Cold Weather Camping
Extra care should be taken when camping in the winter. Depending on how cold the temperatures will be and on the likelihood of snow being a factor here are some tips to help you get ready for cold weather camping.
Winter Weather Layering
Wearing lots of clothes in the cold and removing them layer by layer as you get warm up with activity is an age-old idea. With modern garments, this system gives you a versatile, thermally-efficient, and convenient way of dressing for all outdoor activities. By applying the layering approach you'll find that the clothing you put together for your camping trip will serve you in other seasons as well.
Clothing is classified in three layering categories (the three "W's"), as follows:
1) The Wicking Layer keeps a comfortable climate next to your skin by wicking away sweat,
2) the Warmth Layer absorbs moisture and provides insulation,
3) the Wind Layer protects against wind, snow and sun.
Here is a checklist describing the functions of each layer of clothing you'll need.
WICKING LAYER
WARMTH LAYER
Thin insulating top options include synthetic fleece sweater or shirt, turtleneck with zippered collar, wool shirt, light V-neck wool or wool blend sweater, polyester pile pullover. Thick top options include long, (preferably hooded) parka or pullover made of thick polyester pile or nylon fleece, or having synthetic insulation like Quallofil, Hollofil or Polarguard. For your legs, choose thick polyester pile or heavy wool pants, or pants insulated with synthetic batting. (Avoid cotton tops and cotton pants like jeans, corduroys and khakis as they hold moisture and feel clammy in the cold.)
WIND LAYER
1) cloth that is windproof but not waterproof, thus allowing maximum evaporation of perspired moisture (uncoated nylon or nylon/cotton blends). This choice is the best for winter use.
2) cloth that is windproof and waterproof but allows no evaporation (rubberized rain coats, urethane coated nylon). Unbreathable rain jackets are unacceptable for winter use. Unsure about you have? Put your mouth against the fabric to see if you can force any air through it.
3) cloth that is both windproof and waterproof but allows some evaporation through microscopic pores (Gore-Tex, Entrant and similar fabrics). They work well if rate of perspiration is low and if outside temperature is above freezing. Below freezing the pores tend to clog with frost. They are acceptable, though not ideal, for winter use.
HAND WEAR
BOOTS (this applies for extremely cold weather)
Inevitably, your boots and liners will become dampened by perspiration during the day on a Wintergreen trip and must be dried each evening. That's why --for camping trips-- we also recommend bringing lightweight camp booties insulated with Polarguard, Quallofil, or down (available through most camping stores). They're not essential but they sure make your feet sing after a day on the trail.
SOCKS
HEADWEAR
Winter Weather Layering
Wearing lots of clothes in the cold and removing them layer by layer as you get warm up with activity is an age-old idea. With modern garments, this system gives you a versatile, thermally-efficient, and convenient way of dressing for all outdoor activities. By applying the layering approach you'll find that the clothing you put together for your camping trip will serve you in other seasons as well.
Clothing is classified in three layering categories (the three "W's"), as follows:
1) The Wicking Layer keeps a comfortable climate next to your skin by wicking away sweat,
2) the Warmth Layer absorbs moisture and provides insulation,
3) the Wind Layer protects against wind, snow and sun.
Here is a checklist describing the functions of each layer of clothing you'll need.
WICKING LAYER
- One synthetic long underwear top
- One synthetic long underwear bottom
- An extra set of each (not essential but recommended)
WARMTH LAYER
- One thin insulating top (i.e., fleece shirt, sweater)
- One thick insulating top (i.e., fleece anorak warm hooded jacket)
- One pair insulating pants
- One insulated vest (not essential but recommended, particularly for camping trips)
Thin insulating top options include synthetic fleece sweater or shirt, turtleneck with zippered collar, wool shirt, light V-neck wool or wool blend sweater, polyester pile pullover. Thick top options include long, (preferably hooded) parka or pullover made of thick polyester pile or nylon fleece, or having synthetic insulation like Quallofil, Hollofil or Polarguard. For your legs, choose thick polyester pile or heavy wool pants, or pants insulated with synthetic batting. (Avoid cotton tops and cotton pants like jeans, corduroys and khakis as they hold moisture and feel clammy in the cold.)
WIND LAYER
- One windshell jacket
- One pair windshell pants
1) cloth that is windproof but not waterproof, thus allowing maximum evaporation of perspired moisture (uncoated nylon or nylon/cotton blends). This choice is the best for winter use.
2) cloth that is windproof and waterproof but allows no evaporation (rubberized rain coats, urethane coated nylon). Unbreathable rain jackets are unacceptable for winter use. Unsure about you have? Put your mouth against the fabric to see if you can force any air through it.
3) cloth that is both windproof and waterproof but allows some evaporation through microscopic pores (Gore-Tex, Entrant and similar fabrics). They work well if rate of perspiration is low and if outside temperature is above freezing. Below freezing the pores tend to clog with frost. They are acceptable, though not ideal, for winter use.
HAND WEAR
- One or more pairs insulating mittens
- One or two pairs shell mittens
- One or two pairs liner gloves (not essential but recommended, especially for camping)
BOOTS (this applies for extremely cold weather)
- Snow boots with removable liners
- One extra pair of liners (for camping trips)
- Insulated camp booties (for evening use on camping trips)
Inevitably, your boots and liners will become dampened by perspiration during the day on a Wintergreen trip and must be dried each evening. That's why --for camping trips-- we also recommend bringing lightweight camp booties insulated with Polarguard, Quallofil, or down (available through most camping stores). They're not essential but they sure make your feet sing after a day on the trail.
SOCKS
- 2 or more pairs light liner socks
- 2 or more pairs thick insulating socks
HEADWEAR
- One lightweight ski hat
- One warm hat or balaclava (an open face mask)
- Neck gaiter (not essential but wonderfully versatile for keeping neck & face warm)