Building a snow cave..When to call it quits

[Himark]

Just ran across this looking for other info thought it still may be worth a bump.

 

[volcano buster]

The saw is nice but it is better if you have a tool to split it open too. Use a hatchet or large knife that you can drive through the wood until it splits.

We demo'd that a while back and decided the weight of a hatchet and road flares were worth their weight in gold.

 

[Trashy]

The right saw is priceless.

I have tried a few, been using a Gilmour two hand folding pruning saw this year, it is by far the best so far.

It is near impossible to start or maintain an adequate size fire without a good saw.

 

[Scott]

Good topic.

 

[Trashy]

I have had a couple emails and PM's asking about what saw I am talking about, so here it is




Happy logging!!

 

[mountainhorse]

TrashCat...
Great price on that one on Amazon. ($18)
http://www.amazon.com/Gilmour-10-Inch-Triple-Folding-610/dp/B00002N67H

I also like using this one from Silky... the BigBoy... Super high quality... but more money.
http://www.amazon.com/Silky-Folding-Landscaping-BIGBOY-354-36/dp/B000CE8RLS

.

 

[Trashy]

I have tried some of the expensive ones.

An arborist suggested the Gilmour mostly because it is comfortable to use with two hands and the curved blade cuts faster. She was right, it rips.

Getting off topic tho. Back to snow caves. lol

 

[Coldfinger]

I have a Browning folding bow saw. Very sturdy. I also carry a std folding saw which is easier/faster to deploy for the small stuff.

 

[duncan76]

I use my saw from my hiking backpack you guys should check out it's called Sven saw weighs under a pound for a 15 in bow saw that easilyfolds into itself been using it for years. Works killer.

 

[NytroNorm]

So whats the verdict? vent or no vent??

It also seems that you are going to have to choose between fire and a cave. most likely you wont have the time/energy for both operations.

 

[black z]

A small vent is fine, especially if using a heat source. The snow insulation is the main objective.

 

[Coldfinger]

Vent and i heard if u burn a candle in there it will be ok and provide more warmth.

Some interesting info:

Traditionalmountaineering.org


Practicalsurvivor.com

 

[tjcatman]

Vent or not to vent

I have been told if you don't vent you stand the risk of death. Don't remember why but I have been to two survival classes with trained experts in the field. Both told the group it is critical to vent as well as to dome the roof. I'm sure it has something to do with air depletion just like when your caught in an avalanche.

 

[bobback]

If building a fire around a tree well...do you have to worry about snow melting from the tree and falling on you? Or do you clear out as many branches as you can above your head? How close do a person want to be to the tree?

As for snow caves - don't you have to worry about the collapsing? If you have a fire in the cave - same concern and also what about venting?

 

[black z]

If building a fire around a tree well...do you have to worry about snow melting from the tree and falling on you? Or do you clear out as many branches as you can above your head? How close do a person want to be to the tree?

As for snow caves - don't you have to worry about the collapsing? If you have a fire in the cave - same concern and also what about venting?

That is why you "dome" the ceiling so the whole load isn't concentrated on the flat area of the roof, an arch or dome shape is extremely strong when exectuted properly. The vent is necessary to evacuate carbon monoxide.

 

[Uncle si]

I've done a trench just big enough for the bodies and packs, then cover with a tarp. Much less snow to move, less area to lose heat. Kept three people almost comfortable with two day packs worth of clothing and gear- the third didn't even have appropriate daytime clothing.

 

[Teth-Air]

I always carry a thick 6' x 8' tarp in the bottom of my tunnel bag.

It is really easy to carry as it is so flat, it also stops stuff from banging through and wrecking my tunnel.

A tarp like this can be used for:

Tent, blanket, toboggan (when track won't turn)
roof for snow cave, bed, or body bag.

It may be one of the most valuable items on your sled.

Can you imagine how comfortable you can be if 4 guys had them and you had to stay the night? You could build a pretty nice cave.

 

[up-high]

Screw all the firestarter junk and carry a roadflare. The flare will give you 20 minutes of super hot flame to get a fire going. If you cannot get a fire started with a flare it may be time to go hang out with the local boyscouts. I like the snow cave that is impressive, and good on you to show the newbies what it takes to survive a night in the cold.

Road flare also makes it easy to harden the roof. And I always carry different fire starters/kindling on me and on the sled/bike.

 

[xpspenziv]

TTT . BUMP

 

[Himark]

Found this old thread after a PM asking for it. Was a good fun day.