COLD WEATHER CAMPING #625 By Bob Czaplinski

What We Will Cover Pre-trip Planning Cold-weather Clothing The Ten Essentials Route-find in Winter Snow and Avalanche Safety Gear

What We Will Cover Making Camp in the Snow Types of Winter Shelters The Winter Kitchen Cold-weather Health Concerns Sanitation in the Snow

Pre-trip Planning Talk to people that have been there Have experienced leaders on the outing Study maps and research the area How long will I take to get there and set-up camp? Where is the closest emergency services?

Pre-trip Planning Check the weather forecast Check the local avalanche forecast Leave a trip plan Make copy of every participants physicals Does everyone understand the expectations and goals

Pre-trip Planning Carry extra cash Be prepared for the unexpected

Cold-weather Clothing Stay dry and warm Choose fabrics that wick moisture, dry quickly and are waterproof & breathable Base layer – the layer next to your skin Middle layer – is your insulating layer Outer Layer – is your waterproof / windproof / breathable layer

Cold-weather Clothing Boots – choose the ones that meet the conditions Key Winter Accessories – hats, gloves or mittens, gaiters, goggles, & warm socks The Ten Essentials – always a must

Ten Essentials Pocketknife First Aid Kit Extra Clothing Rain Gear Water Bottle Flashlight & extra batteries Extra food Matches & fire starters Sun protection Map & compass

Winter Gear Considerations Backpack – consider a high-volume pack Sled – may help to reduce weight on your back Sleeping Bags – use a bag rated 10 degrees lower that the expected temperature Sleeping Bag Line – adds extra warmth and keeps your bag cleaner A Foam Pad – to sit on

Winter Gear Considerations Sleeping Pads – provides cushioning & insulation Ground Cloth or Foot Print – protects your tent from damage & water seepage Lighting and Batteries – headlamp (LED type) & batteries should be new with extras Communication Deices – two-way radios keeps your group connected

Types of Winter Backcountry Travel Randonee skiing - AT ski bindings let the heel move for going uphill and clamp down for downhill skiing. Telemark skiing – or cross country skiing Snowboarding – resembles skateboarding on snow Snowshoeing – requires no special skills & for exploring heavily forested and low – snow terrain

Route-finding in Winter Make sure everyone has a good map & route description. When using a GPS know how to use it & have lots of waypoints Stay together as a group and use the buddy system Wear highly visible clothing & carry a whistle

Snow and Avalanche Safety Gear Avalanche transceiver – required backcountry item for each member Probes – another mandatory item in avalanche country Snow shovel – a must carry in the winter backcountry Personal locator beacon – sends out a satellite signal your position

Snow and Avalanche Safety Gear Avalanche air – bag packs – uses compress air or gas to prevent burial in an avalanche Snow Saw – used for making a snow cave or igloo Snow shovel – a must carry in the winter backcountry Personal locator beacon – sends out a satellite signal your position

Making Camp in the Snow Be sure to reach your destination with plenty of daylight to spare On arrival - relax, have a snack, cool down and put on extra clothing layers Take time find a suitable camp spot & set up you gear

Making Camp in the Snow Considerations in choosing a camp site: Is there natural wind protection? Is there a good water source nearby—or will you need to melt snow? Is it free of avalanche danger? Is it reasonably safe from falling trees and branches?

Making Camp in the Snow Camp site selection considerations con’t.: Does it give privacy to and from other campers? Are there landmarks to help you find the camp in the dark or a snowstorm? Where will the sun rise? A sunny spot will help you warm up faster.

Making Camp in the Snow Lastly, always follow the principals of Leave No Trace

Types of Winter Shelters Mountaineering (4-Season) Tents – ideally made for snow camping and frigid conditions and quick and easy to set up

Types of Winter Shelters Bivy Sack – helps keeps your sleeping bag dry and adds about 10ºF of warmth to it

Types of Winter Shelters Snow Caves & Igloos – a lot of work to build but are a warm place to sleep

The Winter Kitchen Backpacking Stove - Liquid-fuel stoves (rather than canisters) are recommended Camp Cooking Area – dig a trench about 3 feet deep that is sheltered from the wind

The Winter Kitchen Food Tips: Cold weather consumes lots of energy and demands high caloric energy foods filled with: Proteins – meat, dairy & eggs Fats – nuts & meats Carbohydrates – cereals, legumes, vegetables, fruits, breads, and candy

Cold-weather Health Concerns Hypothermia The signs and symptoms: Shivering Slurred speech or non-communication Lethargy Treat immediately by following first aid guidelines

Cold-weather Health Concerns Hypothermia Prevention: Stay warm, dry, hydrated and eat well Frostbite The signs and symptoms: Tingling or burning sensation to hand or feet Loss of sensitivity to touch

Cold-weather Health Concerns Frostbite, con’t. The signs and symptoms: Numbness to an area Change is skin color – first red, to white- to-purple

Cold-weather Health Concerns Frostbite Prevention: Don't put yourself in that position Be aware of your body signals Stay warm and dry

Cold-weather Health Concerns Dehydration The signs and symptoms: Increased heart rate Dry mouth Dizziness Muscle cramps Confusion Weakness

Cold-weather Health Concerns Dehydration Prevention: Stay well hydrated and drink lots of water

Cold-weather Health Concerns Altitudes Sickness Caused by being in a low air pressure at a high altitude. Symptoms include: Nausea, severe headache, dizziness, insomnia, shortness of breath, lethargy, body ache and not wanting to eat.

Sanitation in the Snow Practice good hygiene habits Camp at least 200' from trails, water sources & other campers Lower elevations - dig a cat hole, bury feces, cover with a rock on top Pack out toilet paper – use a zip lock bag Snow camping requires the use of a blue bags to take care of body wastes

What Did Will Cover Pre-trip Planning Cold-weather Clothing The Ten Essentials Route-find in Winter Snow and Avalanche Safety Gear

What Did We Cover Making Camp in the Snow Types of Winter Shelters The Winter Kitchen Cold-weather Health Concerns Sanitation in the Snow

ADDITION RESOURCES TO COLD WEATHER CAMPING BSA Fieldbook Backpacker Magazine & their website REI - advice/winter-camping.htmlhttp:// advice/winter-camping.html Military Survival Training Manuals Survival TV Shows – e.g. Bear Grylls

Do you have any questions?

Thank You For Your Time, Attention, And Participating In This Great Game We Call Scouting! …I hope you had a great time at PCT and have a safe ride home.