Winter Camping Tips

Turn water bottles upside down and bury them in the snow which will insulate the liquid and slow the freezing process. The surface will freeze first, but you will still be able to open the bottle to drink.

To avoid eye stress, headaches and snowblindness wear polarized sunglasses, even during cloudy days.

Liquid fuels freeze at a much lower temperature than does water thereby getting super cold but staying liquid. Do not spill such liquid on your skin.

Avoid dehydration. Drink four to six litres of water per day to replace moisture breathed out or perspired.

Do not use metal eating kits. Cold metal can stick to your skin - especially tongues.

Place campers with the lightest weight sleeping bags between campers with heavier weight sleeping bags.

While walking, let your parka hang loose. Should you become too warm, fan it from the bottom up to replace warm moist air with fresh cold air. If you become too cold, tighten the draw strings around your waist to keep warm air in.

If your feet are wet from persperation or snow, change your socks immediately. Find a sheltered spot out of the wind and change quickly.

Should you become lost, hug a tree, stay put, and use your whistle.

Taken from: Field Book for Canadian Scouting.