Cold Weather – Loadouts
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| Author and friends in naturally built shelter with bivy bag and insulated clothes. |
The most important factor in my process of determining what cold weather shelter is appropriate is having an appreciation of how cold and wet the environment is before the event even starts. Secondary to this, I would need to appreciate the limitations and operating ranges of my cold weather clothing.
Some environments and shelter/clothing loadouts that have worked for me in the in past include but are not limited to:
Fall/Mid fall (14 to 0 Degrees Celsius) -Quality base layers, softshell pants and top for active. Additional fleece sweater or atom jacket and insulated seat for static. Poncho and candle for emergency warm up. Shelter would consist of all clothes while on pad with poncho. Add candle if applicable to create warm micro climate.
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| Author and friends sleeping / working in insulated high loft clothing. |
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| Author’s Low profile tarp shelter with debris to break up outline. |
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| Naturally built cold weather shelter, compacted snow and cold sump. |
Cold Weather on Sleeping Gear
Avoid down if possible. I regret having my cold weather rated bags being down bags. They lose insulating value when wet. Most quality, modern winter rated sleeping bags will be synthetic. Carefully study the specifications as the stating rating could be the comfort rating or the survival rating.
In the late fall, I would not bring a sleeping bag and generally can get by with high loft clothes, a bivy bag(as applicable) and closed cell sleeping pad.
In the middle of winter, I would probably bring a bivy bag, sleeping bag, insulated pad and insulated clothing as a sleep solution. (sometimes two pads or add debris to improve r-rating of pad). Improve or make shelter as needed. Double up on socks when sleeping and put your shoes in your bivy back to keep them from freezing if possible.
I would not use a sleeping bag without a bivy bag. I typically would favour a durable bivvy bag over the higher priced commercial ones that may not be as durable when used with debris shelters.
I am undecided if wearing my cold weather insulating clothes while in my sleeping bag adds to or compresses the loft. YMMV.
Some important lessons that I have learned in layering for cold weatehr is that the size is very important. Most clothes designed for military applications are generous in size. By way of an example, the Arcteryx LEAF Atom is larger cut than the civilian atom jacket. The size you wear should be large enough to be able to be thrown on over all clothes and second line gear like chest rigs. This is very important to me because having it large enough allows me to wear it without having to take off my chest rig. It saves time and energy. Consider size carefully before purchasing.
Clothing should be readily accessible and waterproofed. Putting clothes away may also require additional effort if you have maxed out capacity on your rucksack. Leave some room so you can hastily stuff what you need inside.
Cold Weather on Mistakes and Lessons
- I avoid putting things on my belt as it hinders me from layering up and layering down. I would leave battle belts at home, patrol rigs would work well though. Consider moving things like a belt knife or canteen (as applicable) to baldric carry (strap carry) as is popular in Scandinavia. This way layering up and down is easier and you can carry the items inside or outside of your warming layers as needed to keep from freezing / easy access.
- Test your stove after it has been left out for a few hours before departing for the event. Avoid pressurized stoves like jetboils. They do not work as well in cold weather. Liquid fuel stoves preferred and are not as affected by cold weather. Check all seals before the event under cold conditions. I regrettably had my single burner naptha stove have its o-rings crack in the cold.
- Popular closed cell insulating pads might not be enough in the middle of winter. Inflatable pads generally have more r-value but may get punctured while you are using it under a debris shelter. Consider having a patch kit if you are going to be using a inflatable pad. A garbage bag with a bunch of pine bows piled 4-6 inches high will greatly reduce the amount you heat you lose to the ground.
- Store water bottle upside down. If not wholly frozen, some will still be accessible for drinking. A bit of vodka may prolong the time it takes for your water to freeze.
- Do not rely on water filters, all but the best ones get permanently damaged when frozen.
- Cold weather clothing takes up a lot of space in the pack. I have to have higher calorie condensed food to make space for cold weather clothing and a sleeping bag.
- Dummy cord things like phone, vape, knife, compass and whistle. These things can get lost in the snow very easily even under clear conditions. Even if you place them between your legs while seated for a moment!
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| Tree boughs for insulation and to improve closed cell sleeping pads. |
