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CHAPTER 5
1.
Final Thoughts
Here are a few extra things I have been thinking about that I thought I would pass on.
I remember as a cold weather instructor, I would be up on the mountain for weeks at a time. I always wore glacier glasses (sunglasses with leather on the sides) to prevent snow blindness. When I did come down off the mountain I looked like a raccoon. Believe it or not, you can get a sunburn in the winter - and in the strangest places. The snow reflects the sun - a lot, and you will find that you get sunburned under your chin, under the top of your eyes, and your ears. That's because of the snow reflecting the sun. Also, with all of that white snow everywhere - it's always a good idea to bring sunglasses.
Gaiters - Gaiters are essentially nylon leggings that have Velcro and snaps/or a draw string on them that are only about 18" high. They wrap around the bottom of your pants and cover the top of your boots. This prevents your boots from filling with snow, and keeps the bottom of your pants dry. Additionally, they prevent your body heat from escaping through your pant legs. A good piece of "kit" to have!
On boots - There are many types and styles of boots out there and depending on what you will be doing, you should wear the kind that suits the kind of activity you will be doing. If I am hiking, ice climbing and have to wear crampons, or rock climbing, I will wear heavy leather padded boots because of their durability and stiffness. They will be waterproofed with "Snow Seal" or another similar product. But if I am camping and standing around a lot and not generating heat, than a boot like "Sorel" will be my choice of footwear. They have a rubber bottom, leather upper, and are heavily lined with either fleece or felt. These too will have a fresh coat of waterproofing on them. Snow mobile boots are also good for camping. But - there is a secret to wearing them right so they keep your feet warm! Don't wear heavy wool socks with them! Believe it or not, a thin sock will actually keep your foot warmer. If you have room in them, put in an insole like felt padding or a store bought one to give you an extra layer between your foot and the ground (where your foot loses most of it's warmth).
Remember in part 1 I said we would discuss food some more? Well, now is that time. Always keep your water bottle inside your jacket. I "dummy cord" mine around my neck. I tie a big loop with some cord, place it around my neck, and clip my water bottle to it. This keeps the water from freezing, and is easy to get to on the move. Also, I am a big fan of "Gorp." A combination of mixed nuts and M&M's. Loads of carbohydrates and sugar to keep you going. I'm never without it.
A Balaclava. This piece of gear is also very handy to have in a cold weather climate. Essentially, it is a ski mask. I prefer it to just a wool cap during the day because it covers my face more and also prevents heat loss from my neck. It leaves openings either for the eyes and mouth, or an entire opening for the eyes and mouth.
Movement generates heat! If you feel as if you are getting cold, do some jumping jacks, or run around a bit (with your buddy of course). Your fingers, hands, toes, and feet will feel the cold first because of two reasons. First is because they are the farthest from your heart and body core. The second reason is caused by the "Mammalian dive effect". Remember that term - you'll be quizzed on it later! As your body starts to get cold, your brain sends a signal to the heart to protect your vital organs at all cost. So, the blood in your body starts collecting in your body core and the organs there (heart, lungs, stomach, liver...) that are vital for survival. Hence - your fingers and toes don't receive as much blood as they aren't as important for survival as your organs.
Some good outerwear to wear for camping (not hiking) in a cold weather environment is made by "Carhartt." Tough, durable, and I recommend the coats and overalls that are quilted inside. There's a big selection at the "Big R in Peyton on Highway 24 East. They're heavy, I know, and I recommend spraying "Scotchguard" or "Campdry" or another similar water shedding spray on them. Remember when spraying water repellents - do it in the open air, and spray multiple light coats instead of a heavy one.
Chapstick - Don't leave home without it.
On food: Prepare as many of your meals at home (in the warmth of the kitchen)! Planning an omlet for one of your breakfasts? Prepare your mixture at home. Eggs, milk, cheeze, chopped ham, onions, green peppers... and put it all in a container. That way you can just pour it into your frying pan at your camp location instead of having to chop everything in the cold. REMEMBER - Cold weather freezes food. PROTECT it from the cold by storing it in a warm location and not by leaving it in the cold.
Look out for each other! In adverse conditions (like cold weather) people tend to keep to themselves and think of only themselves. They become withdrawn from what is going around them. Keep busy and stay engaged! Patrol Leaders and scouts in leadership roles - This is where your leadership is important!
Food Before Sleeping. You heat your sleeping bag, it doesn't heat you. Therefore, just
before going to sleep, eat something high in carbohydrates like noodles,
cereal or crackers to give you fuel to burn during the night. A hot liquid
will also do the job. Having a topped off hot thermos is nice if you wake
up with a chill.
I hope you have found a few more "golden nuggets" here that you can use, and if you have any questions about cold weather camping that I haven't covered - just ask!
Above all else - HAVE FUN! Winter camping is only here for a few months - so learn things - do things - and enjoy it!
See you soon,
David |