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2003 Traditional Winter Camping Symposium
Solon Springs, Wisconsin
October 24-25, 2003

A really kick butt symposium with lectures and interaction with arctic expedition professionals like Paul Schurke, Garrett Conover and Steve Piragis, we learned how to best outfit our own snowshoe, ski or dog expeditions into the extremes during the upper latitude winters of Minnesota, Canada and beyond. I have become a convert in natural fiber clothing after talking to the experts. I bought four really nice items from the vendors who displayed there (see bottom of this page).
Ben tests out my new EOS digital camera on Tami, who finds the built-in flash to be quite powerful. Damn good humor. Mark Hansen led a seminar at his tent called "Stoves For Your Tent." He highlighted topics of how to maintain consistent heat, what types of firewood to use, and some tips for cooking.
Mark explains that using a wood-burning stove in your tent in the wilderness requires some precautions. Mark says to always wire the stove upon camp setup to prevent the stove from tipping over in your tent (egads!) or collapsing and starting a complete fire (double egads!) 
The Symposium drew all sorts of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen. The one common trait that everyone shared was a hard core desire to camp in the winter without beating the crap out of yourself or becoming dead from a lack of knowledge.  Ben was being really good at not noticing my intrusive documentary-style photography of this particular session.
Ben was still trying hard to be oblivious to my camera, but Tami was intrigued by the dog that was licking himself next to the stove that the instructor was discussing. Mark discusses the powers of God as Jesse Ventura resumes his role in Predator and looks for the alien in the trees. Tami (just to the left of Ventura) knows the alien is there, but knows that it has no power over her, and wonders about Mark Hansen's shoes.
I bought the following items...
Arctic Style Anoraks

In extreme cold, details matter.
Which is why our anoraks are closely modeled on traditional designs that evolved through hard experience in some of the coldest places on earth.

The fabric is windproof yet breathable, to release trapped moisture. The fit is loose, to maintain an envelope of insulating air, but adjustable, allowing you to adapt quickly to changing conditions. Mid-thigh length and full cut makes for easy layering and freedom of movement. Full-cut storm hood features a gusseted, adjustable neckline to regulate ventilation. Waist and cuffs adjust for maximum comfort. We use tie-tapes and toggle buttons for all closures and adjustments because of their simplicity and fail-safe reliability in extreme cold. Handcrafted of 8.25 oz. shelter duck, preshrunk and untreated. All seams are double-stitched for strength and durability.

Designed to allow you to withstand extreme conditions when paired with our Wool Blanket Shirt, this windproof, natural fiber garment can also be worn alone on blustery days.

Color: Natural
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Pricing: XS - XL $185.00 / XXL $190.00
Ordering Information

Anoraks are made to order. Please include your height and weight to ensure a correct fit, and allow 6–8 weeks for delivery.
Ullfrotté

With Ullfrotté Original, your feet will always be dry

Comfortable feet are important for your general well being. But it is hard to find a sock that really works under both wet and dry conditions. Try Ullfrotté Original – the ideal material for socks. Wool and synthetic fibers have been blended to take advantage of the favorable characteristics of both materials. The wool absorbs and wicks moisture from the sock, keeping the skin dry and comfortable and reducing the risk of athlete’s foot. The synthetic fiber increases the durability of the sock.

Research shows that our feet are most comfortable at a temperature of between 82 °F and 93 °F. The inherent properties of wool allow Ullfrotté Original to maintain a comfortable foot temperature, warm in winter and cool in summer.
Ordering Information

Gransfors Bruks Axes
Small Splitting Axe

Can be managed with one hand. Forged and ground to a concave, quite thin blade at the bit. This design helps the axe to go fast into the wood - and then split efficiently when the thicker part hits and pushes apart the wood. The poll of this axe, like the poll on most axes, is not designed for pounding on a wedge. The head weighs 2 lb. The face is 2 1/2”. The 20” hickory handle has circular grooves at the grip and steel collar near the head. It comes with a grain-leather sheath.

Ordering Information

The Winter Wilderness Companion:
Traditional and Native American Skills for the Undiscovered Season


Garrett Conover and Alexandra Conover
(Ragged Mountain Press, A Division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, © 2001)

It this remarkably compact how-to volume, the authors celebrate the often overlooked splendor of winter and invite readers to embrace the season—not just endure it—by making use of traditional skills and equipment and drawing on traditional philosophies. With detailed instructions for making clothing, tents, toboggans, and snowshoes, among others, this is the complete guide to enjoying the winter wilderness.

“The Conovers propose a spiritual kinship with winter, this most extreme, yet mystical, season. . . . This is in all respects a well-written, entertaining, and enthralling work.”..—Bushwacker

Price: $19.95

Ordering Information
 
Copyright © 2003 Tony Rogers