Cold weather camping takes extra precautions

    Many people enjoy camping in the summer and fall, enjoying the warm temperatures to the breath-taking autumn scenery, but there are those who take it one step further to enjoy all that nature has in its turning seasons … winter camping.
    Brrr. Just the thought of camping outdoors in the frigid weather makes many shake their heads and wonder, why?
    “What a beautiful time of year to be out enjoying the wilderness we live in,” said Dave Conley, East Grand High School Outdoor Education instructor. Conley is also a master Maine guide and owner of Canoe the Wild Guide Service.
    Winter camping can be as enjoyable as any other season with the right planning, preparation, clothing and equipment, along with an adventuresome spirit.
    According to Conley, choosing the right kind of clothing is important.
Photograph courtesy of Dave Conley
NICE AND WARM — An East Grand Outdoor Education student doesn’t use a tent for winter camping; instead, he uses what is provided by nature.
    “Synthetics wick away moisture,” he said. “Wool and fleece traps do not trap moisture, but air which is warmed next to the body and provides good insulation.”
    Using an outer shell, such as a nylon parka, keeps the wind out and the heat in.
    “Layering is important, along with the ability to add layers during times of inactivity to maintain body heat,” Conley explained. “Layer up and layer down depending on conditions and the level of activity.”
    While moving, such as snow shoeing, cross-country skiing or building a shelter, you’ll want to vent away moisture, said Conley. “It’s a good idea to get into shape prior to your outing with a regular routine of exercise,” he added.
    Meals are the fuel that keeps a body going, so plan accordingly.
    “You’ll want to plan on around 4,000-plus calories per day to ‘fuel your furnace’ keeping in mind there are individual variances based on age, body metabolism, health and level of activity,” said Conley. “Choose meals with ease of preparation. Soups are a good starter with suppers as they warm you and provide liquid. Your calories should be made up of foods with simple sugars (quick fuel), some protein and plenty of foods with fat content as they provide heat over a longer period of time.”
    Conley advises to drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration, too.
    “I back off a couple of hours before retiring, so I can make it through the night, something that is getting harder to do as I get older,” he said.
    East Grand Outdoor Education students don’t use tents for winter camping, instead, they use what is provided by nature … snow.
    “Snow is a great insulator and building a snow shelter or igloo provides warmth and keeps the wind out,” Conley said. “I’ve had students spend the night in an igloo with the temperatures dropping to 17 degrees below zero and they were warm. All they were using were two summer sleeping bags doubled up (one inside the other).”
    However, beware. Insulate yourself from the snow/ground when sleeping with at least two closed cell foam pads, said Conley.
    “The cold ground/snow will draw your body heat,” he added. “Have an extra set of under garments such as synthetic top and bottom. heavy wools socks, fleece top and a knit hat. Put them on just before getting into your sleeping bag so you are dry and warm. Be sure to zip your zero degree sleeping bag all the way up and with mummy bags, draw the cord so that the hood is around your head to keep you well insulated.
    With damp or wet boots/liners, place them in a plastic bag.
    “I put them either inside my sleeping bag or nestled between two people so they aren’t frozen solid in the morning making them impossible to put on,” Conley said.
    And, lastly, but not least remember include your sunglasses and sun lotion.
    “Sunglasses and sun block on bright sunny days with snow cover, as the sun reflects off the snow,” Conley added.