How to Stay Warm in the Backcountry
© Bill Sassani
Tips for staying warm and dry while winter camping.
Camping during the wintertime can be a fun and rewarding experience, but a cold one as well. Staying warm in the woods is an important skill to know, not just to be comfortable, but to stay healthy, and even alive.
Plan Ahead
Whether it is a day of snow shoeing, a weekend backcountry skiing trip, or a major climbing expedition, proper planning can make the difference. Research the area being traveled, check the weather forecast, assemble food and equipment, and leave a copy of the itinerary with someone, along with an estimated return time.
Dress Appropriately
Wear appropriate clothing for the area and terrain that will be traveled. In winter, that means wearing more layers, with clothing made from wool, down, or synthetic materials. Cotton clothes, such as a sweatshirt and jeans, lose their insulating value when wet, draw away heat from the body, and take a long time to dry. Wool and synthetics are able to retain body heat even when wet, and require less time to dry.
Drink Water
Drinking cold water may be a difficult prospect when it is below freezing outside. To stay hydrated, make hot drinks such as hot chocolate, tea, or even hot water with Gatorade. Carry an insulated thermos, so that it is possible to have a hot drink or some soup throughout the day.
Eat All Day
When packing food, plan on carrying a variety of foods that will provided much needed calories to stay warm. Carbohydrates provide great short term energy, while foods rich in fats and protein can sustain the body over longer periods of time. Also, snacks such as trail mix can be brought to munch on throughout the day.
Stay Active
Moving around causes the body to burn more calories, and create more heat, as opposed to just standing around in camp. For many winter adventures, human powered activity is the reason for being out in the snow, such as snow shoeing, cross country skiing, backcountry skiing or snowboarding. While at the campsite, do jumping jacks or run in place to warm up the body. When going to sleep, do sit ups or crunches in the sleeping bag. The body heat that is released is trapped by the insulation in the bag.
Bring Padding
Sitting on the snow can be a numbing experience. Protect that posterior with a packable camping chair for sitting in camp. A square of closed-cell foam can be used to insulate feet from the cold ground, and keeps them dry from wet snow.
More Information
For additional information on winter camping, check out the Princeton University Outdoor Action Guide to Winter Camping.
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