BWCA Question for Solo Winter Campers Boundary Waters Winter Camping and Activities
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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
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      Question for Solo Winter Campers     

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Minnesotian
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01/26/2014 09:48AM  

So, I just headed out for the first time solo winter camping. Had a blast but also came to the understanding of how much work it is for one person. I hot tent in a homemade tent, FYI.

My question for anyone who solo trips, what is your sled weight? Or if you don't solo winter tent, what is the sled weight per person in the group?

I am curious about this because I know I have to drop some serious weight before I do this again. Crossing the lake, snowshoeing a new path was a lot of heavy work.
 
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SteveElms73
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01/26/2014 10:03AM  
I've done a few solo trips and my gear is ridiculously heavy and bulky (I can't even estimate the weight). My stove, tent and sleeping bag take up one entire sled. So basically I've resigned myself to the fact that I will be doing two trips from my truck to my tent site. So I pick spots that aren't a huge haul. In the future I may look at getting a more solo friendly set up (Snowtrekker and smaller stove etc) but for now Im ok with shorter hikes in.

I hear ya though about how much work it is solo. Even gathering fire wood can be a full time job when you're on your own. But man what a great experience being so quiet and alone in the forest eh? To me, the added work is well worth the solo time in the bush.
01/26/2014 11:32AM  
Last weekend, I tied my two sleds together and made one trip in to the Hiawatha National Forest. Went 2 miles via snowmobile trail to a lake, but then made another round trip for wood. I'm not sure where I can shave off much weight.
SteveElms73
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01/26/2014 11:41AM  
I thought about tying my two sleds together like in your photo. How did you find it worked? Were there any issues?
01/26/2014 01:53PM  
It worked a little better than I expected. My route was fairly flat and groomed. It did take extra effort to pull. I will likely do it again.
Lonelake
member (17)member
  
01/26/2014 02:19PM  
My solo setup is about 80lbs. That's with a 8x10 Snowtrekker. With my nylon tent, im down to about 70. That's with about 3 days food. Not counting skis or snowshoes. This is about the lightest I have been able to get to. I suppose I could get a titanium stove, buf have not gone that route yet.

LL
Mnpat
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01/26/2014 05:15PM  
55 pounds
That is for a 3 day trip with heat for 2 1/2 days. I turn the heat off after i get in my bag at night. I have a silnylon pyramid 10 x 10 and a round 13' diameter tipi and each weigh just under 5 lbs with pole and stakes. electric fishfinder auger and all gear to fish and camp.

If the conditions are good I bring more.
 
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