Thank you
@Corrie and
@Michael for writing the article! Just because it is snowing, cold or frigid doesn't mean the overland season has to end! A few other things to consider that the article doesn't mention. Most of this is from my Search and Rescue experience where I have slept outside (NOT in a tent, but in a bivy and mummy bag...in the snow to as low as single digits):
1. "Cotton Kills." This is a saying we say in SAR before every winter and to all new Mountaineers. Cotton clothes retain moisture and moisture in freezing temperatures can remove body heat, cause hypothermia and are almost impossible to dry, even if you can start a fire. Do NOT wear cotton socks, cotton undergarments, cotton underwear, cotton shirts, hats nothing. Ensure all your garments are poly, wool, fleece and 0% cotton. Even a shirt that is a 60/40 split of cotton to synthetic...it's retaining moisture.
2. Protect your electronics. Whether you sleep in a mummy bag or 0 degree bag, put your electronics; phone, watch, gps, gadgets, tablets etc into the footwell of your sleeping bag in a ziplock bag or stuff sack. Your body heat will protect your valuable, essential and expensive gadgets. In weather/cold below 15 degrees, I have actually had the saline solution for my contacts freeze over and destroy my contacts...Now, even essential personal safety/hygiene goes into the bottom of my bag.
3. The article discusses layering clothes, which is the proper technique. A baselayer of synthetic or wool attire, underwear, socks etc. I wear long johns made of synthetic fabric. If I am expecting overly cold weather (talking temps in the teens or less) I will put fleece pants on over my long johns, then my SAR Tactical pants. For a top, over your baselayer, you can wear a cold weather sweater, fleece jacket or wool jacket. Always have a water barrier or waterproof jacket/shell in cold weather. If the weather changes or shifts, you can put your shell on over your fleece/wool or down jacket to add protection from moisture. If you are doing strenuous activity, cutting wood, clearing trail, hiking etc...err on the side of being a bit cold rather than too hot. Sweat/moisture on your body is the enemy.
4. "You can go alone, as long as you take someone else." Another SAR saying. NEVER camp in cold weather alone. If a mate gets hypothermia, even opening a car door or inserting keys into the ignition can be impossible with frozen or damage appendages or fingers. If you ever want to try this, go to a cold climate and let your hands get cold and try to tie your shoes, zip up your jacket or other fine motor skills and unfortunately, your body doesn't comply. If you have a buddy, you have a fighting chance of working together through adversity, tribulation, challenges or emergencies.
Also, check your buddy for warmth, hydration, hypothermia, cognition (ask them to tell a detailed story or explain how to do something and be aware of their mental state.) Even if you feel that are "fine" check each other often, especially in freezing climates.
5. Last bit I will share is use waterproofing spray on everything before you go. Especially the breathable Goretex friendly sprays. Yes, most of the clothes, boots, jackets we buy for winter camping say "waterproof" or "water resistant" on the labels, but as we wear items, wash items and store items, the waterproofing agents in the clothing/fabric becomes less effective. I spray my boots before every cold weather mission, my jackets (especially seams), my tent, my sleeping bag (especially toe box/foot well of bag, I hate wet feet) and any other fabrics I think may find moisture.
6. OK, last, last tip I will share is practice before you go camping or overlanding overnight. Take a day trip to the snow, try out your gear, take a nap in your rig, tent or bivy and see what gets cold. Build a fire on top of snow, with wet wood...can you do it? Cause if you aren't successful, you would rather learn during practice, than in the real when your hands are cold, your stomach is empty and your situational awareness is fading. Trust me, cold weather compounds frustration and stressful situations.
7. OK, last, last, last one....Eat a high protein snack right before you go to sleep. A power bar, beef jerky, etc. Your body will work to digest it at night and actually create body heat. No sugary items as the OB article states. Sugar will burn too fast and may actually keep you up. One of my favorite parts of camping in the cold is that I get to eat a good snacky before beddy bye! And urinate before you goto sleep and if you have to really go in the middle of the night, GO! Holding your urine will make you colder, and even colder than had you opened your sleeping bag and peed in that water bottle to relieve yourself!
Damn, I'm going to have to go camping now this winter!
#OutfitandExplore
