Winter camping Quinhzee building

Water sources >> water found beneath the frozen stream or lake Purify the water, by boiling it >>> water pumps will freeze and break (at least three to five minutes, adding one minute for every 1,000 feet above sea level). Iodine and chlorine ineffective at colder temperatures Melt snow >>> too long and will use too much fuel Eating snow takes up too much energy Water bottles need to be insulated > leave in the snow as insulation

Layering is so important for winter camping When you start to sweat, you’re over dressed You must change your layering to minimize the sweat factor Change into dry clothes when you’ve stop doing physical activity Examples of clothing materials: Wool Fleece Polypropylene Wicking material Shells >> Wind barriers Down – feathers are insulating Radiant Barriers – space blanket is important for sleeping

Head - you loose 70% of your heat from your head > heavily vascularized balaclava, facemask and toque Hands - mittens are warmer that gloves Fingers keep each other warm, rather than being isolated in gloves Shells are good Layering > fingers sweat!!! Feet – Wool socks are key, layering is important. Socks that are too tight will make your feet freeze >>> there’s no air around your feet to keep warm

Boots > insulated boots, with a wool liner that you can pull out to dry out

Morning: activity level is low, all your levels are needed Starting to be active: Take off layers till you start to feel cool, zippers and ventilation are important to keep from sweating If you stop for a snack, put on another layer before you get cooled, keep a layer close at hand When you fall or when your covered with snow, brush it off immediately, you don’t want the snow to melt and cool you off. At the end of the day, you will need to add layers. Add more than you think, stay warm the temperature will continue to drop

Has to fit your size Too large > too much air to heat up and lost Mummy style is the best with a hood Down or synthetic fibre filled Minus -20 degrees is a standard temp Sleeping pad must be (at least) ½ inch thick

Burn at least 4500 calories!! Dehydrated food is best > vegetables/fruit will freeze Breakfast > oatmeal!!! Not complicated and fast Lunch > Eat on the run > snacks, meats, cheese, if you stop and make a lunch you’ll get cold Dinner > Start with a soup or hot drink to get instant warmth, stews or one pot meals are a good follow up and end with another hot drink

Video of survival winter skills Video: Winter Survival Gear - Tom Murphy - Christmas in Yellowstone | Nature Video: Winter Survival Gear - Tom Murphy - Christmas in Yellowstone | Nature

Quinzee – snow cave Video