Winter Camping Winter Camping for Lifefor Life

No Trace TheoryNo Trace Theory

The result of low impact camping on the environment.

This practice will allow future campers to find no evidence of human activity or presence once you have left camp.

No Trace TheoryNo Trace Theory

Destructive agents of human origin:

Feces…use latrines

Multiple fire pits

Man made objects

Indiscriminate tree cutting

Litter, trash

Food waste

Campsite SelectionCampsite Selection

Safety and comfort:Is the site protected from the elements?

Historical forecasts for the area…

Are there widow makers around? (Dead trees, ice clusters, avalanche hazards)

Using a cooking stoveUsing a cooking stove

1. Select area protected from the wind.

2. Avoid cooking inside tent or shelter. This is a last resort. If you do, make sure you have adequate ventilation.

3. To fill the stove, make sure you are sufficiently far from an open flame.

Building a Building a LatrineLatrine

Building a latrineBuilding a latrinePlace 150 ft from water sources.

Out of sight of others (may be unpleasant).

Dig a hole 8-16 inches in depth.

Select a nearby private area (animal life will help decompose the waste.

Sanitary napkins should be packed and removed along with leftover food and garbage.

Dealing with foodDealing with food

Two rules of thumb1. Do not leave food around at night. You may

attract unwanted attention. Wolves, foxes, bears (summer time) may smell the feast and pay you a visit.

2. Do not leave food behind after you break camp. We do not want to modify the eating habits of wildlife.

Survival KitSurvival Kit

What YOU should bring on this outing!!!Waterproof matches

Sunscreen

Knife

Any medication you may need personally (allergy medication)

Whistle

Winter Camping Check ListWinter Camping Check List

What you mustmust bring!!!Winter boots (2)

Flashlight or headlamp

Candles (3-4 per group)

Shovel (metal please! No plastic wimpy guaranteed to break shovels.)

Utensils

Swiss knife

Large mug

Interesting tidbits about waterInteresting tidbits about waterHumans lose 2-3 liters of water/day.

To prevent fluid loss one should avoid exertion and stay in cool areas away from the sun.

Don’t drink alcohol.

Ration your sweat not your water.

Drink often and in small quantities. If you drink when you are thirsty it is too late.

Dar, yellow, moose smelling urine is a sign of dehydration.

Store water bottles upside down as the water freezes from top to bottom.

Winter Camping Check ListWinter Camping Check List

Drinking cup

Backpack

Garbage bag (3)

Toothbrush, sun glasses, sun screen, plastic bags (8), medical card, toilet paper and medication

2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 supper and snacks

Nutrition and cookingNutrition and cooking4-2-1 concept-all meals should respect this basic concept

4 portions of complex carbohydrates

(rice, vegetables, fruits, breads, cereals and pastas)

2 portions of fat

(lean cuts of meat or other dairy products)

1 portion of protein

(meats, nuts, cereal, and dairy products)

Bagging your foodBagging your food

In the comfort of your home:Place your meals in individual Zip-lock bags

Label your bags carefully

Place your meals for each day in a larger bag and label clearly

Cooking your mealCooking your meal

Boil the core of your meal at home and allow it to cool down.

Place aluminum inserts inside the plastic bag in case of accidental meltdown.

Use double bag technique with heavy duty zip lock bags.

On site cookingOn site cookingFill cooking pot with water.

Place bag, with core of your meal adding spices and other ingredients at appropriate time, in the boiling water.

Remove when ready.

Enjoy and relax as this has been a hard day and treat this moment as a group celebration.

Snow SheltersSnow Shelters

There are different types of snow shelters. The Igloo being the best known type of shelter.

However, the Igloo is difficult to build and is a more permanent type of shelter.

We will be building quinchees.

The QuincheeThe Quinchee

Procedure:

Mark out 14 ft circle (diameter)

“Start shovellin’!!!”

The QuincheeThe QuincheeShovel snow onto the center of the circle

As structure gets higher, firmly pack the snow

Keep going until your mound is 8-9 feet high

Allow snow mound to rest for 6-8 hours before excavating.

Put in 18 in depth check gauges

The QuincheeThe QuincheeMake shelter entrance (2 feet high by 1.5 feet wide)

Excavate up and above entrance

Pay attention to depth sticks

Make two ventilation holes with poles to ensure good ventilation

Use candle to do O2 check

Keep quinchee relatively small to maximize heat.

The QuincheeThe Quinchee

Sleeping platform should be slightly concave

Dig irrigation channels along inside of wall

Keep clothing dry, this is essential to comfort

Avoid alcohol and caffeine to prevent midnight trip to latrine. (not fun!!!)

Keep shovels inside in case of overnight snow storm

ClothingClothing

Determining factor between a fun and awful outing!!!

The COLD principle.

Clean, Overheating, Loose layers, Dry

ClothingClothing

Clean: Your insulation is more effective when it is clean and fluffy.

Overheating: Avoid overheating by adjusting your layers of clothing to the outside heat. Avoid excessive sweating.

Loose Layers: Make sure your clothing does not block off circulation.

Dry: Damp clothing and skin can contribute to rapid cooling of the body.

ClothingClothingThe Layering System (VIP):

Vapor removing layer-Worn next to the skin (polypropylene undergarments), should not absorb moisture (no cotton)

Interior insulating layer-Staying dry should also be important. This layer will keep you warm. (Pile or polar shirt, thermax, capilene, wool)

Protective outer layer-Weatherproof (waterproof, windproof and breathable). It will have air vents to allow moisture to escape and it must be dependable (zippers and stitching)

FootwearFootwear

Vapour barrier system (plastic bag plan)

Wear plastic bags over your socks to trap moisture and prevent it from hitting boot liner.

Never wear cotton socks when using this technique since freezing is guaranteed. Thin synthetic socks and/or wool socks are best.

Make sure your boots are waterproof and of decent quality. Have an extra pair of boots please!!!

ItineraryItinerary

Friday

10h00-11h00: Packing of vans

11h05: Departure!!!

12h30: Arrival at Groupe Nature

13h00: Departure for Camp site

13h05-16h45: Shovellin’

Evening: Head back to Groupe Nature for R and R and group supper!!

ItineraryItinerary

Saturday7h00-8h00: Wake up and breakfast at Groupe Nature

9h00: Leave for campsite and return to Groupe Nature the following morning

SundayWake up and breakfast (location to be determined)

Start packing at around 10h00-Destruction of quinchees

12h00 lunch and snack

13h00 head back home!!!