Introduction: How to Camp in a Snow Cave
The essential guide on how to not freeze in a snow cave including:
-your campsite
-Proper clothes
-Cooking
-Key things to remember both when packing and camping
I do enjoy constructive criticism as this is my first instructable.
Step 1: Your Campsite
first you want to dig down in the snow about 5 ft. deep and 10x10 ft. area or larger if you prefer or if you have a larger group. it should have stairs up on the side or a hill. Add bench type area for cooking. Make sure to put a tarp up over your campsite.
Step 2: Snow Cave
Snow caves are a lot warmer than you would think and you can shape the ground to whatever way you feel to be most comfortable
Dig a hole big enough for everyone you're camping with to fit through. this is going to be your snow cave. dig in and up a little and poke a ventilation hole with a diameter of three fingers. There are two key rules you have to follow when building it unless you like swimming. at midnight. unwillingly. I've done it and i don't recommend it.
1)Make the roof domed. this is extremely important!
2)make a ditch around the perimeter. the water will roll off the dome into the ditch and not wake you up.
Step 3: Proper Clothes
important things to remember
c-keep your clothes CLEAN
o-avoid OVERHEATING
l-dress in LAYERS
d-keep your clothes DRY
There is no one correct way to dress or best material
Materials
COTTON KILLS
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Wool
Pros
-If it gets wet it will still be warm
-not very pricey
-Breathable 10/10
Cons
-Some people find it itchy
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Wool/Synthetics
Pros
-If it gets wet it will still be warm
-not very pricey
-Soft
Cons
-Not as breathable as wool but still pretty breathable 7.5/10
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pile/fleece
Pros
-warms quickly
-ssssssssssssooooooooooooofffffffffffftttttttttttt
-Breathable 10/10
-Amazing as a sleeping bag liner. Makes a 15 degree bag a 0 degree bag(fairenheit)
Cons
-Gets wet and cools slightly
-Soaks quickly
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hydrophobic materials
Pros
-WATERPROOF
-Softish/plasticish
Cons
-breathable 0/10
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Gortex
Pros
-Breathable 10/10
-soft
-waterproof
-warm
Cons
-Pricey $$$
Handy clothes
-balaclava
-gloves not cotton
-waterproof jacket
-snow pants
-wool sweater
-snow boots
-propelyne/wool socks
+BRING MORE THAN ENOUGH SOCKS! change them before you get in your sleeping bag
-Thermal underwear
-mukluks
-parka
-gators
Step 4: Cooking
-keep it simple
+One pot meals
+avoid making a lot of dishes
-Keep hydrated
-Eat more than usual you will burn 4000-5000 calories a day.
Plan your meals keeping this in mind
Carbs 50%
Proteins 20%
Fats 30%
-Pack snacks high in fat/carbs/protein/calories
Step 5: Tips and Tricks
When you pack you want:
-Proper clothes
-Good food
-SHOVEL
-Ice saw
-Your normal camping items
-A 0 degree bag. trust me it has to say 0 degrees
- a fleece liner(optional)
-A wool blanket(optional)
-Sleeping mat or air mattress(Small it has to fit in your snow cave)
-Fire starting items AT LEAST 3
-Check out this instructable on how to stay warm https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-keep-warm-on-a-winter-campout/