>>2468740They didn't backpack in the same sense that we do.
People absolutely made hunting camps and similar during the winter, but they had animals to carry their stuff for them. Dogsled, mules, horses, etc. Lacking these, it would be impossible to carry the quantity of stuff you'd need to set up a low-tech winter camp. Lacking animals, you probably wouldn't aim to "backpack" in the winter unless you absolutely had to.
>>2468436I once slept through a light snowstorm at like 20 degrees. Used a tarp draped over a lean-to frame. Had to use my 20-degree bag, a down coat, and long johns. I caught maybe 5 hours of sleep. Not fun.
I think you could extend the range of a 3-season bag with a liner and warm clothes. Some gear recommendations:
>BalaclavaOne of the big thick fleece ones. You can minimize the heat lost from your face.
>GaitersKeeping the snow outta your ankles is nice (or so I'm told)
>Tarp instead of tenthear me out. Pitched over a triangular stick frame and staked in well, it can keep the wet walls off of you. It also allows marginally better ventilation. If you're fine with cutting some dead wood for the shelter, a tarp is good.
