It’s time again for Winter Camp, and to have fun at Winter Camp, we want to stay warm. Here are some quick tips from our troop meeting to help you stay warm.

Sleep Warm

• Use a closed cell foam pad somewhere between you and the ground. More insulation between you and the ground is good, but some air mattresses have poor insulating capabilities. Be thoughtful and creative in your choices.

• Make sure your sleeping bag is rated at or below the lowest temperature you will encounter. Check with the manufacturer to see what their rating really means. Most are not rated for you to be comfortable.

• Sleep in appropriate clothing to stay warm. Wear a hat and gloves if necessary. Keep tomorrow’s socks (and batteries / isobutane fuel) warm in your bag overnight.

• Don’t breathe inside your sleeping bag. Condensation can make you cold.

• Sleep with a tightly sealed water bottle filled with warm water. Chemical hand warmers also work.

Eat Well

• Make sure your body is well fueled with calorie-dense, nutritious food, especially before bed. It will help you stay warm.

• Insulate your water bottle to stay hydrated. Frozen water is hard to drink.

Dress Well - 3Ws

• Wicking Layers: Wear a long sleeve base-layer to start. Thin layers of synthetic fabric or wool wick sweat and dry quickly.

• Warming Layers: The mid layer should be wool, polyester, down or a blend. The amount of warming you need in this layer will depend on the temperatures.

• Weather-Proof Layer: This layer has two purposes. It keeps out the moisture, and is also a final insulating layer. This is the first layer that is taken off, when you start to get too warm.

Shelter Well

• Set your tent up tightly, so it does not flap around.

• Scatter your gear around to slow or block air movement.

• Put up radiant barriers to reflect heat and slow air movement.

• Beware of condensation. Leave enough airflow to prevent water from collecting in your tent.

Beware of Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a real risk when our core temperature drops below a safe level. Watch for shivering, poor coordination, slurred speech, confusion, weak pulse, drowsiness, slowed or shallow breathing, and apathy.

Don’t Get Burned

• Be careful with fire, it can keep you warm or burn you badly.

• Do not crowd the fire. Maintain a safe distance. Your clothing may me flammable.

• Metal fire pits are hot!

• Once something goes in the fire, it stays there.