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Boy Scout Troop 169
(Nashville, Tennessee)
 
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Cold Weather Camping Checklist


Winter Weather Preparedness

As you know, the weather in Middle Tennessee in December is very unpredictable. It could be 70 degrees or it could be 20 degrees. Most likely it will be in the 30’s or 40’s and wet. The best thing to do is to “Be Prepared.” When camping in the winter it is important for the boys to be dressed for the weather and to stay dry. They should have layers of insulation under their sleeping bag. Help the boys by ensuring that they have what they need, they can use the equipment checklist at the end of the leaders guide to help them pack.

Winter Camp Gear List

Each boy should bring their own personal gear.

Each item on the list is important. Please stress the necessity of having the proper gear.

The key to cold weather camping is to stay warm and dry. Bring both light and heavy weight clothing in order to "layer" if the weather is cold. For underwear and socks, bring at least one change per day.

Weather Reflections on Campout:
Always make sure you check the weather predictions before you go camping.

Weather conditions:   Average Temps: 54 degrees down to 18 degrees, Sunrises-6:50am – Sunsets-4:40pm.
Saturday:  High 48 Degrees (will feel like 39), Low 31 Degrees (will feel like 20), Mostly Rainy, 18 mph winds.

Sunday:  High 45 Degrees (will feel like 37), Low 29 Degrees (will feel like 24), Mostly cloudy, 18 mph winds.

Monday: High 52 Degrees (will feel like 54), Low 31 Degrees (will feel like 32), Sunshine and warmer, 9 mph winds.

Tuesday: High 50 Degrees (will feel like 52), Low 29 Degrees (will feel like 18), Partly Cloudy, 17 mph winds,

 

PERSONAL GEAR

  • Scout Uniform (shorts or long pants)
  • Medical form (MANDATORY)
  • Changes of underwear
  • A pair long underwear (polypropaline-best)
  • 2 pair outer socks (wool is best)
  • A pair liner socks
  • Nylon snow/wind pants
  • A pair long pants (wool or synthetic best)
  • long sleeve shirts (wool/flannel)
  • 2 pair Waterproof Footwear
  • Campshoes/booties*
  • Poncho or rain gear
  • Sweater
  • Warm jacket with hood (windproof)
  • Scarf, turtleneck shirt, or dickie
  • Stocking cap and/or Balaclava (day)
  • Extra stocking cap/head covering (night)
  • 2 pair heavy mittens/gloves (wool is good, waterproof)
  • 0-20 degree below Sleeping Bag
  • Sleeping bag liner (fleece)
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Pillow
  • Old blankets - to put over sleeping bag for extra insulation
  • Toilet kit (toothbrush, towel, soap, etc.)
  • Water bottle
  • Flashlight (with extra batteries)
  • Pen and Paper
  • Spending Money for the Trading Post

BE PREPARED FOR RAIN/COLD WEATHER

 

TROOP EQUIPMENT

  • Tents & Ground cloths
  • Straw (In case of rain)
  • Cardboard boxes (for insulation)
  • 2 Plastic Tarps (to cover tent and for under tent)
  • Troop, Patrol and American Flags
  • Lanterns
  • Broom, Rake
  • Water Coolers & Containers
  • Ax & Camp saw
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • First Aid Kit
  • Dining Fly, Poles, Rope
  • Tables

Optional:

  • Dutch Ovens
  • Food (For use in Cooking Competition
  • Fire Wood

EXTRAS

  • Camera
  • Fishing Gear
  • Pocket Knife
  • Watch
  • Sunglasses
  • Protein Snacks (Must be packaged and labeled with name)
  • Playing Cards
  • Sports Items (Football/basketball)
  • Handwarmers!
  • Gold Bond Powder-a must

WHAT NOT TO BRING TO CAMP

  • Bikes
  • Roller blades or skates
  • Skateboards
  • Pets (Except for Service Dogs)
  • Sheath knives
  • Butterfly knives
  • Fireworks
  • Airsoft and/or paintball guns

 

 

WOW Factors: 

 

  • Small items disappear when dropped on ground.
  • All food products containing water freeze solidly.
  • Check your camera’s temperature specs [LED’s Freeze!]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special considerations:

 

• Cotton is bad, wool is good. Cotton retains moisture. Blue jeans and sweat pants are not advisable for winter camping, although dry sweat pants can be worn in the sleeping bag. Wicking synthetics such as Cool Max are now available for clothing next to skin. They wick moisture away from the skin and allow it to evaporate.

• Layering is important. One-piece snowmobile suits are good only when inactive and not recommended for winter campouts. Throughout the day boys will be active, and need to wear layers of clothing that can be added and removed.

• Putting clean, dry underwear on when going to bed is crucial. Boys will need to bring a spare pair of underwear and long underwear that they can change in to and wear while in their sleeping bags, as well as a pair of dry socks for sleeping. That night’s underwear and socks can be worn the next day, as long as you have another dry set for the next night.

• Most heat is lost from the head. Bring a 2nd dry stocking cap for night, or a hooded sweatshirt, to keep head warm and out of the sleeping bag. For really cold weather a balaclava can cover your face while leaving mouth and nose open to breath without wetting the cloth. Do NOT breath into your sleeping bag – you will get wet and cold.

• Dehydration can help cause hypothermia. Drink 2-3 liters of water during the day. Storing your water bottle upside down in the snow (next to your tent where you can find it) will help prevent the lid from freezing on.

• Physical activity warms you up. If cold, move!

• We check on all boys all weekend.