Winter Floating

[eric1978]

Trying to get off the ground is something that I haven't considered. Maybe I'll go out and buy one of those foam pads I've seen. Thanks for the float recommendations guys this will only be my third trip down there, your input is very valuable.

GloryDaze is totally right...buy a Thermarest...it'll change your whole camping experience...warmer and much more comfortable. Get a good one and you'll be a very happy hung-over camper.

[bobber]

a couple of things to touch on (CHAINSAWS ARE AGAINST THE LAW ANYWERE IN THE NATIONAL PARK) .. as for camp pads look at jacks plactic's the poco pad it's the best bar none! a space blanket under your sleeping bag will act as a bairrer between you and the ground that just sucks the heat out of your body. it's also a good idea to call the ranger station with your float plan, to let them know your on the river this time of year. and flash flooding is always something to be thinking about. camp 9 vertical feet from the river's edge and pull your canoe high up on the bank, water levels are on the upper side now in the lower sections of the river and fishing is almost a waste of time with water temps in the low 40's /high 30's ......hwy 14 to rush is a sweet winter section but with that the whole river is floatable now so you have your pick!

[Gavin]

Paco pads look sweat.......but kinda pricey...I've done OK with the Thermarest Basecamp XL for the last couple years of winter camping, but I have a great sleeping bag...(-20 with a liner).

[awhuber]

a couple of things to touch on (CHAINSAWS ARE AGAINST THE LAW ANYWERE IN THE NATIONAL PARK) .. as for camp pads look at jacks plactic's the poco pad it's the best bar none! a space blanket under your sleeping bag will act as a bairrer between you and the ground that just sucks the heat out of your body. it's also a good idea to call the ranger station with your float plan, to let them know your on the river this time of year. and flash flooding is always something to be thinking about. camp 9 vertical feet from the river's edge and pull your canoe high up on the bank, water levels are on the upper side now in the lower sections of the river and fishing is almost a waste of time with water temps in the low 40's /high 30's ......hwy 14 to rush is a sweet winter section but with that the whole river is floatable now so you have your pick!

I always float camp with a fold up cot. I am too old to sleep on the ground! Chain saws are ok here on the Current, just can't use them after 11:00pm. I looked through the BNR site and did not see them mentioned at all, but the feds are good at hiding the "rules". I have only floated the BNR a few times and I am pretty sure the snags were not cut out with a bow saw.

[bobber]

the snags are cut by "THE PARK SERVICE" they can do what they want too!

[awhuber]

the snags are cut by "THE PARK SERVICE" they can do what they want too!

lol aint that the truth. here is an email I got from them.

Greetings,

I spoke with you on the phone today and directed you to the 36 CFR. The

prohibition on chain saws is in our Superintendent's compendium and states:

Section 2.1 Preservation of Natural , Cultural and Archeological Resources

1. Down and dead wood may be collected and used as firewood in

campfires in campgrounds and backcountry area. No wood may be removed from

the park. Down and dead wood may be gathered by hand only. The use of power

saws or chain saws to aid in gathering is prohibited. the use of hand saws,

axes or other types of non--motorized devices is allowed.

Thats why this forum is great you get the info you need.

We catch the park service telling un truths about the regs up here all the time but the Current is a different type of area than the buff. maybe we will see ya down there spring without my chain saw!

Look at the size of that crawdad

[Gavin]

Some hints from the Kipster.

Some recomendations for you to stay warm. No joking here.

Must Haves:

1. Thermarest

2. Bag rated at least below -15F. If concerned, bring two bags and put one in the other.

3. Thick wool face mask to use while sleeping.

4. Dry, thick wool socks for sleeping.

5. Dry wicking thermal underwear

Nice to Haves:

1. Handwarmers

2. Propane Bullet heaters (I'm not a big fan because they only provide heat when you stand up in your tent and want a headache).

3. Coveralls (Walmart should have them for under $40)

Things you can do to keep warm:

1. Lots of liquid (soup!)

2. Change your socks before going to bed 3. Poop before going to bed so you don't have to crap in the middle of the night and have to go through the whole bedding process again.

4. Bring a large glass of water to bed and keep hydrated.

[GloryDaze]

I use a thermarest Trail Pro- large since I'm so tall.. you can get one for $90 or so. My buddy saved a little money and purchased the type that doesn't extend the whole length of your body- it ends about your thigh but keeps your core parts off the ground. What I like about mine is I can put it inside my bag so I'm not sliding off of it all night. That may not be the best way to do it, but when it's 0 degrees out it seems to keep me warm- my bag is also rated to -15 as well.

They patch easy to- this summer I had a litte too much to drink one night and decided to just lay it on the Ozark rocks instead of putting anything under it- woke up to a deflated bed... oops

By the way- Don't Flip!!! That water's freaking cold

[eric1978]

My buddy saved a little money and purchased the type that doesn't extend the whole length of your body- it ends about your thigh but keeps your core parts off the ground.

I bought one of those for backpacking where every ounce counts, and I absolutely hate it. If you're gonna be canoeing, just buy the full length one. You don't have to get the most expensive and thickest model....just put a little extra air in it if you buy the cheaper kind.

Steer clear of the 2/3 length models!!!

[Wayne SW/MO]

2. Propane Bullet heaters (I'm not a big fan because they only provide heat when you stand up in your tent and want a headache).

A metal coffee can with a roll of toilet paper in it (remove the core and pack it in tight) saturated with alcohol will keep you reasonably warm and although it burns O2, it doesn't produce any other harmful fumes. You can get the alcohol at Lowes or HD in the paint dept. You extinguish by putting the plastic lid back on.

No matter what you have to camp with you have to be able to survive a spill, and that can be hard if you're not prepared. A pair of cheap neoprene's and a belt will not only give you flotation but keep you reasonably dry. The are some heap dry tops on the market that should work fine on Ozark streams. Wool is a another good choice for shirts and pants because it will provide warmth when wet.

Paco pads look sweat.

I have two of the original ones and there's nothing tougher. You can reduce them a lot better with a pump than by hand, but you don't need a pump to inflate them. Thet also provide some flotation, if they are secured, in case of a spill.