The Do’s and Dont’s of Ice Camping and Backpacking
Ice Camping & Backpacking Basics
From making sure you relieve yourself before going to sleep to packing light, here are 9 answers to the question, “What are some pro tips for ice camping and ice backpacking? “
Do Relieve Yourself Before Going to Sleep
Do Equip Your Tent With a Small Fan
Do Not Forget to Pack a Shovel
Do Bring Extra Clothes
Do Familiarize Yourself With Local Weather Conditions
Do Not Spend a lot on Expensive Equipment
Do Create a Good Insulating Layer Between You and The Ice
Do Not Forget a Waterproof Sleeping Bag
Do Not Bring Excess Gear
Do Relieve Yourself Before Going to Sleep
One invaluable pro tip I’ve learned over the years of ice camping and ice backpacking is to always pee before you sleep!
This may sound strange, but it has so many benefits. Peeing before going to bed allows your body heat to stay in that critical sleeping bag and keeps you warm throughout the night. It also decreases the chances you’ll wake up in the middle of the night with an urgent need to pee and brave the cold darkness. Lastly, it eliminates any stress about having to find a place for relief when nature calls in an unfamiliar — and potentially dangerous — environment.
Peeing before going to bed when ice camping or backpacking really can make all the difference for a good night’s rest.
Antreas Koutis, Administrative Manager, Financer
Do Equip Your Tent With a Small Fan
I recently learned so much from a Wisconsinite who is an avid ice fisherman. A group of us joined him and we crossed the border into Canada and set up camp on a lake. We couldn’t believe how attentive this man was to every detail regarding his tent, his gear — and basically every item inside his tent.
One of many lessons I learned from him was that you could keep your propane heater at a low or medium level if you accompany it with a portable fan. The fan helps greatly by circulating the heat across the tent. It may seem like it wouldn’t be necessary because your tent isn’t all that big, but when you’re literally living outside in sub-zero weather, any area that isn’t getting enough heat is going to feel very cold. Your fan will be your savior.
Brittany Dolin, Co-founder, Pocketbook Agency
Do Not Forget to Pack a Shovel
A pro tip for ice camping and backpacking is always carrying a shovel. Believe it or not, shovels aren’t just for gold diggers, but also for intelligent ice-camping enthusiasts! A shovel is an excellent tool for staying safe and comfortable while ice camping or backpacking. This is important because it can be used to dig out a shelter or survival chamber if an avalanche occurs. It can also create a level campsite and move snow away from sleeping bags and other gear while camping. Furthermore, it helps cut and dig out ice floes or blocks used to make snow walls, windbreaks, and even shelters-an ice camping essential!
Ryan Rottman, Co-founder and CEO, OSDB Sports
Do Bring Extra Clothes
A pro tip for ice camping and ice backpacking is always to bring extra layers of clothing. This includes hats, gloves, base layers, mid layers, and shells. It’s important to have extra layers on hand in case the temperature drops unexpectedly or you get wet while out on your adventure. Additionally, it is essential to bring a variety of sleeping pads and bags designed specifically for cold-weather camping. Consider investing in a down-filled sleeping bag, as it provides the best winter insulation and warmth. Finally, always bring plenty of food and snacks on your ice camping or backpacking trip.
Aviad Faruz, CEO, FARUZO
Familiarize Yourself With Local Weather Conditions
When it comes to ice camping and ice backpacking, preparation is key. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the local weather conditions, including average temperatures and precipitation patterns, so you can pack accordingly. Dress in layers, including a waterproof outer layer, and make sure to bring extra clothing in case of emergency.
Additionally, bring along a high-quality, four-season tent, a warm sleeping bag, and a thermal sleeping pad to insulate yourself from the cold ground. Make sure to have proper lighting, as well as a reliable stove for cooking and melting snow for drinking water. Finally, never venture out on the ice alone, and always let someone know your planned route and expected return time.
Isaac Robertson, Fitness Trainer and Co-founder, Total Shape
Don’t Spend a lot on Expensive Equipment
You don’t need to plunk down big bucks for fancy equipment in preparation for an ice camping trip. Cheaper is often better. A propane heater and a tiny desk fan is all you need for warmth. A $20 butane stove is the only cooking tool you need when you’re camping on the ice. It’s perfect for warming up a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast or a cup of noodles for dinner. You can even cook bacon with it. Also, for lighting, all you need is a USB light bulb, which costs about $8.00 on Amazon. If you want to spend money, spend it on clothes that will keep you warm and a tent that will keep you protected from the elements, but everything else can be bought dirt cheap.
Sean Doherty, Gm, Box Genie
Do Create a Good Insulating Layer Between You and The Ice
One pro tip for ice camping and ice backpacking is to make sure you have a good insulating layer between you and the ice. Even with a good sleeping bag, it’s important to have a layer of insulation between your sleeping pad and the ice to prevent heat loss. This can be achieved by using closed-cell foam pads, inflatable pads with a high R-value, or even a combination of both. Additionally, using a good quality four-season tent that is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of ice camping can also help to keep you warm and dry. Finally, it’s important to stay well-hydrated and well-fed, as your body will need extra energy to stay warm in cold conditions.
Sean Harris, Managing Editor, FamilyDestinationsGuide
Do Not Forget a Waterproof Sleeping Bag
When it comes to sleeping on hopefully not “thin ice,” staying warm and dry is of utmost importance to avoid hypothermia. A waterproof and warm sleeping bag is a must-have for ice camping and backpacking. Look for a bag with a high-temperature rating and consider using a liner to add extra warmth. Additionally, using a waterproof and insulated sleeping pad can help keep you warm by providing insulation between you and the ground.
In addition to a warm and waterproof sleeping bag, it’s also important to pack comfortable bedding accessories. Consider bringing a cozy sleeping bag liner or a warm and soft fleece blanket to add extra comfort to your sleeping setup. An inflatable pillow can also provide support for your head and neck. Investing in high-quality sleeping gear can make all the difference in having a warm and restful night’s sleep in the great outdoors.
Marc Werner, CEO and Founder, GhostBed
Do Not Bring Excess Gear
Ice camping and ice backpacking require specialized gear, which can add a lot of weight. Be sure to only bring the essential items that you need and leave anything non-essential behind. Make sure your gear is lightweight and suitable for cold temperatures. It’s important to keep your overall pack weight as light as possible in order to reduce the strain on your body during the trek. Bring only what you need and leave the rest behind.
Nick Varga, Chief Riding Officer, ERide Journal
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