Someone once called me crazy for camping in Idaho when it was -25 degrees out. I called them a joker. In other words, some people get a thrill out of extreme cold camping. Before you go, remember these precautions to stay safe. Bring a bag made for your camping conditions. An excellent sleeping bag is never more important than when the temperature is below zero. I once tried to use my 15 degree bag as a simple -5 degree bag. I am positive I almost died that night. Before the night was through I had used my belay parka, 3 beanies, two pairs of pants and my down boots, and still was not warm. It seemed...

Winter backpacking can mean your footprints are the only ones out there. That adds to the beauty of the experience, but also to the danger. Alone and in a cold enviroment, it’s important to know what to do in an emergency. Learning a few basic cold weather survival skills can save your life. Fire Making Imagine slipping into a stream and soaking everything with you, when you are more than a day from the nearest road and it’s below freezing out. What would you do? Start a fire, of course, but can you? Always carry waterproof matches, and practice starting a fire in the cold BEFORE you go...

Camping, fishing and hunting were never my idea of a good time. I can remember a time when I would have scoffed at the notion of camping as a fun date. No bed, no bathroom, no electricity-this is supposed to be enjoyable? That was until I met my future-husband over 20 years ago. He taught me how to appreciate nature and take in each glorious breath it had to offer, even on damp, cold wintery mornings. Growing up in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, every fall meant hunting season for many families. Every weekend was spent sleeping on the ground, sometimes lucky enough to also be inside of a tent, getting...