Tent camping in the 40s

[Newanderthal]

Originally Posted by HikerJoe

I would rather camp in the 40's than in the hunderds. There are no bugs and you don't have to take a shower.

This!

Coldest I've done was 20's. I used a tarp shelter propped up with hiking poles. A good bag and warm hat is all you need.

[oldsarge]

Originally Posted by Lamebeaver

I thought this thread was going to be something like this:

My thoughts exactly Lamebeaver! Great pic!!!! I wasn't even going to reply to this since I wasn't born until 1956.

[Hazel]

Last spring when I went camping, the temps. dropped. Extra socks and a knitted hat helped. I slept like a baby till the racoons woke me up.

[dinosaur]

Rockin, I have camped in some very rough weather including below zero. I did it because of something I was hunting at the time. 30's at night and 40's in the day is balmy weather. Your cousin isn't crazy. She's just more rugged than you.

[briansnat]

There is no such thing as too cold to camp, only the wrong equipment. Coldest I've ever camped was 8 below zero. It was somewhat uncomfortable because I accidentally brought along my daughter's 30 degree bag instead of my 0 degree bag. Not only was it not warm enough, I couldn't fit inside it so had to use it as a blanket. I put on every piece of clothing I had with me and survived the night.

BUT had I taken along the correct sleeping bag I would have been perfectly comfortable. I've spent probably three dozen nights camping in temps below freezing, with close to half of those in teens or single digits and have never been uncomfortable (well it is kind of cold getting out of the bag to pee in the middle of the night).

[IndianaHiker]

Not crazy at all I backpack in temps that are in the 20s and 30s during the day and getting to 0 or less in the nights. Just need the right gear.

[ppine]

Dealing with challenges and adversity in the outdoors are largely mental. With experience and some skill, people figure out how to be comfortable under almost any conditions. I really detest the phrase "roughing it." I am always trying to figure out how to smooth it.

For travelling light in winter conditions, try a nylon Whelen lean-to with a fire in front of it. It also illumintates the otherwise dark and gloomy winter nights.