Important Note on COLD WEATHER CAMPING

Boy Scout – Winter Camping Checklist:

Basics

Dress in layers, the trapped air helps keep you warm, and you can shed layers if you warm up.

STAY DRY!!

If you get wet, make sure you change into dry clothes as soon as possible. In order to do that, you must have more than 1 article of clothing with you. For example, 3 pairs of wool socks, 2 pairs of pants, etc.

NO COTTON clothing as your primary clothing. NO JEANS!

Make sure you have snow pants, nylon wind pants, or wool pants, and polypropylene or wool long underwear

Shelter Tent/ cabinWaterproof ground sheet for under your tent or cabin floor to keep out cool air

Cabin dose NOT have a mattress!!!!Sleeping pad (Therm-a-rest or closed-cell foam is recommended. Use 2 pads if they are thin, you want to insulated from the cold ground.)

Sleeping bag, good to 0 degrees. You can also add a fleece liner to a mid-weight bag. OR Bring extra blankets or 2 sleeping bags

Clothing:

Wicking bottom layer, made of something other than cotton. Recommend polypropelene or silk.Sweater/ long sleeved shirtFleece jacket/ pants/ vestSocks/ wool or synthetic (3 pairs), NOT cotton sweat socks.Winter camp booties, if you want

Outerwear:

Winter pants (ski or snowboard pants, bibs, shell)Winter shell jacket/ parka (layer with vest, sweater, tee shirt, etc.) Gloves (leather or nylon covered for water resistance, NOT just fleece) Mittens (warmer than gloves) with waterproof shellsWinter Hat (very important)Balaclava and/or neck gaiterWinter boots (Sorel’s or similar, NOT just summer weight hiking boots) Gaiters (sometimes the snow is DEEP)

Miscellaneous Gear

Day pack with the 10 essentials                     

The Ten Essentials for Hiking/Backpacking:The “Ten Essentials”

1. Map
2. Compass
3. Flashlight/headlamp (be sure to have an extra set of batteries that fit your flashlight/headlamp)
4. Extra food (enough for one extra day)
5. Extra clothing
6. Rain gear ( jacket and pants-always carry rain gear even if the sun is out)
7. First aid supplies (be sure to include an extra day of any medication you are taking or might need in an emergency)
8. Pocket knife
9. Matches (stored in a water tight container in addition to matches or a butane lighter) (NR = not required)
10. Fire starter (can be candles,

Other Essentials:

• Water bottle (Nalgene type) plus spare if you want a hot water bottle in your bag at night.
• Insulated drinking cup (coffee travel mug)
• Mess kit items (fork, spoon, bowl at a minimum)
• Personal items (toothbrush & paste at a minimum)
  

Hints:    At website below
http://www.twohikers.org/Gear/TenEssentials.htm