Winter Survival Tips

This time of year can produce unexpected survival situations at any time. Simply getting your car stuck in the snow can mean you are going to spend a couple of hours outdoors. A power outage from frozen lines can put your home in the cold for hours or even days. All of the cases of hypothermia I have witnessed were caused by being exposed to the cold for longer than anticipated.

Most of us would rather spend time home in front of the fireplace than hike through the forest during the winter. Attendance at our state and national parks proves this point. Most close through the winter, or at least cut their staff. However, if you are properly prepared, then winter camping can be a beautiful experience. Whether you are headed out for a crisp winter trek or just on your way to work, a couple of simple steps an save you some unnecessary misery.

1. Dress in Layers

   If you get too hot, you can always take a layer off. If you don't wear enough, then you're just out of luck. Also, if your inner layer gets wet from walking, then take it off. While you might be hot and sweating, you will freeze as soon as you stop moving. So strip that bottom layer off and let it dry. At night when you lay down to sleep strip off all of your clothes. That's right, take it all off no matter how cold it might be. Throughout the day your clothes have absorbed moisture from your body. If you sleep in these clothes you may fall asleep toasty, but wake up covered in a thin layer of ice. It would even be better to sleep naked if necessary. Keep an extra set of warm clothes in your car including shoes. You will appreciate it if you have to walk for help with a break-down.

2. Let Yourself Eat

   Winter camping is no time to be on a low calorie diet. Our bodies need calories to produce heat. Sometimes the simplest solution to the cold is a hot meal.
   
   
   

3. Get Off The Ground

   Pile leaves, hay, or even a piece of cardboard on the ground. Then, spread a piece plastic over it, and build your tent on top. This barrier will prevent your body from defrosting the ground below in your sleep and waking up in a puddle of ice cold water.

4. Master the Fire

   I always bring at least three sources of fire on winter camp-outs. If I'm in a situation where my lighter will not work, I still have matches and flint. I also carry dry tender and kindling for getting the fire started. Keep in mind, it may be easier to fetch firewood than to try to start a fire in the dark. That is why I just try to always keep a fire burning.

5. Have The Right Tools For The Job

   It is important to have what you need from the right tent to a good sleeping bag. In the summer, it won't make a difference if you use a ten person tent for just one. However, in the winter it can be a crucial mistake. The human body produces enough heat to warm a small one or two person tent. In a large dome tent, one person's heat would simply dissipate into open air. The extra few dollars spent for a below zero sleeping bag, polypropylene long underwear, and a warm pair of boots are a well spent investment. Don't forget the camera. The snow and ice can make the woods you know look like a whole new dimension.

6. Constantly be Aware of Your Body

   Honestly analyze your condition. No experience is worth the permanent damage caused by frostbite and hypothermia. Keep in mind it will take awhile to safely warm your body, so don't wait until it's too late. It's hard to work a lighter with frozen fingers.

Be safe, have fun, and share.