Have you ever wondered why we all carry those reflective blankets, sleeping bags, bothy bags, and other ultralight shelters- but rarely use them? Have you ever looked at the emergency gear you carry and wonder what it would be like to actually use it, and how that knowledge might change what you carry? Are you a glutton for punishment? This trip is all about finding out just how comfortable and warm these emergency systems are, without having to actually commit to using them all night.

On this trip, we will be camping using minimal overnight gear (only the MITOC safety gear) outside Intervale to simulate a bivvying experience (i.e. sharing sleeping bags and mats between participants, stuffing tents etc) starting Saturday evening until Sunday morning. We will also test our winter fire building skills. Participants are welcome to stay the whole night (as long as you don't get too cold) or go inside the Intervale cabin whenever you've decided you've learned enough.

We don't expect this to be particularly comfortable, but we hope that this is a learning experience that informs what you carry in your emergency kit going forward, i.e. if it’s worth opting for warmer/heavier bivvy gear, or if we should all be camping in tin foil and cellophane tents. At worst, it will be a good Type II bonding experience!

In the morning we’ll have a feast of epic proportions !

Since this trip is just an overnight at Intervale, its a great add-on if you're planning on joining another trip Saturday or Sunday. Just don't expect to have too much energy on Sunday.