/ Troop 233
Rules for Safe Camping in Cold Weather

1)  Dress:

  1. Dress in layers during the day (do not let yourself overheat and sweat during the day – take layers off if you are hot):
  2. Feet: Wool Socks and Waterproof Boots (waterproof your boots before the camping trip)
  3. Legs: Synthetic Long Underwear bottoms, Nylon Pants & rain/snow pants (if necessary)
  4. Top: Synthetic long underwear top, turtleneck shirt, heavy synthetic sweatshirt and nylon outershell or winter coat. Loose layers works best (creates air spaces that will heat up)!
  5. Head: Good wool hat
  6. Sleeping:
  7. Wear clean & dry top and bottom pajamas or long underwear
  8. Sleep in a wool hat
  9. Dry wool socks

2)  Rules for a Good Night’s Sleep

  1. Your body warms the sleeping bag, the sleeping bag does not warm your body! Wear loose clothing that will let your body warm the bag.
  2. If you sleep in your clothes that you wore during the day – they will be damp from sweat and that will chill you – change into pajamas
  3. Wear a warm wool hat and dry wool socks to bed
  4. The ground is cold – bring a good sleeping pad that is designed to insulate you from the ground
  5. A good sleeping bag should be rated to 15 degrees – if you need more, consider bringing a second bag or blanket to create an additional layer

3)  Do not let yourself or your gear get wet

  1. Pack all clothes in garbage bags or ziplock bags to keep them dry in your pack
  2. Put on a backpack cover on your backpack if there is any chance of rain/snow
  3. Be careful in snow or streams
  4. If you are cold or wet – speak with an adult leader immediately.

4)  Be Prepared – no one will have excess gear or clothing to share with you– if you don’t bring it, you won’t have it. Please check that you have everything you will need.