Troop 63

Winter camping plans

Joel Wallace — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:38:13 +0000

The Troop is planning a winter camping trip during February. The date isn’t set so those interested in attending and have date constraints should contact Mr. Campbell with their preferences.
The weekend of 2/11 is not available, due to the merit badge workshops. That leaves the weekends of 2/4, 2/18, and 2/25. One suggestion is to take advantage of the Presidents Day holiday and go that weekend and possibly stay until Monday. Call or email Mr. Campbell with your preferences.

The Ultimate Guide to Winter Camping

Troop63 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:32:01 +0000

Contained within this document is the full range of information required to properly prepare for a weekend winter camping trip.

The 10+ Essentials

Troop63 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:31:26 +0000

Extra clothing layer(s)
Map of area (in waterproof case) – Mr. Campbell will provide each of you a map in a ziplock bag.
Drinking water – I recommend a wide mouth bottle – make sure the top seals well. You will store it upside down to keep the top from freezing over.
Compass
Food – per group
Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries/bulbs)
First-aid kit – the group will have one; if you have a small personal one, bring it.
Sunglasses (with retaining strap) – if you have them or goggles, bring them. If not, we will be in the woods much of the time, so it is not critical.
Pocket knife
Sunscreen
Matches (in waterproof container) and/or firestarter

Conserving Body Heat- The Prime Objective

Troop63 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:31:02 +0000

There are three ways body heat can be lost. Understanding how they work can help one prevent the loss of heat as much as possible.

Conduction- The absorption of heat by objects the body comes into direct contact with. Examples: When one sits or lays on the ground, the ground absorbs body heat; when one handles metal cooking utensils heat is transferred from one’s fingers into them. This is why it is necessary to use a decent sleeping pad when winter camping- it prevents the direct transfer of body heat from ones body into the ground. Wearing gloves or mittens prevents problems with metal objects. A camp stool is recommended to prevent contact with the ground when sitting.
Convection- The loss of body heat due to wind blowing across unprotected body parts. This can be prevented by keeping bare skin covered with hats, scarves, and gloves. It is important to keep exposure to a minimum, ESPECIALLY in a windy situation. Out of the three methods of heat loss, convection can reduce body heat the fastest. Wet clothing will accelerate this process, making staying dry even more important.
Radiation- The emission of body heat, more exaggerated in skin areas exposed to the elements. A good pair of gloves, a hat, and a scarf can aid in keeping bare skin to a minimum.

Clothing

Troop63 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:30:32 +0000

Regular underwear
Warm pants (fleece or wool)
Wicking long underwear (top/bottoms)
Fleece or wool vest – optional
Quick-drying pants – can be same as above, but make sure you have two pair of pants.
Fleece jacket/wool sweater
Long-sleeved shirts – at least one

Outerwear

Troop63 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:30:12 +0000

Outer shell jacket (or insulated parka) – most of you will just bring your winter parka.
Gloves/mittens (fleece or wool) – ski gloves, integral shell and insulation are fine.
Outer shell pants (or insulated pants) – if you have snow pants (insulated), bring them; if not, some sort of shell to keep snow and water off your clothes.
Glove liners – if you have them
Warm hat (fleece or wool)
Neck gaiter or scarf
Waterproof gloves/overmitts – this is the same as above. If you have an extra pair, bring them.
Face mask/balaclava – if you have one, good; if not, the scarf will do fine.

Footwear

Troop63 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:29:43 +0000

Hiking/mountaineering socks – 2-3 pairs wool or synthetic – NO COTTON
Insulated camp booties – optional
Wicking liner socks – optional
Extra laces – optional
Hiking boots/shoes that match the terrain and conditions – if you have warm snow boots bring them. If not, make sure your boots are big enough for a couple pair of socks and that they are water proof/treated with sno-seal or mink oil.
Gaiters – if you have them.

Camping Gear

Troop63 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:29:14 +0000

Backpack if you plan to carry your gear. Duffle if you are going to use a sled to pull it.
Pack cover – if you have it. Bring an 8 x 10 Tarp, which is generally good for covering things or making shelters.
Food (adequate supply for your trip) – per group
Tent, tarp or bivy sack – one tent per 2–3 people.
Stove – one per 2-3 people.
Rainfly – part of tent
Fuel (for cooking and melting snow) – enough for four meals.
Tent stakes
Matches/lighter
Ground cloth – one per tent
Cook set, dishes – personal and for group cooking.
Cooking/eating utensils – base this on your menu.
Sleeping bag (in waterproof stuff sack)
Pot grabber
Compression sack – optional if you have one
Large pot for melting snow – one per group
Sleeping pad – NO AIR MATTRESSES – closed cell foam or Camprest type only
Drinking cup (insulated) – not necessary to be insulated since you will be wearing a glove, but good if you have one.
Sit pad or sleeping pad chair kit – optional if you have one.
Thermos – optional
Extra nylon stuff sacks (for organizing gear) – optional. Heavy duty Ziplocks also work.
Biodegradable soap – per group
Extra plastic bags (for water-tight storage) – 2 heavy duty garbage bags each.
Pot scrubber
Resealable plastic bags – a couple
Snow shovel – one per group
Water filter/purifier – two per group
Snowshoes or Skis, poles and boots
Water bottle(s) – WIDE MOUTH – no bike bottles- they freeze shut.
Collapsible water container – per group
Lantern – optional

Personal Items

Troop63 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:28:50 +0000

Toilet paper
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Lip balm (with sun protection)
Other personal toiletry items
Small bath towel – I recommend a wash cloth (we are only going out for 2 days)
Brush/comb – optional
Trowel – per group

Other / Extras

Troop63 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:28:24 +0000

Binoculars
Repair/sewing kit
Field guides
100-foot accessory cord
Camera and film
Axe/saw – per group
Notebook and pencil
Money
Travel games
Trip Plan (left with a responsible friend)
Watch/alarm clock
Photo ID
Weather radio