If you’re looking for more proof that winter camping is not only possible but can even be enjoyable, look no further than Chris Rodriguez’s blog. Rodriguez and friends camped out on Mount Mitchell in western NC recently (this highest point east of the Mississippi) and had a blast despite cold and snowy conditions. If you need motivation for getting out and camping before spring this is a good post to read.

Whether it’s hiking, biking, or camping in the winter, for me the hardest part is stepping out of the car. But once I’m outside and moving around the cold doesn’t seem as bad as I had thought it would be. And when I’m back in my car or back indoors the sense of accomplishment I get from winter hiking and camping is much greater than it is in the summer. Chris Rodriguez mentions in his post that winter camping feels a little extreme and I totally agree – that’s what makes it fun!

As a new Boy Scout I used to hate rainy camping trips (as I’m sure most people do) until I got proper rain gear. Once I had a set of rain pants, rain jacket, and waterproof boots I actually kinda hoped it would rain so I could show off my gear. And as an older Scout I also appreciated the challenge that camping in the rain added to what had become mostly routine for me (setting up the tent, making a fire, etc.).

It may seem a little masochistic but camping in adverse conditions can be kinda fun – especially when you make it back in one piece.

Related posts:

1. Packing a pulk for winter camping
2. Winter camping in Utah
3. Winter ice storm means indoor camping in northeast
4. Winter means clean air hiking and killer views
5. Reporting the weather from 14,000 feet up

Tags: rain, snow, winter

This entry was posted on Friday, February 27th, 2009 at 7:17 am and is filed under camping. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.