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| COLD WEATHER SLEEPING SYSTEM |
Sleeping conditions along with keeping warm and having the proper nutrition is key to
making winter camping enjoyable.
· The body cools down during sleep. The blood (heat) is drawn from the extremities and brought to the center
(core) of the body
· The ground is always colder than the body. Proper insulation must be provided to prevent heat loss by
conduction
· C-O-L-D, is the key to staying warm
C Your bedding should have washable liner so that it stays Clean
O To keep from Overheating, bedding must be vent able
L Bedding should be lightweight and large enough to accommodate you. Use a Layered system
D Keep gear as Dry as possible, push all the warm, moist air out in the morning and then air and dry
the bag in the morning sun
Ground / Floor Insulation
· Good insulation should cover the entire floor of the sleeping area
· Adequate protection under a sleeping bag requires a minimum of 3/8 to ½ inch thickness of a good firm
insulation. A 1" thick open-cell foam pad is not adequate; it gives much less than half at the pressure points
(hips, shoulders, ect...)
· The open-cell pad can be used on top of another pad
Sleeping Bags
· Sleeping bags for winter camping should be rated to temperatures below what you expect to experience
during the trip if you want to be comfortable.
· Using two lighter bags in combination is a popular and efficient choice
· Construction and fabric (fills) vary and should be considered (in terms of price, weight, volume) carefully before
purchase and/or use. (see discussion on Insulating Materials)
Washable, Insulating Liner
· Good investment if chosen properly it can double as an ultra-lightweight summer bag
· Wash often, keeping sleeping gear clean and dry for optimal insulating performance
Sleepwear
· Feet are critical, dry feet use foot powder with aluminum chlorohydrate, wear loose insulator (socks can not be
tight)
· Use a "sleeping suit", a clean, dry set of thermal underwear (if temperatures warrant, a second, looser layer
can be added)
· Stocking cap, wristlets, scarf can be used at night as long as they are dry and clean
making winter camping enjoyable.
· The body cools down during sleep. The blood (heat) is drawn from the extremities and brought to the center
(core) of the body
· The ground is always colder than the body. Proper insulation must be provided to prevent heat loss by
conduction
· C-O-L-D, is the key to staying warm
C Your bedding should have washable liner so that it stays Clean
O To keep from Overheating, bedding must be vent able
L Bedding should be lightweight and large enough to accommodate you. Use a Layered system
D Keep gear as Dry as possible, push all the warm, moist air out in the morning and then air and dry
the bag in the morning sun
Ground / Floor Insulation
· Good insulation should cover the entire floor of the sleeping area
· Adequate protection under a sleeping bag requires a minimum of 3/8 to ½ inch thickness of a good firm
insulation. A 1" thick open-cell foam pad is not adequate; it gives much less than half at the pressure points
(hips, shoulders, ect...)
· The open-cell pad can be used on top of another pad
Sleeping Bags
· Sleeping bags for winter camping should be rated to temperatures below what you expect to experience
during the trip if you want to be comfortable.
· Using two lighter bags in combination is a popular and efficient choice
· Construction and fabric (fills) vary and should be considered (in terms of price, weight, volume) carefully before
purchase and/or use. (see discussion on Insulating Materials)
Washable, Insulating Liner
· Good investment if chosen properly it can double as an ultra-lightweight summer bag
· Wash often, keeping sleeping gear clean and dry for optimal insulating performance
Sleepwear
· Feet are critical, dry feet use foot powder with aluminum chlorohydrate, wear loose insulator (socks can not be
tight)
· Use a "sleeping suit", a clean, dry set of thermal underwear (if temperatures warrant, a second, looser layer
can be added)
· Stocking cap, wristlets, scarf can be used at night as long as they are dry and clean
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Credits: Boy Scout Handbook Copyright 1998 by the Boy Scouts of America Field Book Copyright 1967, 1984 by the Boy Scouts of America Okpik: Cold-Weather Camping Copyright 1990 by the Boy Scouts of America OA Guide to Winter Camping Copyright 1995 Rick Curtis, Outdoor Action Program, Princeton University |