Ax^i Parker 



/% LTHOUGH appealing to red-blooded 

 r\ lovers of the outdoor life, and otter- 

 ing an outing which afTords deep en- 

 joyment to the vigorous, winter camping 

 is not very generally indulged in. But a 

 long snow-shoe tramp across country or a 

 "hike" into the wilds at this season will 

 give an experience delightful to the jaded 

 seeker after novel outings. Due preparation 

 should, of course, be made, bearing in 

 mind the conditions. 



Outfits may be divided broadly into two 

 classes — a pack sack and a sled or toboggan. 

 The pack sack outfit is to be carried in 

 districts where it is impracticable to use any 

 conveyance; hence it must be light, and 

 yet include the essentials of shelter, food, 

 bed and tools. 



The problem of shelter is solved if log 

 cabins are located at the proper points 

 along the route, but as this is unlikely it 

 will not be considered. The fact that a 

 tent cannot be satisfactorily heated by a 

 camp-fire in front, but demands a stove, 

 puts it out of the pack sack class, so only 

 open front camps will be considered. 

 Several types of these shelters are on the 

 market, of which the Baker tent. Miller's 

 "Forester" and the simple "Fly" may be 

 mentioned as examples. 



With its awning and its head room the 

 Baker is more comfortable, but heavier 

 than the other styles. It is available in a 

 wide range of sizes. The Forester is ideal 

 for two men, being light and quickly and 

 easily erected, requiring but a tripod of 

 poles; but it is rather cramped for head 

 room in a storm-bound camp. Properly 

 pitched, it is, however, the best storm 

 shelter of the three. The "Fly," which is 



simply a tarpaulin fastened on a slant 

 frame of poles, is the simplest of all, but 

 requires more work in pitching. Should 

 you ever be benighted in winter woods 

 with but a single pair of blankets, use one 

 to make a fly shelter like the one shown on 

 the following page. The important feature 

 of all these open-front tents is that the 

 slant of the roof deflects the heat of the fire 

 to all parts of its floor. Three pairs of 

 good wool blankets, or their equivalent in 

 quilts, is about the minimum for comfort. 

 Rolled up in the tarpaulin or tent the 

 blanket pack is easy to cari^'. 



The axe is carried in the belt or thrust in 

 the end of the blanket pack. It should be 

 about 2 lb. in weight with a 20 to 24-in. 

 handle. Make sure of the reliability- of the 

 handle. Fold several plies of tough paper 

 (any paper will do in a pinch) over the edge 

 of the axe and tie it with a string. No 

 matter how sharp it is the axe will not cut 

 through this muzzle. 



The usual light cooking outfit consists of 

 I mixing pan, inside of which nests: i two- 

 quart tin stew pail, I tin tea pail, slightly 

 smaller; 2 tin or granite cups; 2 tin or 

 granite plates; 2 large spoons; i long- 

 handled pressed steel fry pan. 



These can all be carried in a small cotton 

 sack. For all culinary operations use a 

 hunting knife. Leave table knives at 

 home, and use a pointed stick for a fork. 

 An aluminum baking reflector with an 

 8 by 12 in. pan, is a convenience that will 

 add much to the variety of the fare. With 

 its board the weight is 3 to 4 lb., but it is 

 possible to do the baking in the fr>' pan. 



Sled or Toboggan Outfit 



Deep snow makes otherwise impassable 

 country an open road to one wearing snow- 

 shoes. Load the outfit on a toboggan. 

 With the improved weigh t-carryingcapacit>' 



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