Winter Camping for Life

2. Winter Camping for Life

3. No Trace Theory The result of low impact camping on the environment. This practice will allow future campers to find no evidence of human activity or presence once you have left camp.

4. No Trace Theory • Destructive agents of human origin: • Feces…use latrines • Multiple fire pits • Man made objects • Indiscriminate tree cutting • Litter, trash • Food waste

5. Campsite Selection Safety and comfort: Is the site protected from the elements? Historical forecasts for the area… Are there widow makers around? (Dead trees, ice clusters, avalanche hazards)

6. Using a cooking stove • Select area protected from the wind. • Avoid cooking inside tent or shelter. This is a last resort. If you do, make sure you have adequate ventilation. • To fill the stove, make sure you are sufficiently far from an open flame.

7. Building a Latrine

8. Building a latrine Place 150 ft from water sources. Out of sight of others (may be unpleasant). Dig a hole 8-16 inches in depth. Select a nearby private area (animal life will help decompose the waste. Sanitary napkins should be packed and removed along with leftover food and garbage.

9. Dealing with food • Two rules of thumb • Do not leave food around at night. You may attract unwanted attention. Wolves, foxes, bears (summer time) may smell the feast and pay you a visit. • Do not leave food behind after you break camp. We do not want to modify the eating habits of wildlife.

10. Survival Kit • What YOU should bring on this outing!!! • Waterproof matches • Sunscreen • Knife • Any medication you may need personally (allergy medication) • Whistle

11. Winter Camping Check List • What you must bring!!! • Winter boots (2) • Flashlight or headlamp • Candles (3-4 per group) • Shovel (metal please! No plastic wimpy guaranteed to break shovels.) • Utensils • Swiss knife • Large mug

12. Interesting tidbits about water Humans lose 2-3 liters of water/day. To prevent fluid loss one should avoid exertion and stay in cool areas away from the sun. Don’t drink alcohol. Ration your sweat not your water. Drink often and in small quantities. If you drink when you are thirsty it is too late. Dar, yellow, moose smelling urine is a sign of dehydration. Store water bottles upside down as the water freezes from top to bottom.

13. Winter Camping Check List • Drinking cup • Backpack • Garbage bag (3) • Toothbrush, sun glasses, sun screen, plastic bags (8), medical card, toilet paper and medication • 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 supper and snacks

14. Nutrition and cooking 4-2-1 concept-all meals should respect this basic concept 4 portions of complex carbohydrates (rice, vegetables, fruits, breads, cereals and pastas) 2 portions of fat (lean cuts of meat or other dairy products) 1 portion of protein (meats, nuts, cereal, and dairy products)

15. Bagging your food In the comfort of your home: Place your meals in individual Zip-lock bags Label your bags carefully Place your meals for each day in a larger bag and label clearly

16. Cooking your meal Boil the core of your meal at home and allow it to cool down. Place aluminum inserts inside the plastic bag in case of accidental meltdown. Use double bag technique with heavy duty zip lock bags.

17. On site cooking Fill cooking pot with water. Place bag, with core of your meal adding spices and other ingredients at appropriate time, in the boiling water. Remove when ready. Enjoy and relax as this has been a hard day and treat this moment as a group celebration.

18. Snow Shelters There are different types of snow shelters. The Igloo being the best known type of shelter. However, the Igloo is difficult to build and is a more permanent type of shelter. We will be building quinchees.

19. The Quinchee • Procedure: • Mark out 14 ft circle (diameter) • “Start shovellin’!!!”

20. The Quinchee • Shovel snow onto the center of the circle • As structure gets higher, firmly pack the snow • Keep going until your mound is 8-9 feet high • Allow snow mound to rest for 6-8 hours before excavating. • Put in 18 in depth check gauges

21. The Quinchee • Make shelter entrance (2 feet high by 1.5 feet wide) • Excavate up and above entrance • Pay attention to depth sticks • Make two ventilation holes with poles to ensure good ventilation • Use candle to do O2 check • Keep quinchee relatively small to maximize heat.

22. The Quinchee • Sleeping platform should be slightly concave • Dig irrigation channels along inside of wall • Keep clothing dry, this is essential to comfort • Avoid alcohol and caffeine to prevent midnight trip to latrine. (not fun!!!) • Keep shovels inside in case of overnight snow storm

23. Clothing Determining factor between a fun and awful outing!!! The COLD principle. Clean, Overheating, Loose layers, Dry

24. Clothing Clean: Your insulation is more effective when it is clean and fluffy. Overheating: Avoid overheating by adjusting your layers of clothing to the outside heat. Avoid excessive sweating. Loose Layers: Make sure your clothing does not block off circulation. Dry: Damp clothing and skin can contribute to rapid cooling of the body.

25. Clothing The Layering System (VIP): Vapor removing layer-Worn next to the skin (polypropylene undergarments), should not absorb moisture (no cotton) Interior insulating layer-Staying dry should also be important. This layer will keep you warm. (Pile or polar shirt, thermax, capilene, wool) Protective outer layer-Weatherproof (waterproof, windproof and breathable). It will have air vents to allow moisture to escape and it must be dependable(zippers and stitching)

26. Footwear Vapour barrier system (plastic bag plan) Wear plastic bags over your socks to trap moisture and prevent it from hitting boot liner. Never wear cotton socks when using this technique since freezing is guaranteed. Thin synthetic socks and/or wool socks are best. Make sure your boots are waterproof and of decent quality. Have an extra pair of boots please!!!

27. Itinerary Friday 10h00-11h00: Packing of vans 11h05: Departure!!! 12h30: Arrival at Groupe Nature 13h00: Departure for Camp site 13h05-16h45: Shovellin’ Evening: Head back to Groupe Nature for R and R and group supper!!

28. Itinerary Saturday 7h00-8h00: Wake up and breakfast at Groupe Nature 9h00: Leave for campsite and return to Groupe Nature the following morning Sunday Wake up and breakfast (location to be determined) Start packing at around 10h00-Destruction of quinchees 12h00 lunch and snack 13h00 head back home!!!