WINTER CAMPING: ALASKA / YUKON STYLE
Some thoughts on gear and staying warm in the outdoors
Since we have our first winter campout coming up here are some things to think about and if you need to go shopping – Do it Now!
REMEMBER COTTON KILLS- Cotton should only be utilized for car camping.
Sleeping bag system – you need a good sleeping bag that is rated AT LEAST for minus 30 or better if you are going to be camping outdoors in the winter in Alberta. The modular ones (like Wiggies) are really good. At a minimum you should have a waterproof tarp on the ground, then a sleeping mat to place between the tarp and your sleeping bag. A gortex bivy for your sleeping bag is a very good idea. A waterproof stuff sack is important as well for backpacking. Understand the proper storage for your sleeping bag – in general is it NOT GOOD to store it all compacted in the stuff sack – is should be expanded loosely in a warm dry place – this makes the insulation last longer and your bag will be warmer.
You need to stay warm and dry and dress in layers. No cotton, have extras of key items like mittens, hat, and a under layer if it gets too wet. Keep yourself and your gear as clean and dry as you possibly can.
Boots – Highly recommend buying some bunny boots (also known as VB –vapor barrier boots – or Mickey Mouse boots) . You should know how to ensure the pair you buy are serviceable and that you keep the vent closed. Your boots should not be tight. I think the only suitable substitute is a good quality pair of Sorrels – if you get them second hand, try and get new inserts that still have some insulating properties and are not compacted. Remember laces can and do freeze overnight.
Socks – thick wool socks or smartwool socks. NO COTTON. Make sure you try out your socks in the boots ahead of time so they are not too tight. Have a few extra pair of socks.
Chapstick – keep this handy
Head lamp – with spare batteries – Flashlights are obsolete – headlamps allow you to use both hands while your work. Just keep it around your neck handy.
Hydration system. You need large wide mouth nalgene type bottles – in the winter camel back type systems are useless. A narrow necked bottle will freeze and you will not be able to get to the water – with a wide mouth bottle you can break through the ice that forms. Think about where you water is stored while camping – insulate it or keep it moving so it does not freeze.
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Mittens – again – not tight fitting. Keep them on your hands. If you have to do things that require manual dexterity put on some good quality gloves and when you are finished with that task put the mittens back on. Have spare mittens and gloves. Keep them dry.
Hat – fleece or wool that covers your ears. It is really handy to have a balaclava type hat you can pull down to cover your face and nose. Have extras to you can put on a dry hat if one gets we through perspiration.
Clothing – silk or polypro long johns and long sleeve shirt against your skin. Then wear an intermediate layer – light fleece or some of the new moisture wicking fabrics – light wool works too. And on top is a wind and water proof shell. If you need more insulation, add it between your intermediate layer and your outer shell. You will need waterproof outer shell pants for kneeling and digging in the snow. Ski pants or snowboarding pants should work – if they are second hand they may have lost their waterproof properties. I muffler or neck gaiter is a good idea too.
Being active – you should be constantly assessing your layers to stay warm without being so hot you are seating out your clothes. Open your jacket, open your pit zippers, switch out your intermediate layer with something lighter or heavier….but make sure you are not allowing snow to get into your clothes or let your clothes lay on the snow. If you are camping out – you need to make sure you can get into something dry when you wake up. Watch your buddy – don’t let him do foolish things like making snow angles or wandering around without mittens or a hat on. If you see someone who is getting cold – take action immediately. Building a Quinzhee will require you to get in the snow when you are digging out the interior of the shelter. Get out and stand up and brush the snow off periodically – don’t let snow get underneath your clothing.
Sleeping – If you get in a sleeping bag with your clothes on, or if you are wet from sweating, you are in for big trouble. This can quickly turn into a hypothermia emergency event. You need to be dry and in underwear or silk/polypro long johns. Bring a towel and dry yourself off if necessary and change into dry long johns ahead of getting into the bag. Same for socks and your hair/fleece cap – get dry first. If your sleeping bag is touching the snow, it will start melting the snow and absorbing water into your bag. At a minimum you should have a waterproof tarp on the ground, then a sleeping mat to place between the tarp and your sleeping bag. A Gortex bivy sack for the outside of your sleeping bag is a very good idea.
While you are sleeping – take your clothes off and put them in a waterproof bag. – same with your boots. This will cut down on the frost that forms on them over night. If they are wet, they will be frozen in the morning and un-wearable. Make sure you have a dry set of clothes for the morning. – Extras… While you are sleeping you may want to keep your long johns on and keep some wool socks on your feet. Some like to sleep with a fleece hat as well. Zip up your bag so there is just a small hole for fresh air to breath. Some people like to position a flap of material for some insulation, but you need to be able to exchange air . If your bag is large and there is extra space in it, tuck it up under you so your bag is touching you and does not have air pockets in it – these will just make you cold.
What if I have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night? First stop your intake of fluids early. Better to wake up in the middle of the night thirsty than needing to pee. (BTW you may want to keep a small water bottle in your sleeping bag). If you have to go, get your clothes on and do it. Camp booties are really handy for this – they are expensive however. You will find that it is much warmer once you get settled back in and will sleep better. Make sure you go outside the immediate camp area to the designated latrine area – no one likes yellow snow in the camp area.
Waking up – this is the not-so-comfortable part. Open your clothes bag and pull your clothes into your sleeping bag to warm them up. Put on some light gloves or glove liners and then once your clothes warm up start getting dressed. Do it quickly. Take a look at the outside of your sleeping bag (with a headlamp or flashlight) and see if it got wet anywhere on the outside. If wet, you need to find a way to get the sleeping bag dried out. Otherwise, zip it up and put it in a waterproof stuff sack so it does not get wet from contact with the snow. Then get up and out and get active – help your buddy, check on your friends and start talking about how you slept like a baby last night.
Make sure you are eating and drinking during the day – being dehydrated or hungry is going to make you more prone to cold weather injuries.
YIS
Scouter Tom