Preparedness
Master Cold Weather with These Essential Gear Tricks
For those who embrace the cold and venture outdoors regardless of the weather, having a few tricks up your sleeve can make all the difference. Whether you’re preparing for emergencies or simply enjoying winter’s embrace, these cold-weather gear hacks will enhance your experience.
Handling liquid fuel in freezing temperatures requires caution. White gas, or liquid fuel, remains in liquid form even below freezing, but it can cause frostnip or frostbite upon skin contact. To prevent cold injury, wrap your fuel bottle with duct tape for insulation.
When it comes to water bottles, ice tends to form at the top first, blocking access to the liquid below. By storing your bottle upside down, the ice forms at the bottom, allowing you to drink from the top when you flip it right side up.
Snack bars can become rock-hard in the cold, making them difficult to eat. Keep your snacks in a jacket or pant pocket to utilize your body heat and keep them edible.
A piece of an old insulated foam pad can serve multiple purposes. Use it as a seat to avoid a cold, wet bottom during breaks. It can also provide extra insulation under your sleeping mat or keep dehydrated meals warm while they cook.
Before slipping into your sleeping bag, get your blood flowing. A short walk or a few jumping jacks will generate heat for your bag to trap, warming you up more quickly. Just be careful not to work up a sweat.
If your hands tend to sweat during hikes, consider wearing nitrile or latex gloves as liners. They prevent sweat from soaking into your gloves, keeping your hands warmer. This is similar to using oven roasting bags over your feet to keep socks dry.
Cold weather can significantly reduce the performance of alkaline batteries. “Lithium batteries, on the other hand, are much more powerful than alkaline batteries and function very well in cold weather,” making them the ideal choice for electronics like headlamps.
For added warmth in your boots, trace insoles from reflective material like that found in sun visors, known as Reflectix. These reflective insoles are particularly useful when spending time in a deer stand or bird blind.
Instead of purchasing expensive neoprene bottle parkas, wrap your hot water bottles in heavy wool socks. They’ll stay warm throughout the day, nestled with your gear. Alternatively, use leftover Reflectix and duct tape to create an insulated cozy.
Neck gaiters are an underrated insulation layer. “If you’re feeling chilled, put one on around your neck,” as it covers major veins and arteries, quickly warming you up. Thin gaiters can double as a scarf, keeping freezing air from your lungs and wind off your face.
Leg gaiters are essential for winter hiking. They prevent snow from entering your boots, keeping your feet warm and dry. Lightweight and unobtrusive, they also keep mud, burrs, and bugs at bay.
These hacks can transform your cold-weather outings, ensuring you stay warm, comfortable, and prepared for whatever winter throws your way.
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