Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Winter Camping and Activities :: Hot Tent Basics
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pastorjsackett |
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pastorjsackett |
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Kawishiwashy |
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SteveElms73 |
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zachmiller |
quote SteveElms73: "Another option is to get one from an Army Surplus store. That's where mine came from. It cost about $300 and is used but I'm ok with that. I don't ever stress about getting the odd spark burn in the canvas (can't say I'd feel as easy about it on a $2000 Snow Trekker!). They are a bit heavy but not ridiculously, and have a fair bit of room inside. Mine sleeps 4 comfortably but you could sleep 5 in a pinch. If you had 4 guys to share the load can it be pulked or is this something that's better suited to driving in? Otherwise I do think renting sounds like a valid option. I'd probably only be taking one trip a year using this setup. Thanks for the tips fellas |
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SteveElms73 |
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SteveElms73 |
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Jaywalker |
quote zachmiller: "Maybe I'm biting off more than I can (or rather should) chew." No, you're not. Keep going. I second both Oldfinger and Butthead, and will add suggestion to watch some of Wintertrekker's videos on Youtube. One thing that may be helpful for you in starting to figure out your hot tent options is understanding the weight of the material. Some light weight silnylon options will be in 1.1 or 1.7 ounce material, so they will pack down and be light. Snowtrekker tents, who have a pretty big following in this area, use a 7 ounce canvas, which will be heavier and larger pack size than nylon, but lighter than other canvas. Its a very tight, high quality weave and is not used many other places. Most canvas wall tents are 10 oz, and still others including army are 12 or 14 oz. The higher the weight, the heavier and larger the packed tent will be. To help you visualize the size I've attached a photo of my double pulk system I used on my last trip. The red bag, sitting on an ordinary kiddy sled, is about 1/2 filled with my Snowtrekker tent and poles - and I've got one of the bigger models (Basecamp 8 1/2 x 11). My stove took up about the back 1/3rd of my black Paris Expedition sled. I managed to pull both pulks several mile including some trail breaking. I could easily have fit 3 guys in my tent, but that was just a solo trip. Since you mention your have some DIY skills, you might consider building a traditional style toboggan. From all reports, toboggans made from HDPE or UHMWPE plastic simply glide easier across the snow. I am planning on making my own this fall, but you can buy a kit from Black River Sleds for about $150. I like the idea because it would give me 9 feet of packing space vs about 7-8 feet on my double pulk system, and should pull easier. |
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zachmiller |
quote Jaywalker: "quote zachmiller: "Maybe I'm biting off more than I can (or rather should) chew." I was simply referring to $$$...value doesn't seem to be where it needs to be for me to invest in something that would only get used once a year. I've got 100% of what I need right now to do 3-5 day winter trips...it's just not in a cozy and spacious tent. My down coat took sub-zero trips from being bearable to being enjoyable. I would imagine a hot tent is an awesome step up...but investing in everything required for just one trip a year is probably not worth it. Renting on the other hand...that might be the ticket. I'd never have rented canoes/portage packs...but that's because I take 4-5 bwca trips a season to my 1 bwca trip in the winter. (I don't foresee myself backpacking a hot tent up a 14er in January) |
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zachmiller |
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NotLight |
quote zachmiller: "quote Jaywalker: "quote zachmiller: "Maybe I'm biting off more than I can (or rather should) chew." I looked at hot tents too. It was too much $$ and weight for me. Plus, for me, I have limited vacation time to recoup that investment. I figure I'm better off cherry picking 3-4 day weekends where the daytime forecast is in the teens or above, and just sleeping under a tarp. I'd buy one of those SeekOutside tipis if I had more vacation time. Nighttime in the cold gets a bit boring. |
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zachmiller |
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Gadfly |
quote zachmiller: "Exactly. Boring and Loooooooooooong." I don't think they are boring at all. Because I am typically moving around a lot during the day I like to kick back and play a couple games of cribbage before bed. I typically like to have my fishing lines in the water by 5 so I probably go to bed a little earlier than most as well. |
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SteveElms73 |
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awbrown |
One additional thought. Hot tenting is a great way to comfortably extend your shoulder season camping. Nothing beats that great warm evening........ |
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OldFingers57 |
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Campcraft |
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Mnpat |
They have a large mid and some nice stoves at a good price point. good luck |
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zachmiller |
Where would a guy start when it comes to getting a hot tent setup? I've been winter camping for a decade or so now, so have enough gear and experience to feel comfortable stepping up the game now. I'm looking for something that could be pulled on a pulk(s) and can accommodate between 3-6 dudes (4 w/ some elbow room would be ideal). I don't know the first thing about hot tents, and don't really know where the best resources are if I want to learn. I can be somewhat DIY, but do have funds I could use to invest...just don't feel like walking into a cabelas and taking out a mortgage. Can anyone get me started? |
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butthead |
butthead |
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OldFingers57 |
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SteveElms73 |
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zachmiller |
quote SteveElms73: "I've lugged my stove (full sized Kni-Co) along with this tent and my other gear in one trip between my dad and myself (so 2 toboggans). The stove and tent will take up one normal sized kids toboggan, if that helps at all." I don't have a kid, or a toboggan, or a kid-sized toboggan. We're still using utility sleds from Menards. Maybe I'm biting off more than I can (or rather should) chew. |
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SevenofNine |
Look at theses vendors Seekoutside Snowtrekker Tenttipi |
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Mnpat |
Good luck You won't regret getting a winter tent |