Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 90.djvu/303

 �Ax^i Parker

��/% LTHOUGH appealing to red-blooded r\ lovers of the outdoor life, and otter- ing an outing which afTords deep en- joyment to the vigorous, winter camping is not very generally indulged in. But a long snow-shoe tramp across country or a "hike" into the wilds at this season will give an experience delightful to the jaded seeker after novel outings. Due preparation should, of course, be made, bearing in mind the conditions.

Outfits may be divided broadly into two classes — a pack sack and a sled or toboggan. The pack sack outfit is to be carried in districts where it is impracticable to use any conveyance; hence it must be light, and yet include the essentials of shelter, food, bed and tools.

The problem of shelter is solved if log cabins are located at the proper points along the route, but as this is unlikely it will not be considered. The fact that a tent cannot be satisfactorily heated by a camp-fire in front, but demands a stove, puts it out of the pack sack class, so only open front camps will be considered. Several types of these shelters are on the market, of which the Baker tent. Miller's "Forester" and the simple "Fly" may be mentioned as examples.

With its awning and its head room the Baker is more comfortable, but heavier than the other styles. It is available in a wide range of sizes. The Forester is ideal for two men, being light and quickly and easily erected, requiring but a tripod of poles; but it is rather cramped for head room in a storm-bound camp. Properly pitched, it is, however, the best storm shelter of the three. The "Fly," which is

��simply a tarpaulin fastened on a slant frame of poles, is the simplest of all, but requires more work in pitching. Should you ever be benighted in winter woods with but a single pair of blankets, use one to make a fly shelter like the one shown on the following page. The important feature of all these open-front tents is that the slant of the roof deflects the heat of the fire to all parts of its floor. Three pairs of good wool blankets, or their equivalent in quilts, is about the minimum for comfort. Rolled up in the tarpaulin or tent the blanket pack is easy to cari^'.

The axe is carried in the belt or thrust in the end of the blanket pack. It should be about 2 lb. in weight with a 20 to 24-in. handle. Make sure of the reliability- of the handle. Fold several plies of tough paper (any paper will do in a pinch) over the edge of the axe and tie it with a string. No matter how sharp it is the axe will not cut through this muzzle.

The usual light cooking outfit consists of I mixing pan, inside of which nests: i two- quart tin stew pail, I tin tea pail, slightly smaller; 2 tin or granite cups; 2 tin or granite plates; 2 large spoons; i long- handled pressed steel fry pan.

These can all be carried in a small cotton sack. For all culinary operations use a hunting knife. Leave table knives at home, and use a pointed stick for a fork. An aluminum baking reflector with an 8 by 12 in. pan, is a convenience that will add much to the variety of the fare. With its board the weight is 3 to 4 lb., but it is possible to do the baking in the fr>' pan.

Sled or Toboggan Outfit

Deep snow makes otherwise impassable country an open road to one wearing snow- shoes. Load the outfit on a toboggan. With the improved weigh t-carryingcapacit>'

��287

�� �