Simple Handout for Snow Camp as we call it out here in AZ
Chris Haggerty, Sierra Vista, Arizona (CHAGGERTY@ARIZBPA.BITNET)
Wed, 19 Jan 1994 19:23:00 MST
Since we have been talking about the cold and winter camping today,
I am sending out a copy of a flyer I gave to scouts in my troop
before we went up the mountain for snow camp! I have picked this
information from various sources, including the experience route.
Feel free to copy and use this information. Modify as appropriate
for your area of the country. (Jim Can probably give us a better list of
items to take for 40 below camping!) Winter Camp in the Mountains of
Arizona can go from 50 degrees day time to zero degrees night time.
RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR
KEEPING WARM IN THE SACK
1. REMEMBER: The sleeping bag doesn't heat you, you heat it. So
use this rule, "Thickness is warmth", to keep this heat. If
you're cold, add some more insulations (blankets, clothes, more
newspaper).
2. DO NOT SLEEP IN BOTTOM OF BAG: Your breath contains water. If
you close your bag with your head inside, then this water sticks
to the bag. Wear a hat to keep your head warm.
3. CHANGE CLOTHES: NEVER sleep in wet clothes. Even perspiration
will chill you at night.
4. EAT A CANDY BAR: This increases your metabolism (moves your
blood faster) and it helps keep you warm.
5. GO TO THE BATHROOM BEFORE BED: This saves you a middle of the
night trip in the cold.
6. DO NOT DRY "WET" CLOTHES IN BAG: Moisture will travel from wet
clothes to sleeping bag.
7. PUT TOMORROW'S CLOTHES UNDER BAG: This heats up clothes for
tomorrow's cold morning and also provides more insulation.
8. FLUFF UP YOUR BAG: Always fluff up bag before using to create
the thickness important in keeping warm.
9. MOST IMPORTANT, KEEP IT DRY: Keep all your sleeping gear dry
and follow these rules, and winter camp should prove to be a
rewarding experience.
IMPORTANT STUFF TO KEEP IN MIND
1. Clothing does not make you warm; it is your body processes that
keep you warm. Clothing merely provides the insulation to
preserve your warmth.
2. Layered thickness is warmth.
3. Keep your torso warm so that it can send heat to the
extremities.
4. Avoid sweating by ventilation.
5. Keep rain and wind out of your insulation.
6. Use your head. Keep it covered when you're cold; remove cap
as you warm up to avoid sweating.
7. Strain one muscle against another to maintain metabolism.
8. Wool clothing is best but needs wind protection, synthetics are
next best. Down is OK as long as it stays dry, cotton is a
poor choice.
9. If your feet are cold, put a hat on.
10. Remember the word "COLD" - Keep your clothing Clean.
avoid Overheating
wear clothing Loose
Keep it Dry
RECOMMENDED CLOTHING FOR TWO DAY WINTER CAMP
In addition or in substitution to what you would normally bring to
camp, bring:
2 shirts (wool,best, or flannel)
2 pairs wool or synthetic pants
(Strongly recommend against cotton pants like jeans. They absorb
moisture like a sponge).
fishnet, thermal or polypropaline underwear
boots (WATERPROOFED)
2 pairs of heavy socks (wool recommended)
2 pairs lighter socks (polypropaline is best)
Windbreaker (as is or part of heavier jacket)
balaclavia or stocking cap (wool is best)
parka or heavy jacket
mittens, (WOOL, gloves not recommended except as extra pair)
extra shoes
(Note: This was written a few years ago, there are even better
fabrics than polypropaline now!)
It is always best to stay dry when camping in the snow, but you can
expect to get wet and should be prepared. Boots or other shoes
which are not waterproof will normally start getting the feet wet
and cold after less than 15 minutes in the snow (depending on
temperature, the colder it is, the longer the feet stay dry). Low
top shoes will not keep the snow out of the shoes. Gaiters can be
made from plastic bags and a strong tape like duck tape. Do not
cover the bottom of you shoes with plastic, doing so will cause you
to lose almost all of your traction (and you will fall down!).
Unless your parents are planning to buy some of the items on this
list anyway, do not run out and start spending lots of money on
cloths and equipment. If all your pants are jeans, for example,
bring three or four pairs and change frequently. If you are in
doubt or have questions, call one of the troop leaders for advice.
Chris Haggerty
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
