Keeping Warm in the Wild
Most people leave the urban areas once in a while to escape the rat race in their own region and commune with nature. Camping out into the wild and enjoying nature involves a lot of risk. Depending on the region, hypothermia could be one of the major concerns of camping. Therefore, it is important to include stuffs for warmth in one’s checklist.
Basically, there are three essential things that one must remember to stay warm in the outdoors: clothes – made from materials that would warm the body; shelter – where to stay during the night; fire – will serve as a heat that warms you outside the shelter.
The most overlooked and ignored part in a camping-in-the-wild trip is the plan for the right clothing to wear or bring. The idea here is the concept of layering; the basic technique for all mountaineering and outdoor enthusiasts out there.
Layering technique is very basic and simple – even someone who is not into outdoors can understand. This is simplified as following the system of wearing different layer of clothes. The three general categories are:
- Base Layer: This is the layer closest to the skin. Its task is to maintain a dry and comfortable microclimate within the skin. Commonly used as base layers are those clothes that provide wicking capability. Wicking by definition refers to the technical fabrics that absorb all the moisture and sweat from the skin and then spread it out over to the surface of the base layer where it will be evaporated thru the other outer layers.
- Insulation Layer: This is the next layer after the base layer. Commonly used insulation layers are sweatshirts, sweaters, or any woolen-type layers that can reach up to the neck or wrists so that warm air will not escape from the inside.
- Shell Layer: This is the final layer and is the most exposed to the elements. Therefore, it is best for this layer to be water and wind resistant or even water proof. This should provide protection from the rain, water, wind, snow and sleet. This layer also does not allow build-up of condensation in the inner layers. It protects while allowing moisture vapor to pass through.
Simplest example of this can also be cotton-type or jersey-type clothes. There are also available thermal body shirts, pants, underwear, and socks in the market.
This layer should trap small pockets of air in the fabric and will in turn, slow down the heat loss. Wool is the best example since it does not absorb sweat and it keeps you warm even if it’s wet. A good fleece jacket can be used for this.
This 3-layer of clothes is already enough to provide warmth for cold conditions. Nonetheless, if the condition is extreme, one may want to optionally add a fourth layer of insulation. Examples for such are raincoats, downs and polar guards.
Majority of the body’s heat is lost through the head. Wearing a hat or a bonnet can fight this heat loss. Also, to counter cold feet, one should make sure to wear quality socks, designed for hiking or camping. Lastly, one can wear layered gloves just like the primary clothing.
Next to your clothes, another way to provide warmth in the wild is your shelter. One best example of this is the tent you are going to pitch. Your tent should provide warmth and comfort. There are lot tents in the market today that provide this. One important thing to consider is a windbreaker type of tent. Next to the tent, your next protection is the sleeping bag, wherein you can use synthetic types to provide you warmth.
Lastly, your last resort to provide warmth is fire. Whenever you plan to camp into the wild, you must bring fire starters such as matches and lighters. However, if you have mastered techniques on how to build fire in the wilds, then you don’t need those things. Building a fire is necessary only when camping becomes a matter of survival. The fire will provide you enough warmth and protection against the cold and harsh night.
Even the most exciting camping trip can become uncomfortable if you cannot keep yourself warm while enjoying the great outdoors. Keeping warm may even become a matter of survival.
