Forest survival specialist, explorer, adventurer, trainer, speaker and author
Most people who experience winter camping are apprehensive not about the cold, travel, food and hydration, but about THE NIGHT. Knowing that the cold can get into their sleeping bag in many ways, winter camping can make many outdoor enthusiasts fear the worst.
Reading this, it doesn't make you want to sleep outside... But still, many people practice this most rewarding activity without having a bad experience.
For the inexperienced in this field, here are a few basic tips to spend a most recuperative night.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SLEEPING BAG
Depending on the climate and latitude of the expedition, sleeping bags have different technicalities. Sometimes it is possible to combine two bags to improve performance or to fill the air spaces in the main one.
There is no need to use a bag that is too large for a person of small size. To perform well, the sleeping bag's insulation must be in contact with the occupant without squeezing. If the bag is too large, air pockets will form and it will not be able to capture body heat and transfer it to the body. Cold spots will be created, which can make the difference between a good night's sleep and a sleepless night.
INSULATE YOURSELF FROM THE GROUND.
There are many ground mattresses on the market for this activity. Let the experienced clerk at your local outdoor store advise you. Make it wide enough to avoid your elbows touching the icy ground. When the temperature is very cold, it is suggested to combine two. A foam mattress and a self-inflating one, one on top of the other. Maximum insulation and increased comfort.
If you don't have a mattress and have to spend the night outside, insulate yourself from the ground with the park bench technique or with a base of conifer branches. A minimum of 30 cm will be necessary to insulate you adequately.
THE BLADDER
Major point. Take the time to pee before going to bed. This will prevent you from having many involuntary shivers that will not let you go. And if such an urge arises during the night, despite the effort required, it will be wiser to get up and relieve yourself than to endure this eminent need that will make you freeze more.
COVER YOUR HEAD
The body loses between 30% and 40% of its heat through the head. It also happens to be the part of the body that is most likely to be exposed to the cold. Let's look at our ancestors who slept with a night cap. It certainly wasn't a question of nighttime aesthetics!
Ideal hats:
The Morie tuque and Beanie
THE PYJAMAS
No, don't put on your cotton pyjama's from home, but rather your long underwear. If you want the body heat to be transferred to the insulation of your sleeping bag, sleep only with these underwear. So, we avoid being overdressed.
Our long underwear will be the perfect sleeping bag!
Women's underwear and men's underwear
THE HOT WATER BOTTLE OR FOOT WARMER
It is often in the extremities that most people start to feel the cold. Foresight dictates that foot warmers be incorporated into your socks (not directly on the skin) to add comfort during the night. If you don't have such equipment, a single-walled bottle filled with warm water can serve as a hot water bottle placed between your feet.
Opt for : Our thermo-regulating technical sock Carve
Now it's up to you to see if these tips, which are based on many years of experience, will help you during your next or first winter sleepover.
About the author
Michel Tremblay
Forest survival specialist, explorer, adventurer, trainer, speaker and Chlorophylle ambassador
Survival in the forest holds no secrets for this outdoor enthusiast. Michel Tremblay was born with an adventurous soul. At the age of 12, he had his first solo winter camping experience and since then, he has never stopped pushing his limits.
His motto: "It is in adversity that one develops the spirit of resilience".
Forest survival specialist, explorer, adventurer, trainer, speaker and author
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