When we talk to you about bivouac in winter, you think directly of the fantastic landscape that you will be able to observe. However, this kind of getaway involves aspects that are more difficult to take into account, which is why it is essential to be well equipped in order to be as well prepared.
The clothe
If you are going to bivouac during the winter, you will have to respect the three-layer rule (breathable / thermal / protective).
– The first layer, correspond to the breathable layer which has the function of wicking away your perspiration. Water is the cold’s best ally and will therefore be your worst enemy. Opt for a wool or breathable synthetic fiber T-shirt and forget about cotton which is a hydrophilic material.
– The thermal layer will compose your second layer. Its function will be to conserve the heat produced by the body by trapping the air. The choice of a fleece or a wool sweater will be perfect for this intermediate protection.
– The third and final will be the protective layer. It will allow you to protect yourself from all outdoor weather like rain, wind, but also snow. The choice of a puffy jacket or a jacket hardshell is ideal.
Each protection has specific functions. Indeed, the clothes which meet a very precise need lose in effectiveness on other properties. For a optimal protection, it is essential to maintain your equipment, because dirt and grease block the passage of air. An outfit that is too tight or too loose will not protect you as it should, which is why it is important to wear clothes that fit.
In addition, do not hesitate to browse the brand’s cleaning products. Grangers, which will allow you tomaintain, from doing and evenwaterproof your equipment.
The sleeping bag
The sleeping bag will allow you to face the night, which is the coldest time of the day. A suitable sleeping bag will allow you to spend a comfortable night, but also to recharge your batteries as much as possible for the next day.
To make your choice, you must take into account three temperature levels : comfort, limit and extreme, determined taking into account:
– low humidity;
– limited clothing;
– limited air movement;
It is important to focus on the comfort temperature, the limit and extreme temperature does not guarantee you a pleasant night in any way.
The temperature limit will not be hot enough for low temperatures and the extreme temperature will be too hot and you will sweat.
In addition, if you wish to obtain more information in order to choose your sleeping bag, do not hesitate to consult our 5 tips for choosing the right sleeping bag.
Temperature
When our body is in motion, we use energy to make muscles work which generates heat. During your expedition, the goal is not to be too hot otherwise you will sweat. If so, it is uncomfortable and lets the heat escape. If you are too hot, it is advisable to use the openings and closures of your clothes, to remove a layer or even to slow down.
You must find the balance, where the cold is comfortable so as not to sweat. By staying dry, you limit perspiration through the openings and therefore the risk of getting cold.
The encampment
Before you settle in, you must first know d‘where does the vent. It is better to choose a natural shelter in order to avoid bad weather. It is colder in the tanks, the mass of cold air accumulates there while the hot air rises. Sit on the median and not at the top, where the wind is more or less powerful. Exhibit your tent towards the south-east to have the sun when you wake up and position the perpendicular to the direction of the wind to avoid the icy draft. The use of a blanket thick under the tent will allow you to insulate yourself from the cold and make sure that the tent does not stick to the snow.
You have to choose a microclimate favorable for his place of camp, to have a change of clothes and change after stopping at your bivouac site. If your tent is not sheltered by an existing element, do a wind wall from 50 cm to about 3 meters from the tent, using snow or another natural element.
It is essential to do dry wet clothes for the next day by building a fire if the conditions are right. For the evening, opt for a light meal and digest with a drink hot, the digestive system uses a large part of our body’s energy to digest. We must feed enough, most not to excess. Before sleeping, increase your body heat by doing some movements, but not too much, so as not to sweat.
You shouldn’t over-dress in your sleeping bag. If you are too hot, you will sweat and your sleeping bag will no longer play its role. Opt for Merino wool underwear, like those from the Woolpower brand. Remember to close your sleeping bag securely, your mouth and nose must be in the open air so as not to create condensation.
The use of a hot water bottle and of sleeping bag liner lightweight, increase your comfort on cold nights.
You should not refrain from urinating, in fact, in addition to causing stomach aches, refraining consumes calories for nothing.
The vents in your tent should be open to prevent condensation from your breathing while sleeping.
Attention
It is important not to light your stove inside the tent, many of them are extremely flammable and build-up of carbon monoxide can be fatal to you. In addition, attempting to heat your sleeping bag with your stove is to be avoided. They are usually made from highly flammable materials.
The consumption of alcohol is also not recommended, alcohol dehydrates and transforms the heat into a feeling of more intense cold. It is also not recommended to overeat. Digestion is a huge consumer of oxygen and calories.
Contrary to popular advice, silk does not keep you warm. It helps to refresh the skin and can be used during your outings in summer. If you have to go on an outing during the summer, do not hesitate to try our silk sheet of the brand Patrol.
The use of a survival blanket rolled up in the sleeping bag is to be forgotten, you will create condensation and therefore, wet your sleeping bag.