31. When Is It too Cold To Camp? Camping In Bear Country

When Is It Too Cold To Camp?

There are two answers for this one. First, when it’s no longer any fun. Second, when it becomes dangerous. WOW! That was quick. Now, let’s spend a little time on these.

Whether you’re heading to the mountains or the beach, the cold, rain and snow can easily take some of the fun out of your trip. In fact, it could be the demise of a well planned weekend. There are things you can do to make sure the family has fun, even if the weather kills your outdoor plans. If your family is having fun together, it’s a win. Here are a few things that will help.

• Have an indoor and outdoor heat source. A camp fire and an RV furnace give everyone options.
• Pack rain pants and jackets. Jeans and T shirts are mostly made of cotton. Cotton soaks up water like a sponge, then it stops keeping you warm.
• Bring along a game or two. Board games, cards or something you can all be involved in.
• Break the day up. If it’s a continual dumper, explore the nearest town or tourist attraction. Find a creative place to have a picnic style meal.
• Split up for a while. It’s okay if two of you don’t mind fishing in the rain while others are content to curl up and read for a few hours.

When Things Get Dangerous

Know when it’s time to dowse the fire and call the dog. If it starts dumping snow or the tornado warnings are going off, you need to make some quick decisions. We’ve encountered both. Between the Cascade mountains and the Midwest tornado season, we’ve dealt with both.

Just remember, if you have to pull the plug on the big family weekend, you may need to improvise with new plans. After all, you’re still all together and have no plans. This could turn out to be one of your greatest memories.

Camping In Bear Country

This article from TruckTrend.com is packed full of useful information about camping and hiking in known bear country. We highly recommend you read the article. The author isn’t just reading what he’s read, he’s been out there hiking and camping in bear country. Here are a few highlights.

• A bear’s sense of smell is 7 times that of a bloodhound.
• Bears are opportunists, and will eat just about everything.
• Never leave your food in your tent or a soft-sided camper when you sleep. Even the clothes you wore while cooking meals should not be left inside.
• The car may not be the safe place either.
• Hike in groups – noisy groups.
• Leave stuff like perfume, aftershave, anything with a sweet or flavored scent at home.
• Keep bear deterrent handy and know how to use it.
• ALWAYS look out the window and check before going outside.

A Few Bear Safety Products To Consider

Bear Deterrent can be an effective tool, but only if you have it handy, and you know how to use it. NOTE: Bear repellent is not the same as pepper spray for personal protection. It’s not meant for defense when you’re face to face with the bear. It’s meant to place a large cloud of deterrent between you and a bear before they get close.

Opsak Barrier Bags are said to be 100% odor proof, humidity proof, vapor proof and leak proof up to 200 feet under water. RVers and campers will probably get a longer life from these bags than backpackers. Read the reviews. These things do work.

The Ursack Major Bear Resistant Sack is meant to be hung from a tree branch, away from your camp. Made of “bullet proof” fabric, the bear could probably crumble your food, but not eat it. Even the rope is made of bear tough material.

The post 31. When Is It too Cold To Camp? Camping In Bear Country appeared first on Tom and Kris Camping.