Winter Backpacking(and camping) Rocks!!
Actually,I never could see the point of going into the woods,and coming back out the same day.
It's all about staying "in" for the night. The night sky description by Peakbagr was right on the point.
Good gear makes all the difference. I can't imagine a cold miserable night in.
I find it funny that when you mention winter camping,the first thing people say is " aren't you cold?" If I was,would I keep doing this for fun?
What's not to like? No bugs,no crowds(usually),and anyplace can become a nice level tentsite with a short "snowshoe dance". Water? No problem.Got plenty. Campfire? Got mine in a stainless hip flask-the correct spelling is actually "Apricot Brandy".
The night can be long,if you don't plan. We usually end up setting up at dusk,so it's not bad. I have a "9 o'clock rule".
Can't go to sleep till 9. That way you're not waking up at 3am-now what do I do till morning?
Best of all,Mrs KD,the love of my life,likes to do this craziness too!I don't have to "borrow" time to get out,so I'm a lucky guy.
So...tell me again why I wanna carry a 40lb pack up a trail on a hot,sweaty,bugbitten day in summer?