re: Camping in single digit temps

- as a general rule, buy the best of everything you can afford. You want a good bag rated to at least 0 with a good hood, draft tube, etc. I’m a down fan.

- insulation from the ground is super important. A non-insulated summer inflatable pad is not good enough. Use a closed cell foam pad (z-rest) under an insulated inflatable. Carry the z-rest with you during the day.

- put on clean (or at least dry) base layer to sleep in

- put the clothes you intend to put on in the morning in the bottom of your bag if there’s room.

- use a pee bottle. Largemouth nalgene marked so you don’t confuse it with your others. I don’t get out of my bag to pee.

- warm liquids are awesome. Make some coffee or just some warm water on a stove just outside the tent before you even leave your bag. Keep a thermos full of hot soup or water with you at all times.

- be sure you have a shovel. Look at avalanche shovels for backcountry skiing if you don’t already have one.

- understand your water source. In temps that cold it is often melting snow. This takes lots of fuel and time, plan accordingly. And be sure to have some liquid water in the pot when you start melting.

- dress to be “comfortably cool” as opposed to warm. You don’t want to sweat a bunch and get your clothes wet. If you’re a naturally sweaty type (like me) carry an extra base layer and change when you stop for lunch or after a hard hike. Dry the wet one on your pack.