General tips to stay warm?

**lori** · 10-10-2010, 14:06

Peanut butter, cheese, something with some nice fat content. Some good complex carbs too. And walk around a bit swinging your arms - a short, brisk stroll and a hot water Nalgene go a long way.... I usually try to change the minute we stop for the day, before temps go down, and either wash in the creek or take a wet wipe bath before putting on some nice clean clothes and warm socks for the night. (I'm frequently out where the temps are below freezing more often than not...) Hot tea/cocoa, hot broth, some hot food, gloves, and a good fleece hat/balaclava help a lot.

**turnerminator** · 10-10-2010, 14:18

Its a proven fact that its very difficult to go to sleep when the body's core temperature is rising. If you are cold, and then start warming up in your hammock, you won't get to sleep quickly.
Once the core temp reaches a point, circulation is increased and blood flows to the cold extremities, which cools the core down again slightly. At this point, I find I doze off easily.
Since I learnt that things work this way, I find it much easier to get to sleep.

**Law Dawg (ret)** · 10-10-2010, 15:06

Originally Posted by Shug

I took cold medicine once before hammock time and was cold.
Shug

That reminds; Do any of y'all carry Benadryl tabs for congestion, bug bite reaction, etc? One of these will knock me right out and a little chill will not even be noticed.

Food; Cold weather folk (like Eskimos) eat tons of calories with a high fat content. I know MRE winter meals are very high in calories just for that reason. Hydration is king all year and in all climes even some added electrolytes are good. This from a motorcyclist that likes to push the envelope for his body. Went to Death Valley in August once (just because) and ride all year. I know Kalifornia ain't Minn. but it does have cold spots, especially when you factor in road speed wind chill.

Winter chill is one area where us, ahem...full figured folk finally have an advantage.

**wabow** · 10-10-2010, 16:39

The rules I've lived by for years of cold weather camping or hunting. Eat, drink warm fluids, and eat some more. Small meals or snacks regularly will take you further then one big meal every 6 to 8 hours, I find myself snacking constantly in cold weather.

I've slept out on the ground down to minus 15 before and had a warm sleep. However I've neglected to snack and drink enough in 70 degree weather before as the night temps dropped to the 50's and froze. I also think sweaty clothes will make you freeze at night too, I either have dry clothes on by changing or head home. Like all the others say a Balaclava along with a stocking cap or insulated hood will help too.

**jlb2012** · 10-10-2010, 18:39

In addition to the above one thing Ed told me seems to help also is to put a piece of plastic between the underquilt and the hammock - I use a contractors bag in my pack and I spread this out under my torso area at night if its going to get below freezing

Other things I agree with - hot water Nalgene is worth its weight in gold on a cold night - put it in your crotch up against the femoral arteries - see thread on hot water bottles; I find taking my socks off at night helps me keep my feet warm (insert glove vs mitten analogy here) - rubbing one foot on the other to warm them up works better for me without the socks; head coverage - I use a down balaclava for cold nights along with possibly other knit hats - a big plus IMO

**Bradley** · 10-10-2010, 18:49

Originally Posted by dejoha

. . . I know exercising a little before getting into bed has been suggested, along with eating something so your body has something to burn. .

Originally Posted by Raul Perez

The times I was cold were the times I went to bed barely satisfied with food or water. When I was well fed I was cozy in cold temps. .

One thing to remember is:
Repeated eating before bed, over time/years
will develop into an acid reflux issue. . . .

and that could in turn develop into bronchial pneumonia if not realized.

Check it out for sure . . .

**mbiraman** · 10-10-2010, 18:57

Originally Posted by canoebie

I think the number one way to thwart cold is to be properly hydrated. If fully hydrated, your body is producing and retaining the maximum of amount of blood. If dehydrated, less blood means inadequate circulation, constricted vessels, etc.

The one and only time I became seriously hypothermic, I stopped paddling, in a blizzard, 40 mph winds, 18 degrees and blinding snow to "warm up". I could not remember how to tie a knot, and most important, I didn't care. I was disoriented and seriously cold.

I'll try not to complain about being cold when i paddle again.(-;

**canoebie** · 10-10-2010, 19:20

Originally Posted by Bradley

One thing to remember is:
Repeated eating before bed, over time/years
will develop into an acid reflux issue. . . .

and that could in turn develop into bronchial pneumonia if not realized.

Check it out for sure . . .

Good point, moderation is key.

**wabi** · 10-10-2010, 21:08

Never really thought about the effects of eating/drinking before turning in for the night, but last night my son and I decided to spend a night "hanging out" in the woods.
We ate a good meal about an hour before hitting the hammocks, and had plenty to drink (hot green tea & water). I was up a couple times during the night to "water the trees" and had a cup of fresh brewed coffee the first time (while I listened to a screech owl serenading us), and a drink of water the second time up.
My son slept through (9:00PM to 7:30AM) without ever getting out of his hammock. (he's 10 and I'm 59) Looks like youth has the advantage on hydration and being able to sleep all night.