How to Keep Warm

by Walter Muma

• Put a warm hat on – your head loses a lot of heat.
• Use your coat as another warm layer on top of your sleeping bag.
• Are your socks dry? If damp, they might be chilling your feet. Put on clean and dry socks.
• Add layers – put on clothing – clean and dry clothes are best.
• Drink something hot or warm.
• Wake up.
• Eat something – just a snack.
• Go for a pee – your body is using energy to keep that extra liquid warm.
• Get up and build a fire to get warm. Then go back to bed.
• Tense and relax muscles for a while – the passive equivalent of getting some exercise.
• Use a hi-tech solution – instant hand and feet warmers – those little packets that you squeeze and get warm.
• Make sure you are well enough insulated underneath.
• If you are in a primitive shelter, ensure no breeze is getting in, and that you are not exposed to the sky.
• Cozy up with a partner. If you are getting seriously cold, this is the most effective way to get warm, and it is no time to be shy or reluctant.

• Stay out of the wind. Seek out a sheltered spot.
• Wear a warm hat
• Build a fire – remember that in the winter, in most places, you can always stop and make a fire (provided you have the means to do so!).
• Drink something hot.
• Go for a pee – your body is heating that extra water for no reason.
• Be comfortable – being uncomfortable can make you colder by being mentally stressed.
• Be mentally prepared to be a little bit cooler than your ideal of being “nice and warm”.
• Stay active, but don’t sweat.
• Use a hi-tech solution – instant hand and feet warmers – those little packets that you squeeze and they get warm.
• Eat something, more like a snack.
• Put on more clothing.
• If your feet are damp, put on clean dry socks, and wear dry boots.
• Eat fatty foods.
• If the sun is out, tilt your face towards the sun – you can absorb a lot of heat this way.
• Sit close beside another person.