Camping in Cold Weather

Hello Troop 184 Families!

This weekend, we'll be finishing out the fall camping season by heading out to Camp NoBeBoSco (5 points if you know what that stands for). The temperatures are expected to be chilly (see image below), so it's important to know how to dress and pack in order to stay warm.

Here are some pointers that every camper should keep in mind:

• Layers. You should make sure that you have enough layers to maintain your body temperature. If you get warm, you can take a layer off. If you get cold, you can add a layer. Pack extra warm clothes that you can change into if you get sweaty, because when you cool down, the sweaty clothes will make you colder.

• Wool socks. As I'm sure we all know, wool socks keep moisture away from your skin. At bed time, you should change into fresh wool socks in order to keep sweaty socks out of your sleeping bag.

• Hiking Boots. When the ground gets cold, the boots will insulate you from that cold. Other shoes will just allow the cold to pass through into your feet and make you cold.

• Hats and Gloves. We lose the most amount of body heat through our heads. Wear a hat to help you feel warmer through the day. Gloves or mittens should be worn during the day to help against the wind and cold. If you have a balaclava (an open face ski mask), wear that to bed. That will keep your head warm without it sliding off during the night.

• Proper sleeping gear. A 30°F sleeping bag will keep you warm and cozy while you sleep. A good sleeping pad will not only separate you from the cold ground, but it will also reflect the heat to help keep you warm.

• Hand warmers. This is a quick way to add warmth. You can put them in your gloves or boots to keep your extremities warm. You can keep them inside your clothes, by your core, to help your full body stay warm.

• Eat and Drink. Staying fed and hydrated keeps your internal furnace burning. Chowing down at evening cracker barrel will help you sleep warmer. Drink plenty of water (even if it means you have to pee during the night). Allowing yourself to be dehydrated affects your body's ability to stay warm.

While the temperatures won't drop down to freezing during the day, the wind will make it feel colder than it is. Night time in the 30's will definitely be cold. Being prepared is essential to having a positive camping experience.

Yours in Scouting,

Ken Neben