A Word on Cold Weather Survival

Dealing with cold weather while in the woods is something everyone should have some knowledge of.

As I sit here are type this, you can see from the screenshot above that it feels like -33˚ outside my house and the sun is still out. Depending on the wind, it could get even colder tonight. Feeling the warmth of the wood stove behind me, and listening to the rush of the wind outside, it strikes me as a good moment to write about cold weather survival. I’ve been outside numerous times today making sure the horses are ok, and the sting of the cold is still fresh on my mind. Even my brief excursions were more comfortable because I followed a few simple rules. Although there is nothing ground-breaking in this article, it is good information that anyone can benefit from.

Here are 6 things you should pay attention to when thinking about the topic of cold weather survival.

Layers

The first thing to remember when camping in cold weather is to dress in layers. The layers create insulation between you and the cold air, and the more layers the more insulation. While everyone has their own layering system, I’ll share mine with you all.

In weather this cold, below the waist I will wear a pair of synthetic tights, a pair of jeans, and some leather chaps. I’ve never had too big a problem keeping my legs warm with this setup. Personally, I don’t like to wear insulated overalls because I don’t feel like I can move well in them. If I was going to be out in the cold all day, I may add a tight-fitting pair of synthetic sweatpants above the tights. This many layers can get a little snug but still seems easier to move than overalls. I also like the leather chaps for a few reasons. First, they do a great job blocking the wind, which on a day like today, is what makes it so cold. The second reason is that I can move reasonably well in them. Finally, they are better at resisting water than a pair of cotton overalls. As we’ll discuss later, that’s important.

When it comes to footwear, I have been wearing Bog boots with a thin pair of socks. However, I have some of the larger Sorrel-type boots with a liner that I also like. In terms of socks, I personally don’t like having too many on. Too many socks can squeeze your foot and cause circulation issues. This will actually cause your feet to be colder. If you have a good pair of insulated boots, a single pair of socks should do. However, if you buy your boots oversized, you may be able to double up your socks without constricting blood flow.

Above the waist, I also like to weather a synthetic long-sleeve compression shirt. The compression shirt is great because it stays close to your body, and if you happen to get wet it will dry more quickly. On top of that, I wear a short sleeve, a button-up long sleeve, maybe a sweater, a vest, and a coat. In terms of material, I do prefer wool, but it is certainly more expensive. As a result, I often wind up wearing cotton. Cotton is fine unless you happen to get wet. Again, then you are in trouble.

On my hands, I wear a pair of leather gloves inside a pair of fur mittens that I make myself. I got the idea by watching Canadian trappers work their trapline. These trappers often have to use their hands, but will also go long distance traveling their line. As a result, they simply slide the oversized mittens over the leather gloves and they are good to go. I’ve been wearing my mittens for about 6 or 7 winters now, and I always say I’ll never not have a pair again. I love them. I always battled frozen fingers, but not any more.

As many men in my area do, I also wear a silk neck scarf almost every day of the winter. These do a great job cutting the cold and come in handy for a variety of other reasons. It’s no wonder they were used extensively by cowboys and mountain men of the 1800s. If it gets cold enough (like it was today) I’ll also wear a neck gaiter and help cover my face. It’s always a good idea to cover any exposed skin that you can. In temperatures like I was exposed to today, frostbite can set in extremely quickly.

For a hat, I generally wear an insulated wool cap of some sort. Occasionally, I’ll wear a stocking cap, but not often. It’s just personal preference.

Staying Dry

As already mentioned, another important part of cold weather survival is staying dry. This is because cold water can drain body heat 4 times faster than just cold air. By staying dry, you’ll do yourself a huge favor in staying warm.

When most people think about staying dry, my guess is that they think of not falling through the ice or rolling in the snow. While these will certainly get you saturated, they’re not always the biggest culprit. Sweating is another way you can saturate your body and cool your core. As a result, people oftentimes recommend working or walking slowly in order not to build up perspiration. This is another good reason to dress in layers. If you feel yourself heating up too much, you can simply remove layers until you no longer sweat.

If you do happen to get wet, the best thing to do is dry off as fast as you can. In serious situations, this might actually mean stripping your clothes off. This becomes more pertinent if you are wearing natural materials like cotton. Synthetics may repel water well enough that you won’t have to.

Shelter Building

If you find yourself in a situation where you’ll be exposed for long periods of time, finding shelter is a good idea. Shelter can be something as simple as staying in your car, or may actually mean you need to construct something. If you want to look at an effective primitive shelter, take a look at this article I wrote on the subject.

Hot Drinks

Another thing to be aware of in cold weather survival is in regards to hot drinks. Although hot drinks won’t warm your core temperature much, they do have some benefits. Mostly psychological. Also, it might be worth noting that alcohol has a strange effect on temperature. Despite the fact drinking alcohol can make you feel warmer, it is actually because the booze is redistributing blood to your skin. This is great, but it actually takes away the heat from your organs, which is what you need to keep warm.

Fire Starting

If you plan on being exposed to cold weather for long periods of time, it is also a good idea to have a fire kit and know how to use it. If you’re interested in more on the subject, you can read this article I wrote about mastering fire. Rather than cover the topic again, we’ll move on to the last point.

Emergency Kit

This last thing to remember is the famous Boy Scout motto, “be prepared.” Even if you are just traveling in cold weather, it’s always a good idea to pack an emergency kit just in case. There have been too many cases where people were stranded on the road and died due to exposure. Even a simple blanket, some candles, and a lighter might help get you through. Eating is also a good way to keep your core temperature up, so having some snacks is a good idea.

In the end, staying safe in cold weather comes down to two things; preparation and decision-making. Prepare yourself by having the right gear and keep yourself safe by making good decisions. If you dress appropriately and do the right things, you may be surprised at how well you can survive in cold temperatures.