Re: Coldest temperature you've ever camped in?

I live in North Pole, Alaska and know cold. While many of you have been to Alaska on expeditions and vacations, I have lived in it day-in and day-out for 4 winters. Jim S has it down! If you know what you are doing and you have the proper equipment, winter camping can be done in comfort.

I have been learning the importance of items like mittens, hoods, and belay jackets (like the Marmot Needle). I carry my Nalgene upside down so ice doesn't freeze in the lid. I don't carry canister stoves. I always have a shovel with me on trips... I know cold but I'm still learning!

I've been on Wickersham Dome, north of Fairbanks, a few years back. I was told that it was -55F when we left and when we got to the top of the dome, the wind was so strong that ice sickles grew sideways. Ice froze my eyes (not eye lashes!) when I looked into the wind and was taking our trekking poles when we picked unplanted them. You do the math for wind chill...

There were parts of me that were beyond painfully cold, but because of that experience, I am prepared to do it again. I would love to go adventure and learn from people like Jim S, Tom D, or Stevethefolkie.