Lately, it has been too cold out for adventures in the woods, I’m talking really cold…feels like -66* cold. It leaves me longing for a wonderful trip we took last year, in search of a winter camping spot. This search led us to Walker, MN at the beginning of Chippewa National Forest to Shingobee Recreation Area.
To start out our day it was a long and beautiful road trip, the first road trip with our pup, Mora. It’s tucked to the side of the highway and has a nice big sign to mark the entrance, we went down the drive a bit and parked. We could already see another group there, who had brought their dog along as well. We were right by an information bulletin, which was handy so that we could line up our map with the one posted. Once we figured out where we were off we went on our adventure to find the campsite.
Hiking In Shingobee
The trek to the campsite was a lot more intense than I was expecting. The trails to the camp are intermediate but adding the snow to that was a whole new level. This was the first time I had gone winter hiking add a 6-month-old pup into the mix, it was hard (side note: the waist leash I mention *here* is a lifesaver). The Forest Service does a wonderful job with Shingobee though, and they maintain the trails even during winter. This led to easily marked trails, that were grated in some areas to really give you a break.
The hill-filled, 2-mile hike was extremely rewarding when we found the campsite. A primitive site tucked back off the trail and nestled under some giant pines. Absolutely beautiful when snow covered. A quick break for us and the pup and we were ready to head back up the hills. We needed to make it back to the car by dark, which thankfully we did. A wonderful end to the perfect winter adventure.
Final Thoughts
Shingobee is a nice little spot in the forest. The area is open all year round and offers so many activities! Just a few of which are hiking, cross country skiing, a sledding hill with a warming hut, primitive camping, bird watching, and hunting. Pretty much anything for an outdoor enthusiast any time of year. Shingobee is a truly beautiful recreation area, taken very good care of by the Forest Service. If you end up near Walker, MN it is a must see…better yet make it a destination.
If you are looking for tips for women to be comfortable in the woods, whether you have yourself, your wife or girlfriend in mind you have come to the right spot. If it is your first time camping as a woman, it can be a little nerve-wracking and I am here to make sure you are at least comfortable. For the gentlemen who are here, I can help make sure your significant other’s time in the woods is enjoyable. Camping is a great experience to be alone or share as a couple so let’s jump in.
Sleeping Comforts
Sleep can be where so many lose out on comfort and there are two tips for this category
Sleeping Bag
You will need to make sure that you have the appropriate comfort rating for your sleeping bag. Women tend to sleep colder, so if it will be down to 50 degrees, you may want to look at a 40-degree bag (I use a 20-degree bag). Make sure that you have a sleeping bag that has a good loft, is soft and not too loud so you can sleep quietly.
This is my number one item that I bring to make sure I have maximum comfort. Camping pillows are loud, uncomfortable and your head normally slides off of them(if you have the blown up camping ones). I use a My Pillow travel size, you could also use a toddler sized pillow. This is great because it feels like the pillow you have at home, is not noisy and will cradle your head so it does not slide off.
Footwear
Footwear is about a lot more than shoes, check out my top picks
Water Shoes
Tired of having to lace up shoes or boots everytime you go in and out of your tent? Tired of your bulky footwear weighing down your feet? I’ve got a solution for you: water shoes. These are great, they are breathable, lightweight and have a hard sole so you don’t hurt your feet on rocks and sticks. They also dry extremely fast, if you do choose to use them in the water. You can also slip them on and off, saving you time and helping keep your tent clean.
Merino Wool Socks
Merino wool socks are the only socks that will do when you are out in the woods, don’t even bother with cotton or nylon. Wool is anti-microbial which is great for when you’re in the woods because your feet will be safe from bacteria and won’t get stinky. Wool also does a great job regulating temperature and moisture wicking, keeping your feet cool in the summer and warm in winter. Merino wool is also very soft, I recommend Darn Tough.
Slipper Socks
Slipper socks are just nice to have for around bedtime when you are in the tent winding down. Being able to take your regular socks off for the night gives them a chance to breathe and air out, yet you still get to keep your feet nice and warm. Slipper socks also help to keep the inside of your tent clean. On the off chance, you get dirt or anything on the bottom of your feet, putting slipper socks on makes sure to keep the mess contained and from getting all over your tent.
Entertainment
You will have downtime while out camping and it will be nice to entertain yourself a bit instead of staring into space. Making sure you are entertained and not bored is a great way to help make sure you are comfortable
Books
Books are great entertainment and there are so many to choose from. Whatever genre you might be into horror, mystery, comedy, or something inspirational there is a book for you.
Games
Games are truly the most fun way to entertain yourself while out camping, especially if you are camping with others. You cannot beat the interaction of a game – it will get you talking and laughing with your camping partner(s). There are many cards and dice games to choose from, even for two players, some of our favorites to bring are Monopoly Deal, Catan the Dice Game and Hero Realms.
Bug Protection
Bug protection is super important, because honestly without it you will be miserable and itchy, you would not enjoy your time in the woods
Sprays
The most common form of bug protection that we use in the woods are sprays. We use one on ourselves, Sawyer Maxi Deet is our number one option for this. Permethrin is the second, and for this, we spray it on our clothes and tent before we go. It instantly kills bugs on contact and it is great for being out in tick country.
Beauty/Hygiene
Beauty and hygiene are often two things women need in there life to just feel good. The notion is often that it cannot be achieved while out camping, but I assure you it can and will make sure you are comfortable
Hair Ties
These are yet another simple product that can make the trip a completely different experience. I recommend you always bring extra as they break so easily. Hair ties get your hair out of the way so you can perform tasks that take more exertion, they also help get it off the back of your neck when you are hot and need to cool down. When you put your hair up and it can also keep you from feeling grungy and unkempt, giving you an overall boost of morale.
Baby Wipes
Baby wipes help you clean up, especially if you do not have an access to water source. Not to mention they come in handy for just wiping off your hands before dinner and at the end of a long day where you put in the work and got a little dirty. Honestly, everyone enjoys having baby wipes on a trip. Don’t forget to pack your used ones out!
Face Lotions
While I don’t recommend makeup in the woods, face lotion can help to make you feel like you are clean and presentable. There are so many options, but I have two main favorites that I think you will enjoy in the woods. The first option is aqua balms, they are very moisturizing and help you to feel like you did something with yourself. The downside to using an aqua balm while camping is that there is no SPF so you should still utilize a sunscreen. My second pick for you to wear while camping is tinted face cream. These face creams generally have an SPF, the one I use by Marcelle has an SPF of 25.
Nail Clipper
If you are a woman who will be camping or taking a woman you know camping you absolutely should bring a nail clipper. This is a very small item and often overlooked but can greatly improve your trip. It is nice to be able to take care of a broken nail or a hangnail right away. If you don’t take care of it right away you can snag it on your gear (possibly causing a run) or even injure yourself further.
If you are a woman or taking a woman such as your wife or girlfriend camping it is important to make sure you/they are comfortable. Especially if it is your/their first time adventuring out into the woods. Camping can be a wonderful way to spend time by yourself or with your significant other bonding and getting in touch with nature. However, it is easily ruined with just one bad experience. I hope you try out these small comforts and they make your trip the best and most comfortable it can be! Make sure to comment below what your must-have comfort is!
Itasca State Park is actually not too far from our home, about two hours. We missed the first entrance, but caught the second one and made our way to the Jacob V. Brower visitor center. Everyone who stays in one of the 45 overnight sites will check in here. Plan to stay and enjoy this visitor center that is packed with historical information, exhibits, pamphlets of the area, as well as a cute little gift shop. Once we checked in, we made our way down by Douglas Lodge, which is a full-service restaurant (this park has everything!) and parked in the lot off to the side. From there we made our trek which was between 3.5 to 4 miles down the Deer Park Trail, our destination was Back Pack Site 5 on McKay Lake.
The Campsite
The hike to the site is moderate, you do go up and down a lot of hills. There are two shelters along the way and you also will pass the trail that will bring you to the fire tower, which is an attraction that draws a lot of people in (we had the pup so we did not break off course to see this). Once you get to site number five, you go into the woods a bit and there it is, your secluded oasis for your trip. I do mean secluded, it is the only campsite on all of McKay Lake, you will, however, have the company of loons, trumpeter swans, and some pelicans.
We stayed for one night and enjoyed really being alone with nature. There is a tiny “beach” on the campsite that the dog loved diving into, however, there were leeches so you have to be very careful and make sure to check between their toes. We called it a night decently early, and the loons could be heard calling all night.
In the morning, we took a short hike around past McKay lake, made it back to camp and cooked up a quick breakfast. Then we were on our way to the other side of the sprawling, 32,000 acres park to the Mississippi Headwaters. We hiked back to the jeep and drove about 8 minutes to the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center. On the way, we did pass the Itasca Lake boat access which offers Kayak, paddle board, bike, canoe and other rentals.
The Headwaters
After passing a few historical sites in the park such as the Pioneer Cemetery and Preacher’s Grove, we came to a parking lot in front of a massive building, which is the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center. This visitor center has educational stops outside, a large gift shop with fresh fudge, as well as a cafeteria-style restaurant with hand scooped Blue Bunny ice cream. Once we made our way past all of these eye-catching things, you cross over a bridge and come to the Headwaters of the great Mississippi River.
Itasca State Park is truly a wonder of Minnesota, and you can tell why it is one of the most popular! We were there for one day, and while I feel we did so much, there is still so much more to do there! Two more interpretive exhibits: Forest Inn and the Picnic Area Museum, I definitely need to climb the fire tower, I love to Kayak and of course, there is about 35 miles more of trails I haven’t seen (Dr.Roberts Interactive Trail is a must). We will definitely be making a few more trips back to this park, and hope you make it part of your #ExploreMinnesota adventure!
When you are camping with kids there are some things that make it much easier. Here are some tips and tricks to help keep everyone comfortable and safe in the woods.
Bring Water Guns – Having water guns not only are a form of the game tag or many other games. It also helps in keeping everyone entertained and cool as well. The hot sun can be uncomfortable sometimes and the evaporative cooling that comes with a good old-fashioned water fight can help that.
Bring Small Snacks – Having fun is so easy to do when you are out in nature. Running and playing can build an appetite but who has time to sit and eat? Small ziplock bags of healthy snacks can keep kids energized without stopping any of the fun.
Bring a small Tarp or Rug – Small toys seem to be every kid’s favorite thing to bring. Make sure nothing gets lost or stepped on, by bringing a tarp or rug that all small toys must be kept on at all times. Not only does this contain the mess but it makes clean up that much quicker.
Camp Toys – Toys that replicate camp activities not only allow your kid to learn camp basics but also allows them to be a part of what’s going on. Having Their own camp stove and tools will teach them so much. (See Video Below)
Glow Sticks – Using glow stick necklaces at night are not only fun but can help in locating and identify everyone. My sons favorite color is green so every night he puts on his green glow stick. Not only can we find him but we know it’s him from the green glowing neck.
6. Teddy Bear – always make sure your camping list has your kids comfort items from home. That security blanket or teddy bear could make the difference in how everyone sleeps that night, and how crabby everyone is the next morning!
When it comes to the outdoors knowledge equals survival, it not only aids in acquiring skills needed to accomplish tasks, but also helps in maintaining and improving on everything we once learned and knew. Camping is no different there are tons of different aspects and journeys one can take and by having the knowledge of the land plus the skills needed to conquer the conditions it really makes a difference in how you enjoy nature. My main teachers can be found not only on YouTube but also in the books I have read. I want to share with you the books that have taught me the skills needed to be confident and comfortable in the woods.
Bushcraft 101 A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival – Dave Canterbury started a series of books with this one but of the ones I have read this is still my favorite. It goes through all the basic knowledge of not only camping but true primitive living. The pictures in this book help to imagine what needs to be done to make certain that you understand what he is talking about and how it helps in a woodland environment. I also enjoy the fact that Dave also has a YouTube Channel that you can find videos on everything he talks about in this book to better knowledge yourself and learn in different ways.
The Peterson Field Guides – I myself have the books about Edible Wild Plants, Medicinal Plants, and Herbs, and Eastern Trees. These field guides are small and easy to bring with into the woods to help identify different plants and trees. Having a knowledge of what the earth can provide for you can help turn an emergency into a minor setback. The books are full of information to help identify and use each plant you come across.
SAS Survival Handbook For Any Climate In Any Situation – This book is FULL of information not only about camping but also survival. The information in this book can keep you alive and comfortable in most cases and I must say the amount of knowledge I have gained from this book is by far worth every penny. I feel everyone should own a copy of the SAS Survival Handbook just to be ready for whatever might come your way.
The Survival Handbook Essential Skills For Outdoor Adventure – When it comes to a good end table read this book fits the bill. There are a ton of big graphic pictures in this book that not only illustrate the knowledge being shared but it always goes over a wide variety of different topics to help spread your knowledge and keeps you wanting to learn more. I myself flip through the pages, find a picture that catches my eye and learn something new or something I might not have thought of before. For everyone that is just starting in outdoor adventures, this is a good book that will keep your attention and help you learn.
Survive and Thrive a Pocket Guide To Wilderness Safety Skills – This is a children’s book all about camping and wildlife. This book has a lot of very basic camping knowledge and fun activities you can do while spending your days in the woods. It is a very fun book to read to kids and helps get ideas for different snacks and activities. Even though this book is aimed at a much younger reader there is still a lot of knowledge in this book and being so easy to read I find myself going through it as a refresher from time to time.
Knowledge is power, and by knowledging yourself you will be able to better perform different tasks and skill that not only make your time in the woods safer but also a ton more fun!
We have already gone over the original 5 C’s of Survivability. Now we will cover the next 5 C’s that will better round out your kit. The 10 C’s of survivability are how I start off every kit or list of gear I need. Each piece of the 10 C’s kit is very important to have on you when out in the woods.
Candling Device – Having light can turn any situation into a much safer more relaxed environment. Being able to see what you are facing is huge in any situation and having the ability to have the sense of sight in a dark area makes basic movement that much easier. I usually always carry a flashlight on me whether it’s just a small one in my pocket or a much larger more powerful one in my pack or vehicle. One of the best options for in camp is a headlamp, wearing a headlamp allows you to light up whatever you are looking at while still having both hands free to perform task around camp.
Compass – Having a compass that points north and helps you find your escape route is very important. Just as important is knowing your area and having a plan so when things don’t go as planned you have a general direction to head to avoid major threats. knowing which direction the highway is or a major river makes the compass that much more of a tool to help aid you in self-help or self-rescue. Also, having a compass with a mirror and magnifying glass makes your compass a very versatile piece of kit.
Cotton – Having a cotton bandana is a very important and useful piece of kit. It can be used to help in first aid, filtering water, can be turned into char cloth, protects from the sun and the wind, and when wet it can be used to help cool you down on a hot day. There are tons of uses for a cotton bandana and the uses are extended if you choose to carry a shemagh which is basically the same thing only larger.
Cargo Tape – Having Cargo tape I prefer Gorilla Tape can aid you in many ways as well. It can help with repairs, help waterproof holes in tarps or clothes, can be broken down into a flammable tinder bundle, not to mention all the other things that can be made out of tape such as bowls and cups.
Canvas Needle – Having a sail needle doesn’t seem like a very important piece of kit to carry but it can perform in many different ways. Having a sharp sail needle can be used to help dig out slivers or splinters, it can also be used to punch holes in leather, or start a hole in a piece of wood to start carving out a bow drill set. If the needle is magnetized it can also be turned into a compass to help find your north/south line to help aid in finding your way back to camp.
Having all 10 C’s allows you to have all the tools needed to find your way, shelter in place, or safely navigate through the woods. So all of my kits Start with the 10 C’s which are Cutting, Combustion, Container, Cordage, Cover, Candling device, Compass, Cotton, Cargo tape, Canvas needle. These basic pieces of gear will help keep you safe and somewhat comfortable in the woods. also by having pieces that serves more than one purpose can help you that much more, such as a compass that also has a mirror.
With Tick and Mosquito season underway what are some of the things you use to keep them away what is your outdoor bug protection?
I start every season by treating all my clothes, tarps, tents, backpacks, and any other fabric with Sawyer Permethrin. The reason I like using Permethrin even tho it can not be used on skin is because it not only keeps Ticks, Chiggers, Mitts, and Mosquitos away it kills them on contact. I have watched a tick start to climb up my pants and was killed before it even made it to my knee. Plus it stays on your clothes through 6 loads of laundry so you don’t need to treat your clothes every time you go into the woods.
Second I always make sure to bring Sawyer Maxi-Deet this can be applied to the skin to help aid in keeping the Ticks, Chiggers, Mitts, and Mosquitos away in the first place. There is an ongoing joke that the MN state bird is the Mosquito, they can be very thick at times and being able to keep them away is key to keeping your sanity out in the woods. Plus the Ticks are known to carry Lymes disease and other illness so keeping them away is a must.
Mora Companion – This was my first Mora and it has served me very well I can’t think of a better budget fix blade. I have the Carbon steel blade because it is able to strike sparks off the spine and can be used in many other ways. It does, however, come in a Stainless steel option.
Mora Bushcraft Black – Once I got the bug, I had to get the Bushcraft Black. It is very similar to the Companion but with a more rubberized handle that I find to be a lot more comfortable. It also has a 90-degree spine which aids in scraping bark and striking a ferro rod.
Mora Pro C – In one of my BattlBox I received the Mora Pro C it has a much different feel than the Companion but it still has that hard plastic handle. The handle is very comfortable and has a very nice hand guard to keep you from slipping onto the blade. The blade is Carbon steel and much shorter than the Companion. My plan was to give this knife to my young son as his first fixed blade but the more I use it the more I wanna keep it for myself.
Mora Kansbol – This is one of Mora’s newer blades. I hope to one day get my hands on one and see how it compares to my Bushcraft Black.
Mora Garberg – It wouldn’t be a Mora list if it didn’t include Mora’s first ever Full Tang knife. I would love to own one of these knives I can’t imagine what the engineering of this knife includes. They took everything good they have ever done to a Mora, wrapped it up into one package and then made it a full tang. The price shows that they didn’t skimp out on quality but like I said I would love to own one of these bad boys some day.
