cold weather survival

What do you guys think will be a perfect setup for cold weather (20/30 degrees)? I'm trying to give some pointers to my friends who are going camping with me this weekend. They have a nice gear list:<br>-good sleeping bags (20-0 degree rated)<br>-thick matts<br>-fleece, windstopers, hats, rain gear, etc<br>-wool socks<br>-4 season tents<br><br>Any tips on how to keep warmer at night. I personally don't have any temperature control problems since I'm usually knocked out in 5 seconds and sleep like a baby in my bag. But I kind of worry about them. I just want it to be a comfortable outing without any major stress and problems for them (or me). Any tips on what should be done when they get cold? Or any extra gear that should be brought?<br><br>Matt<br>

The british issue wool jumpers are brilliant I recomend u get one or the equivelent.<br>A candle/lantern can be a good way but be carefull.

Matt,<br><br>Feed them before they turn in, make sure they drink plenty of water, and encourage them to "get up and go" if the need to urinate strikes in the middle of the night (tip them that a dash out the tent is not bad, especially if one leaves the sleeping bag "closed" - not zipped - to retain body heat while they are out urinating).<br><br>Some might be more cozy with some sort of blanket inside the sleeping bag, but if the fit is snug...<br><br>Have them put dry sleeping garments on and tell them to wear a knit cap to bed and NOT to burrow in and breath inside the bag (it's merely a bad habit on a weekend, but why start...)<br><br>Some get cold and some don't. If they have fun, that's important. A cheerful attitude on your part can't hurt, and it is usually very encouraging for a newbie if someone experienced has a warm cup of beverage ready the next AM... and a campfire if that is appropriate for your trip.<br><br>There is no end to the suggestions I could make, but I reckon you've already got a handle on things. Have fun!<br><br>Tom

Tom,<br>Thanks for the tips. Yes I'm already planning to have a thermos with hot tea to be stored by the fire just in case somebody needs somethign at night. And since I wake up early I will have another cup ready for them and hot bfast. Plus pleanty of hot beef stew for everyone and of course polish sausage.<br><br>Matt

Long underwear - preferably wool but that's very hard to find in most stores; for a weekend, the regular cotton long johns should do. I have a fairly expensive pair of wind pants with a full-length zipper down each side, so I can take them off without removing my boots, but that's mainly of use if you're going to be in and out of a warm environment (e.g. taking the bus to work).<br><br>One tip I read, but haven't tried, is to drink a cup of hot chocolate with a chunk of butter melted into it. The theory is that the hot chocolate provides a quick burst of energy; the fat in the butter provides a sustained energy burn over a longer period of time. I got this from Garrett and Alexandra Conover's book, The Winter Wilderness Companion - Traditional and Native American Skills for the Undiscovered Season. (448 Pages, ISBN: 007136417X) They claim that the first time they tried this was in Northern Quebec with the temperature around -40. Within minutes they were feeling toasty warm from the inside out. <br><br>I found this an interesting book - I hope to put at least some of their theories to the test this winter. The authors are professional guides in Maine who run winter snowshoeing expeditions in Northern Quebec, and they seem to know what they're talking about. I'm not affiliated with the book, the authors, or the publishers in any way. It's available from Amazon - their web site says they have 4 left in stock but more are on the way.<br><br>Also, if your companions bring along a "pee bottle" so they don't have to get up in the cold early morning to urinate, they'll probably be a lot more comfortable. Make sure it's not glass, or anything that is likely to shatter due to sudden temperature variation; and that it won't leak. These can double as hotwater bottles to be used for first aid for hypothermia, as well; fresh urine is generally at the optimal temperature for warming someone up, and the bottles fit naturally into the groin, neck and armpits, where the heat transfer is fastest.

Hi Matt,<br>make sure they stay warm and dry during the day in the first place. To my experience the most common mistake of beginners is to wear too many clothes and socks. So they get wet from sweat and cold feet from the tight fit of their shoes.

Thermarest, definitely not a luxury...<br><br>Don't wear too many layers or they get compressed, I like the Buffalo pile and pertex stuff<br><br>If you've got a good leakproof water bottle use it as a hot water bottle, it's nice to get into a warm bag, and the water will be that bit warmer in the morning for the tea.<br><br>Dry clothes and a hat, I like to pull it over my eyes<br><br>Justin

Fill a standard Nalgene bottle or USGI canteen with hot water, and place it inside the sleeping bag near the feet. A quick and easy tip that I've been using for years, and it never fails to keep me warm until I fall asleep.<br><br>Also, I agree with aardwolfe, a "pee bottle" is a great idea, and something I also use. Just make sure the cap is a noticably different color than the ones your are drinking out of. <br><br>John McIntire

This is a old survival trick.When you are setting by the fire put some rocks in the fire and let them get hot.When you go to bed wrap the rocks up in towels and put them in your sleeping bag.This will keep your feet warm.Hope this helps.

>>>>Also, I agree with aardwolfe, a "pee bottle" is a great idea, <br><br>You men get all the breaks! ;-]]

hmmm, check out http://www.mountainwoman.com<br><br>I'm sure Freud would have something to say about this<br>Justin

Wow, an ingenious device. More power to them!

You might also want to check out some of the medical supply stores for ideas. They likely have all sorts of devices designed to help people confined to a bed or wheelchair to answer nature's call - male or female. The only difficulty might be finding one that's got a secure top to close it up - most of them are likely designed to be emptied right away.

So I'm back. Weather was hanging in the low 30s (snowing)with lows at night reaching 15 degrees. I was nice and toasty all night long. My friends also did ok. I kept fire going during night and kept thermos with hot bevarage handy. I also got few pocket warmers that I distributed but advised people to use them when they are getting cold. Most of the guys on my trip came fairly prepared. The key to success obviously was good insulation from the ground, warm core and taking care of your extermities. Note to my self for future outings is to check everyones pack for equipment I required them to bring. 2 people didn't have gloves or good socks (forgot to pack them). Thank God I always have spares. We had couple of hunters come to our camp to warm up and hang for a while when I was providing mild care to their dogs (thicks, abrassions, etc). But at the end everything worked out fine and everyone came back happy.And probabbly there is nothign better than being outside and having hot coffe, eggs and bacon on the cold Sunday morning.<br><br>Matt