Cold-Weather Camping

Transcription

1 Cold-Weather Camping

2 Cold-Weather Camping is COOL! and FUN!

3 What is Cold-Weather Camping? BSA defines cold-weather camping as: Any camping that takes place when the high temperature of the day is 50 degrees or less. Conditions can include: Cold Wet Wind Problems that can arise: Frostnip, frostbite, hypothermia, dehydration, immersion foot, snow blindness

4 Be Prepared! Troop 55 conducts this training in order to ensure a successful, fun, and SAFE cold-weather camping experience for its members. Topics to be discussed: Types of Cold Staying warm during the day Clothing systems Staying warm at night Sleep systems Food and water Cold-weather First Aid

5 3 Types of Cold Wet Cold The most dangerous type of cold The type of cold in which most winter camping is done Temperature range from degrees Large diurnal temperature shift (up to degrees) causes melting, freezing, thawing cycle. Can occur with or without snow If accompanied by rain and/or snow the ground can become muddy or slushy. Clothing for Wet Cold is designed to help deal with the cold, wet conditions by keeping you warm AND dry.

6 3 Types of Cold Dry Cold Temperature ranges from +14 to -20 degrees F. Ground is usually frozen and snow cover is relatively dry. Strong winds increase the need for protecting the entire body. Dry Cold clothing is the same as for wet cold conditions except that more insulating layers are added and the rain protection needed for wet cold can be replaced by windproof outer clothing that is water repellent

7 3 Types of Cold Arcticlike Cold Temperatures are colder than minus 20 F. Rarely encountered without snow. Requires the most insulation. Thermally formed materials (plastics, metals) can become brittle and break or shatter. Camping in these conditions takes a great deal of experience. Outer layer must be windproof layer that covers most of the body. Most layers of warmth needed.

8 How Body Heat is Lost Radiation (55%) Heat is lost from exposed skin and head (½ at 40 - ¾ at 5 ) Conduction (15% w/convection) Heat is lost through direct contact with a cold object Convection Heat is lost from the wind carrying away heat from the skin s surface. Evaporation (20%) Heat is lost from evaporation of sweat, moisture from skin and lungs. Respiration (10%) Heat lost from inhaling cold air and exhaling warm air.

9 Wind Chill Greater heat loss and lower perceived temperature. Raises danger of adverse effects of cold weather.

10 The Key to Keeping Warm Is C.O.L.D. Keep Clean Avoid Overheating Wear Loose Layers Stay Dry These four keys to staying warm apply to both clothing systems and sleep systems. Stay Hydrated!!!!! Clothes and sleeping bags do not warm you, they keep your body heat from escaping!

11 Clothing Systems The Three W s of Layering Wicking Inner layer Wool, polypropylene, microfibers (polyester, nylon), silk Warmth Middle insulating layer Wool, fleece, synthetic fiberfills (Thinsulate, Primaloft, Thermolite), down Wind/Weather Outer protecting layer plastic, hard shell, soft shell Rain suit, Gore-tex, water repellent/proof and wind resistant Types of clothing Use synthetic blends or wool Eliminate cotton (cotton kills) Control Perspiration 1.5 pints per day insensible perspiration in addition to perceptible perspiration Don t overheat Ventilate by loosening or removing clothing and layers Bring extra clothing Change wet layers before they soak other layers Change socks a couple of times a day if needed.

12 Clothing Protection For: Upper body Lower body Head Neck Hands Feet Footwear Carry extra Insulated Waterproof Not too tight Snow boots/over boots NO TENNIS SHOES!!!!!

13 Sleep Systems Layers, layers, layers Vapor Barrier Tarp under shelter Tent/Shelter Keep dry-clean off boots and clothes before entering Ground insulation Sleeping pad(s), blanket No Air Mattresses or cots Sleeping bag Fill What? - Down, manmade in order of quality (Polarguard, Quallofill, Hollofill, Thermolite) Fill How Much? - Temperature rating Design types, extras Bag liner Adds 5-10 degrees of warmth to bag Sleeping clothes Use clean, dry clothes (incl. cap and socks) One situation where cotton is ok. Use sleeping bag to keep these warm: Next days clothes(in a pillow case), water bottle, flashlight, electronics

14 Food and Water Food provides: HEAT, ENERGY, NUTRIENTS Caloric intake should increase Carbohydrates/Fats vs. Proteins (80/20) Water intake 2-3 liters per day minimum Not including caffeine drinks! Dehydration increases the risk of hypothermia and frostbite so drinking plenty of fluids just as important as in hot weather! Warm food and drink helps warm your body from the inside out!

15 Occurs when body s core temperature drops, not just a winter ailment PREVENTION Dress warmly, stay hydrated Wind, wet, hunger, exhaustion can add to problem SYMPTOMS Cold and numb, tired anxious, irritable, clumsy, slurred speech, uncontrollable shivers, lost consciousness Watch for the umbles - stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, grumbles TREATMENT Prevent victim from getting colder Warm the victim s body to normal temperature If conscious and can drink, offer small amounts of warm liquids Move victim into shelter and into dry, warm clothes Place the victim into a dry sleeping bag. Cover head. Provide water bottles of warm fluid for armpits and groin areas. Be prepared to rewarm victim with your body heat. Seek medical attention Hypothermia 1

16 Frostbite 1 The freezing of skin tissue, commonly seen in fingers, toes, ears. PREVENTION Wear proper clothes for winter weather (3 W s) especially on extremities, proper fitting clothes and boots Stay hydrated SYMPTOMS Complaints of tingling/pain followed by numbness Cold, waxy, pale, mottled, grayish-white patches Blisters may form if frostbite has been thawed TREATMENT Move victim to shelter Slowly warm affected area by placing area in contact with warm skin DO NOT RUB FROSTBITTEN TISSUE Have victim move injured toes and fingers DO NOT LET AREA REFREEZE Seek medical attention

17 Resources Troop Website Troop Training and Resources page Cold Weather Camping Training 10 Tips to Sleeping Warm Okpik Participant Handbook FB CH 13 Cold Weather Travel & Camping Wilderness Survival Merit Badge Pamphlet

18 Questions/Discussion