In both classes the participants were required to teach some of the concepts. What struck [...]]]> I have attended two Leave No Trace training classes: a weekend Leave No Trace trainer taught through the Green Mountain Club and a week long Master Educator class taught by the Appalachian Mountain Club through the Adirondack Mountain Club.

In both classes the participants were required to teach some of the concepts. What struck me was the wide variety of teaching techniques – games, skits, exercises, plays, and lectures. When everything was said and done the method of teaching had the biggest impact on my retention of the material.

There have been attempts to capture the varied lessons as best practices. LNT offered free swag for sample lessons and tried to compile a LNT Cookbook.

Leave No Trace 101: 101 Ways to Teach Leave No Trace offers a variety of techniques for teaching the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Each technique is described by presenting an objective, the necessary materials, a target age and group size audience, directions and duration.  Some of these exercises are a lot of fun.  I hope to pack my book on our next winter camping trip for some fun!

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Think about when [...]]]>

When planning a winter camping trip, especially if snow camping, remember that travel will be much slower than in the summer. Reduce your mileage goal by 50% to 60%. Daylight hours are fewer in the winter, which will also limit your time. Normal activities around camp take longer in cold weather.

Think about when to take your winter camping trip:

• November Moderate temperatures, possible rain, thin snow cover
• December Short days and long nights, thin snow cover
• January Good snow cover, long nights, extreme temperatures
• February Good snow cover, long nights, extreme temperatures
• March Longer days, milder temperatures, adequate snow
• April Spotty snow cover, warm temperatures, longer days

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Poor planning often results in miserable campers and damage to natural and cultural resources. Trip planning is important as it:

• It helps ensure the safety of groups and individuals.
• It prepares you to Leave No Trace and minimizes resource damage.
• It contributes to accomplishing trip goals safely and enjoyably.
• It increases self-confidence and opportunities for learning more about nature.

Elements to consider when planning a trip

• Identify and record the goals (expectations) of your trip. Is this a ‘jamboree’ or are members of the group trying to accomplish specific goals.
• Identify the skill and ability of trip participants. Are there members of the group that are winter camping novices and if so, how will they be mentored?
• Select appropriate destinations that match your goals, skills, and abilities and plan trip activities to match your goals, skills, and abilities.
• Gain knowledge of the area you plan to visit from land managers, maps, and literature. Use trail guides and the internet to perform as much research as possible prior to the trip.
• Choose your equipment and clothing for comfort, safety, and Leave No Trace qualities.
• Evaluate your trip upon return to note changes you will make next time.
• Know the weather forecast in advance
• Understand the terrain you will be traveling. Bring maps and photos along to help locate your journey on the terrain.
• Understand any regulations/restrictions that may apply, including parking.
• Understand and respect private land boundaries
• Anticipate the average hiking speed of group and anticipated food consumption
• Plan to accommodate the group size. Does it meet regulations and trip purpose?

You can prepare by:

• Educating yourself on the area you plan to visit. Learn about winter regulations, closures, and weather hazards. In upstate New York, where I live, the DEC Regulations, (http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/regulations.html) specifically the DEC State Land Use Regulations, regulate where to camp on State Land. Tents may be set up at designated sites. Designated sites have yellow “Camp Here” discs with a black tipi, and your tent must be within 15 feet of this disc. Outside of designated sites, tents must be 150 feet from any trails or water. Lean-tos do not count as designated sites, so tents must be 150 feet from any lean-tos or trails leading to lean-tos as well. Designated sites will have a disc, so even if there is a fire ring but not a disc, the campsite is not a legal one unless it follows the 150 foot rule.
• Last but not least, obviously, you can’t camp at any site that has a “No Camping” disc.
• Taking a winter back country course to gain experience.
• Expect extreme weather and gear up for it.
• In mountainous country carry an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel.
• Plan a route appropriate for the experience level, size, and goals of your group. In the Adirondack Park one can contact the NYS DEC at (518) 897-1200 to determine trail conditions in the area you plan to visit. Adirondack Trail Information can also be found on the DEC web site at: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html. The web pages provide general information and seasonal conditions, specific notices on closures and other situations involving trails, roads, foot bridges, etc., and links to rules & regulations, hiker and camper safety, low impact recreation, weather and more.
• Leave your excursion plans with two people, including your expected return time. They can begin a rescue if you do not return in reasonable time.
• Trail markings may be hidden in snow. Use a map and compass for navigation. Batteries in GPS units may not work in cold temperatures.
• Anticipate changing weather that may obscure or cover trail markings, tents, and gear. Make sure you know where you are and where your gear is at all times.
• Night falls early. You will have much less time to travel and set up camp, so plan accordingly and understand that everything takes longer in cold weather.
• Ensure you have appropriate gear for the worst-case environment. Use layering of clothes to keep warm and prevent overheating followed by freezing.

Weather Planning

NOAA’s National Operational Hydrological Remote Sensing Center has an Interactive Snow Information Map for the US. It is a great mapping tool for analyzing snow cover. The map is highly configurable. You can re-center the map anywhere in the US. One can map Hourly Snow Analysis, Driving Conditions, and Daily Snow Analysis. You can look at historical data. One can select overlays to be plotted such as Hydrologic, Political, Point or Transportation features for reference purposes.

Group Size

Winter camping is more fun and a lot safer in group. Choose group members that will be compatible with one another. Group members should have similar expectations and goals.

Never explore alone, but keep groups small to minimize impact and keep the group operating efficiently.

A group of four allows one to stay with an injured person and two to go for help. A small group allows for specialties to emerge. One person might set the tent while others cut fireword wood, make a warm drink, or begin cooking.

The 10 Essentials

Before you take your trip there are essential items that should be included in your pack to ensure your comfort and survival – the famous 10 Essentials.

In the 1930s, the Mountaineers, a Seattle-based hiking, climbing, and conservation organization, came up with a list of 10 essential items that no climber should be without. Many outdoor training schools make use of the 10 essentials to teach outdoor skills and good practices. Since then the 10 essentials have been published by various groups to suit particular outdoor situations.

1. Map – A map tells you a ridiculous amount of information that can be used in the back country. It tells you were you are, how far you have to go, time to get there, amount you have to climb, where to park your car, campsites, water sites, and an emergency route in an accident. We are positive that we left out 50 other things but you get the idea. If travelling on foot in the back country 7.5 minute USGS quads or 15 minute maps will give you the detail that you are starving for. Oh, you better know how to read it!
2. Compass – Carry a compass at all times. Learn to use this tool, and its cousin the topo map, and you are on your way to finding that never done route to the never visited part of the forest. You can do all this in zero visibility of course since the compass doesn’t lie when the visibility goes to zilch. For all you GPS carriers out there, don’t even think a GPS is a replacement. Don’t trust anything with a battery in the backcountry.
3. Flashlight Or Headlamp – A flashlight or headlamp should be carried at all times. You may need to walk in to your camp in the dark. Flashlights can also be used to signal for help from anybody that may be looking for you in a critical situation.
4. Extra Food – Whenever you are outside have extra food in case you are delayed by bad weather, injuries, getting lost, or getting exhausted. The mountaineers of the 1930’s suggest a one-day supply of extra food. Extra food can boost morale, ward off hypothermia, and when things are bad give you that needed energy. Leave the low carb food at home, that’s for sissies.
5. 5) Rain Gear And Extra Clothes – You need to have extra cloths and rain gear to deal with almost anything you can think of. Remember in the backcountry cotton kills. In addition to non cotton layers you would normally take while outside bring extra clothes. These extra clothes are critical when the conditions get real bad or you have to spend an extra night on the mountain. Remember that a good hat is the best weight per warmth ratio item in your backpack.
6. Sunglasses And Sun Screen – Ever have snow blindness and sunburn at the same time? This becomes even more pronounced at higher elevations since the intensity of ultraviolet rays becomes more of a problem.
7. First Aid Kit – Prepackaged first aid kits designed just for hikers are a great item to have. These packages contain band-aids, bandages, basic medicines, and many other items. Of course this is like the compass. If you don’t know how to use it, it won’t be of much use.
8. Pocket Knife Or Multi Purpose Tool – A knife will allow you to perform various tasks in the back country. A few of them include lifesaving procedures such as cutting bandages, removing splinters, punching holes in tarps, cutting rope, making kindling, and putting a hole in your friends thermarest in the middle of the night.
9. Fire starter And Matches – Fire is warmth and warmth is good when you are cold. Fire also serves as a good signal to others when you are lost. A basic fire starter is useful for starting a fire in emergency situations and for getting wet wood blazing. A fire starter can consist of a chemically-treated fire stick, candles, melted paraffin and newspaper, waxed cardboard, dryer lint, wood shavings, or hundreds of other materials. Clean out that belly button and save that lint! In addition to the fire starter carry waterproof and windproof matches. These will be essential in starting your fire starter when things go south.
10. Water And A Way To Purify It – Without water your body will weaken and your muscles and organs just won’t be able to function. Water also fends off hypothermia and altitude sickness. Having a water purifier such as a commercial water filter or iodine tablets in addition to a good stove to melt or boil water can solve the problem.

Wired magazine published their list of 10 Essential Outdoor Survival Items. The table below depicts the difference between Wired’s list and WinterCampers.com. The Wired list does not place a premium on navigation as they do not include a map or compass on their list. I suppose the trash bag could double as rain gear.

Another take on the 10 essentials is listed at Gotta Go – It Snows: Daypack List.

Backpacker Magazine has a short video called “Pack Like a Pro” where Jonathon Dorn describes items he packs on for day hikes.

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The Platform. Step 1 is paying attention to base the fire is going to sit on.  Whether you are trying to promote Leave No Trace techniques and establishing a protection layer between the fire and the ground or shielding the fire from dampness or trying to keep it [...]]]> Build a winter campfire using these components:

The Platform. Step 1 is paying attention to base the fire is going to sit on.  Whether you are trying to promote Leave No Trace techniques and establishing a protection layer between the fire and the ground or shielding the fire from dampness or trying to keep it up out of the snow and direct it’s heat; a platform is all important.  The picture below depicts a good platform.  It is built in the existing fire pit at the Tirrell Pond lean-to.  It has a solid base of logs; getting it up out of the snow and a couple of reflective walls to channel the heat back to the fire and towards the lean-to.  Len the Fire Master preaches “Get It Off The Ground”, especially if it is damp and/or cold.

Firestarter. Whether you use matches, butane lighters, flint and steel, or decide to rub two sticks together, you need a flame or spark and something to catch fire.  There are commercial materials such as wetfire or esbit tablets, homemade starters such as cotton balls dipped in Vaseline, or wax and shavings cupcakes, or nature materials such as birch bark.

Tinder. Tinder should be bone-dry, snappable twigs, about as long as your hand. You need two complete handfuls.

Kindling. Kindling should be as thick as your thumb, long as your forearm, breakable with two hands. You need at least two armfuls.

Fuel wood — anything thick and long enough that it can’t be broken by hand. It’s okay if it’s slightly damp. You need a knee-high stack.

The Process.

Step 1: Light the tinder, turning the pile gently to get air underneath it.
Step 2: Feed the kindling into the emergent fire with some pace.
Step 3: Lay on the fuel wood. Pyramid, the log cabin, whatever — the idea is to create some kind of structure so that plenty of air gets to the fire.

Fire making tips.

1. Don’t build a fire under snow-laden branches (to avoid a flame-smothering avalanche).

2. Make a foundation for your fire with medium-size logs or thick bark, or dig down to the frozen earth. Without these precautions the fire will melt into the snow and suffocate.

3.  Gather only dead wood from downed trees and branches to feed your fire. If the available fuel is snow-covered and damp, use more tinder and kindling, and start with a smaller fire. “If you keep at it,” explains Kostoss, “you can dry out any wood enough to burn.”

4. For a no-hassle fire, use the classic tepee method: In the middle of your foundation, sandwich a handful of loose tinder between two layers of kindling. Prop small and medium sticks, no bigger than your wrist, upright around the kindling, their tops meeting like the poles of a tepee. Leave a larger opening on the windward side to ensure enough air for the fire, and light the tinder.

Maintenance and feeding

Pre-heat and dry larger pieces of wood by laying them discretely alongside the fire before placing them in the fire to burn.  If you keep at it you can dry out any wood enough to burn.

Finally, fires by committee are notoriously problematic.  Everyone has a different thermostat and style.  Our process is to appoint someone as “The FireMaster” and request the FireMaster for more or less heat.

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According to research provided by Snowsports Industries America, 40.8 percent of snowshoers are women (a number that is increasing [...]]]> What’s So Great About Snowshoeing? The sport is easy to learn, virtually inexpensive (compared to other winter sports), poses little risk of injury and is a great way to exert energy during the cold winter months.

According to research provided by Snowsports Industries America, 40.8 percent of snowshoers are women (a number that is increasing rapidly), 9.4 percent of snowshoers are children (ages 7-11), and 44.2 percent of snowshoers are ages 25-44.

For a quick introduction to snowshoeing, watch this informational YouTube video (duration: approximately five minutes).

Snowshoe Magazine has published a Guide to Snowshoeing that covers the topics below and provides links to a wide variety of internet resources for snowshoeing.

• What to Look For in a Pair of Snowshoes
• Where to Buy or Rent a Pair of Snowshoes
• List of Snowshoe Manufacturers
• Where Should You Go
• What Should I Wear when Snowshoeing
• Snowshoe Competitions

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In winter, it’s best to pack it out, otherwise, you’re leaving behind frozen waste for the next visitors. Leave No Trace (LNT)  outlines three options for solid waste, in order of preference.

“Cold camping means camping without a heat source, relying on a tent or tarp to shelter you from wind and falling or drifting snow, and warm [...]]]> Tim Jones has a nice article entitled “Cold Can Be Warm: Two Ways to Winter Camp” comparing cold and warm camping, otherwise known as hot tenting.  From Tim’s article:

“Cold camping means camping without a heat source, relying on a tent or tarp to shelter you from wind and falling or drifting snow, and warm clothes and a good sleeping bag to keep you comfortable. Though “cold camping” doesn’t sound all that appealing, you can be surprisingly comfortable in a “cold” camp.

The big advantage of cold camping is that your pack is lighter and you are more mobile. Almost any trail you’d backpack on in the summer is fair game for a winter cold camping trek. With a free-standing tent, it’s easy to travel on snowshoes or skis, reach your destination and, an hour later, be well fed and snug in your sleeping bag for the night. The only moment of potential discomfort unique to cold camping is hauling yourself out of that cozy sleeping bag in the morning. But, if you planned it right, you’ve already had something warm and comforting to eat and drink before you have to get up and get dressed for the day.

Warm winter camping is something of a misnomer, since it isn’t warm all the time. You spend your days and nights in the same cold as cold campers. Typically, the only “warm” in warm winter camping is in the evenings and perhaps again in the morning when you are awake and in camp to tend to some sort of heat source. That heat source might be a campfire in front of a tarp shelter, a woodstove inside a tent or even a candle lantern inside a snow cave or snow shelter – which can be surprisingly cozy. It would seem that gas-fueled catalytic heaters would be ideal inside a tent, but I’ve never found a stove/fuel combo that’s light and efficient enough to carry backpacking.

The advantage of warm camping is obvious – you aren’t confined to your sleeping bag when you aren’t moving. You get to dress and undress, eat and relax in a warmed space.

Warm camping also has its disadvantages. Warm setups are usually – but not always – heavier than cold camping. And it usually takes a lot more time to set up a tarp-and-campfire site or a woodstove-heated tent or to build a snow shelter than it does to pop up a free-standing tent. Then there’s the time and effort it takes to find wood for a campfire or stove – not always easy when the snow is deep.

Warm camping works better when you spend more than one night at a campsite rather than moving camp every day. A warm camp is perfect for a long weekend. Pack in and set up camp your first day, leaving plenty of time to find wood if needed. The following days you can explore out from there, knowing you can return to a snug haven.

Warm or cold, winter camping is something everyone should try at least twice. Why twice? Because the second try is almost always easier and more fun than the first.”

Tim’s article goes on to describe common mistakes made by winter campers.  You can read it here.

(Tim Jones writes about outdoor sports and travel. He can be reached at timjones@easternslopes.com.)

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Get Dry – Find a spot sheltered from the wind and, if possible, in the sun. Remove wet clothing, including socks and underwear, and don the warmest, driest layers you have; cover your head and neck, too. No dry clothes? Start [...]]]> You are cold… or one of your camping buddies is cold.  What to do?

Get Dry – Find a spot sheltered from the wind and, if possible, in the sun. Remove wet clothing, including socks and underwear, and don the warmest, driest layers you have; cover your head and neck, too. No dry clothes? Start a fire. Also, insulate yourself from the ground with a pad or pack.

Warm Things Up – Still shivering or feeling clumsy? You need to raise your body temperature fast. Pitch a tent and unroll your sleeping bag inside, so it’s ready. Do jumping jacks, and cook up a warm drink that has no caffeine or alcohol (both are diuretics, and dehydration hampers temperature regulation). Sugary drinks and foods boost a hypothermic person’s ability to generate body heat.

Treat Hypothermia – Slurred speech, resisting help, and confusion signal hypothermia’s downward spiral. If those symptoms develop, zip the victim into a dry sleeping bag, treat for shock by raising his feet, and place a water bottle or bladder filled with lukewarm—not hot—water against his chest, back, groin, and head. Before you strip naked to spoon with your buddy, know that a 1994 Canadian study in the Journal of Applied Physiology showed that body-to-body contact doesn’t warm up hypothermia victims any faster than applying heated water bottles at these key areas. Plus, it chills another person.

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Freezerbag cooking is ideal for winter camping.  It’s lightweight because you prepare all your dried ingredients  at home and prepackage them in Ziploc bags.

You only need a single pot to boil water in, enough fuel to boil the water, and a fabric cozy for your bagged meal (a spare garment will work in [...]]]>

Freezerbag cooking is ideal for winter camping.  It’s lightweight because you prepare all your dried ingredients  at home and prepackage them in Ziploc bags.

You only need a single pot to boil water in, enough fuel to boil the water, and a fabric cozy for your bagged meal (a spare garment will work in pinch).

Once the water boils, pour it into the Ziploc bag and slip the bag in your cozy. Set it aside for 5-10 minutes for the meal to fully cook.

You’ll save fuel because there’s no simmering.  Cleanup is easy as there’s no pot to scrub, just a bag to pack out.

WinterCampers.com has a few ziplock recipes and Trail Cooking (previously freezerbagcooking.com) has recipes and technique ideas.

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