Staying Warm
This condition is the leading cause of frostbite.
Dehydration: Dehydration seriously impairs the body’s ability to produce heat. It is a leading cause in both hypothermia and frostbite. Drink even when you’re not thirsty, the best indicator of proper hydration is clear or slightly colored urine. Headache and nausea during a snow outing is often an indication of dehydration. Most water will come from melting snow on your stove but can also be made from solar stills on warm days. Just dig a shallow pit, place your black garbage bag in the pit and fill with snow. Sometimes open water sources can be found, just look for them
The best two types of material for base layers are.
Wool & Synthetic (polyester, nylon, acrylic, polypropelene)
A base layer in synthetic fibers or wool is superior to cotton, which absorbs moisture and dries poorly. Synthetic fabrics are usually lighter than wool for comparable warmth and are significantly less expensive than wool. Wool feels warmer and less clammy on the skin when damp but takes longer to dry than a synthetic fabric. Synthetic fabrics wick moisture faster which contributes to a faster drying time but also to chilling in windy conditions. Wool is significantly better at resisting buildup of body odors than most synthetics
This upper garment protects you from wind, and rain and regulates warmth captured in mid-layer garments.
Shell Garment/Coat/RainCoat/WindBreaker etc.
Waterproof/breathable shells: These are usually the most functional (and more expensive) choices. They'll keep you comfortable in any weather, and are especially suited to wet, cold climates and alpine activities. Waterproof fabrics (typically a laminated membrane or a fabric coating) include Gore‐Tex, eVent, REI Elements and a wide variety of other branded choices.
Winter structures constructed from snow or ice should have this feature to avoid suffocation.
Ventiliation
It is easier to stay warm than get warm. If you find you are getting cold name one way to stay warm.
Could be: Remove wet clothing, increase your activity, or add a layer of clothing.
Doing this frequently spread throughout the day gives your body a continues energy source to produce heat.
Eating Food: Take small amounts of food frequently and before you get hungry. This gives your body a continuous energy source to produce heat. If you are a very light eater in the mountains you will always be hungry. Camping in the snow is a strain on your body and burns significant amounts of calories due in part to the energy, it takes to move and the fight to stay warm. Eating small but consistent amounts of high energy foods will replenish the calories and provide energy to the body to maintain a good body temperature.
Base layers are worn close to the skin in order to do this to moisture.
Wick
Base Layer 1. A base layer, worn closest to the body, which transports moisture away from the skin. It is imperative to wick moisture away from the skin, since water conducts heat 25 times more efficiently than air.
Down insulation is the best warmth-to-weight ratio but is also the most ________.
Expensive
This tool is required for building an igloo.
Snow saw or knife
Do not expect perfection as it’s not obtainable. There’s a certain amount of __________required.
Suffering
When snowshoeing in cold conditions, you should do this when you take an extended break to stay warm.
Insulate or similar / related response: Use adequate clothing and insulating pads. Maintain warmth by putting on clothing in layers before you become cold. When stopping for breaks, put on additional clothing before sitting or eating to retain warmth.
The purpose of a mid-layer is to trap this invisible gas close to our body thus insulating it from the cold.
Air
Layer 2. A mid‐layer that adds extra insulation, and thus retains body heat. In cold weather or if activity level is low, a thicker layer is needed. The purpose of the second layer is to trap insulating air. The more air in the clothes, the better the insulation. The insulating layer helps you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. Polyester fleece vests, jackets and tights are classic examples of insulation ideal for outdoor activities. They not only trap air but are also made with moisture‐wicking fibers to help keep you dry.
Soft shells can do alright with wind and rain resistance but soft shells emphasize ____________.
Breathability
Many offer good wind and rain resistance, but soft shells emphasize breathability. They usually offer both shell and insulative properties, so they in effect combine 2 layers into 1.
Entry way
The area for sleeping should be above the top of the entry tunnel, as this traps the warm air inside the snow cave.
When melting snow for water: always start with a little ___________ in the bottom of the pan before you add snow, otherwise, you'll get "burnt" snow.
WATER
Besides staying active and having proper footwear, this is the best way to keep your feet warm.
Any of the three are acceptable. 1) having adequate room in your boots, 2) the use of liner socks under heavier socks, and 3) wearing good waterproof gaiters.
This type of fabric is the most affordable mid-layer.
Fleece or Polyester: As little as $20/article new
This waterproof/non-__________ shell is economical and durable but is only meant for rainy days with light activity.
Breathable
Waterproof/non‐breathable shells: These economical shells are typically made of a durable, polyurethane‐coated nylon which is water‐ and windproof. They are ideal for rainy days with light activity (e.g., fishing, sports viewing)
If your snow cave gets too warm and lots of melting occurs inside, this action you should take.
Make the ventilation hole bigger
Remember to put in a vent hole to the outside world to avoid being asphyxiated. If it gets too hot, make the hole bigger!
This fuel type is best for cooking in conditions below freezing
Liquid fuel such as white gas, unleaded gasoline, or alcohol.
Iso-Butane loses efficiency at freezing and stops working close to 11 degrees.
When using iso-butane canisters in winter, warm the canister before use (sleeping bag or coat). Some stoves allow liquid-feed mode via inversion. Use a wind barrier. Insulate cannister from ground.
This fabric will kill you in the winter.
Cotton: You have probably heard the phrase “cotton kills”. Cotton is an extremely absorbent fabric. It holds water – like melted snow or sweat – very well for a long period. And the problem is when you work up a sweat, cotton traps it close to your body. Add a little wind and evaporative cooling will happen. It can chill you very quickly to the point you are uncomfortable or potentially hypothermic. Wool or synthetic materials are much better suited to cold weather conditions.
Where is the best place to find affordable mid-layers?
In drawers at home or used/thrift store
Most are treated with a ___________ finish to make water bead up and roll off.
DWR / Durable Water Repellant
Durable Water Repellent is placed on many new outwear garments by the manufacturer. It can be reapplied by the user using a product like Nikwax spray or wash.
When considering a winter shelter to sleep in, this one of the following two is preferred for warmth.
1. Snowcave
2. Tent
SnowCave
- Requires 6 ft of snow (pick slope with snowdrift)
- Should include an entry way lower than the floor, a living area, smooth concave surfaces, and a vent
- Always keep a shovel inside, place ski poles over the cave, and watch your perspiration when digging.
You should do this with all of your gear to prevent loss or confusion of ownership.
Personalize or Mark all your personal items
If two people have the same item it becomes difficult if one of the people loses theirs. To mark items use nail polish, permanent markers, or tape to identify your property.