Camping

1. Camping The Freedom of the Hills Chapter 3 Pages 41-58 1

2. Sleeping System • Usually significant part of equipment – heavy and bulky, but necessary for trips longer than a day • Usually three parts: • Shelter – Bare minimum – to keep off rain, snow and wind; adds some warmth • Sleeping bag or blankets – provides warmth; may not be necessary in warmer weather • Pad – again, warmth, but also comfort; can be skipped

3. Camping • Campsite selection • Wind – keep out of draws • Sunlight – use trees for shade, or put tent where it will warm in cold weather • Water – camp far enough away from • Ground – with an eye towards leaving no trace, but also comfort; snow and large flat rock are best, live plants are worst. • Types of shelters • Tents – roomy, more protected • Bivouac sacks – good for emergencies and lightweight • Tarps – ultralight, minimal protection • Snow shelters – excellent insulation, long to build 3

4. Tents Dome Tent (free standing) Wedge Tent (freestanding) Hoop Tent (needs to be staked out) 4

5. Tents • Water resistance: double walled is best • Strength: Can it take wind & snow? Does it need to? • Weight: You have to carry it! • Shape: Is it free standing? Dome, Wedge, Hoop • Freestanding easier to set up and move, but you will usually want to stake it down due to wind, etc • Sizes: • 1 person: uncommon, doesn't save much weight • 2 person: most common; can split parts between people • 3 or more: often winter and heavier tents 5

6. Tent Features • Single walled versus double walled: • Single wall: • Pros: Light, quieter in high winds • Cons: Expensive, moisture buildup during storms • Double wall: • Pros: Better insulation, cheaper, more versatile • Cons: Heavier • Vestibule – floorless, protruding, protected area for equipment, cooking • Vents – to alleviate moisture buildup • Color – mostly personal taste, but bright colors are easier for searchers to find (whether you are looking for it or someone else is searching for you) 6

7. Bivy Sacks • Bivy sacks • Lightweight alternative to a tent • Almost always designed for one person • Can be claustrophobic for some, head hoop allows bag to stay off sleeper’s face • Emergency Bivy Sacks • Smaller, lighter 7

8. Other Shelters • Tarps • Lightweight and low cost • Carry when you do not expect rain or severe weather • Snow Cave, Igloo • Strong, warm, quiet • Long time to build • Snow Trench • Huts • Natural Shelters 8

9. Sleeping Bags • Insulated by fill – down or synthetic • Down is lighter, insulates better, but useless when wet (down can be treated to be water resistant) • Synthetic is cheaper, but heavier, bulkier and insulates when wet • Warmth ratings – usually ranges from -15 to 40°F – doesn't usually denote “comfortable” temperature. • Shape – mummy versus roll/rectangle – mummy is warmest for its weight but some find it constricting • Sizing • Too large makes for voids where cold air collects • Too small compresses causing cold spots • Other features – double zippers, baffles, laminating, hoods, etc 9

10. Sleeping Pads • Ground insulation • Closed cell foam: inexpensive, lightweight insulation • Self inflating pads: Combines the insulation of foam with the softness of an air mattress, more expensive • Air mattress: Comfortable, but provides minimal insulation • Open cell foam: Avoid; bulky, absorbs water like sponges • Length • Short: 4 foot length adequate, can use pack for legs • Long: insulate legs/feet • Thickness • Insulation: R-value • Comfort 10