Rules and Instructions for
Keeping Warm in the Sack
By Chris Haggerty
1. REMEMBER:
The sleeping bag doesn't heat you, you heat it. So use this rule, "Thickness
is warmth", to keep
this heat. If you're cold, add some more insulations
(blankets, clothes, more newspaper).
2. DO NOT
SLEEP IN BOTTOM OF BAG: Your breath contains water. If you close your
bag with your head
inside, then this water sticks to the bag. Wear a hat
to keep your head warm.
3. CHANGE
CLOTHES: NEVER sleep in wet clothes. Even perspiration will chill you
at night.
4.
EAT A CANDY BAR: This increases your metabolism
(moves your blood faster) and it helps keep you warm.
5.
GO TO THE BATHROOM BEFORE BED: This saves you a
middle of the night trip in the cold.
6.
DO NOT DRY "WET" CLOTHES IN BAG:
Moisture will travel from wet clothes to sleeping bag.
7. PUT TOMORROW'S
CLOTHES UNDER BAG: This heats up clothes for tomorrow's cold morning
and also
provides more insulation.
8.
FLUFF UP YOUR BAG: Always fluff up bag before
using to create the thickness important in keeping warm.
9. MOST IMPORTANT,
KEEP IT DRY: Keep all your sleeping gear dry and follow these rules,
and winter camp
should prove to be a rewarding experience.
IMPORTANT STUFF TO
KEEP IN MIND
Clothing does not make you warm; it
is your body processes that keep you warm.
Clothing merely provides the insulation to preserve your warmth.
Layered thickness is warmth.
Keep your torso warm so that it can send
heat to the extremities.
Avoid sweating by ventilation.
Keep rain and wind out of your insulation.
Use your head. Keep it covered when you're cold; remove cap as you warm up to
avoid sweating.
Strain one muscle against another to maintain metabolism.
Wool clothing is best but needs wind protection, synthetics are next best. Down is
OK as long as it
stays dry, cotton is a poor choice.
If your feet are cold, put a hat on.
Remember the word
"COLD"
Keep clothing.......Clean.
Avoid.................................Overheating
Wear clothing.........Loose
Keep it ...............Dry
RECOMMENDED
CLOTHING FOR TWO DAY WINTER CAMP
in addition or in substitution to what you would normally bring to camp, bring:
- 2 shirts (wool,best, or flannel)
- 2 pairs wool or synthetic pants (Strongly
recommend against cotton pants like jeans. They absorb moisture like a sponge).
- Fishnet, thermal or polypropaline underwear
- Boots (WATERPROOFED)
- 2 pairs of heavy socks (wool recommended)
- 2 pairs lighter socks (polypropaline is best)
- Windbreaker (as is or part of heavier jacket)
- Balaclavia or stocking cap (wool is best)
- Parka or heavy jacket
- Mittens, (WOOL, gloves not recommended except
as extra pair)
- Extra shoes
It is always best to stay dry
when camping in the snow, but you can expect to get wet and should be prepared. Boots or
other shoes which are not waterproof will normally start getting the feet wet and cold
after less than 15 minutes in the snow (depending on temperature, the colder it is, the
longer the feet stay dry). Low top shoes will not keep the snow out of the shoes. Gaiters
can be made from plastic bags and a strong tape like duck tape. Do not cover the bottom of
you shoes with plastic, doing so will cause you to lose almost all of your traction (and
you will fall down!).
Unless your parents are planning to buy some of
the items on this list anyway, do not run out and start spending lots of money on cloths
and equipment. If all your pants are jeans, for example, bring three or four pairs and
change frequently. If you are in doubt or have questions, call one of the troop leaders
for advice. |