Westford, Massachusetts
Winter camping (especially in tents) presents somewhat different challenges than camping in other seasons. Well prepared scouts find it both enjoyable and uniquely satisfying. Without careful preparation, winter camping is often a miserable and sometimes even unsafe camping experience. The following thoughts are offered as a guide to your preparation for this type of camping. Remember: We will travel to our winter campsites by snowshoe/toboggan. All personal gear must be packed and carried in your pack, or well secured on a personal toboggan. All patrol gear and food must either be divided/carried or packed on a patrol toboggan. (See also Boy Scout Handbook)
1. FOOTWEAR
i) Winter footwear must be selected to keep your feet dry and warm. Leave your regular hiking boots at home, and instead pack comfortable insulated boots. “Pack boots” with rubber lowers, leather uppers, and heavy felt insulation (Sorel is the most popular maker) are a good option – some other special purpose winter hiking boots are also now available on the market. Be careful of all rubber or plastic boots as they can trap moisture (sweat). You may wish to pack a second pair of comfortable shoes for backup, to allow your primary pair of boots (and your feet) to air and dry.
ii) You should plan a minimum of four pairs of socks (two pair each day). Most prefer to wear two pairs of socks to improve the "wicking" of moisture away from your feet, and to provide better insulation: a thin light cotton or polypropylene sock next to the foot, with heavier wool or wool blend over socks for warmth. ALWAYS wear a CLEAN AND DRY pair of socks to bed.
2. CLOTHING In general you should plan to wear/pack loose fitting clothing that can be worn in LAYERS so that you can add or subtract garments to match the temperature, and your activity level. During the day, you may be comfortable in pants and a sweatshirt or jacket. (NOTE: It is important to avoid overdressing when you are active -- you will perspire, then freeze in your damp clothes, no matter how many layers you add.) Relaxing in camp at night will require much more clothing!
i) You should plan two pairs of long pants (including what you're wearing when you depart.) Loose fitting wool or synthetics are best. Avoid jeans; they are usually tight fitting, very slow to dry when wet, and offer little warmth, especially when wet. You should also plan one pair of long johns, for overnight wear.
ii) Plan several layers of shirts, including long underwear top, sweatshirt or polar-fleece or sweater... Again select synthetic fabrics or wool. Avoid cotton!
iii) Plan underwear and sleepwear so that you can change into clean and dry clothes when you bed down for the night. DO NOT wear the same sweaty clothes to bed that you've worn all day...you'll literally freeze your fanny! Also don’t be tempted to overdress for bed; you will sweat the first hour, and freeze the rest.
iv) Plan lightweight warm loose fitting outerwear including jacket or parka, warm hat, and several pair or gloves/mittens. In addition, you must plan on adequate raingear, preferably a poncho with a hood, or other loose fitting rainwear that can be worn over your jacket or parka.
3. CAMP GEAR
i) You must plan to bring a sleeping pad, for warmth and comfort, and a sleeping bag. Even with a sleeping pad, a good winter bag (rated at least 10o or better) will probably be needed. Remember, what you have under you at night is in many ways more important than what you have over you.
ii) Keep your personal kit simple. For eating, often a cup, bowl, and eating utensils is all that's required. A toothbrush, bar of soap and a hand towel will suffice for personal hygiene. Remember to pack your Scout Handbook, etc. so that you can work on advancement.
iii) Each scout should pack and bring 2 liters of water for personal consumption: canteens are OK but wide-mouth plastic bottles are much better. Contrary to what one might think, it is very easy to become dehydrated during winter camping (we are much less conscious of our thirst, but still need the water). When dehydrated, you will feel colder, and are more susceptible to hypothermia. Remember to plan expansion space -- water will often freeze overnight, and will split your custom Eddie Bauer canteen if you don't leave enough expansion space.
iv) The troop will provide the usual patrol gear (stoves, cook kits, etc.). Troop tents are, of course, available or you may bring your own tent to share with a friend. You should plan on a waterproof ground-cloth as a moisture/snow barrier under your tent. Don't miss this!
4. MENU PLANNING Patrols should select food very carefully, mindful of the unique demands of outdoor camping in cold temperatures. Remember that food supplies may be subject to freezing temperatures. Select foodstuffs that don't "mind the cold," and use a small cooler to keep fresh foods from FREEZING!
i) The energy you expend in winter camping, to stay active and warm, require nourishing meals of complex carbohydrates (e.g. pasta), protein (meats and/or beans), even fatty foods rather than favorite junk foods.
ii) All meals should be hot meals, with plenty of warm liquids/beverages (e.g. soups, instant cocoa, etc.) to consume with and between meals.
iii) Consider ease of preparation in cold temperatures, with limited stove space (one pot meals are best), and ease of cleanup with limited hot water (and patience).
REMINDER: All patrol gear and food must be well packed (and distributed) to be carried in your packs, or on personal or patrol toboggans. Food and gear to be carried on toboggans must be packed in durable water-resistant bags or boxes, packed for a balanced load, and securely tied-in. (Instructions on how to convert a plastic toboggan for trekking use are available from the Scoutmaster.)
SPECIAL NOTE ON WINTER CAMPING GEAR: Many scouts lack some items of camping gear needed for winter camping (especially a winter weight sleeping bag), and are understandably reluctant to invest the money needed to purchase this gear, given its limited use.
DON'T try to "get by" with your “three-season” sleeping bag, favorite team jacket, and your rattiest pair of sneakers – it is extremely unpleasant at best, and potentially dangerous!
DON'T stay home and miss these opportunities to experience the woods in winter -- often unforgettably beautiful, and uniquely satisfying.
DO take advantage of the availability of high quality rental gear available at very modest cost. The following suppliers offer excellent advice and equipment at very modest prices, and have been specifically endorsed by your troop leaders. Available equipment includes: excellent winter sleeping bags ($10-$20), etc.; we encourage you to make reservations well in advance.
NOTE: The troop will make arrangements for snowshoe rentals for all participants in the troop WinterTrek outings. DON'T make individual arrangements for snowshoes.
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ü REI 279 Salem St (Rte 129W) Reading, MA (781) 944-5103 |
ü Eastern Mountain Sports
Nashua, NH (603) 891-1180 |
ü New England Backpacker 6 E. Mountain Street Worcester, MA (508) 853-9407 |
If you find that you really did enjoy yourself, you can purchase your own gear later, and will be better informed when you do.