Picked up this trash in last two days at camp. There were 3 of us so this is 1/3 of the trash. Got me wondering, do I leave this much behind? It's not a lot and not a major deal but I try to be careful and was just thinking I hope I don't leave anything behind but nobody's perfect.

I'm sure we all leave something small behind and one point or another. For instance that looks like a tent stake in there. That could be hard to see if its laying in the dirt or in the leaves/grass. I'm sure it wasn't left on purpose, any of us could make that mistake.

However, the last thing I do before getting into my loaded canoe and pushing off from a campsite is to walk the site really well one last time. I make sure I didn't do something stupid like forget something on the fire grate or around the tarp area or tent pad but I also look for any last small spec of paper or garbage that might have been missed. These things stick out a lot more once camp is empty of all other gear. Anything I find goes in my pocket until the garbage bag is accessible at the next destination.

I seem to always find some small piece of garbage (corner of a wrapper, piece of foil, couple inches of fishing line I trimmed off, or something left by another camper). If you don't do the last look over your camp after all gear is removed then its easy to miss something small.

I think I am at some sort of equilibrium, when it comes to tent stakes lost vs those found...

One twist-tie?!? You couldn't have been looking... :-)

Yes, it's annoying to find all manner of junk. It just goes in the trash bag and faggetaboutit.

I think I would burn everything in the picture with the exception of the tent stake, even the plastic. I'm not hauling out anyone else's trash that can be burned with no trace left behind in the fire pit.

That's pretty tame, I am sure we all leave things behind at some point. We always make the rounds though before we leave to clean up, I assume my camps are good but I've never followed myself.

T

Once over a couple of longish portages, never had a problem with camp trash or fire pit issues. Minor trash at most. Near entry point camps have a varied history for us. We clean them up or if too bad, move on, Especially if slammer is used for trash. With more base camping near the entry or just one portage, our chances for this problem has increased. Even so, We have been fortunate at most camps we visit and stay there with few problems.

Especially when we have the kids along, we have a "trail bootie" contest.
See who finds the most stuff and the best stuff. My grand daughter even started patrolling the shallow water to find things. Good she had on her water shoes - lots of fishing stuff and hooks. Mostly they find pieces of rope, cord, fishing line, leaders, and small waste paper and plastic.

quote Grandma L: "Especially when we have the kids along, we have a "trail bootie" contest.
See who finds the most stuff and the best stuff. My grand daughter even started patrolling the shallow water to find things. Good she had on her water shoes - lots of fishing stuff and hooks. Mostly they find pieces of rope, cord, fishing line, leaders, and small waste paper and plastic."

The scouts always had us walk a campsite before we left. This is a great idea, though, for kids. I can see weighing it up when you get back to the car and having a significant prize for the winner. That would be fun, and teach good stewardship.

I always walk the camp before I leave. Always find something that was not mine. One thing I learned on my last trip to Quetico was that the cap for the MSN propane fuel bottles are the worst color possible for camping. Black. Easy to miss. Should be a nasty color that stands out.

Spray paint it. I remember in the Boy Scouts they would have us line up next to each other and and walk forward to 'police' the area. I hated Boy Scouts. That left a trace...

quote Rustycards: "Picked up this trash in last two days at camp. There were 3 of us so this is 1/3 of the trash. Got me wondering, do I leave this much behind? It's not a lot and not a major deal but I try to be careful and was just thinking I hope I don't leave anything behind but nobody's perfect. "

We put stuff right into our trash bag when we are done (wrappers etc). As stated before, a simple last comb of the site helps. To me, if that were left at camp, it would be a big deal.

quote LuvMyBell: "I think I would burn everything in the picture with the exception of the tent stake, even the plastic. I'm not hauling out anyone else's trash that can be burned with no trace left behind in the fire pit."

That's a shame.

quote LuvMyBell: "I think I would burn everything in the picture with the exception of the tent stake, even the plastic. I'm not hauling out anyone else's trash that can be burned with no trace left behind in the fire pit."

I wonder if that's what the people who left melted plastic all over the rocks around the fire grate at one of our campsites last week thought. I just love when I'm in the woods and smell burning petroleum products.

quote AJ2008: "

quote Rustycards: "Picked up this trash in last two days at camp. There were 3 of us so this is 1/3 of the trash. Got me wondering, do I leave this much behind? It's not a lot and not a major deal but I try to be careful and was just thinking I hope I don't leave anything behind but nobody's perfect. "

We put stuff right into our trash bag when we are done (wrappers etc). As stated before, a simple last comb of the site helps. To me, if that were left at camp, it would be a big deal."

yes, I can't imagine finding that much of my group's garbage laying around. Sure, things get misplaced or a wrapper corner might get blown out of your hand, but I really just can't understand that much garbage getting dropped/thrown on the ground.

quote cycle003: "

quote LuvMyBell: "I think I would burn everything in the picture with the exception of the tent stake, even the plastic. I'm not hauling out anyone else's trash that can be burned with no trace left behind in the fire pit."

I wonder if that's what the people who left melted plastic all over the rocks around the fire grate at one of our campsites last week thought. I just love when I'm in the woods and smell burning petroleum products."

Don't get me wrong here, I've hauled out plenty of other people's trash over the years and would never burn anything that would leave any kind of trace behind. When our group, 6 - 9 people, leave a campsite it is always cleaner and in better shape than we found it.

A large campfire (kept within the confines of the established fire pit) is a must on our trips and there is nothing in the posted picture that wouldn't burn completely away.

Judge not less you be judged.............

Just don't put poopy pampers in the fire!
No!!!......

I too have left every campsite I've camped at cleaner than I found it. I've not left anything behind in my 9 years of BWCA camping. How does that happen?

A few years back this is what was left at a camp on Seagull.

quote Mickeal: " A few years back this is what was left at a camp on Seagull.


"

2 free nalgenes, score!

your right tarnkt. Not all junk is trash.

While it's sad and inconvenient to find these things, I'll encourage people NOT to burn their or other's trash, especially the plasticy, rubbery, foily things. I used to think it was just a "wilderness recommendation" intended to prevent those little silver packets we find in nearly all fire pits. Later I learned it is actually a violation of Minnesota state law to burn trash in a fire. Before you dismiss this as needless, please take 2-3 minutes to read this: DNR trash burning article

I used to think if I had a hot fire and left no remnants all was good. I've changed that thinking and now pack all my (and other's) garbage out. Bottom line is it really isn't that much in terms of either space or weight.

I almost started a thread like this last week when I got back. I packed out a half a broken fishing rod someone left on the fire grate, a woman's REI jute woven hat, and a sandwich sized freeze bag stuffed with all sorts of bit I picked up. I've made it a practice to keep a smaller freezer back in my left cargo pocket just for other's trash. I even used a latex surgical glove from my first aid kit to pick up some gross thing I could not identify. I hated having to do it, but felt good about how I left my sites.

quote tarnkt: "

quote Mickeal: " A few years back this is what was left at a camp on Seagull.

"

2 free nalgenes, score!"

Hmmm, one was probably the night time pee bottle and one carried the leeches - which one are you going to drink from?

quote LuvMyBell: "

quote cycle003: "

quote LuvMyBell: "I think I would burn everything in the picture with the exception of the tent stake, even the plastic. I'm not hauling out anyone else's trash that can be burned with no trace left behind in the fire pit."

I wonder if that's what the people who left melted plastic all over the rocks around the fire grate at one of our campsites last week thought. I just love when I'm in the woods and smell burning petroleum products."

Don't get me wrong here, I've hauled out plenty of other people's trash over the years and would never burn anything that would leave any kind of trace behind. When our group, 6 - 9 people, leave a campsite it is always cleaner and in better shape than we found it.


A large campfire (kept within the confines of the established fire pit) is a must on our trips and there is nothing in the posted picture that wouldn't burn completely away.


Judge not less you be judged............."

Ah, burning plastic leaves a trace.

quote rtallent: "I think I am at some sort of equilibrium, when it comes to tent stakes lost vs those found..."

+1. :)

quote rtallent: "I think I am at some sort of equilibrium, when it comes to tent stakes lost vs those found..."

I am definitely ahead on the tent stake issue - through the years I have found many, more than enough to fill a Nalgene.

quote scat: "Just don't put poopy pampers in the fire!
No!!!......"

I have never found that kind of garbage left behind. Probably because I don't trip anywhere close to entry points. I doubt many people who take babies in diapers into the BWCA , go as far as we do.

quote tarnkt: "

quote Mickeal: " A few years back this is what was left at a camp on Seagull.



"

2 free nalgenes, score!"

+1.…


Everything else would burn without a trace.

Yes, even the ketchup bottle.

quote Frenchy19: "

quote LuvMyBell: "

quote cycle003: "

quote LuvMyBell: "I think I would burn everything in the picture with the exception of the tent stake, even the plastic. I'm not hauling out anyone else's trash that can be burned with no trace left behind in the fire pit."

I wonder if that's what the people who left melted plastic all over the rocks around the fire grate at one of our campsites last week thought. I just love when I'm in the woods and smell burning petroleum products."

Don't get me wrong here, I've hauled out plenty of other people's trash over the years and would never burn anything that would leave any kind of trace behind. When our group, 6 - 9 people, leave a campsite it is always cleaner and in better shape than we found it.



A large campfire (kept within the confines of the established fire pit) is a must on our trips and there is nothing in the posted picture that wouldn't burn completely away.



Judge not less you be judged............."

Ah, burning plastic leaves a trace."

We are not talking burning car tires here. Every car, truck, train, air conditioner, hot water heater,a and fireplace puts more harmful emissions into the atmosphere everyday than my burning that small plastic container in the OP picture.

Let's keep things in perspective.

quote Jaywalker: "

quote tarnkt: "

quote Mickeal: " A few years back this is what was left at a camp on Seagull.


"

2 free nalgenes, score!"

Hmmm, one was probably the night time pee bottle and one carried the leeches - which one are you going to drink from?
"

It's amazing what a thorough cleaning with hot soapy water and a little bleach will do.

Of course before I would ever consider keeping, cleaning or using a Nalgene bottle that I found, I would unscrew the lid and do the smell test. Urine has a long lasting odor that would be easy to detect.

To be honest, I'm not sure what I'd do if I ever found one used to pee in. Definitely I wouldn't attempt to clean and reuse. Because of it's size, I probably wouldn't burn it. Most likely I'd hook a carabinier on it and hang it on the outside if a pack and dispose it at the first garbage can I came across.

By the way, why would anyone ever use a Nalgene bottle to pee in? Get your lazy butt out of your tent or hammock and pee in the provided toilet or on the ground away from the lake and your tent. Duh!!!!!

quote Jaywalker: "

quote tarnkt: "

quote Mickeal: " A few years back this is what was left at a camp on Seagull.


"

2 free nalgenes, score!"

Hmmm, one was probably the night time pee bottle and one carried the leeches - which one are you going to drink from?
"

Funny you ask that. I have found a handful of these over the years and they are never reused as water bottles. They become leech containers, humidors (no more busted stogies), or booze bottles (alcohol kills everything right?).

We just got back from Quetico and I was surprised at how much aluminum foil is left at campsites. Every site we either stopped at to check out or to actually camp at had foil in the fire pit. They need to ban aluminum foil just like cans and bottles. As for other liter we found lots of twist ties and plastic bread closures. Plus lots of pieces of liter from granola bar wrappers and drink packets. As for Junk we found two tent stakes, a squeeze bottle top, tent line, a lead head jig, and a leader with snaps and a pack buckle.

Last year I did a solo with one day that had a lot of portages (double-portaging). I kept getting run over on these by a 4-person group. (I'm slow, would have appreciated a little more time at the pull outs, but whatever.)

Anyway, at one there was a bag and other garbage before the other end of the portage. I really didn't want more stuff to carry, so when they asked how far was the portage, I gave them an idea and said when they get to the bag of garbage at the side of the trail, they were getting close.

Fortunately, they took the hint -- and picked up the bag of garbage, as they went through. I'd have grabbed it if it'd still been there on my second trip through, but for all the annoying things this group did (e.g., loud conversations right off my campsite at about 6:30 a.m.), I was glad they grabbed the garbage.

quote LuvMyBell:
We are not talking burning car tires here. Every car, truck, train, air conditioner, hot water heater,a and fireplace puts more harmful emissions into the atmosphere everyday than my burning that small plastic container in the OP picture.


Let's keep things in perspective."

Cars, trucks, trains, etc. are pretty efficient at converting fuel to energy. But guess what? All of these use engines/motors that are assisted by some mechanical means to enhance the combustion of fuel. They also use relatively "clean" sources of fuel--i.e. they combust easily--gasoline, natural gas, propane, etc. The exhaust is MOSTLY CO2 and water vapor.

Campfires/firepits are a totally different story. Their capacity to burn fuel is limited by airflow. Limited airflow means limited oxygen, and only limited power to burn the fuel. Because of this combustion is usually not 'complete' ... This is why campfire smoke is a dark grey (some soot particles no doubt, but also a blend of gasified combustion byproducts) and the exhaust coming from your car (if your catalytic converter works) is invisible.

Adding trash like plastics and rubbers makes this matter even worse. These materials already require significant airflow and heat to completely combust (or to have that clean exhaust of CO2/water vapor). Instead they just partially degrade into toxic byproducts, causing the thick, foul, black smoke that you see when burning trash.

The most toxic of these byproducts is a compound called dioxin. This chemical causes cancer and birth defects. It is very stable and takes a very very long time to break down. It can accumulate in the food chain like mercury does. It is passed through the placenta to growing fetuses and is passed through breastmilk.

Dioxins are the reasons burn barrels are usually illegal unless they meet certain specifications for efficiency or only burn certain types of waste.

Kids can get exposed to this stuff playing in the dirt downwind of your fire because it is stable. And remember--it causes cancer.

Dioxin - Wikipedia

This is why burning plastic is 'worse' pollution than a car or air conditioner--it makes a super toxic and stable form of pollution called dioxin that can persist in the environment for years. Cars and a/c don't.

Contaminating any place with dioxins by burning plastic is poor environmental stewardship, but many people are ignorant of exactly how bad the smoke from burning plastics is. You are right that burning 1 plastic cup isn't a big deal in the scheme of things, but if everyone has this mentality then everyone will be burning "just 1 plastic cup." (Which means a lot of plastic cups.)

Just put in a little extra effort and please properly dispose of your garbage.

quote LuvMyBell:
A large campfire (kept within the confines of the established fire pit) is a must on our trips and there is nothing in the posted picture that wouldn't burn completely away.
Judge not less you be judged............."

Yeah, I really hate it when I find half melted plastic containers in the fire grate. Or the balled up aluminum foil. Really hate that one.

Don't burn trash. Pack it out.

Another incentive to packing out your trash...if you burn down a whole lot of the forest, and they trace it back to you and burning trash at the campsite you were at, well, you can be charged, just like this guy: Ham Lake fire guy

Dioxins, just another reason I never cook anything directly on the fire grate.

I rent out one of my cabins that has a rock fire ring in front of the deck. I am constantly reminding people not to burn their trash in it.
People cook hot dogs and marshmallows over it.

"Don't burn trash. Pack it out."

And then what? Put it in a landfill? Just because you cover it with dirt doesn't mean it is no longer harmful to the environment...remember, matter can not be eliminated, but can only change form (gas, liquid, solid). Solids require huge holes in the earth to cover them, subsequently requiring clearing trees/land, they break down over time, petroleum based and other liquid products seep into the earth and subsequently ground water...those not completely covered continue to blow in the wind and down the road where they remain visible trash. Even recycling processes create vast amounts of warm water discharge and gases, depending on the method. Sad to say, but no way of getting rid of trash trumps another, just changes the form of the trash...so for convenience sake, and in the absence manufacturing the product in the first place or reusing or re-purposing, burning is no more or less worse than any other method...in fact it's more proactive and cost effective than paying somebody else to do the dirty work.

quote 2old4U: ""Don't burn trash. Pack it out."


And then what? Put it in a landfill? Just because you cover it with dirt doesn't mean it is no longer harmful to the environment...remember, matter can not be eliminated, but can only change form (gas, liquid, solid). Solids require huge holes in the earth to cover them, subsequently requiring clearing trees/land, they break down over time, petroleum based and other liquid products seep into the earth and subsequently ground water...those not completely covered continue to blow in the wind and down the road where they remain visible trash. Even recycling processes create vast amounts of warm water discharge and gases, depending on the method. Sad to say, but no way of getting rid of trash trumps another, just changes the form of the trash...so for convenience sake, and in the absence manufacturing the product in the first place or reusing or re-purposing, burning is no more or less worse than any other method...in fact it's more proactive and cost effective than paying somebody else to do the dirty work. "

That's absurd. The notion that all waste management strategies are equal is ludicrous. There are good reasons why we don't all burn our garbage in our yards.

To me, it's incredibly sad seeing the disregard people have for special places like the BW, and I cannot imagine leaving behind the mess and destruction too commonly seen. Burning trash, especially as it's commonly practiced at campsites, is a big component of that, and we often find melted plastic, half-burnt food and charred foil and cans in the fire pits.

PLEASE follow the law and pack out your garbage. Anything else is pure rationalization of why you are above the rules...

Absurd? Really? Enlighten us to the method of disposal that is NOT detrimental in one way or the other to the environment then. And, your option can not include creating a secondary waste while eliminating the first. I'm all ears..

Trail Bootie - valuable stuff now and then!

quote Mickeal: " A few years back this is what was left at a camp on Seagull.


"

1 thing that cracks me up about this pic is, there on an entry point lake and cant just throw that garbage in there canoe until they get to the landing. some people just dont get it :(

quote shock: "

quote Mickeal: " A few years back this is what was left at a camp on Seagull.



"

1 thing that cracks me up about this pic is, there on an entry point lake and cant just throw that garbage in there canoe until they get to the landing. some people just dont get it :("

That and nalgene bottles aren't exactly cheap. Surprised they left those and their undies.

quote 2old4U: ""Don't burn trash. Pack it out."


And then what? Put it in a landfill? Just because you cover it with dirt doesn't mean it is no longer harmful to the environment...remember, matter can not be eliminated, but can only change form (gas, liquid, solid). Solids require huge holes in the earth to cover them, subsequently requiring clearing trees/land, they break down over time, petroleum based and other liquid products seep into the earth and subsequently ground water...those not completely covered continue to blow in the wind and down the road where they remain visible trash. Even recycling processes create vast amounts of warm water discharge and gases, depending on the method. Sad to say, but no way of getting rid of trash trumps another, just changes the form of the trash...so for convenience sake, and in the absence manufacturing the product in the first place or reusing or re-purposing, burning is no more or less worse than any other method...in fact it's more proactive and cost effective than paying somebody else to do the dirty work. "

Got to agree with you and Luv here. Burning makes the most sense and has the least impact for these minuscule quantities. If you worry about the legal aspects, just trip in the Quetico. As for the melted plastic and foil in fire pits, that is because ignorant people just don't know how to burn. Since much packaging has foil but looks like it will burn, simply take the remnant foil out of the cold ashes and pack it out. Very simple. If you don't know how to completely burn plastic, and aren't willing to pack out the foil, then no, you should not burn.

My boys and I have a sort of competition to find something on every site, trail, etc. I have taught them to really dislike litter.

My personal problem is with Cigarette butts. Hate to see them.

quote 3Ball: "My boys and I have a sort of competition to find something on every site, trail, etc. I have taught them to really dislike litter.


My personal problem is with Cigarette butts. Hate to see them. "

I was surprised in our whole week we were in Quetico that we only found 1 cigarette butt at campsites and on portage trails. My wife expected to see more.

quote OldFingers57: "

quote 3Ball: "My boys and I have a sort of competition to find something on every site, trail, etc. I have taught them to really dislike litter.



My personal problem is with Cigarette butts. Hate to see them. "

I was surprised in our whole week we were in Quetico that we only found 1 cigarette butt at campsites and on portage trails. My wife expected to see more.
"

I just returned a few days ago as well and while I was not looking for them, I don't recall seeing a single butt either. Hooray!

quote 3Ball: "My boys and I have a sort of competition to find something on every site, trail, etc. I have taught them to really dislike litter.


My personal problem is with Cigarette butts. Hate to see them. "

My Forest Service partner and I used to do the same thing...he'd always win because I refused to dig through the fire-grate ashes. Sometimes we'd find some good stuff (fishing lures, pocket knives, money) but mostly tinfoil, twist-ties, and flossing picks.

quote Minnesotian: "

quote LuvMyBell:
A large campfire (kept within the confines of the established fire pit) is a must on our trips and there is nothing in the posted picture that wouldn't burn completely away.
Judge not less you be judged............."

Yeah, I really hate it when I find half melted plastic containers in the fire grate. Or the balled up aluminum foil. Really hate that one.


Don't burn trash. Pack it out.


Another incentive to packing out your trash...if you burn down a whole lot of the forest, and they trace it back to you and burning trash at the campsite you were at, well, you can be charged, just like this guy: Ham Lake fire guy "

Two sides to every story, Burned

quote LuvMyBell: "

quote Jaywalker: "

quote tarnkt: "

quote Mickeal: " A few years back this is what was left at a camp on Seagull.



"

2 free nalgenes, score!"

Hmmm, one was probably the night time pee bottle and one carried the leeches - which one are you going to drink from?
"

It's amazing what a thorough cleaning with hot soapy water and a little bleach will do.


Of course before I would ever consider keeping, cleaning or using a Nalgene bottle that I found, I would unscrew the lid and do the smell test. Urine has a long lasting odor that would be easy to detect.


To be honest, I'm not sure what I'd do if I ever found one used to pee in. Definitely I wouldn't attempt to clean and reuse. Because of it's size, I probably wouldn't burn it. Most likely I'd hook a carabinier on it and hang it on the outside if a pack and dispose it at the first garbage can I came across.


By the way, why would anyone ever use a Nalgene bottle to pee in? Get your lazy butt out of your tent or hammock and pee in the provided toilet or on the ground away from the lake and your tent. Duh!!!!! "

Ever cold tent camped in Jan/Feb?

Quote Brux
"Ever cold tent camped in Jan/Feb?"

What does that have to do with this? The whole discussion is about summer camping based on the photos and previous comments.

I think it is weird to pee in the tent too--is this a common thing? I have the same distance to walk as I do at home essentially but to each there own. I don't really care as long as I am not in the tent with ya :), but was a new one for me. I guess I can see if there is a really bad storm or winter conditions referenced above. Learn something new on this site all the time.

T

quote billconner: "

quote Minnesotian: "

quote LuvMyBell:
A large campfire (kept within the confines of the established fire pit) is a must on our trips and there is nothing in the posted picture that wouldn't burn completely away.
Judge not less you be judged............."

Yeah, I really hate it when I find half melted plastic containers in the fire grate. Or the balled up aluminum foil. Really hate that one.



Don't burn trash. Pack it out.



Another incentive to packing out your trash...if you burn down a whole lot of the forest, and they trace it back to you and burning trash at the campsite you were at, well, you can be charged, just like this guy: Ham Lake fire guy "

Two sides to every story, Burned "

I was ignorant of this story, thanks for sharing.

Really sad, it doesn't seem likely that this guy started the fire on purpose. Just from what I read it seems unlikely the Feds had any proof. The "burning paper" charge seems completely false. How the heck do you prove that? I can see why he lied initially as getting interrogated can be intimidating. I am not litigious but I wonder if the family ever considered filing a lawsuit back at the Feds? Probably since they were running out of money already it wasn't considered?
T

quote timatkn: "Quote Brux
"Ever cold tent camped in Jan/Feb?"


What does that have to do with this? The whole discussion is about summer camping based on the photos and previous comments.


I think it is weird to pee in the tent too--is this a common thing? I have the same distance to walk as I do at home essentially but to each there own. I don't really care as long as I am not in the tent with ya :), but was a new one for me. I guess I can see if there is a really bad storm or winter conditions referenced above. Learn something new on this site all the time.


T"

I was trying to provide some enlightenment to the question posed about why anyone would want to pee in a bottle. When I'm in my bivy or hammock and it's below 20 I prefer to be "lazy". ;-)

quote brux: "

quote LuvMyBell: "

quote Jaywalker: "

quote tarnkt: "

quote Mickeal: " A few years back this is what was left at a camp on Seagull.



"

2 free nalgenes, score!"

Hmmm, one was probably the night time pee bottle and one carried the leeches - which one are you going to drink from?
"

It's amazing what a thorough cleaning with hot soapy water and a little bleach will do.



Of course before I would ever consider keeping, cleaning or using a Nalgene bottle that I found, I would unscrew the lid and do the smell test. Urine has a long lasting odor that would be easy to detect.



To be honest, I'm not sure what I'd do if I ever found one used to pee in. Definitely I wouldn't attempt to clean and reuse. Because of it's size, I probably wouldn't burn it. Most likely I'd hook a carabinier on it and hang it on the outside if a pack and dispose it at the first garbage can I came across.



By the way, why would anyone ever use a Nalgene bottle to pee in? Get your lazy butt out of your tent or hammock and pee in the provided toilet or on the ground away from the lake and your tent. Duh!!!!! "

Ever cold tent camped in Jan/Feb?"

Not Northern Minnesota cold, but I do winter camp all the time in Missouri. Very rarely completely cold tent camp. Because I don't have to portage on my local rivers I usually have my Mr. Heater Big Buddy along for warming up the tent in the mornings to get dressed.

I can't imagine cold tent camping in Northern Minnesota winter weather without some source of reliable, ready heat without which you can't even get out of your tent/sleeping bag to pee. I don't see any enjoyment in that but to each his/her own.

hopefully it wasn't the poop Nalgene...I would burn that