Hello, I'm sure if I did some more browsing I'd find my answer, but I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me about hot tent basics (website link is fine) and the best place to purchase one. Better yet, maybe someone has one for sale?. 3-4 person or smaller is fine.

I've cold camped before with my dog and it was fine, but the lows were not below 20 degrees. I'm a little worried about my dog sleeping in lower temps., thus the desire for a hot tent setup.

Thanks

You can get a good start by using the "search" function on this board. Here are the results from a search for "hot tent".

Search "hot tent"

Another good website for info on hot tents is wintertrekking.com. they have a forum also.

A nice one in the for sale forum: Campfire Tent

Lately iv been wondering the same. this helps. What do you do for a floor (i wish not to cut tree branches for such a temporary adventure)? In fact I know cutting tree branches is against the law in the bwca....

quote Joseph16: "Lately iv been wondering the same. this helps. What do you do for a floor (i wish not to cut tree branches for such a temporary adventure)? In fact I know cutting tree branches is against the law in the bwca...."

In untrod areas with little people pressure the traditional floor of a hot tent would be spruce branches. You are correct that it is not legal to use this method in the BWCA, nor would it be appropriate in any highly used area.

In this type of areas there are a number of choices. In fact, there is no set rules. Any number of choices. Many use tarps, some use tyvek. Others use closed cell foam mats (cheap blue sleeping mats), or the inter locking kids play mats. Wool blankets. Just about anything you can think of is appropriate.

Snowtrekker tents, the manufacturer of the most popular hot tents, sells a heavy duty truckers type of tarp as a floor mat for use in their tents.

Why even bother with a floor? I removed the floor of my canvas tent, just left 10 inches for a sodcloth. No worry about dragging in wet boots/clothes/dogs. Just use a ground cover for your sleeping space.

butthead

Hmm, I think I will cold camp again! 1000 dollars for a tent (or even 700) I may use once a year does not seem worth it.

Any advice in keeping a dog warm? I used a blue cell foam pad and a summer sleeping bag for my G.Shepherd to lay on. I know she has a double coat but I remember her looking uncomfortable sleeping in 20 degree weather. She is an indoor dog.

Would two layers of cell foam pad work for extra insulation? Or is there a better alternative?

Every January I go with Scouts to central Wisconsin and camp in a basic Eureka Temberline. With two sleeping bags and my Exped DLX9 - no problem even at 20 below. Can't help with dog - maybe pads and an old quilt? I also take a wool blanket that I use to wrap around head and arms and such - whatever is not in bag.

Sure wish I could afford the $1500 for a tent and stove....

I've done the double sleeping bag and it works. I'm not worried about me, I'm worried about my dog. I think I will plan on doing a double padding+sleeping bag and a wool blanket or something to cover her.

I did use an inflatable air bed in the past, but that is broken now =[

I don't know how far you are travelling in, but I saw one winter group that laid 2' X 8' pce of styrofoam (extruded styrene for the purist) and set tent on top. 3 pieces is just right for a timberline 4.

quote JCizzler: "Hmm, I think I will cold camp again! 1000 dollars for a tent (or even 700) I may use once a year does not seem worth it.

quote>

Once you try hot tenting, you may use it more then once a year. It's addictive.

In regards to the dog-----it's a good idea to have a couple of layers of pad for both yourself and the dog. I use a closed cell pad with a thermorest on top.

The dog could use a couple of pads and a sleeping bag. They are affected by the cold, especially if they aren't used to it. Make her as comfortable as you are.

quote billconner: "I don't know how far you are travelling in, but I saw one winter group that laid 2' X 8' pce of styrofoam (extruded styrene for the purist) and set tent on top. 3 pieces is just right for a timberline 4."

I've been pondering a way to use a stack of 2x8' xps foam as a sled that then doubles as part of a shelter. Strong enough? flammability...? haven't figured if it would make sense yet.

I would not put a stove or lantern on xps. Maybe with one of those roll up sledding things?

roll up sled

Or two or them spliced? Maybe a carpet runner or mat?

Clear vinyl runner

Seems like the bottom needs protection from rocks and stuff. Not sure they would not break over a hill or log.

"Hmm, I think I will cold camp again! 1000 dollars for a tent (or even 700) I may use once a year does not seem worth it."

Don't need to spend that much, Davis Tent. Others are out there, and consider used. I purchased a 10x12 Laacke Joys Wildwood Canvas Tent several years ago for $300,

butthead

Matt and I had our sleeping bags, and then a down comforter over the top of us both, with the dog in the middle on top of reflectix and a tarp... he did okay :) He also had his winter jacket on!