>>1141457For most people winter camping isn't very much of a spontaneous thing. Depending on the activities you want to do while /out/ it can take lots of preparation because it can be pretty brutal. When I host campouts in my woods with my friends I go out a day early and clear out the camping spot and prepare a shitload of firewood - including logs - and stack a big upside-down fire out there. Depending on the forecast I may also setup a big tarp between the trees so we can stay dry if it snows/sleets. My friend's tent is a little shitty so in those instances the tent goes under the tarp as well. In regards to the cold, a multitude of underlayers are needed, especially if you're a ground dweller, inluding insulating pads and mylar layers. Managing all the clothing layers is a big issue as well, as can be food and cooking (kero and gas won't burn inna cold so you need solid fuel, candles, or alcohol).
Now if you're a richfag and have big shoulders you can pack everything you need out there and go without having anything fancy like a fire, but you're looking at a very compact setup unto yourself - small insulating pads, $$$ ultralight 0ºF sleeping bag, etc.
I'm somewhere in between, I use a hammock so the underquilt, sleebin bag, and fleece are all I need, with tarp depending on the weather. I still need to stand or sit inna snow and cold if I want to cook. If the ground isn't all snowy or I've had time to prepare early/the day before I can get enough work done to have a nice long lasting hot fire. That can be technically done on the day and even in the dark, but in the snow it's very unpleasant.
