The Happy Camper: Complete Guide to Winter Camping, 2nd Edition
Great news! My second edition of my best-selling Complete Guide to Winter Camping is now available. The first edition was released in 2017 and did exceptionally well right off the bat. Winter camping, especially using a hot-tent and woodstove, has become extremely popular the last few years. No longer are outdoor enthusiasts simply waiting out the cold to camp out in the woods.
The latest edition has 30-plus pages added and lots more content. I cover ways to forecast the weather, how to navigate using map and compass (and GPS) and navigate by reading nature’s clues. There’s a full chapter on baking in the bush, especially with a Dutch oven—and a number of traditional recipes like logan bread, hard tack and my mom’s fruitcake.
There’s information on ice fishing and various ways to light a fire on the snow. I also added more advice from seasoned winter campers throughout the book. Hap Wilson writes about ice safety; Paul Kirtley shows how to sharpen your knife and axe; Dave and Kielyn Marrone of Lure of the North cover snowshoe bindings; Colin Angus remarks what temperature liquid fuels freezes; Glen Hooper lists different snow conditions; Garret Conover talks about the history of winter camping. Countless product managers and equipment designers from outdoor companies, including Jim Stevens from Eureka, Margot and Duane Lottig of Snowtrekker Tents, and Dan Cooke of Custom Sewing, added their knowledge as well.
The information from the first edition has been updated and offers advice on selecting a four-season tent and constructing other types of shelters like a quinzee, snow trench, snow cave, hammock and a tarp.
The book really promotes using different styles of hot-tents with a woodstove. It also details various ways to travel (snowshoe, cross-country skis, freight toboggan). Maintaining personal hygiene is covered, along with dressing for the cold and choosing a warm sleeping system. There’s a chapter on food-prep and cooking systems, and tools of the trade (axe, saw, knife). I give details on what could go wrong out there in the winter and how to avoid the dangers. And there’s bonus chapter on reading animal tracks in the snow and identifying tree species.
Check it out at your local bookstore or order it online.
