Written by:
Jim McMaster
Scoutmaster
Boy Scout Troop 70
(303) 530-1655
Email:
mcmasjc@tatanka.stortek.com
Topics
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Introduction
Camping in winter:
- Does not mean being cold
- Does mean
-
- Dressing differently
- Eating differently
- Thinking differently
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Dressing for warmth
- General principles
- Dress in layers
- Head, Hands and Feet
- Bring spares
Your body heat keeps you warm
- If you can feel external heat, you aren't dressed well enough
- If you can't feel external heat, BE CAREFUL
Cotton kills!
- Absorbs moisture
- Takes a long time to dry
- Does not insulate when wet
- Does not stop wind
Remember "COLD", and you won't be
- Keep Clean
- Avoid Overheating
- Wear Layers
- Stay Dry
Dressing for warmth means layers
We all have heard this. It is something our mothers have told us for years. For
really cold weather, though, the kind of layers is the key.
Proper layers keep you dry, insulate you, and protect from wind and water.
Clothes should be loose
- Loose layers insulate better
- Elastic bands make you colder
- Looser clothes make it easier to move
Three layers
- Next to the skin
- Middle layer
- Outer layer
Next to the skin
The layer next to the skin must:
- transport moisture away from your skin.
- Should be smooth and comfortable
- Polypropylene and polyester are best for comfort
- Silk is another good fabric
Middle layer
- Must trap pockets of air around you
- Wool is excellent
- Polyester fleece is lighter and insulates better
Outer layer
- Must block wind, and sometimes water
- Should allow moisture to escape
- Nylon is excellent
- Goretex is best, but very expensive
Head
- Much heat is lost through the head
- "If your feet are cold, put on a hat"
- Must cover ears
- Should block wind
- Neck gaiters make a big difference
- Scarves are good too
Hands
- Gloves should provide "layering"
- Warm lining is essential
- Windproof shell is essential
- Separate shell and liner are versatile
- Long cuffs increase warmth
- Mittens are warmer than gloves, but lose dexterity
Feet
- Boots are essential
- NO TENNIS SHOES!
- Boots and socks should provide layering
- Make sure they are waterproof
- Boots with removable liners are best
- Polypropylene sock liners make a big difference
- Wool and polyester socks insulate well
- Multiple pairs of socks increase insulation
- Don't wear too many socks
Bring spares
- Socks
- Hats
- Gloves
- Boot liners
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Eating for warmth
- Eat multiple small meals
- Eat higher-fat foods
- Eat complex carbohydrates
- Take trail snacks
- Drink warm beverages
- Drink plenty of water
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Thinking for warmth
- If you feel cold, get moving
- If you feel cold, put on more clothes now
- If you feel cold, tell someone
- If you feel warm, take off clothes now
- Don't play in snow unnecessarily
- If snow accumulates on you, brush it off
- Eat often
- Drink plenty of water
- If you get wet, change clothes
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Last Modified:
Tuesday, 14-Jan-2003 21:25:02 MST
Please send comments or suggestions to:
Jim McMaster at:
mcmasjc@tatanka.stortek.com