Cold Weather Camping Tips and Advice

 
1  Wear layers so you can adjust the amount of clothing based on your activity. Do your best to avoid sweating.
 
2  Wear dark colors to attract the sun’s warmth.
 
3  Don’t wear tight clothing. It causes reduction of blood flow and warmth.
 
4  Wear wool, synthetic fleece or polypropylene. Avoid cotton – if it gets wet, it’s difficult to dry.
 
5  The head and neck are areas of great heat loss, so wear a hat and scarf, even when you go to bed.
 
6  Wear glove liners inside mittens for flexibility and warmth.
 
7  Avoid getting wet. Water is most efficient at taking heat away from you.
 
8  Alcohol consumption results in rapid heat loss.
 
9  Smoking encourages frostbite due to blood vessel constriction.
 
10  Remember to stoke your internal fire by eating!
 
11  Keep meals simple, hot and quick. Remember that canned food freezes.
 
12  Drink lots of liquids. Dehydration leads to reduced circulation, hypothermia and altitude sickness.
 
13  Use a plastic bowl, Lexan utensils and an insulated mug to insure your food stays warm longer and you don’t contract frostbite from metal implements.
 
14  Take fire starters along or practice using your stove. Efficiency and preparation will make your trip go smoothly and comfortably.
 
15  Refraining from going to the bathroom makes you colder.
 
16  Sleep on an insulated pad or cot.
 
17  Don’t sleep in the clothes you wore all day, as they will probably be damp.
 
18  Go to bed warm. A sleeping bag keeps you warm, but it can’t make you warm.
 
19  Before bed, warm up by eating a candy bar, drinking something hot (no caffeine), standing by a fire or running in place.
 
20  If you are cold in bed, move around or put extra clothes on top of your bag.
 
21  Protect your face with sunglasses and sunscreen with a SPF value of at least 15.
 
22  Keep your flashlight batteries in your sleeping bag to extend their life. Also keep your large-mouthed leak-proof water bottle in the bag with you to keep it from freezing.
 
23  Remember that things freeze in cold weather like your toothpaste, eggs, canned food and water.