Cold Weather Camping

It's cold outside but you still want to go camping. Why not? The crowds are gone and there's a stark beauty that is apparent after the temperatures drop and before the weather warms up again in the spring. Cold weather camping is not for the unprepared camper, though. You must understand the weather conditions and dangers as well as what gear, clothing, and techniques will keep you most protected from the elements.

Cold Weather Conditions
Think of how cold weather can affect your camping trip:

• Quick weather changes, including temperature extremes, snow, rain, and wind
• Long nights and short daylight hours
• Slower travel times than in the summer
• Extra cooking times due to the cold

How to Dress
You'll need to dress a little bit differently to prepare for the extreme elements:

• Dress in layers with wicking material next to your skin, fleece or wool above, and wind or waterproof clothing on top
• Remove and add layers of clothing depending on your activity level and any condition changes
• Replace wet socks with dry socks as needed
• Wear boots that are waterproofed on the outside
• Cover your head and neck, as well as face when necessary, with hats, scarves, and face masks
• Tuck in pants to keep snow out of your boots
• Replace wet gloves as needed, using mittens, whenever possible, in extremely cold temperatures
• Avoid cotton
• Before you dress in the morning, warm up clothes inside your sleeping bag

Campsite Tips

• Use a 4-season tent or a 3-season tent placed on a waterproof groundcover
• Choose a spot sheltered from the wind, build a wind break by piling up snow or leaves, or dig a 1 to 2 foot hole in the snow
• Keep tent vents open to avoid condensation inside the tent
• Use special snow stakes for anchoring
• Change into dry socks and footgear
• Sit on a closed cell foam pad
• Drink hot drinks during the evening
• Snack and then exercise a few minutes before you go to bed

Sleeping Snugly

• Use one or two ground pads
• Bring a sleeping bag designed for the conditions -- add liners to increase warmth
• Consider a mummy-style sleeping bag which reduces cold air space
• Do not sleep in damp clothes
• Drop in a leak-proof hot water container
• Sleep with a hat
• Do not breathe inside the bag -- the moisture will collect
• Stay in the sleeping bag as long as possible while getting ready in the morning

Hypothermia
The biggest danger you have on cold weather camping trips is getting too cold to keep your body safe.  You may be at risk for hypothermia if you don't dress properly for cold weather during the day and at night.  Hypothermia can come on quickly, so you need to learn how to diagnose and treat yourself or your travel companion(s) in order to prevent permanent damage.

Signs

• Shivering
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Stumbling
• Jumbled speech
• Loss of reasoning skills
• Blue skin
• A slow heart rate, which can quickly lead to death

Prevention

• Stay hydrated and eat high-energy food
• Wear appropriate clothing for the weather
• Avoid wet clothes
• Move around during the day
• Watch for exhaustion
• Have group members monitor one another

Treatment

• Shelter victim from the elements and insulate from the ground
• Change from wet clothing into dry
• Place victim in warmed sleeping bag
• Apply body heat or heat from hot stones or canteens
• Provide warm drinks and high-sugar foods

There's nothing like a trip into nature to cure cabin fever. Now that you know what to do to stay safe, what are you waiting for?