A Hot water bottle from Mick Fitzpatrick
In your sleeping bag is a very welcome luxury
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Cold Weather
Introduction ...
... I have spent a lot of time in the extreme cold in the mountains and inside the Arctic Circle, in both Military
and civilian roles. My favourite time to be outdoors is when it's cold and crispy. I hate the wet and damp! but one has to be ready for it. I have two main
categories of cold weather. Wet and Dry. There's many variations inbetween and it's possible to have them all in one day, especially in the UK hill areas! I hope
the tips below will make you more comfortable in the cold.
They are mainly aimed at being in the moors, hills or mountains.
... Mick Fitzpatrick
Bad weather from Mick Fitzpatrick
If the weather is looking really bad. Stay at home
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Communications from Mick Fitzpatrick
Can be very difficult in remote places. A satellite communications device might be the best money spent!
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Early start from Mick Fitzpatrick
as the days get shorter you need to start your day hike sooner. If you're camping the last thing you want to be doing is putting up you tent in the dark when it's cold!
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Eat and Drink from Mick Fitzpatrick
A LOT! You need those extra calories to keep warm.
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Eat before sleep from Mick Fitzpatrick
A warm high calorie meal before sleeping will help boost warmth.
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Everything takes from Mick Fitzpatrick
A lot longer in the cold and snow. Budget for that when you are moving from A to B.
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Fuel from Mick Fitzpatrick
Take extra fuel. I normally double the amount I would normally take. You need more hot food/drinks and it will be very useful in an emergency.
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Gaiters from Mick Fitzpatrick
Don't think about wearing them, wear them coz you'll need them.
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Hypothermia from Mick Fitzpatrick
It can creep up and bite you. Learn to spot the symptoms early:
Shivering - Pale, cold and dry skin – Skin and lips may turn blue or grey (on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet) - Slurred speech - Slow breathing - Tiredness or confusion
Shivering - Pale, cold and dry skin – Skin and lips may turn blue or grey (on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet) - Slurred speech - Slow breathing - Tiredness or confusion
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Keep waterproofs from Mick Fitzpatrick
Quickly and easily accessible. You really don't want to be digging deep into your pack in heavy or even mild rain
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Layer up from Mick Fitzpatrick
Inside your sleeping bag. Not everyone can afford/justify an expensive winter sleeping bag. Wearing dry/clean clothing in your bag really will help boost the warmth.
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Layers from Mick Fitzpatrick
A few layers of clothing is better than one thick layer. Why? They trap warm air between them. You can also add/remove layers as the temperature rises/drops. Most decent outdoors clothing
manufacturers take away the guess work by naming their layers in a logical sequence.
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Let people know from Mick Fitzpatrick
Where you are going to camp. Better still leave a route card
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Loft/Shake your from Mick Fitzpatrick
Sleeping bag and any other qulited gear before using. More essential with down filled items.
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Long nights from Mick Fitzpatrick
In the tent during winter. Take a book etc. 10 hours+ in a tent is a looooong time!
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Microspikes from Mick Fitzpatrick
Or crampons are pretty essential kit. The difference a pair of minispikes can make on even mildly icy surfaces is amazing!
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Mountain Rescue from Mick Fitzpatrick
Are very busy people. Why make them busier? If in doubt stay low or maybe go when the weather is better!
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Navigation from Mick Fitzpatrick
GPS are the biz, but electrical devices loose power quickly in the cold. Learn to navigate with a map & compass. They will never run out of power.
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Pack size from Mick Fitzpatrick
Your pack will be heavier and bulkier in the colder weather. It's just how it is.
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Packing list from Mick Fitzpatrick
A methodical and well practised packing list will help you to stop forgetting stuff
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Pee from Mick Fitzpatrick
Before getting into your sleeping bag. DO NOT hold it in if you need another during the night. This is where a 'P' bottle comes in handy!
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Practice from Mick Fitzpatrick
Close to home or in your garden if you have never camped in harsh conditions
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R-Value from Mick Fitzpatrick
The higher it is the colder the sleeping mat will go down to.
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Remove from Mick Fitzpatrick
Wet clothing as soon as possible.
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Shelter from Mick Fitzpatrick
Even if you're not camping some form of emergency shelter is essential
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Stay low from Mick Fitzpatrick
Stay safe. If the weather is looking really bad in the hills. Drop down and be safer.
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There is no rush from Mick Fitzpatrick
Forget about big mileage or getting there fast. Just enjoy every foot step. It will be a good workout.
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Transport from Mick Fitzpatrick
To get to more remote places can be a nightmare. Check road and rail conditions, they aren't always open!
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Warm feet from Mick Fitzpatrick
Warm you. Tent/bothy boots are superb for the end of the day to get out of boots and keep your feet cosy.
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Warmers from Mick Fitzpatrick
Like handwarmers etc really do give an extra boost. They can also keep your electrics warm!
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Water bottles from Mick Fitzpatrick
Keep them insulated and warm
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Weather Forecast from Mick Fitzpatrick
Always get one before heading out
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Winter skills from Mick Fitzpatrick
If you're getting out a lot in cold weather, try and get on a winter skills course. They are money well spent
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