A daunting task for everyone no matter the background.
Lets not forget the often decent breakfast and piping hot coffee waiting before getting up to the hill.
Making breakfast in the single digits can also be quite a task mentally especially if theres fresh snow.
Making some lunch at the Bear Mountain lot during Killingtons Annual Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge.
-
Car camping is neither glorious or comfortable, but cheap and effective for sure.
I would Like to start with the disclaimer that basically all my experience comes from the East Coast.
Both were good experiences.
Couple of things that are necessary up front, one of which is a proper vehicle.
Underneath Theres storage for essentials where I keep a two-burner camp stove and propane bottles.
Insulated water bottles are a plus to avoid having to spoon you water at night temperature pending.
Cold night in the Skyship lot at Killington.
Easy access to lodge across the street made all the difference.
Lets talk about maybe the most important part of the system which is sleeping and staying warm.
With a 0 degree bag youre looking at 1-3 blankets pending on warm nights and not zipping up.
In late spring it’s possible for you to even just use blankets.
This combo has served me well and I was able to do 43 nights straight on a road trip.
Its as comfortable as any real mattress Ive ever owned.
Just the memory foam will leave you with stiff shoulders digging into the wood after an hour of compression.
Another easily overlooked thing is ventilation.
More people is warmer but requires more ventilation.
If its snowing or precipitating at all bring a towel trigger the defroster in the morning and wipe down.
This will really help although it may seem counterintuitive.
Making breakfast on some National Forest Service land in Vermont last spring.
Cold nights will require a hat and neck warmer and often a couple body layers with wool socks.
In the end the cost is roughly 2-3 nights of hostels/bunkhouses and can be used for years.
Not to mention its really fun.
I have a few adhesive puck lights that go around my car and can be pushed to turn on.
For the same reason a head lamp is also your friend.
Bars are your crucial and even more so are hair dryers.
Dry rest of with a hair dryer before tucking in for a long night.
This step will also aid in keeping moisture out of the car when everything is dry.
No matter the season this will be extra useful but remember not to overheat and damage gear.
Cold late January night after a long powder day at Mad River Glen.
Basically, useful and essential items that could always come in handy.
Know your limits and stay safe.
