What temp range do you switch to a heated shelter?

[180ls1]

Disregarding moisture concerns, at what general temperature range do you switch to a heated shelter?

 

[MtnsWinAgain]

Moisture/snow is more of a trigger for me. If your boots are going to get wet, then freeze over night, the hot stove makes a big difference getting them back on. Cold and dry not as big of a deal. Either way make sure you have a sleeping bag/quilt rated for less than the lows expected, the stove will go out.

 

[Salmon River Solutions]

Yep, came here to write heavy snow or rain.

Ken

 

[WyoHuntr]

When there is snow. Usually too much of a fire risk before that.

 

[180ls1]

So you guys just cowboy camp then if its dry?

I get the moisture/rain/snow part of the equation but it is interesting to see the outright temperature not really being a factor.

 

[sickles107]

Waking up to frozen solid boots and gloves... if ya know, ya know

 

[Poser]

Its more of a moisture thing for me as well. Temps could be moderate, but if it going to be raining quite a bit, I'll consider the stove. Day time temps could be a factor as well. If the daytime temps are pretty warm, I can work with some low temps that don't arrive until late at night.

 

[KHntr]

So you guys just cowboy camp then if its dry?

I get the moisture/rain/snow part of the equation but it is interesting to see the outright temperature not really being a factor.

The stove isn’t going to keep you warm all night. Thats what your bag and pad is for.

The stove dries out all your gear and lets you go to bed warm and get up warm.

 

[Poser]

So you guys just cowboy camp then if its dry?

I get the moisture/rain/snow part of the equation but it is interesting to see the outright temperature not really being a factor.

I do in fact sometimes "cowboy camp", but more typical would be just to not bring the wood stove unless its needed. Temperature unto itself could surely be a factor: lows in the single digits with daytime highs that aren't particularly warm. I once packed it stove in once for 3rd rifle where temps were well below zero, around -15, each night, but there was no moisture.

Southwest CO is a little more forgiving than quite a bit of the mountain West as the sun angle, elevation and jetstream will often favor a good portion of the day being potentially "comfortable" even when its cold. Someone hunting MT or ID will likley use their stove more often. Its also the case that on, say a 7 day trip, there will be 2 extremely cold nights with the rest of the nights barely being worth the hassle of the stove. That's more of the common scenario I deal with when deciding on bringing the stove. Stoves are great when you need them, but they sure turn into a huge hassle on longer trips as its lots of time spent dealing with wood and messing with a finicky stove.

I've seen people bring them along for summer high country trips where you are waking up with a light frost in August and some people just always bring them anytime they are out hunting in the Fall. That's just not even a consideration for me. Even truck camping, I just as soon bring 2 pairs of boots to swap out before trying to deal with the hassle of a wood stove to dry out 1 pair. The hote tent is cool and all, but once you get over the novelty of having one, the reality of the time investment of using one becomes something to more carefully consider.

 

[S.Clancy]

Temp wise, it's nice to have if the highs are below freezing. The nights don't really matter cause I am not stoking the fire all night.

I haven't used mine in the last 2-3 years. Usually, I am using it specifically to melt snow in areas there is no water. It's totally hunt dependent. Late season backpack elk hunting I am definitely bringing it because there are multiple people hanging out midday. Late season mulies same deal. If I am solo I just suffer with no stove so I don't have to deal with the extra weight.