Hey everyone,

Any tips and suggestions before I make the plunge to get a Snowtrekker tent for this winter? I'm looking at getting a EXP Shortwall 3P for my fiancé and myself and possibly a brave guest to venture into the BWCA this winter. We've done plenty of cold camping trips near the BWCA and George Crosby State Park, but adding heat will be great for trips into the BWCA.

Should I be worried about wind catching the short wall on the tent, or is it really not an issue? I've read to get the Large stove instead of the Medium to avoid having to cut everything small am I going to notice the bigger stove in the 3p tent? Any other insight?

Thank you!!

Rick

My advice would be to wait a month or two to see the newest Snowtrekker designs for '12. I know they just anounced a new solo tent. Maybe you could get a deal on the '11 tents.

If you have Facebook, look them up they are pretty good at posting updates there.

Go to the Winter Symposium to get a hands on look at them :)

quote rharjes: "Hey everyone,


Should I be worried about wind catching the short wall on the tent, or is it really not an issue? I've read to get the Large stove instead of the Medium to avoid having to cut everything small am I going to notice the bigger stove in the 3p tent? Any other insight?

Thank you!!

Rick"

In regards to wind worries......."Hot tents" like the Snowtrekker are not "expedition" style tents. They aren't intended to be pitched on the side of Mt. Everest in hurricane force winds. They are intended to be used tucked into the woods away from open shorelines and not exposed to unabated winds. You want to shelter your tent, and your campsite away from the wind as much as possible.......not only for the tent, but your body will appreciate being sheltered from the winds as well. Wind is your worst enemy when winter camping.

So, if you choose your campsite correctly, wind should not be a big concern.

Don't forget, in regards to picking a stove. The Snowtrekker's are the top of the line tents. The tent and it's poles are light weight, easy to pull on a sled (a pulk). A bigger stove may seem nice, but don't forget that you're gonna be lugging all your gear, and the lighter stoves will take up less space, less weight to lug, and may actually heat more efficiently. I'm sure the Snowtrekker man can best advise you as to what would be the best stove choice for your tent.

Like Soledad said, set up in protected area if it is windy. I'd also mention that you actually bury the bottom flap with snow (to prevent drafts). Just make sure when it's time to pack up you don't pull hard on the flap if it's frozen to the ground. It will tear (I did this once). Break up the ice.

If you do put up a snow wall (ie u set up on a lake). Build it several feet away from the walls tent. If you put snow up against the short wall you will have an ice block affect (the snow all will turn into a block of ice and if u sleep by the wall it's like sleeping next to a 500lbs of ice).

I highly recommend the bigger stove (if u were carrying it on your back I'd say something different). It totally pays off because u have more wood options. U can put bigger logs in (that can burn for hours instead of maybe one hour) and it does actually warm the tent better than a medium or small.

Good luck, you'll love it.

Ps. Everyone thinks u r hardcore if u winter camp. When u bring a hit tent its actually a totally different story. Enjoy!

I bought the Snowtrekker Basecamp last year after renting Snowtrekker tents for 4 years. Very happy with it - like the stove placement in the corner. We are usually a party of 3 and use cots so need a little more room. Obviously the extra weight is the downside, but since we are pulling sleds traded a few extra pounds for more space. Got the large stove with this. Last year started camping on the ice - usually look for a narrow bay that is protected from wind and close to good trout fishing. Have not had to build a snow wall or anything and have been fine. Can't say we have ever had super strong winds though. The floor tarp ST sells with the tent works well too, but is a little slippery so we fold over and have it covering just the sleeping area.

I ended up getting a 9x11.5 EXP Crew! The stove came on Friday, and I can't wait for it to get colder out!! I'm waiting for the new fabric he's using this year but will have to wait until late October!

Rick

Congrats! You won't regret a cent!

After reading all of this, my husband and I have also agreed to get a snowtrekker ;) We were going to get the exp crew 4p in case we have brave visitors (hardly likely) with the med. stove. So excited! We will be ordering it next week after a check we're expecting arrives. Can't wait!

cjacoby,

Do you find the Basecamp model straightforward and fairly fast to setup? How does it compare with the other models you've rented in terms of setup?