wicking type since the body sweats and moisture is a heat killer. That is all you can do for that.
Next is diet. Before you hit the sack eat a meal high in carbs and drink lots of fluids. Your body needs the carbs and fluids to make heat energy, of course drinking fluids (no booze) will cause a call of nature so get up and go as it takes away heat to heat up a full bladder and you can't sleep anyway. You will warm up quickly after.
Next is always a big debate the use of heaters in a tent. ALL FUEL BASED HEATERS ARE DEADLY. They produce carbon monoxide gas and burn up oxygen a deadly combination. Now some tents are designed for tent stoves that have vents for chimneys and these are the only tents safe to do so, however they are not cheap $500+. and another $500 for the stove. If your camping at a site that has electricity, and many do now, an electric heater is the only way to go.
Do all this and you will be toasty warm without spending a fortune. Here is a link with more winter camping info,
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