How to survive cold weather
If you live in place with a constant cold weather, it’s difficult to maintain your basic water, foot and shelter needs. It’s essential to have good clothing so you can protect yourself from damages related to cold. There are many accessories to help you like lightweight protectional gear, goretex outerwear and quality shoes. A windbreaker is also recommended. Always keep in mind to minimize your warmth output from your body. For example over 40% of your body heat goes out through your head. So be sure to protect those areas.
Here are a few basic principles to keep you warm in cold weather:
- Keep clothing clean
Sanitation is alway important, but also clothes matted with dirt and grease lose their insulation value. Heat can escape easily through crushed or clothing or filled up air pockets
- Avoid overheating
When you overheat, your body starts to sweat. This sweat decreases the insulation quality of your clothes. Always adjust your clothing so that you don’t sweat too much. Open your jacket a little bit or remove an inner layer of your clothing.
- Wear loose clothes in layers
If you’re wearing your clothes too tight you may restrict blood circulation that could trigger cold injuries. It can also decrease the volume of air between the layers - reduced insulation value. So always wear many layers of clothes and wear them loose.
- Keep clothing dry
If possible, always wear water repellent outer clothing. This will keep snow and frost from your inner layers. But your clothes may get wet from time to time. Dry them hanging them on your rucksack when there’s sun and wind out there.
Remember, a cold weather environment can be very harsh. Give a good deal of thought to selecting the right equipment for survival in the cold. If unsure of an item you have never used, test it in an “overnight backyard” environment before venturing further. Once you have selected items that are essential for your survival, do not lose them after you enter a cold weather environment.