Basics of Winter Camping

Clothing

1. The first thing we need to know aboujt winter outings is... Be Prepared!!! That is the best advice I can give anyone. Be Prepared for the worst weather, the coldest temperatures, wet weather, and so on.
2. When you are dressing for a winter activity, you need to do the following:
   1. Layer your clothing, always! Your first layer should be a fitted undershirt, long or short sleved. You could choose this layer to be long underwear!
   2. Your next layer should be a long sleeved shirt or sweatshirt type layer. Preferablely, stay away from cotton fabrics. You should stay with polyester, wool, and synthetics. This layer should be loose fitting. A wool sweater would be ideal at this layer. This will trap warm air between layers. Depending on the temperatures, you may want to double this layer, remember to keep air between these layers to trap warmth.
   3. This next layer could be a versatile coat (a shell for wind breaking and a liner for warmth). The liner may be one of those that can be removed if needed. It may be a good idea to buy a small can of silicone waterproofing spray ($3.00) and treat your coat. A hood on the coat would be preferred. Put a small tube of Chap Stick, tissues, and some small pieces of candy in the pocket of your coat. Try this - a small zip lock bag which contains Cheerios, choc. chips, peanuts, raisins, and M&M's - good snack food.
   4. Your feet are very important in this equation. A good pair of thermal socks will serve you well. There are many kinds on the market but wool is still one of the best. Extra socks are vital in any camping or outdoor situation. Have an extra pair of socks easily accessible.
   5. Remember, layer, layer, and layer!
3. You need to have a good pair of gloves and a good hat. The gloves should be insulated. Waterproof would not hurt. The hat is VERY important. In most cases your body temperature can and will be regulated by the hat. 80% of your body heat escapes through your head. Use your hat to regulate your temperature!
4. A scarf may seem old fashioned, but they can come in handy for wrapping your face and head in strong winds.
5. Boots. A good pair of boots is vital. Now, sometimes it's hard to find a child a good pair of boots without spending a fortune. The advice I would give you here is to try to have leather instead of synthetic. Leather can be water proofed and can breath. I have found great deals just by looking at clearance sales and rummage sales. I have even bought oversized boots, if they're cheap, and let my son grow into them. Please do not use bread sacks in your boots! Again, if you have leather boots, but a small can of silicone and treat your leather.
6. In addition, you may want to have a rain poncho specifically handy in case of rane, sleet, etc.
7. Sunglasses are recommended if conditions warrant.
8. Remember to waterproof and winterize things where ever possible. Wet is not good! Water will suck the body heat out of you quicker than anything.
9. Believe it or not, caffeine and winter do not mix. Stay away from caffeine products while in the cold.
10. One last tid-bit on this clothing stuff and it has nothing to do with clothing! Your body is like a fire in the winter, it needs fuel to burn. Food is to the body in winter as wood is to a sataving fire. People who eat often in the wintertime, generally stay warmer than those who do not. Foods high in protein tend to have a slow release of heat for the body, while sugar foods have a quick release of heat. In winter, it is vital to have a diet high in proteins and carbs, remember this.