You’ll find that during
winter, nature offers an experience with a sense of grace and solitude not
available during the busy summer months. Even if you’ve been to an area several
times during the warm season, it’ll be completely different in the cold season.
The price of winter season
serenity does incur the cost of potential dangers, some of which can be the
ultimate cost. But there is no need to panic because you can deal with the
elements with some careful planning to have a safe outing.
The most important tool is
the one between your ears. So plan ahead.
After a few day trips just
to become familiar with the elements, try an overnighter. Any trip into extreme
elements will need some advance planning.
How many people will be
going? What are the road and trail routes? Before you leave find out what the
likely weather conditions will be – and take them with a grain of salt. Try to
find out how much snow will be on the ground, what time the sun sets, and other
local conditions.
It’ll be easier and safer if
you use a checklist for supplies and preparation activities. You can find
several recommendations, but you’ll eventually tailor one for your own
particular needs. You’ll want to account for everything: clothing, shelter,
food, water, and personal equipment.
The most important thing to
remember about clothing is LAYERS. Ironically, during cold weather one of your
biggest problems will be how to avoid sweating. You lose much more body heat
when wet, whether the wet comes from the weather or the body.
Wool or synthetic material
is very much preferred over cotton or jeans. Blue jeans have been called the
clothing of death because of their chilling effect when wet. Keep your head
warm to keep the rest of your body warm. A ski mask or balaclava makes for a
versatile headgear. Socks are
included in the clothing layer scheme. Sock liners help under wet or cold
conditions. Gaiters really help keep snow out of the boots and greatly improve
foot warmth.
You’ll quickly learn that
mittens are much warmer than gloves. A well-ventilated, weatherproof outer
shell is vital as a wind breaker and rain protector.
Sunglasses or goggles and
sunscreen are at least as important in winter as summer. The snow magnifies
glare and can result in snow blindness. UV rays can give a quick burn of the
skin.
When you decide to take on a
more extensive winter expedition, shelter is one of the most important
considerations. A tent is will work, but snow caves and igloos can be more
comfy. Dome tents shed snow well and give a dry place to stow gear.
Condensation can be troublesome if not well ventilated.
Never cook in the tent
because of carbon monoxide poisoning dangers, and the aforementioned
condensation.
But do eat! For some reasons
appetites tend to diminish during wintertime action, but the body actually
needs more fuel than normal. It’s also vital to keep hydrated, even if not
particularly thirsty. Of coarse water freezes easily in sub-freezing
temperatures so some thought needs given to finding water. It can be found
beneath the frozen surface of a stream or lake. That water will need purified.
The best way to do that is by boiling it for three to five minutes (increased
by a minute for each 1000 feet if elevation.) Filtration pumps can freeze, and
chemicals are not effective at colder temperatures. Ice and snow can be melted
over a stove, but that takes more fuel (more weight). Never eat snow because it
really saps energy.
Nothing (except the space
between your ears) is more important for winter camping than your sleeping bag.
Get one rated lower than any temperature expected. Down stuffing will be warmer
than most synthetics if it gets wet. Mummy vs. rectangular shape is mostly
personal preference. Some think mummy shape is warmer (and lighter) but
rectangular can have additional air space (insulation) to keep the feet warmer.
A ground pad (at least half an inch thick) adds greatly to warmth with the
bonus of a little more comfort.
If snow is expected to be
more than ankle deep, snowshoes or cross-country skis better be the mode of
transportation. Only the most fit athlete can trudge more than about one-half
mile in knee-deep snow.
Now that you’ve given some
consideration to the basics, just know that anything can happen when dealing
with Mother Nature. So be prepared for anything.
Visitors to Yellowstone
National Park get good advice: “There are dangers inherent in wilderness:
unpredictable wildlife, changing weather conditions, remote thermal areas, deep
snow, open streams, and rugged mountains with extreme avalanche danger. When
you choose to explore Yellowstone, you experience the land on its own terms;
there is no guarantee of your safety. Be prepared for any situation. Carefully
read all backcountry guidelines and regulations, and know the limit of your
ability.”
Read the last phrase again “know
the limit of your ability.” You need to know not only what to prepare for, but
what to do when the unexpected happens. Accidents happen, equipment fails,
natural events sometimes are un-natural and the norm can be vicious.
So, basic beginners advice
that pertains forever: Don’t travel alone, bring a first aid kit, and, before
leaving, be certain to inform a friend or loved one of the destination and
expected time of return.
