by Marcie Mattrass

Created on: November 22, 2009   Last Updated: November 23, 2009

Winter Camping Trip!

If you happen to be planning a winter camping trip be prepared and know the dangers involved with harsh winter weather conditions. It is vital to have the proper knowledge and equipment in order to travel safely.

First plan your trip well in advanced and make sure you are familiar with the area; weather conditions can make for a nasty vacation if you don't know where you are or where you may need to go. If you are not aware of the risks you could ultimately put your life in danger.

Read up and familiarize your self with the proper warning signs of frost bite and hypothermia.

Keep in mind that it may take you a bit longer to set up camp be prepared and have an escape route just in case you run into danger.

Talk to the park ranger and find out the snow levels, avalanche, and the different ice crossing dangers that may be in the area in which you are camping.

Be prepared with personal equipment; staying warm is key when camping out in the cold. Being well layered can help you stay warm and dry. Try fleece and wool to keeping the body heat well insulated. These materials also keep the heat in while drawing sweat away from your body. Although keep in mind wool is not that waterproof so if you plan on doing any outdoor activities you may want to line your wool with fleece to avoid the material from holding any water in. When you think about layering clothing go with thermal undergarments a light sweatshirt or sweater then a light jacket to keep you from getting to warm. If you get to hot with layering you can take clothes off if need be and put the stuff back on when cold. This is the best way to go when camping; defiantly dress in layers to help you stay warm and dry.

Pack warm and possible fleece sleeping bags or any down or goose down bedding. This will help keep heat in and help you stay warm while sleeping. Be prepared from head to toe; you should be equipped with a hat, gloves or mittens; mittens are warmer. Well insulated boots and or snowshoes; if you do not have either footwear try using plastic bags on your feet to help keep them warm and dry. Socks should also be thermal or wool /nylon material. Try to avoid cotton; cotton only holds water making the material stick to the skin making you chilled and leaving you with wet feet; in which can cause you to get sick.

It's essential to have a winter jacket that is wind and water resistant; this also allows you to stay well insulated.

For morning and at night when the temperatures at its

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