1. Parka (outer)
   • A hood is necessary on any well designed winter garment. A pull string is a must around the face closure.
   • A sleeve closure will prevent warm air from escaping and cold air entering through the sleeve
   • Pockets large enough to allow easy access and covered for protection from snow and rain
   • Length should be to mid-thigh or below, covering all inner layers
   • Waist draw string to help reduce heat loss
   
   
2. Parka Liner (inner insulated)
   • The hood must be sized to fit the outer hoold of the parka
   • A ventilation flap should be sealed by hook and pile, zipper, etc.
   • A sleeve closure device will help reduce heat loss
   • Open area under arm for ventilation
   
   
3. Vest
   • Collar
   • Removable sleeves
   
   
4. Trousers
   • Back pockets as well as front
   • Belt loops
   • Pull cord at cuffs
   • Cargo pockets
   
   
5. Wind pants
   • Slit at cuffs to allow easy on & off
   • Adjustment for waist sizing
   
   
6. Thermal Underwear
   • Comfortable fit, not too tight
   • Any material will do, cotton, wool, nylon or silk. If you are planning a very active schedule and will perspire then polypropylene can keep you drier than natural fibers
   
   
7. Footwear: the following is provided to assist you in making purchases. You need to know the terrain and other conditions to make a sound decision.
   • Boots should be made of materials that will breath to allow perspiration to evaporate, yet be waterproof
   • Polypropylene (nylon) socks underneath a pair of wool or cotton socks. This will keep feet dry and warm
   • Hiking boots are for short trips on easy terrain. They are lighter than regular backpacking and mountainerring boots. Not recommended for use in rough areas or very cold-wet conditions.
   • Backpacking boots are built for longer trips over very rough areas. The upper area is cut higher for ankle support and pretection
   
   
8. Gloves
   • Use a layered method. Outer should be waterproof with a wool or cotton insulation.
   • A glove in a mitten works well
   • They should be loose fitting
   
   
9. Sunglasses
   • Snow Blindness is dangerous: sunglasses will prevent injury

• If you are just starting in the Troop you may already have a sleeping bag. Bring this bag to a Troop meeting to allow one of the Leaders to examine it. If you are a serious camper you will need at least two sleeping bags or one bag and two heavy blankets for winter camping
• Most scouts have a sleeping bag but few have one that is adequate for spending a night in subfreezing temperatures. A winter bag costs big bucks and you don't need it for camping in other seasons. So you may consider some cheaper alternatives.
• A mummy bag is preferred over the rectangle style bag
• Winter bag must not have any "COLD SPOTS"
• Bag in a bag - two lighter weight bags may be combined, one inside the other
• Blanket Liner - Fold a blanket lengthwise to form an envelope into which you slide feet first. Overlap the edges of the blanket to prevent drafts. Fold the bottom under to avoid bunching as well as drafts. Leave enough room so your feet are not cramped. (Boy Scout Handbook pages 30 - 32)

• The earth acts like a heat sponge absorbing warmth from any object that comes in contact with it. It is very important that you reduce this heat loss by placing a barrier between your sleeping bag and the ground.
• A closed cell plastic foam pad at least 1/2 inch thick is ideal for winter camping. Open celled plastic foam would have to be at least 2 inches thick to provide the same amount of insulation.
• Therm-A-Rest Mattress or one of the similar designs is a combination foam air mattress and prevents contact with the cold ground and creates a pocket of warm insulating air. The cover is water-proof and self-inflating. Cost is about $50 - $75
• Newspaper - layers inside a plastic trash bag will create a barrier like a sleeping pad. Use at lease 2 inches of newspapers, evenly laid out.
• DO NOT USE / DO THESE:
  Air mattress may prevent ground contact but the air will get cold quickly, the same temperature as the ground.
  Short sleeping pads - your whole body must be in the bag on top of the pad
  Reflecting Blankets - do not put it on top, it belongs on the bottom - if you put it on top a vapor barrier will cause water to condense and drip onto the sleeping bag
  

Winter Camping - Brief Guide: Sleeping Clothes

• Never sleeping in clothes you wore during the day. Body oils and perspiration will clog clothing fibers, reducing their insulating ability. Moisture from perspiration will cool and reduce body heat.
  
  
• Avoid cotton - synthetic fibers will help keep you dry and warm by wicking moisture away from your body
  
  
• If your sleeping bag does not have a mummy hood you should wear a pullover sweatshirt that has no zippers or other metal. This will keep your head and shoulders warm. Over 80% of body heat is lost through this area of your body. In addition, always wear a wool or synthetic knit cap over your ears, temples and forehead.
  
  
• Protect your feet - wear a clean pair of loose fitting wool socks, or boot liners.
  
  
• Sleeping System Duffel Bag - put the clothes you will wear in the morning into a separate bag. Place this inside the sleeping bag, at your feet, 0-30 minutes before you will get out of the bag. This will provide you with warm dry clothes. *** NOTE *** Never put these clothes into the bag when you go to sleep, they will absorb your perspiration and cool off quickly when you go outside.

1. Chapstick, or other lip protection - cold dry conditions will cause lips to dry out faster. The lip protection will prevent or reduce the problem.
   
   
2. Sunglasses, to prevent snow bliding, bright sun on white snow will cause snow bliding byt the time you feel the pain your eyes are already affected.
   
   
3. Drink and eat fods that are close to body temperature - excessively hot items will cause perspiration and cold will cool you off
   
   
4. Keep head, feet and hands covered and dry. Change out of wet clothing immediately.
   
   
5. Drink plenty of water - this will increase circulation and prevent dehydration
   
   
6. Eat just before you go to bed. slightly hot foods/liquids will generate body heat.
   
   
7. Sleep on your side in a fetal position, with extra clothing on your shoulder and hip. This reduces the amount of body surface that is in contact with the ground.
   
   
8. Keep clean - brushing your teeth, washing and clean clothing will make you more comfortable
   
   
9. Carry snacks to eat during the day, or when a little extra energy is needed
   
   
10. DO NOT sleep with your head in the sleeping bag - this will increase the amount of moisture in the bag and it will get cold faster. Recommend a mummy style sleeping bag, with hood drawn around your head and fact (but not covering your nose/face)
    
    
11. Wash your feet with a good foot powder before going to bed this will keep your feet dry and warm
    
    
12. Do not over heat by staying close to the campfire. Overheating will cause perspiration and increase moisture which will cool off faster.