Self-made igloo
Michael Faes (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back to AllCampgrounds!

You know, one of the best things about camping is how creative it is.

RV campers and tent campers alike are always finding new ways to enjoy and learn about nature.

What better way to “Leave No Trace” than bring back one of the oldest and most eco-friendly ways of camping?

If you never let winter stop you from getting outside, then AllCampgrounds has the great idea you’re waiting for: igloo camping. Sound impossible? It may be easier than you think!

A Little Bit About Igloos

Many folks traditionally associate igloos with Arctic societies like the Inuit of Alaska. It might seem strange that a dwelling made of snow and ice can actually keep you warm, but it’s actually true, and HowStuffWorks has it covered with this article: How an Igloo Works. Igloos are usually used only for hunting purposes, not as homes; but the igloo makes for a surprisingly well-insulated and weatherproof shelter you can learn to make.

What About Igloo Camping?

How to Build an Igloo: The basic form and construction of an igloo are both surprisingly close to how you may imagine it. That said, though, igloo design shares a few important points with all campgrounds: location is everything. Since you probably don’t have a nearby snow field cold or solid enough to cut ice blocks from, you’ll also need plastic boxes or another mold to shape your “bricks” before you get started building.

Camp Igloo: Hearing the pros and cons of igloo camping from real igloo builders will help you figure out whether this is right for you. Naturally, igloos are usually set up in the backcountry, and many areas can only support them in the cold of winter. It’s fairly warm inside, safe to cook, and offers great sleeping conditions … but don’t replace your all weather tent if you want to make frequent trips out. Putting up an igloo is tough work!

Igloo Mania: A thorough piece, beginning with how two friends got started with igloos, and going on to offer an in-depth peek into the world of igloo camping, including a step-by-step narration of the whole construction process. Eight pages of detailed information; how to pick spots, create your igloo, get the most of it, and improve on it. A very interesting article – and it shows how igloo camping can grow on you!

Find that aurora!
Photo by: Brian Stevens (Stock Exchange)

It’s only October, but tent campers know that the best way to get the prime spots at many parks and campgrounds is to plan ahead; and if you’re feeling adventurous this winter, then it’s always best to be prepared!

Yes, while winter sees many camp grounds around the U.S. close down for the season, there are always those that stay open year round. The intrepid tent camper can also look for backcountry adventures – only for the outdoors expert, of course!

Today, AllCampgrounds will review some nifty sites on the web for those who plan to brave the cold and enjoy some winter camping this year.

Winter Camping and Backpacking: From REI’s impressive (and growing!) roster of expert advice comes a great general overview of camping in the snow. You’ll get a big boost from the pre-trip checklist and detailed advice on the best clothing for a cold weather excursion. Also includes a winter camping checklist that’s indispensable for making sure you don’t leave anything out. If you’ve never done any winter camping before, check this first; you won’t regret it, and if there are any areas where you need a little more detail, you can always supplement this guide with another one, such as …

Outdoor Action Guide to Winter Camping: Covering both basic and intermediate topics, this guide goes into a bit more detail on subjects that REI leaves out. You don’t have to know all there is to know about winter camping to do it, but it does have its own special challenges (and potential dangers!) so additional sections on food, winter water, avalanches, snowshoeing, and winter rescue will go a long way toward rounding out your knowledge. Concerned about the fundamentals? You’ll also learn how to properly set up a campsite in winter and maintain your tent. Great for backcountry campers.

Winter Campers: WinterCampers.com is the leading site and community on the internet for people who relish the unique sights and challenges of winter camping. There are a slew of truly intriguing things here, from a huge archive of articles down to a webcam of the Adirondacks, videos, a blog, gear reviews, and tons more. If you want to know everything there is to know about cold-weather camping, and connect with plenty of others who are invigorated by the cold, this is the hub. Even if it doesn’t make your day, you might find it a good place to get your burning questions on the subject answered.
Next time on AllCampgrounds, we’ll be sharing a list of camping destinations all around the U.S. and Canada known for providing exceptional cold-weather and winter camping opportunities. Until then, stay warm, and we’ll see you next Friday.

Ice Fishing Safety

The recommended thickness of solid ice for a small group of ice fisherman is a minimum of 4 inches. More is safer. Less is questionable.

• Ice that looks blue or black is stronger than ice that is milky white. Blue ice is actually newer, freshly formed ice. White ice comes from partially thawing or broken ice that refreezes.
• Ice around the perimeter is weaker. This is caused by shifting and expansion, as well as reflected sunlight. Ice around docks and logs that stick out of the water is also weaker since the wood can absorb heat from the sun.
• Changing air temperature and standing water caused by melting can weaken the ice and make it crack. Areas of ice where cracks meet or intersect should be avoided. If there is only a single, unbroken pressure crack, the ice should be safe to cross.
• Areas where springs feed into other bodies of water may also have weak or thin ice and pockets of open water.

Just like when swimming, don’t go ice fishing alone. Take a buddy for safety as well as company. It’s more fun to tell stories about the big one that got away if there is a witness to the event!

Safety Equipment

Wear a PFD. This means life jacket if you aren’t familiar with the term. While this practice is relatively new in the U.S., many ice fishermen in Canada wear an actual “flotation” or “antihypothermia” suit. These are similar to coveralls that are lined with Airsoft PVC closed cell foam. This provides buoyancy and insulation. They are a bit expensive, but if you enjoy ice fishing (and safety) they are well worth the cost.

• Ice cleats or creepers attach to boots to give traction on smooth, slippery ice. This helps prevent falls and injuries.
• Ice picks and ropes are both beneficial if you, or someone else falls through the ice.
• Wear proper outdoor clothing. Dress in layers and don’t forget a hat and extra gloves.

Testing Ice Thickness

Earlier I mentioned that the ice should be at least 4 inches thick for safe ice fishing. So how do you know how thick it is? There are 2 basic tools that will help determine the thickness of the ice, and to cut the hole that will allow you to actually fish. (That’s why it’s called ice fishing-you have to cut a hole in the ice!)

• Chisels-A standard chisel has a long handled metal blade that is flattened on one side and angled on the other so that a thin sharp point is formed. They are great for testing thickness, but it takes forever to chop a hole that is big enough for ice fishing and the noise may scare away your dinner.
• Deluxe chisels have weighted handles that make chopping easier and their specialized cutting surfaces increase cutting depth with each chop.
• Hand Augers-A well sharpened hand auger is the choice of many ice fishermen. It is reasonably priced and lightweight. If the ice is really thick however, it can give you quite a workout.
• Power Augers are another option. They come in Electric (actually battery-operated) and Gas. Each variety has pros and cons. Electric augers don’t produce fumes, but you have to lug along a 12-volt battery. Gas augers are quick and efficient but relatively bulky and difficult to transport over the ice.

Safety is key in any outdoor activity. I hope all you ice fishing adventures are injury free.

by Sandra M. Webster

• Obviously you are going to need a backpack. An internal frame pack is a better choice than an external frame, in case you fall on the snow or ice.
• A four-season tent is advisable. A four-season tent is built to hold up in extreme weather conditions. It costs more, and weighs more. But do you want to shiver all night long?
• Snow stakes are special tent stakes that are meant for use in snow and on frozen ground.
• There are special sleeping bags for winter camping. Cold weather sleeping bags will keep you warm in minus 10 degrees to plus 10 degrees. Winter/Extreme sleeping bags will keep you warm in minus 10 degrees and below.
• A small Wisk broom is beneficial to sweep snow out of the tent.
• Candle lantern or other light source
• An expedition quality cooking stove and fuel. Plan on ½ pint of white gas per person per day, and include an extra bottle for emergencies.
• Nesting pots with lids.
• Insulated mug for food.
• Cooking and eating utensils (Plastic is best in cold weather)
• Waterproof matches
• Garbage bags and Ziploc freezer bags (most backcountry campgrounds operate on the pack it in pack it out plan-this includes toilet paper!)
• Food (opt for hi-energy foods, leave the salads at home!)
• Water and purification tablets. Remember-do not eat snow it lowers the body temperature and may increase the risk of hypothermia.

• Everyone knows about dressing in layers to stay warm. Start from the inside and work out.
• Long underwear-tops and bottoms. These should be made out of a synthetic material, or wool blend.
• Pants of either wool or fleece
• A sweater of wool or fleece
• Insulated overpants if the weather is extremely cold.
• A down or synthetic filled jacket with a hood.
• Glove liners
• Wool gloves or mittens
• A stocking cap and or balaclava
• Ski goggles

• Liner socks made from polypropylene
• Heavyweight wool socks
• Winter hiking boots (make sure your boots have been fit with your wool socks on)
• Optional items include cross-country skiing gear and climbing gear.

• Pack it in pack it out
• Dispose of waste properly. (Bury solid human waste in holes at least 6”-8” deep and 100 feet from any water sources, trails, or camps.
• Use biodegradable soap to wash dishes and yourself, and do not dump the dirty water into any streams.
• Don’t camp to close to other campers
• Don’t camp within 100 feet of lakes, streams or water sources
• Don’t camp to close to trails (this is for your privacy and the privacy of other campers)
• Keep campsites and campfires small. If campfires are allowed, use only dead wood-do not damage life trees.
• Be courteous to other hikers and campers. Yield to others on the trail, step to the downhill side of the trail if you encounter a pack animal.