By ANN ROBINSON
ann@du2.byu.edu
Snow and cold weather don't have to signal the end of participating in outdoor activities. In fact, some people enjoy camping and hiking during the winter much more than during the warmer seasons.
If people follow a few simple guidelines and stay prepared, camping in colder conditions can be very enjoyable.
'The biggest thing to pick up on is the differences between camping in the different seasons. It can be just as much fun in the winter as in the summer,' said Keith Hadley, an REI clinic instructor and experienced mountaineer and climber.
Before heading into the wilderness, campers should set goals for the trip, establish a route and evaluate the strength and experience of the group.
Campers should also consult a good equipment checklist for important things (e.g., throat lozenges, a whistle and an ice axe). They should make sure they feel comfortable using all of the equipment they plan to take. The equipment should also be easily portable so it won't slow down the hiker, or the rest of the group, with unnecessary bulk.
Reliable, reasonably priced equipment should be purchased according to the needs of the camper. If only short excursions are planned, money should not be wasted on extremely high-tech supplies that won't ever be used to their full potential.
Winter conditions can be more dangerous than during the spring and summer, so more time should be allotted for travel. Experienced cold-weather campers should be included in a novice group, as additional knowledge is always helpful. Most importantly, campers or hikers should never go out alone.
Dressing for the different weather is one of the main things to remember in going camping in the colder season. Properly layered clothing is the key to comfort, warmth and dryness. Layering is versatile because it allows campers to constantly adjust their clothing and maintain preferred body temperatures.
'It's important to dress in layers because you can take stuff off or put things on according to how the weather changes,' said Logan Stevenson, 22, a sophomore from Calgary, Canada, majoring in business.
The first layer should serve as a 'wicking' protection. Wicking means wearing clothing that will absorb moisture and pull it away from the skin.
The second layer should consist of insulated garments such as wool, down or fleece. The insulation helps trap natural body heat.
The last layer protects the inner layers from wind, rain and snow; therefore, this outermost layer should be waterproof or water resistant. The final protector should also be roomy enough to allow maximum freedom of movement. If the final layer is not made out of the correct material, it can get wet and freeze. But if it is too bulky, it will be awkward and slow the hiker down.
Hats should be worn to trap body heat, and face masks and goggles can be worn to protect the susceptible face from frostbite. Socks and all-weather hiking boots are important to keep feet warm, cushioned and blister free.
Clothing choices should be taken seriously and made carefully. If campers go overboard on the layers though, they will sweat too much and lose heat much more quickly through evaporation of the water. Most clothing is available in different weights for different temperatures and activity levels. Ventilation is also a clothing option through zippers or other specially-designed features.
Cold-weather shelters include tents, snowcaves and igloos. Tents should be strong enough to endure extreme conditions, mainly wind and snow. It is a good idea to bring extra poles, a ground sheet and a whisk broom (to brush off snow before getting into the tent). Snowcaves and igloos should be sturdily constructed and left standing for other campers to use after you're done.
Even after following the above precautions, problems can arise. Hypothermia results when the body loses heat too rapidly. Without recognition and proper treatment, this condition can lead to death. Frostbite is the freezing of body tissue. Proper rewarming and treatment must be given or tissue may be lost.
Sunscreen should be worn to protect skin from the sun reflecting off the snow that can cause unexpected sun burns. A general class teaching basic first-aide is also a good idea to attend. An emergency kit should be brought on any outdoor excursion.
Food should be nutritious and easy to prepare. Instant meals are usually easy because only hot water has to be added and most major ingredients are already included. Food should be suspended from a tree, never stored in a tent, to avoid uninvited animal visitors.
Water should be constantly consumed to avoid dehydration. Eating snow is not a replacement though because it takes a large amount of calories to obtain the water from snow, calories that could be used to heat the camper's body. Water bottles should have a large opening, otherwise the mouth can easily freeze up. The water bottle cap should be very tight to prevent leaking.
Water can also be obtained by digging a hole in a frozen lake or stream to get to the running water beneath or snow can be melted over a fire or stove (avoid yellow and pink snow). The melted snow does not need to be purified but water obtained from natural sources does (boil for 3 to 5 minutes).
While enjoying nature it is important to respect and preserve the pristine environment. Animal feeding, watering and bedding areas should be avoided to prevent scaring animals with limited food sources away from their food supplies.
It is also a good idea to attend workshops or to read further material relating to cold-weather camping tips.