Backpacker Magazine – October 2009

Stay Comfortable in Any Weather: Wind

Read the terrain and use anchors to stay grounded.

by: Molly Loomis

Tags:
• Skills
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• Weather
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• Environment
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On the Trail | In Camp | Key Gear

IN CAMP

Increase stability. Trust us: A poorly pitched tent that groans and flaps for hours makes for a terrible night's sleep. Give your tent much-needed flexibility by passing a 5mm bungee cord through your fly's guy loop several times, tying the cord to the guyline, and staking it out. Because it gives a bit, says Fierer, "It'll stay tighter longer, and this prevents ripping the tent."

Pitch a lead tent. Set up other tents in a line in its lee, advises Van Steen. The lead tent (which should be the largest) will shield the rest from cold gusts during setup and throughout the night. Build a windbreak. In winter, use snow to construct a wall around your site. (Don't dig a pit around your tent, or drifting flakes will fill it in.)

Keep meals grit-free. Stick to easy, one-pot recipes served in bowls. High-sided Tupperware containers work best.

On the Trail | In Camp | Key Gear

KEY GEAR
Windshell For windy–but relatively dry–conditions, get a breathable windshell that won't cause overheating (like Marmot's Tempo; $90, marmot.com).

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