Over the weekend I ventured out to give snow camping another try. After my first snow camping adventure (
here) in January, I was very apprehensive but wanted to try it again (because I don't give up on anything very easily!). I didn’t have the proper gear the first go-around and was able to purchase, return and re-purchase needed items in hopes of making my second attempt a "warmer" success.
I purchased three (yes, I need all of them!), Columbia OutDry jackets with varying degrees of insulation. I was lucky enough to have a pass through my daughter to the Columbia Employees’ Store so I was able to get them all for a very good deal. They are lightweight, warm and waterproof. They feel like a rain coat on the outside but feel really nice on the inside. The only “problem” (if you want to call it that) is that they are WARM. REALLY WARM. When snowshoeing to our camping spot, I was wearing only one layer under the middle weight coat and it was a long sleeved shirt. I think I honestly could have gotten away with wearing a tank top and would still have been perfectly comfortable… at least while in motion. Figuring out what works for me is going to take time and practice. I don't like to get too warm because then I sweat and then my damp clothes make me really cold later on. NOTHING dries in freezing temperatures.
My first sleeping bag was too snug for my liking and
WhittakerMountaineering was more than happy to let me return it. (Great customer service!) I chose to receive store credit for it versus a refund because obviously there is always something else on my “Things to Purchase” list! I went to
REI and purchased a bag that I was able to get inside of and try out at the store. I purchased a “long” version (versus “regular”) after trying both. The long only added 3 ounces to the weight. It was six inches longer and was 3 inches wider in the shoulder area – which was
six inches wider in the shoulder area than my first bag. BIG difference. My new bag -
Marmot Ouray - felt “big and roomy" but I was much more comfortable in it than the one I previously owned that felt like it was made for a tiny little Barbie doll… which I am NOT.
The sleeping pad I used during the first outing wasn’t a winter pad (I had no clue!) but because I’ll hike and camp during the summer, I kept it for later use. I purchased two winter sleeping pads:
NEMO TensorInsulated Air Pad and
Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest SOlite Sleeping Pad. I have to say… they made all the difference in the world!
(Thank you, Regis, for your suggestions!!) I was WARM and was actually able to sleep this time! I did not feel the cold draft coming off of the ground at all. And… the Air Pad is perfect for a side-sleeper, which I am. I never once felt my hips hit the surface below me. I was very comfortable.
The only other thing that I had to figure out was my hat. I have gone on a lot of hikes in the snow now and every single time my head has been uncomfortably warm with a stocking hat on. I know having a head cover of some type is important but I can’t stand the stocking hats. This time I tried wearing a baseball cap and it worked wonderfully! My ears were a bit cold when I first started but after hiking a short distance, I was warmed up and happy to be without the extra material on my head. While in camp or stopped for lunch, the stocking hat is the perfect backup.
I’m really happy to have figured out a lot of my gear issues so quickly. These beginner snow campouts have been great learning experiences, which is exactly what they are intended to be.
There were four of us on this campout… Lidia, Alice, me and Kurt, our hike leader. From Glacier View Sno Park we hiked (snowshoed) 3.5 miles through the woods to the Mazama Lodge. Three and a half miles doesn’t sound like much but with snowshoes on and 40 pound backpacks, it’s a lot of work. Once we arrived at the Lodge, we took a break and ate our lunch on the porch. We then ventured back into the woods to find a good spot to set up camp. We put up our tents, organized and dug our camp kitchen area to give us a place to sit, eat and visit. By 6:00 p.m. it was dark out and the temperatures were dropping. It is very difficult to stay warm while sitting there on the snow so getting into your sleeping bag is the best way to warm up. That’s one of the tough parts with winter camping… the nights are really, really long. We were in our tents by 7:30 and down for the night. The sun didn’t rise until 7:00 a.m. I woke up at 5:00 like I normally do and laid there awake in my warm, cozy sleeping bag waiting for daylight to show up. I got up at 7:00 and walked on the trail, appreciating the peace and beauty surrounding me, while the others slept in a little longer. I never sleep in at home and I certainly can’t just lie in bed. Camping is no different for me. I have to get up and get moving.
 |
Me, Alice and Kurt
Photo Credit: Lidia |
 |
Digging the Camp Kitchen
Photo Credit: Lidia |
 |
| Photo Credit: Kurt |
 |
| Photo Credit: Kurt |
 |
| Photo Credit: Lidia |
We had a very casual morning enjoying our coffee and watching it snow. By 11:00 we were packed up and on the trail heading back. We passed a lot of people on the trail who asked if we had spent the night out in the snow. Most would smile and say “That’s great!” One man said… “That’s crrrrazy!” Yes, it is in a way! haha But… it’s also pretty darn fun!
 |
| Photo Credit: Lidia |
 |
| Photo Credit: Lidia |
 |
| Photo Credit: Lidia |
 |
| Photo Credit: Lidia |
 |
| Photo Credit: Lidia |
 |
| Photo Credit: Kurt's Phone! |
 |
| Photo Credit: Lidia |
 |
| Lidia |
 |
| Alice |
 |
| Kurt |
Monday happened to be a holiday which meant I had a three day weekend, so what did I do? Went hiking again! It was a short 2.3 mile hike in just BOOTS (no snowshoes!), in the RAIN and MUD (no snow or ice!), with my snack in my pocket (no heavy backpack!). It was easy and felt great! This hike adventure also included entering a lava cave. I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to force myself to crawl into a dark hole in the earth but... I did! It was pitch black inside but very cool looking around with your headlamps on. I’m really happy that I pushed past my own crazy fears and joined in on this adventure.
It was another great weekend in my life and one I’ll reflect back on for a long time to come. I can't tell you how happy I am to have found the Mazamas! I’m doing exactly what I love doing these days and I’m making friends along the way. The outdoors... the mountains, the snow, rivers, trees… they all bring me such peace and tranquility. What more could I ask for? Life is good.
