Camping Out at Tailgate

To many, camping out in Winter seems like something that only the most hardcore backcountry enthusiasts pursue. Not so at Tailgate Alaska. There is plenty of room around our basecamp to set up. Probably the best set up for Alaska this time of year is a wall tent or outfitter tent. These tents feature woodstoves for heat that can keep a tent at a balmy 70 degrees all night long.

Here are some links to some good quality options that will keep you warm.
Cabela's
Our original tent was a Cabela's Alaknak and has proven to be durable, warm and easy to set up.
Wall Tent Shop
Western Wall Tents
There are many Wall Tent makers in the lower 48 and Alaska - these are primarily designed as hunting camps, so they are very well suited to the enviornment on Thompson Pass. Not cheap, but will last for years

Military tents are robust and inexpensive - make sure to give it a test set up if it is used.

If you opt for a regular tent (no wood stove) - there are plenty of areas to get warm around basecamp, just make sure to bring a -20? sleeping bag and a cot or good thermarest to keep you off the snow. Also, it is a good idea to set your tent on a piece of plywood to further insulate you from the snow.