Winter Camping in Bitter Cold Temperatures
Staying Warm, Avoiding Frostbite, and Using Backcountry Shelters
Jan 21, 2009
Lately the temperatures in much of the mid-west and northeast have been bitterly cold, and well below freezing. When the temperature is this cold, exposed skin can freeze quickly, and one can be prone to cold weather injuries such as frostbite or hypothermia. Below are some ideas for winter campers and travelers who decide to brave the cold weather.
Cover the Skin to Prevent Frostbite
Make sure to cover any exposed skin with clothing before venturing outdoors to prevent frostnip or frostbite. Some areas of concern include the face, ears, and hands. These parts of the body can suffer a cold injury quickly, especially if there is wind chill. A wool or fleece cap, balaclava, fleece face mask, and several pairs of gloves or mittens will work.
Insulate the Body to Stay Warm
Use adequate clothing layers to retain body heat. These include base layers, middle layers, and outer layers that trap heat from the body, but also protect the body from exposure to wind or the elements. Also, by dressing in layers one can remove layers if necessary to release heat, such as when hiking or digging a snow cave, or add layers to retain heat when feeling cold.
Wear Adequate Footwear
Wearing the right boots keeps the feet warm, and can help prevent cold injuries. When shopping, look for the temperature rating of the footwear. Does the rating only apply when in active use? If so, then the boots may not keep the toes as warm when standing around in camp. Make sure the boots will be appropriate for the kind of activity they will be used for. Wear thick wool or poly-blend socks.
Stay Active to Stay Warm
Moving around gets the blood going, and creates heat that can be trapped by clothing. Doing something also helps keep someone in a positive mindset, as opposed to standing around in the cold. Be careful not to work too hard that requires the body to perspire to cool off. Sweat chills the body, and can take a while to dry, sapping the body of needed heat.
Know When to Come Inside
Sometimes the safe plan is to stay inside, such as when the thermometer drops well below zero. People who have had previous cold injuries can be prone to re-injury. If young children are on the trip, then it might be a good idea to bring them inside for safety.
Use a Cabin to Winter Camp
An alternative to a full-on wilderness winter camping trip is using a cabin or insulated yurt for shelter. These allow the user the opportunity to get out during the day to hike, snowshoe, or ski, and to warm up in the evening in a heated shelter to dry clothing and boots and warm up. This can be a great option for winter camping with young children.
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