Obviously, the best way to stay warm is to use the proper 3 layer technique. Wearing a good thermal underwear layer, a down gear layer, a wind/water shell layer will ensure you will stay warm. In addition, a sleeping bag that is suited for the weather outside is one of the most important ways to stay warm.
In this short write-up, I want to give you tips that might get you outside more during winter weather. By using a couple tricks I always use, you will feel like you are sleeping at a Holiday Inn. Remember, all these tips take discipline and if you truly want to stay warm, you can’t be lazy and just think you can suck it up and wait for morning. Everyone can suck it up and survive the night, but if you want to enjoy multiple nights camping, then you should put these tips into practice.
It is a myth that the majority of heat escapes from your feet and head. This came from an old Army Survival manual that people have always followed. These areas of the body lose blood to flow more quickly when its cold, making them feel as if body heat is escaping. Although you definitely should wear a good beanie, socks and boots, any part of the body will lose heat just as fast if not properly covered. Your extremities such as your toes, fingers, and nose, are at a greater risk for frostbite.
Tip 1- CHANGE YOUR SOCKS!
The second you put your feet in your boots, your feet start sweating. After hiking all day, your boots and socks will be damp. When you are ready to settle in for the night, remove your sweaty socks and place them inside your down jacket close to your body. Overnight, your body heat will dry out your socks for the next day. Allow your feet to air out until they are completely dry. Gently massaging them with wool gloves will increase blood flow and aid in drying them out quickly. Your feet will get a little cold during this time, but it will be well worth it. Place a new pair of dry thick wool socks on, and you’re ready for bed. For even more warmth, add another layer, put a pair of hot socks/down socks over your wool socks. You can also sleep with your boots near your body, inside your bag, or with a hand warmer in them, so they aren’t frozen when you wake up in the morning. If you do decide to sleep with your boots, make sure to bring a small dish soap brush to clean off any snow, dirt, or twigs from the bottom of your boots. Snow inside your bag will cause condensation, decrease your warmth, and make everything damp. Dirt inside your bag will decrease the efficiency of the bags ability to insulate, and twigs and small rocks could puncture or tear your bag.
Tip 2- HAVE A GROUND PAD!
You can have the greatest sleeping bag and warm gear in the world, but if you don’t have a ground pad, you will lose all the heat your body makes, to the ground. Ground pads not only insulate but also reflect your own body heat back towards you. I’ve found that inflatable pads are much warmer and more comfortable, but you always run the risk of tearing or having a hole while on the trail. I always bring half of a foam ground pad just in case.
Tip 3- SLEEP WITH A HOT NALGENE!
On really colds nights, or if I wasn’t able to have a fire before going to sleep, I’ll heat up 32 ounces of boiling hot water, pour it into my Nalgene, and put it in my groin or hug it as I go to sleep. Placing something hot in your groin or armpits will quickly warm you up. If you make hot chocolate or coffee, it will be warm still by morning and can be reheated in your Jetboil.
Tip 4- START YOUR HIKE SHIVERING!
This tip takes a lot of discipline! It’s hard to step out into 20-degree weather and start taking clothes off, but you will thank me later. Start your hike in a t-shirt, or with a very lite thermal layer, and add along the way if needed. Have a large down jacket strapped to the outside of your bag, so it’s easily accessible. When you stop to take a break, just throw your down jacket on to stay warm while you are stationary. If you’re not comfortable hiking in cold weather with such little gear, make sure you pack in another set of thermals, wool socks, gloves, and have an extra beanie. Hiking with a pack on, you will work up a sweat, leaving all your clothing damp. Although merino wool and polyester thermals insulate while wet, the sweat and oils from your skin will decrease the efficiency of your gear. They allow you to stay active while wearing the gear damp and can be a huge help in a survival situation, but you will be much happier having a dry set to change into.
If you do decide to hike in your thermals, when you get to camp, strip all your damp gear off and put your dry gear on before getting into bed. Wearing damp, sweaty thermals will cause condensation in your bag, making you feel cold and wet throughout the night.
Tip 5- PRE-MAKE FOOD AND COFFEE
Every time before I step on the trail, I pre-make as much food and drinks as I can. This keeps myself from not doing it when I’m cold and feeling sorry for myself. Making hot coffee, hot cocoa, or hot soup in a thermos will go a long way. Depending on the quality of your thermos, some can keep hot for more than 12 hours. I also pre-make my lunch and dinner for that night. A Mountain House is very easy to make and will stay warm for about 30 mins to an hour by itself. You can make your Mountain House last for hours if you buy the smaller Pro-packs. Cook the Mountain House almost completely before getting on the trail, this way all the water is soaked up and won’t spill. Place the Mountain House in a good Ziploc bag for protection from spillage, and place in a Nalgene bottle insulator. Put a hand warmer on the top and bottom, and you will have a hot meal that lasts for hours. This will keep you from having to break open your entire bag when you stop, and will also help keep you from shivering while trying to get a Jetboil going in your freezing tent. Knowing you can get right in your tent, eat a hot meal or drink a hot beverage immediately, will make a cold camping trip that much more comfortable.
I hope these tips help you stay warm and get you to go camping more in the winter weather! Remember, half the battle of staying warm is mental. If you touch a warm Jetboil, eat or drink something warm, and put on dry clothes you will mentally feel warmer.
EXTRA TIPS:
– STAY HYDRATED TO STAY WARM
– BUY A SLEEPING BAG SLIGHTLY BIGGER THAN THE ONE RECOMMENDED
– DO PUSH UPS OR JUMPING JACKS RIGHT BEFORE BED
– EAT, EAT, EAT, THE CALORIES WILL KEEP YOU WARM
– CAMP SELECTION (OUT OF WIND)
– USE HAND/BODY/FEET WARMERS
– DON’T LAYER TOO MUCH
– DON’T WEAR TIGHT FITTING CLOTHES, YOU WANT GOOD CIRCULATION
– BRING YOUR VICE (CHOCOLATE, CIGARETTES, ALCOHOL)