Cold Weather Tips

Be prepared to avoid wind. The wind-chill factor will make you cold in even relatively mild weather. For example, you will feel like it is 10 to 20 degrees below zero when the actual temperature is 20 degrees above zero, if there is a 20-mile per hour wind.
Suggestions:
• In your campsite, you can create a relatively wind-free area by pitching tarps in such a way as to form walls against the wind. This will give your group a place to gather around the fire when they get cold.
• Individuals out in the open can protect themselves from wind by wearing closely-woven wind breakers and by wearing clothing in several layers.
• Wear a hat when you are outdoors in the cold, and especially in windy conditions. Your head radiates heat more than any other part of your body. If you can retain that heat, the rest of your body will be warmer.
• In tents without floors, pack snow around the bottom of the tent to block wind.

Stay dry and keep your sleeping bags and blankets dry.
Suggestions:
• Wear water-repellent boots and have rain gear handy.
• Carry your bedroll in a waterproof container—a trash bag will work fine.
• If you accidentally fall in the snow, brush it off before it melts and makes your clothing wet.
• If you fall into water, head for shelter with a fire immediately to dry off and change into dry clothing. (Be prepared by bringing extra clothing!) Go or send word to camp headquarters.
• Use tents with a waterproof floor or use waterproof ground clothes—plastic is good. Avoid dragging snow and moisture into the tent on your feet and clothing.
• Do not sleep in the clothing you have worn all day or in clothing you will wear the next day. Perspiration from your body makes them damp and reduces their insulation value.

Insulate yourself at all times.
Suggestions:
• Wear clothing in several layers—including long johns or a second pair of pants. Wool or thermal weave fabrics are great. Several pairs of socks in shoes that aren't too tight will help—rubber boots will help too!
• Add blankets to your bedroll. Even a heavy sleeping bag will be warmer if you line it with a blanket.
• Have newspapers or straw available to spread on the ground where you sleep in order to keep the cold away from your body.

Your menu and beverages are important.
Suggestions:
• Your body needs food to produce heat. Plan to eat more than normal. Stews and one-pot meals are easy to prepare and you gain the advantage of eating warm food.
• Hot beverages are best, but be certain that you drink sufficient fluids to avoid dehydration. Cold weather draws moisture from the body, leading to dehydration.

Be aware that you are in a cold environment and know the signs of hypothermia.
Suggestions:
• Loss of feeling in toes, fingers, and other exposed parts of the body is a sign to get to shelter.
• Shivering is a natural reaction to cold, but if you can't stop shivering, you are beginning to experience hypothermia and should seek immediate shelter. Go to camp HQ or other heated building to get warm.

These tips will help Scouts enjoy cold-weather camping; a challenging activity that that adds excitement to the Scouting experience. Well-equipped and warmly-dressed Scouts not only have more fun but they are also prepared to experience a wider range of activities.

And remember: NO flames in tents! Proper preparation will help ensure safe and warm fun!