I think the key here is not where 'nobody' will go, but try to get where 'few' will go. For rifle season we try to find the goldilocks spot where we're further than folks will hike from the trailhead, but not as far as the ones with horses will go. Where we are that tends to be in the 2.5-6 mile...
Ding Ding Ding! If it's not cold enough for the stove I'll be sleeping under a tarp in my hammock with a bug net on it. Once it's cold enough that a stove is wanted either as a luxury or a necessity, it's time for the Redcliff.
Only the mouse issue remains in that type of cold, and as stated...
Lots of debate on boots here. I too hate a stiff/heavy boot. Last year I did first rifle in CO with super light Irish Setters and really regretted it...the sole was simply too soft and I got pretty bruised up on the bottoms of my feet. Also have two buddies who broke ankles hunting out there...
I have a SO Redcliff and it wasn't until about the 9th night in it that I came up with the very obvious hack to help with condensation. I say hack, not solution because there is still some condensation present, but much much lower down the wall. Unzip the door at the top so about a foot to 16...
Cliff notes:
To immediately shed 5-7 lbs
get a lighter pack
get a lighter shelter (shelter, not tent)
after that shit gets expensive for weight savings
remember you are there to hike, not to camp...pack like it
I didn't thru hike it, but spent 8 weeks on the PCT a little over 20 years...
I camp/hunt with a notorious lighter thief. I use a 3 foot length of paracord and tape one end the lighter, tie the other end around the center pole of my redcliff. Works like charm. Wake up in the morning, feel around in the dark till you hit the pole, grab the cord and boom...lighter in hand...
Whatever brand puffy that is cheap and warm, then an adult size camo shirt over the top. Especially handy if the camo shirt happens to be in your size.
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I've used our pop up ice shack for hunting/camping a few times. MN rifle deer it's awesome, because it's usually cold it works amazing. Used it once in the UP in MI and we got 7" of HEAVY snow. The roof collapsed a few times over the course of the night, not awesome...not even a little. I'd say...