Troop 157 Winter Camping Tips

by Glenn Brewster

What to Wear

Dress in multiple layers, so that individual layers can be added or taken off as you get too warm or too cool. Start with long underwear made of wool (for warmth) and polypropylene (for wicking moisture away from the body). Wear wool, which insulates even when wet. Do not wear cotton since it does not insulate when even just moist.

In general, dress for what you are going to feel like in 5 minutes, not now.

Before you go out, dress very warmly.

Before you start a hike or other activity that will generate body heat, loosen or take off a layer of clothing so you do not become overheated. For example, unzip your jacket before you start walking and zip it back up when you stop moving. Wear insulated boots so that your feet will stay warm, rather than just plain rubber boots.

Obviously, wear a heavy waterproof parka, ski gloves, and a warm hat that covers your entire head. Mittens, if you have them, will keep your hands even warmer than gloves.

What to Bring (Beyond The Normal Packing List!)

Be sure to have at least one quart of water in a wide mouthed container.

Bring lots of sugary snacks (hard candy, Starbursts, candy bars, etc.), for the energy needed to stay warm. Bring more than just chocolate, however, since that will keep you awake at night.

Be sure to bring a complete extra set of dry clothing, including long underwear, wool socks, and so forth. An extra set of gloves and hat are also a very good idea.

Don't forget rain gear -- a jacket and pants, not a poncho.

Bring a ski mask in case it gets very cold, and to wear at night (with your hat) while you sleep.

Make sure that everything is packed securely in your pack, with nothing hanging off and nothing in your hands. If you drop something, it will get covered in snow and will be much harder to carry.

How To Stav Warm And Dry

Stay dry and you are much more likely to stay warm. Forget about snow ball f~ghts, snow angels, etc. if you care about staying warm.

Wear your wool socks, wool/polypropylene underwear, and ski mask into your sleeping bag at night. Keep your nose and mouth outside of your sleeping bag while you sleep, so the bag does not fill with moisture. Do not unroll your bag until you plan to get in. Roll it up immediately in the morning when you get out.

At night, put your boots (off of your feet), water bottle, and flashlight in your sleeping bag with you so that they do not freeze.

In the morning, change into your dry set of long underwear, socks and clothes. They will be cold at first, but you will be much warmer within minutes than you would be in the clothing you slept in, which will be moist from perspiration.

What To Do If You Get Cold

If you get cold, let one of the leaders know so they can help you get warm. Do not feel embarrassed about asking for help. This is important!

Do these things: get by a fire if one is nearby; eat a candy bar; take a leak; drink some water, or a hot beverage if available; start moving around, exercising. If you are shivering uncontrollably and these things don't help, you need to get inside a warm cabin. Legion Cabin (first aid station) is top choice, but Cabin #34 (HQ) will also be warm.

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