Winter Snow Camping

Winter camping is great fun if you are prepared!  Here are some thoughts to help you prepare:

Clothing

Clothing for winter camping insulate and support your body temperature.  They need to retain the heat produced by your body and at the same time remove excess moisture and heat away from your skin.

Cotton holds water like sweat or snow and never dries.  Wool or synthetic materials are preferred for winter camping.

Since we are playing hard and working up a sweat even though it is very cold outside, layering is key to winter camping.  As you get hot you remove layers.  As you get cold you add layers.

Three layers are recommended:

Layer 1 – Base layer, worn closest to the skin.  A synthetic thermal long sleeve mid-weight shirt is recommended.

Layer 2 – Insulation layer.  This layer helps to retain body heat.  A fleece long sleeve is recommended.

Layer 3 – Wind and Waterproof layer.  This layer keeps the wind and rain/snow out.  A ski or snowboard jacket is with a hood is recommended.

In times of extreme cold or during time of no activity, and extra insulation may be necessary.

Additional items important in winter camping are:

A fleece or wool beanie; balaclava for your ears and neck; waterproof insulated gloves; and heavy wool socks and water proof insulated boots.  Tennis shoes or Vans are not allowed in winter camping! 

You MUST have “Sorel Type” snow boots for winter camping.

Change of clothes

I cannot stress enough the importance of having at least 2 or 3 complete sets of dry clothes to change into, from your underwear to your jacket and boots.  When your activity level drops you’ll need to put on dry, warmer clothing before you chill. The wetter you are and the colder it is the more important it is to change your clothes – all of them!

Don’t wait and get cold before you decide to change your clothes.

Sleeping

Staying warm at night while you are winter camping is crucial to a successful trip. Having a “winter-grade” sleeping bag, or using two sleeping bags, is recommended.

Here are the components required to get a good night’s sleep:

Waterproof Tarp (if you are sleeping in a snow cave)

One or more sleeping pads to insulate you from the ground.  These need to be closed cell foam or insulated type.

Sleeping bag (mummy type) 20 deg rating minimum (Cats Meow).  You can increase the temperature rating by combining 2 sleeping bags togeather provided you have enough room to sleep comfortably.

Tips:

Put tomorrow’s clothes between your sleeping pad and your sleeping bag.

Wear clean dry clothes to bed.  Long underwear bottoms and tops, socks and a beanie cap will add additional insulation in your sleeping bag.  Make certain to sleep with your face outside of your sleeping bag. Your breath contains a great deal of moisture that can cause dampness to collect in the bag as you sleep.  Avoid verheating at night. Being too warm produces perspiration, so vent your bag if needed or take off your hat.

Keep a snack available for the middle of the night, so if you do wake up cold you can replenish lost calories and warm back up again.

Preparing your body

Staying hydrated during winter camping is important. Your body demands more water in the winter as your lungs lose moisture humidifying and warming the dry, cold winter air.  Drink at least 2 liters per day during winter camping before sleeping.

Eat a hot, hearty meal for dinner. Your body will use this fuel to keep you warm throughout the night.  Freeze dried meals are quick, easy, and hot.

Eating a high calorie, high fat content snack before bedtime will give your body more fuel to help keep you warm. Proteins, such as cheese, nuts, or grains, are better than simple sugars. Proteins release their energy more slowly than sugars, keeping you warmer through the night.

Some jumping jacks or a walk around camp will get your circulation moving and your metabolism going and warm you up before getting into the sleeping bag.

Go to the bathroom before bed.

Chemical heating packs (Handwarmers) work great for hands and feet. Layer them between socks or gloves – never put them directly next to your skin. Chemical heat packs usually last several hours.