Winter Camping with Tierney Angus: Bacon, Donuts, Mukluks, Toboggans and Hot Tent Tips
Вставка
- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- #bacon #donuts #wintercamping
Tierney Angus - Cold camping looks miserable. Sure, tough guys like Shawn James and Joe Robinet can pack up everything they need in a small sled or backpack, fell huge trees blindfolded and with one arm tied behind their backs, start fires with nothing more than some dental floss and pocket lint, and sleep in a snow cave. Good for them for doing so. I, on the other hand, like my creature comforts and warm toes too much.
myselfreliance....
I don’t ever go minimalist or lightweight, even for summer canoe camping, but all of the gear I do bring serves more than one purpose. I do enjoy being resourceful and using my surroundings to achieve maximum camp vibes, but I also like knowing that the gear I have carefully chosen and brought with me will suffice.
Winter camping is a relatively new activity for me. I’d camped in a foot of snow in my three-season tent, but that was mostly by accident. Last year I decided that it was pretty lame to stay indoors for the whole hard water season, so my partner Andrew and I began researching traditional canvas tents and trail stoves in order to make the most of the snow. I studied Snow Walker’s Companion, by Garett and Alexandra Conover religiously and watched a whole heck of a lot of UA-cam videos.
We dithered about the cost of outfitting ourselves for winter, but eventually settled on a 10x10’ Atuk Alaskan all-canvas tent with custom 30” side walls. We chose the Alaskan model because it’s a nice, simple square, and the placement of the stove is next to the door. It cost less because it was made in Canada, unlike other popular canvas tent brands like Snowtrekkers. The Atuk Kanguk model, a pentagon, is extremely popular, but I couldn’t wrap my head around how to arrange the interior of a five-sided living space. We also weren’t too keen on the centre stove placement. I’m a huge klutz, and a stove in the middle of our tent would most likely result in injury, loss of limbs, and a catastrophic tent fire.
Our stove, a Kni-Co Packer model, heats the space easily. The tent is definitely colder at the back, away from the stove, but with so much room to move around inside it’s not a big deal. The stove placement also allows us to build a raised bed at the back of the tent to keep us elevated and in a warmer air space. It’s roomy enough for guests to sleep in as long as we keep the majority of our gear outside.
We built our own 10’ winter freight toboggans and purchased some extra duffel bags from military surplus stores. We purchased an extendable chainsaw pole to use as the centre pole in the tent, as we didn’t want to rely on finding a tree and cutting it to size. Andrew made a heat reflector shield out of thin-gauge aluminum siding and a few hinges, which nests into the same box as our wood stove. He built an ice chisel out of a broom handle and a sharp blade. We also sewed our own winter moccasins this year, following the patterns generously provided by Lure of the North. Andrew is very handy, I am not. These projects weren’t very easy for me.
We ended up making so much of our winter kit for several reasons:
This stuff is EXPENSIVE and I am extremely cheap
There are only a few manufacturers of traditional winter gear, so options are limited
I am extremely cheap
I’m a miserly Scrooge
We weren’t sure if we would love winter camping and didn’t want to fork out thousands of dollars on equipment we didn’t know we would use
We ran out of cash after buying the tent, the stove, and the materials for our toboggans
As it turns out, we do love winter camping. I love sitting by the warmth of the fire in our tent and being able to cook extravagant feasts on the stove. I love the snow and the cold and the absence of biting insects. I love the way the branches cast shadow patterns on the white cotton tent walls. I love weaving a floor for the tent of evergreen boughs which smells like the north and feels like sleeping on a cloud. Winter camping is a lot of hard work, but it’s so rewarding in a cosy hot tent. I think of our canvas tent as a portable cabin… we can bring all the comforts of home and still be outside when the mercury drops to forty below.
About the Author:
Tierney Angus is a journalism student, canoeing enthusiast, backcountry camper, and Friends of Temagami board member. She’s a granola-munching, recycled sandal-wearing, tree-hugging long-haired hippie freak. Tierney is an insufferable beer snob and cooks most everything in bacon fat. If you liked this piece, check out her blog at thehappyadventure.com or on Instagram @tear_knee and @friendsoftemagami.
I have been really enjoying all the different winter camping videos, from both an informative and recreational view. It makes it easier for those of us with with a lame winter to dream a bit of deep snow and actual cold. Thank you as always!
That was the coolest thing I have ever seen. I was thinking a small, summer tent but that whole set up was awesome. I have never done winter camping but it's something that I've always wanted to do. I'm too chicken to go alone and with living in the Prairies, I don't really want to go when it's too cold. I've done day hikes on well marked trails at -10C but that's pretty much it. I stick my tent camping to the summers only. Thanks for sharing that experience with us, it was awesome!
Really good video Sean. Tierney and Andy seem to have it all together and it looks like they have lots of fun.
Thanks Shawn, this video was fascinating and enjoyable. I really like the fact that info is shared in DIY methods combined with commercial gear. I have followed folks you've showcased on your Ch. and have always found them to be rewarding. This once again demonstrates the spirit in which you make your Ch. so admirable. As always, warm regards... Mike.
This was FANTASTIC! Thanks for a beautifully made film. Neat folks. Great tip for the spark arrester, thanks. Nice cooking of the biscuits! Jules
Love these types of videos. Good to see folks who really know what they are doing and don't mind sharing a few secrets.
NatureIntoAction It's a great hobby with lots of great people
This was very cool. No pun intended. Nice tent for winter. So many brave people camping in winter. Great video. ,🐱💞
Looks like a very comfortable setup. Great trip.
Far North Bushcraft And Survival Thanks Lonnie
Instablaster.
Thanks for the introduction to Tierney & Andrew . That looks like a well organized & roomy tent. With all that gear to carry I hope the trek is not too arduous. Interesting to see the traditional toboggan Thanks Brian 76
Brian Spencer They have a great setup and those toboggans sure make backcountry travel easier with all that gear
I definitely subscribed.This has to be one of the best channels for bushcraft knowledge I have come across.I really enjoy learning and watching your skills.Thank you for all your hard work!!!
I appreciate you taking the time to say that :-)
Mukluks are great. I start wearing mine in November and finish mid to end of March, usually every day for all activities. Only when it gets muddy do I switch to felt lined overboots/rubber mukluks. I also don't oil my mukluks, so they can breath, oil will hinder the breathing process. I came in for lunch and didn't take my boots off. No sweaty clammy boots like what you get in Muck Boots. As mentioned by Tierney they are light weight and flexible. Sometimes I put my pant legs over the outside when using a chainsaw in brush as the stick get caught in the wrappings, but otherwise they are tucked inside to keep them dry from the snow. Add felt soles to give more insulation from the ground and I find even a single cotton sock will be dry at the end of the day.
Great series of video and topic, thanks.
downeast primitive skills That's very cool. I used to wear mukluks exclusively during the hunting season - I think I need to return to that as well as start wearing winter mukluks.
that was onna the most pleasurable videos i seen in a long time - those 2 look like nice folks -
Brilliant set up! I'm in South Florida and never get into the snow areas, but still useful ideas about keeping things off the ground and making things comfortable.
Very well done, very talented couple.. Thx Jim
jim hanson Certainly are
Solid video! Love that set up, looks super cozy... Also love those Mukluks, and that sweet Ontario Toque!
Gerard Howard Lol, they definitely got the Canadian thing going on here
Beauty!
Great video and great people!! Such beautiful countryside! Thanks for sharing!!
Interesting to see her use a headband to pull that big toboggan too. I love that traditional style, like the mukluks too. It looks super efficient.
cnawan They have a great setup
Always good to see winter adventures. Thanks for taking the time to film, edit and upload this video!
Minnesota Dad Thanks for watching again. I think I owe you a response to a message - I'll check that in the morning. :)
My Self Reliance Ok!
I want some of those boots..haha. I live where it never gets below freezing. but those things look cool. Nice meeting some good people that love the adventure of canoeing and camping.
Great video and looks like a very cosy set up.
Nice video. full of very handy less thought of information! very informative. Great job guys!
What a great camping set up. Thank you for sharing
What a fantastic video. Very interesting and informative
great video, love the tent and stove set up. Keep it up, I like it when you visit others at their camp sites.
Russell Detwiler Thanks Russel, I'll have to do more of these visits
Great to see the setup, thanks Shawn.
HighOutdoors Any time!
Great video, Shawn! I can't wait to hear about your log cabin adventures! - Mike
Michael Vogel Thanks, and thanks for watching until the end!🙂
Liking your channel a lot. Glad I found you through Joe's channel. I've been watching his channel for a long time and think he's definitely one of the best bushcrafters out there. You seem to be pretty darn good too. I will be watching all your videos.
Alex Banks Thanks Alex.
Great video. Looked like it could be nice and warm, as long as the stove was kept filled. Good tip about having a raging fire at least once per trip; to burn off the creosote built up in vent stack. Would be nice to have her recipe for donuts; but can probably find one on-line. Although when camping out, my Mother used canned biscuits, fried up to make her donuts. Once fried, she would roll them in sugar and cinnamon. They are great and easy donuts, when they are fried. You know when they are done as they float up to the top of the grease. Also liked the shoes she made for inside the tent; that allows for more socks to be worn. Also great tip to use a telescoping, extension pole for center support.
Perfect set up. Thanks for sharing.
Great video - looks like a lot of fun! Thanks for sharing Shawn! :)
Chris Prouse next interview?
Absolutely Shawn! Would love to interview you too and hear more on your thoughts and insights into backcountry camping. I'm not sure if we'll be able to get out for another winter camping trip this season, but we should definitely connect in early spring when the canoe paddling opens up :)
I'm a big fan of both of your channels. The two of you have the best videos in regards to production quality and content. It would be great to see you work together.
Thank you Shawn, I needed a calming video. Just had a major fuck up on a knife and I have to pretty much start from the beginning now, and I was about a half hour from finishing it.
Heruhcane Dean that sucks! Glad I made it easier to bear.
I'm from North Carolina in the U.S. I'm so ready to move iv watched a lot of your videos always injoy
Great video guys and nice boots!
Excellent video! Thanks Shawn! Thanks Tierney!
Nice casual interview and tour of the tent. Great work!
Traversing Tha is Evan. We should shoot a video together this winter.
Traversing that would be "Thanks", not Tha. Lol
This was very enjoyable viewing, and informative. As it happens, I'm going hot-tenting with some new gear tomorrow (new tent, stove, pulks, snowshoes) just for an overnight 'shakeout' trip to put it all to the test, so this video really whet my appetite.
Cheers,
Martin
PineMartyn Thanks Martin. I may be snowshoeing in your area tomorrow - I'll keep an eye out for you! :)
Great video , like the hot tent a lot.
WOW that is such a COOL tent and *IT'S CANVAS!!!!!* IIRC I bought 1 el cheapo nylon tent. B4 they went all tree hugger on me I had an REI Mountaineering 5x7 tent w/30"Bell & snow tunnel.
El cheapo I used it one time and sold it. *Mtn tent I had 10+yr and regret I sold it.* My old canvas tent I bought semi custom June 1988. Still got it and still use most original poles. *BEST TENT I EVA OWNED. Lodge Pole Pine make da BEST POLES. Your Welcome.*
I've owned *2 Wall tents 1 Miners tent and 1 Baker tent ALL CANVAS.* I'm down 2 60# of camp irons/cooking irons. Got a welded up stove 4 $60 (No tax) brand spanking new and HANDMADE. One can pick it up and MOVE IT w/a FIRE GOING w/o hurting yourself. I will NEVER SELL IT. Hippie girls w/pretty curls....
HI JAMES....4.05.2021 i looking back your old videos and i enjoy this fairy tell pesonaj(the young lady)...impresive how ofen people give up them confort for God know what...but i find it simpatique ;)
Amazing video! Thanks for sharing, really enjoy true outdoor enthusiasts.
ScottRod 74 Tha is for watching. Me too
Thanks
That's a nice area your in. Thanks for sharing.
abe frohman 🙂
Very "cool" experience Shawn. Looking forward to the winter camp videos.
Nate
Good video Shawn, it's nice to see a different setup, sometimes it seems like everyone uses the same stuff!
Jacob Ward True, nice to see some variations
interesting vid. Was great to see the interaction and learned a lot.
Now I need more
Nice tent I am looking at those Atuk tents, they look pretty comfy and easy to set up ! Thanks for sharing.
Nice set up for sure especially for a multiple night stay. Take care, Al
Pumpkin Village Maple thanks!
Lots of great tips. Smart ideas.
Super interesting. Thanks for posting!
Great vid. Makes ya want the winter.
Haha, just about
And the Hippie and friend are a nice break from Joe! lol, love that guy!
Kendall Hatton lol
Interesting and informative interview (run out of long words beginning with 'i'). It's great to see young people not having their faces in their phones but getting out and interacting with, and enjoying the the natural world around them :)
rhialobran Lol, yes, I need to get my daughters out more doing this.
If they're young do it, they grow up far too quickly in my experience :)
They know what's up 👍
Trustin Timber They are innovators!
really e joyed this video looking forward to watching more
Such a great set up.
Cool stuff! Very innovative...awesome tent too!
Matthew Harris Thanks. They have an awesome setup
My Self Reliance I really like that set up too Shawn. I was thinking that I would like the one that Joe has but I think I like the square 10x10 better. I like the fact that the stove is off to the side.
Matthew Harris I agree. I'm glad I saw Tierney's setup before I invested in one of my own.
Great vid. I liked the mukaluks. You can get sheep wool liners from a place called Egli's sheep farm which is located near Dryden. MT
Great winter camp. :)
Totally enjoyed this! Thanks! 🙂
That was a really good video. One thing I didn't realize is that you have to fill the stove quite often to keep it warm. I didn't realize the stoves burned so fast. They sure had a lot of gear. Thanks
dbkguy They sure did. Winter camping is a commitment but it's gear that should last a long time if taken care of
Cool sleds too! :)
loving the videos! we havent had a very good winter here on the east coast of canada. havent got out as much as id like.
wow that's a lot of gear to drag in and out. great video.
Simon Hopkins Sure is. It's very comfortable once it's set up, especially for multi day trips.
good job, Shawn, thanks! ;-). 🍝🍝☕☕🍩🍩
Thanks man....!!! Loved it....!!!!
Lynez Ricker I'm happy to hear that!
Great forestlife 🌲 😊 👍
I like the mukluks they look warm and comfortable
James Kitchell Me too, I need to get myself another pair of those.
great video and people, I gotta document my adventures more often.
Dan Salls adventurers in life It's great to look back on later
Great video. Love seeing a new setup.
James Moorhouse thanks James
These people look like they found the secret to a happy life :)
Great video! On a different video with The Wooded Beardsman you asked if there was anything we'd like to see you cover. As someone just getting into traditional archery, and hoping to someday hunt, I'd be very interested in seeing a video about traditional bowhunting, or traditional archery in general. Also looking forward to hearing your log cabin stories. Thanks for all the great content!
David Lozenski Thanks David. Good idea, and yes, I have a cabin video half edited so I should finish that soon and upload it.
Love your videos
This was very interesting & informative.
Interesting 10X10 more efficient than a 12X12. And the adjustable pole. Thanks for sharing.
12x12 has an additional 44 square feet, so almost half again as big inside... I think her math slipped a little. :)
Looks awesome
nice, really enjoy your vids
I am green with envy! live in Wisconsin, headed to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota in 2 weeks. My young son and I. Cannot wait!! Excellent video!
Fresh perspective ! Nice !
Cragdwella Thanks man, I'm learning a lot of new perspectives myself this winter
Subbed, liked, and commented - Great video! Loved the guests =]
Anonymous Guitar Thanks, I appreciate that
Nice video, Tierney and Andrew sure come across as nice young outdoors people, and they do a nice job with their gear.
Robin Lauer Very nice couple - they'll do great things together
Yeah, but she should learn some math. 12x12 ft doesn't give you 2 sqft of space over the 10x10, lol. It gives 44 sqft, which is almost half of the space more. How could she even said such dumb thing?...
The difference is in the shape of the tents. The 12x12 Kanguk tent is a pentagon. The 10X10 Alaskan is a square. So it's not as simple as multiplying the side lengths.
See this thread for details:www.wintertrekking.com/community/index.php?topic=3817.30
Not as stupid as I look, @Sekeletu
Hahaha I get why they'd think I'm dumb at math for saying 12X12 is only 2 square feet bigger than 10X10 if they weren't paying attention to the tent shapes but GEEEEEEEZ don't comment with something negative if you haven't done the research. I'd be embarrassed to post something so derogatory without knowing the facts.
@@tierneyangus2986 So funny, love your response. Going to order the Alaskan 10x10.Take Care.
love all ur vids Shawn... ur my favorite youtube binge :D
we have reflection liners at our dollar stores in NB
My Grandfather used to call the technique she is using at the end of the video to pull the sled "using a tump line". Any other names? Anyway, Lived in North Bay to the south of Temagami and can appreciate the area. Always a learning experience. Thank you sir.
Loved the vid ,living in Fla I sure do miss the snow ...
very kool video!
You made your own freight toboggan? That is cool.
Very nice to stay in cavin
amazing....
Man, I gots to saves me sum cash! Great video, Great tent!
Awesome video,
Chris Morrissey thanks Chris
I miss the snow.. fun
Thank you
Great video as usual. I like your interviews. I follow tear knee on instagram. Great couple It was nice to learn more about them and their setup thanx Shawn. Looking forward to seeing more. Are you going to the outdoor show this year
Clifford Wright Thanks. I've been asked to speak at the Ottawa show, which I may do. I considered the Toronto show as well, but I think Ill attend as a guest instead. I'll announce my intentions on my Facebook page before the Toronto show (I'll probably spend a day there meeting as many friends as possible and give away some small gifts)
Nice family.
I wonder if my wife will make those boots for me? Looks like a really nice setup. Glad you introduced your friends to us. Take care!
you can put the spark arrestor way down at the bottom of the pipe so that it burns clean all the time it will turn the creosote into powder I learned that from Far North Bushcraft and today
Kenneth Rosbury yes, Lonnie has a great site with great information on how to make hot tents and wood stoves!
Loved this ♡
Cool setup but man that's a lot of gear! Not a big fan of the whole cut the bough thing either, but in a survival situation its cool. In the past, with few out there, like Sigurd Olsen days, it might have been ok, but with the multitudes of people out in the woods now, just not sustainable. While I have never used one in the winter, I like the idea of a winter hammock. There is a guy on youtube that takes his out in norther Minnesota in very low temps, crazy ! And I like her mukluks very much. The thought you have of being able to load up on socks and still have a comfortable footwear is pretty cool.
I wasn't sure about the sustainability of the boughs at first either. We tend to trip in places that don't see much human impact, but I still feel a small pang when I cut down anything living. I try to make my selection as unobtrusive as possible. For the hot tents without floors, I've found that the boughs are almost a necessity in really cold temperatures. Usually, we'll cut down one small hemlock/balsam and use the trunk for a green float under the stove and the boughs for the floor. Balsam and hemlock will regrow their bottom branches - spruce won't.
Buying a hot tent this season and I can't understand the pyramid shape either, with the stove in the middle. Just seems really inconvenient.
Really enjoying your series on the winter camping culture. Tierney and Andrew do it proper! Thanks for sharing! @Zak_Ri
That looks very cozy! Great tent for a full week ice fish.