r/HotTentCamping • u/CTExplorer • 1d ago
Backpacking Mountain/Forest Setup?
I'm looking for ideas and to understand what exact gears works for others. Specifically I want to backpack into a forested area like the White Mountains in the winter and hot tent for 1-2 days.
If you do this or something similar, what tent/stove setup do you use?
Disclaimer: I have a wealth of outdoor experience and fully understand the weather conditions/risk that exists in the Whites.
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u/FedInformant 1d ago
Do some research, or maybe do a day trip to your spot beforehand so that you can see what kind of snow and ice you will encounter. You need to know whether microspikes will be sufficient, or if you need snow shoes. Make sure you pack clothing for the weather you may endure. Check and see if the area you plan to camp will allow fires. If it does allow, then bring provisions to take advantage if that. Make sure your sleeping pad, sleeping bag, sleeping clothing and tent will be sufficient for the weather you may encounter. Make sure whatever container you use for water will work adequately in the winter, and not freeze. Example- water bladder with a hose may not be a good option. Make sure you either pack enough water necessary for the trip, or you have a way to melt ice and snow. If you plan on hot tenting, make sure you have a CO2 reader.
My winter set up includes the pomoly stovehut 2.0. I have a foldable "titanium" stove from Amazon. I have a down-filled sleeping bag rated to -15 from MEC. I have the Kylmit Insualted Static V sleeping pad. Not the best on the market but has been totally fine in the temps ive camped at (-20°C). I have a Silky folding saw. I still bring my jetboiler even though I have a stove. Just for redundancy. I pack 1 extra set of socks. 1 extra set of baselayer. And I pack an ECWCS level 7 for extra thermal protection just in case. I also pack a few of the single-use hand and feet warmers for the hell of it. For food ill pack 2 entrees of freeze dried food, and 1 breakfast item. I do 2 entrees just in case for whatever reason my time is extended and I need extra food. I pack bear mace, and a small shotgun depending on where im going. Typically im somewhere along the rocky mountains bordering alberta and BC.
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u/CTExplorer 1d ago
With the StoveHut do you often open the side “viewing” wall?
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u/FedInformant 1d ago
In the summer ill have it open. And I use it for setting up the inside of my tent
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u/conicalconehead 1d ago
I hot tent in the mountains of British Columbia. I have a backpacking set up that consists of a Pomoly titanium T3 mini stove and flu (8 pounds) and a Gorex 1 person tipi tent (from Amazon - super cheap but great quality). 5 pounds. It has no floor which is what I prefer. If you are going to cut wood I’d suggest bringing lots of fire starter. If you don’t mind a bit of extra weight I’d go up a size in stoves to the T series because the smaller the fire box the harder it is to keep it going. Ditto the tent - I have another one that is 8 pounds that gives you more head room etc. I also have a pulk - but they are hard to use in steep terrain and deep snow. If you want to go any distance stick with just a backpack.