5 February 2009
BSA Gives Cold Weather Notes
Posted by admin under: Equipment .
ScoutStuff.org mailed out some advice about cold weather camping. I like the fact that the first two areas they talk about are the two areas I concentrate on first, too.
Headgear
Stocking Hat: Choose a hat made of wool or fleece that will insulate your head even when the material becomes damp.
Balaclava: A balaclava is a form of headgear covering the whole head, exposing only the face and often only the eyes.
Hood: A parka or other heavy winter jacket or coat made of wind-proof, water-repellent material should have a permanently attached hood to provide further insulation.
Scarf: Wrap a wool fleece scarf around your neck and tuck the ends inside the front of your clothing.
Footwear
The keys to warm feet in cold situations are keeping them dry, insulated and the blood circulating through them. Leather hiking boots are one of the most frequent choices for winter camping. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to waterproof your boots.
Other footwear choices include mukluks, a soft boot traditionally made of reindeer skin or sealskin and originally worn by Arctic aboriginals, including the Inuit and Yupik; a shoepac, a waterproof laced boot; plastic mountaineering boots; insulated cross-country skiing boots; and vapor-barrier boots.
Socks are also an important part of proper footwear. Thin liner socks will wick moisture away from your skin. Winter-weight socks made of wool, synthetics, or blends of both materials insulate well as long as they stay dry.
They also cover mittens being warmer than gloves.
As another extremity, your hands are another part of your body that needs covering. Mittens and gloves are your two options here. Mittens will keep your hands warmer but will decrease the dexterity you have with your hands. Another item is a shell. Shells can be a separate item worn over mittens or gloves to provide extra warmth or waterproofing, and can be removed if your hands get too warm. Remember to stow a pair of backup handgear in your pack when traveling in wet terrain.
Then they talk about undergarments that wick away perspiration so you don’t get chilled when you stop hiking. I guess this has to be official advice, right, since it’s from the BSA?
