SM Larry’s Cold Weather Tips

Comfortable winter camping = preserving body heat = slowing the heat flowing from the body = trapping and keeping the warmth the body generates against the body = wearing insulating clothing AND staying dry

Insulating clothing is much less effective when wet. Wet clothing draws heat away from the body many times more than cold temperature alone. Wool and some synthetic fabrics insulate when wet, but the rest (particularly cotton) do not, but instead pull heat from the body. It is critical to keep all clothing and skin dry.

Clothing and sleeping bags gets wet two primary ways:

1. FROM THE OUTSIDE: falling rain/snow or contact with the ground/wet surfaces.

   PREVENTION:

   • Avoid sitting/kneeling/laying directly on the ground
   • If your clothing isn’t waterproof take shelter from rain and snow
   • Always use waterproof barriers on the ground

2. FROM THE INSIDE: sweating into clothing and/or sleeping bag

   PREVENTION:
   Stay active to stay warm, but avoid working or playing hard enough to sweat.
   As you heat up, maintain normal body temperature with adjustments in zippers and vents, and by adding or removing layers to regulate your heat.
   

   Most synthetic insulating fabrics are designed to “wick” (pull away) the moisture from the body. Which is best. Second best is wool, a great insulator that still insulates even when wet. For all of the clothing below, consider a synthetic or wool fabric (merino wool is expensive but itch-free). Cotton is not recommended if at all avoidable. Cotton gets wet easily, dries very slowly, and provides no insulation when wet; instead, it draws heat away from the body. Just what you don’t want. If cotton (jeans, t-shirts, etc.) must be used, do not get it wet.

   If you get hot while working/playing, slow down and/or remove a layer. When your temperature returns to normal or below, you can put the layer back on. Always check you comfort and adjust your layers.

To recharge body warmth…

• Eat a snack (digestion powers your furnace)
• Stay hydrated, but…
• Urinate frequently, especially before you go to sleep (your body wastes heat on unneeded water stored in bladder) Note: initial sensation after urination will be a mild cooling (loss of warm water), but you’ll warm up soon after (as body returns that energy to warming body parts)
• Do 30-50 jumping jacks and/or 60-90 seconds of high-knee jog-in-place (stop before you sweat)
• Already tucked in? Do 30 crunches inside your sleeping bag

Winter Gear List

Shelter (Pack sleeping bag and clothing in waterproof/heavy-duty garbage bags inside your pack to keep them dry!)

• Water-resistant Backpack/Bag (Note: any pack/bag will do if it’s lined with a heavy duty garbage sack)
• Base Layer
  • Breathable polyester base layer of long underwear top and bottom (wool or other synthetic is also ok)
  • Socks synthetic wicking fabric (can wear two pair as long as it doesn’t slow circulation inside boots)
• Insulating (middle) Layers
  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Long pants & Belt/Suspenders (waterproof synthetic or wool)
  • Sweater(s) or fleece(s) or sweatshirt(s) or another loose fitting insulating shirt or two
• Outer Layer
  • Winter boots or sturdy warm waterproof winter trail shoes
  • Warm coat (ideally with hood)
  • Snow pants or other water-resistant pants
  • Knit hat and scarf or balaclava with ear coverage
  • Mittens or gloves with water-resistant exterior
  • Rain gear / poncho (if above items are not waterproof)
• Backup long-sleeved shirt in case first gets wet
• Sweatshirt/pants for PJs (cotton is ok for sleepwear)
• Sleeping Bag (appropriate for forecast overnight temperature)
• Waterproof stuff-sack for sleeping bag
• Sleeping Bag Liner or blanket (as necessary)
• 1-2 Sleeping Pads (closed-cell foam or down-filled, no summer air mattresses!)
• Hand/Toe-Warmers
• Mylar/Space Emergency Blanket

Water & Food

• Canteen / Water Bottle (1L)
• Mess Kit (plate or bowl, utensils, cup)
• Patrol-Assigned Food Items for dinner and breakfast, with necessary cookware
• High Calorie Snacks
• Money for lunch on the way home (we sometimes stop when camping far from city)

Other

• Personal First Aid Kit
• Knife, Pocketknife, or Multitool (with blade 5″ or shorter)
• Medications
• Headlamp / flashlight / lantern (with spare or fresh batteries)
• Bandana(s)
• Toothbrush/paste
• Matches in waterproof container
• Deodorant
• Garbage Bags (to keep large items dry)
• Gallon Ziploc Bags (to keep small items dry)
• Compass (if doing orienteering requirements)
• Sunglasses & Case
• Pen & Notebook
• 50′ of nylon cordage (paracord, etc.)
• Lip Balm (Chapstick/Carmex)