NOTE: This list below is not for cold weather backpacking but instead for car camping type outings where weight and space for gear is not a strong concern. The content was originally created as a handout for our Scouts and Adults.
The winter months are a great time for camping. There is
nothing better than sitting around a warm campfire with your friends on a cold and
clear star filled night. The lower temperatures also bring new challenges that
Scouts should be ready to face. Need
some tips? We got you covered.
All Scouts should be responsible for packing their own
gear on every campout and it is good idea for parents of younger Scouts to
double check just to ensure he is properly prepared.
Remember:
·
It will always feel colder than you will
expect
·
It will always rain/sleet/snow when you do
not expect it
·
Layers are your friend
·
Cotton is bad—wool and synthetic are good
Thermal
Underwear: Something
synthetic and never cotton. Academy Sports
Polar Edge is a great product at a very reasonable price. Scouts
should have two full sets with one to wear during the day and the second to
change into right before bed. Everyone sweats and changing right before sleep
is essential to a warm night’s rest
Socks: Absolutely no cotton socks. Heavy wool socks
as an outer layer and a pair of synthetic sock liners for an inner layer will
keep feet dry and warm. Scouts should have two full sets with one to wear
during the day and a second to change into right before bed. A third set is
good if you may have extra sweaty feet as moisture is the primary enemy of
warmth. Change socks out midday for comfort.
Gloves:
Bring gloves that are heavy enough for the worst temperature expected. A
synthetic liner glove will help add a layer and come in handy when the
temperature is warmer.
Hat: A
fleece or wool camp is essential since we lose most of our body heat through
our heads. A standard style is good for daywear and a balaclava style is great at
night since it covers the neck as well. Again it is good to have one each with
the second hat reserved for sleeping.
Neck
Gaiter: A good alternative to the balaclava as it will cover
the neck.
Long
Sleeve Shirt: Wool, fleece, flannel, or synthetic. Cotton
is best avoided
Mid-Layer: A
fleece jacket, wool sweater, heavy sweatshirt (the troop shirt is great) or
fleece vest will add to core body warmth.
Jacket:
Should be waterproof and heavy enough for the worst temperatures together. If
not waterproof be sure and check to see of the Scout raingear will fit over
this jacket. Staying dry is very important.
Pants:
Heavyweight jeans or insulated pants. Bring a backup pair.
Boots:
Most everyday shoes worn by youth provide no protection from cold and very
little protection from twisted ankles or water. Look for waterproof boots and
always bring and extra pair of shoes as a backup. The backup can be anything
reasonable.
Sleeping
Bag:
Most of the time, a good 20 degree mummy bag is adequate. Remember that for
most bags the temperature rating is for survival and not for comfort meaning a
20 degree rating most likely means 30 degrees actual is about right. You can
economically increase comfort by adding a fleece liner, fleece blanket, or try
a “bag in a bag”. Use a rectangle bag as an outer layer with the mummy bag as
the inner layer.
Almost every year we find Scouts with bags that are rated
40-50 degrees trying to make it in the cold. Not good!
A zero degree bag is great too if able to have the
expense of multiple bags. Remember, it is critical to change into a fresh full
set of clothing before tucking in for the night.
Also, it is not good to cover fully with the bag as
breathing inside will add moisture. Mummy bags are designed to synch around the
face area to allow some external exposure.
Sleeping
Pad:
A good idea year round for comfort and even better for insulating yourself from
the cold ground. Adults you will want to
leave the air mattresses and cots at home and plan to sleep on the ground
without a layer of freezing air under you.
Camp
Mug: Why essential? You do not want to be the
person left out from a steamy cup of hot chocolate, cider or coffee do you?
Water
Bottle: Winter is prime time for dehydration as Scouts forget
to drink when they are not hot. Always arrive for departure to campout with at
least one full Nalgene.
Warmers: A
nice variety of hand warmers, body warmers and toe warmers can make a real
difference. These can stay active for many hours and are inexpensive. It is a
good idea to activate a couple of hand warmers right before bed to throw in
your bag near your feet. These also come in handy to place in boots for a bit
in the morning.
Expect to have a great cold weather camping experience if
you follow these tips.
Do you have any additional tips?
