Pet Talk with Vicki Davis

Winter Camping
by Tara Kimball

Are you and your parents, your boy or Girl Scout troop, or church planning on doing a winter camping trip? Before you go, everyone should know how to protect themselves out in the cold and still have a ton of fun.

1. Find warm clothing and layer it. Try to stay away from waterproof clothing... for you need to wear clothing that will let moisture escape. If you have too much moisture close to the body, you will experience heat loss. Try wool and Gore-Tex garments.

2. Take extra time preparing for your trip. Make sure to think of every weather condition... EVEN if it is not forecasting such weather. Better prepared then not.

3. Keep your spirits up! Winter camping can really be harsh and sometimes really draining. In order to have a good time... remember how it could be while camping and prepare yourself mentally.

4. Be patient while doing things in colder weather. You will find yourself taking a longer time finishing tasks than normal. Take your time and be patient. You will finish and be able to enjoy yourself and the others with you.

5. Make sure to keep your extremities covered. That means covering your head with a good warm hat, keep your gloves on, and even a scarf around the face will cut down on heat loss.

6. Make sure to have a really warm sleeping bag as well as things to sit on. Sitting on the cold ground can zap the warmth from your body... so a campstool will be welcomed.

7. Remember to put your tent in the best area possible. Try and position it in a higher area of the campground as well as in the sunlight as much as possible. Also make sure to keep the wind from your tent by positioning it in a protected area of the campground.

8. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and remember that cooking in colder climates will take a little bit longer than normal. Make sure to use lids so the hot air does not escape and keep the meals to one pot meals... easier to cook and you will eat quicker!