Winter camping brings memories of long stretches of snowshoeing wilderness lakes, a sled of gear in tow.

Have you ever attempted it before?  Would you like to begin?

Princeton University has a comprehensive winter camping guide that’s worth a good, long look.  In it are detailed recommendations to make your winter camping dream attainable.

It covers the basics of trip planning, personal equipment, shelters, food and travel. So, what sort of shelter should you stay in?  It might be a canvas sided tent, or maybe a quinzee.  You’ll learn how to make an informed choice.

Defining different kinds of footwear, the information advises which will suit your needs, depending on your travel and environment.  It demystifies types of clothing material, offering suggestions on layering and heat retention.

Clear graphics illustrate how to read both river and lake ice. And what about drinking water?  Did you know you can create a simple solar water collector? The guide will show you how using a trash bag.

Half of the challenge of winter camping is possessing the knowledge to have a better prepared, safe adventure.  You can start now.

Flickr Photo:  Chenwonki Semester School