Entering a sub-zero world isn't for everyone.
Trekking to unfamiliar places and pitching tents in sub-zero temperatures
Such a journey may not be suitable for everyone.
But if you're prepared to face the harshness of nature,
Beyond that, an experience of a lifetime awaits.
You don't need to have climbed Everest to understand this.
High altitudes and heavy snow pose a whole different level of risk .
That's why, in order to be well prepared,
This time we have prepared a **rough note (preparation memo) for sub-zero adventures**.
First, let's start with the basics of how to avoid freezing .
1. Dress warmly
A wise man once said, "Sir Edmund Hillary climbed Everest in wool."
So, follow Hillary's lead and leave your cotton socks at home.
There will definitely come a time when you will need to seriously prepare for the cold.
That's why it's important to think ahead and choose clothes that will be useful when it's really cold.
Base layer (closest to the skin)
It's important that it absorbs sweat quickly and dries quickly. You want to spend as little time as possible in your clothes while they're wet.
We recommend wool materials like merino wool and possum wool, and avoid cotton at all costs.
Insulation layer (middle layer)
This is the layer that keeps your body heat in.
Consider fleece pants and tops and a goose down jacket.
Outer layer (outer shell)
This is the final barrier to protect your body from wind and snow.
Ideally, your jacket, pants, and gloves should all be waterproof, windproof, and breathable.
Using high-performance materials like GORE-TEX can be relied upon in emergencies.
In any case, waterproofing is a must - snow can get you quite wet.
All you need is a pair of insulated and waterproof hiking boots .
And if you stock up on accessories like wool socks and scarves ,
It should be able to withstand even the coldest weather.
2. Check the weather. And often.
You may be used to casually checking the weather while traveling.
But when you step out into the snowy winter landscape, it's more important than ever to keep a close eye on the weather charts.
At high altitudes, the weather can change very quickly and conditions can become dangerous in an instant.
So there are two reasons to keep an eye on the weather.
First, if you're looking for a snowy landscape, talk to locals or call a nearby shop.
Let's understand the "conditions" necessary to achieve ideal weather.
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At what altitude do you expect it to snow?
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Want to time it to the end of the storm and hit the white ground?
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What is the ideal wind strength and direction?
Once all the elements are in place and you're ready to go, keep an eye on the weather.
Always check that the conditions where you are heading are good for camping.
The temperature is low, the snow is light, and the wind is calm - ideal.
But if the forecast is for the worse, it's much better to wait for the next opportunity rather than forcing yourself to go for it.
Also, when it gets colder, roads are often closed.
That's why it's important to prepare an alternative route in advance.
3. Make sure your car is ready
Of course, you need to prepare for a basic road trip.
On this trip, you should expect to tackle rougher and tougher terrain .
First, let's take a quick look at the vehicle preparation checklist from the Guide To Rugged Adventure.
With that in mind, if your car seems ready to tackle the snowy mountains, all that's left is to do a final check to make sure it's prepared for the cold .
Cooling water (antifreeze)
Before you head out into the snow, make sure you have the green stuff (coolant) in your radiator .
If you normally replenish your water with the mindset of "I'll just add some water for now," the concentration balance may be off and it may not be able to withstand freezing temperatures .
If you're unsure, flushing the radiator and refilling it with new coolant and water is the safest option .
Tires & spare tires
In slippery places, tires are your lifeline.
Make sure to check in advance that the tires, especially spare tires, are in good condition.
If you don't have all-terrain tires with deep tread, we recommend bringing chains .
It pushes through the snow and grips firmly onto the road underneath.
It's also a good idea to bring along a tow rope and recovery track just in case.
Battery (in top condition)
Winter temperatures can be quite harsh on batteries .
Especially when heading to the mountains, even a car that normally works fine can suddenly give out when it gets cold.
Be sure to check the battery status before you set off and also during your trip.
If the terminals are dirty, just clean them with a toothbrush, baking soda, and water .
If it is shiny, the flow of current will be stable.
Also, be sure to carry a jumper pack and booster cables.
Even if you're buried in snow and think, "I'll get someone to help me," it's not that easy.
4. Bring a companion, preferably three people.
Traveling with friends is much more enjoyable, and on a trip like this , it's really helpful to have someone to support you .
From a safety standpoint, the "large number of people" is an advantage in itself.
So, we recommend setting out with at least two vehicles , both of which must be equipped to handle the journey.
It would be even better if the people you go with each have skills that will be useful in the winter mountains .
For example, off-road driving, winter camping techniques, weather knowledge, etc. - having someone to cover for you gives you a much greater sense of security.
And, this goes without saying, but before you leave, be sure to tell someone where you're going.
If your plans change, send a message to let them know.
Deep in the mountains, there are many places where radio signals cannot reach at all.
That's why a quick message before you leave can be a lifeline.
5. Choose the best location
Try to arrive at your destination as early as possible.
There's nothing more tiring than setting up camp after dark.
First, relax, take a breather, eat lightly, stay warm, and add an extra layer if necessary.
Once you're ready, it's time to go find a place to pitch your tent for the night.
...Before that!
If campfires are permitted and you have a suitable spot, we recommend starting a fire first.
If there is a fire while you are preparing, the brightness and warmth are completely different.
Make sure you have fire starters, matches, and other tools ready in advance.
In the summer, you can hang it in the shade to avoid the sun,
You might even sacrifice comfort to choose a spot where you can see the best sunrise.
However, in sub-zero temperatures, the morning sunlight is your best ally.
Make sure you know the direction of sunrise and where the sun first shines.
Position your tent or car so that it faces the morning sun.
There are also several convenient apps that allow you to check the movement of the sun on your smartphone.
Here are a few other things to check:
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Are there any natural shelters to avoid the wind?
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Is the area less susceptible to falling trees, branches, and avalanches?
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Are there landmarks that will help me find my campsite in a snowstorm or at night?
6. It gets cold quickly once the sun goes down, so try to warm up early.
Even if it's a bit of a hassle, make sure you put on your warmest gear before you go to bed.
Yes, scarves and beanies are surprisingly necessary on nights when the temperature drops below freezing.
And this is a golden rule: if you don't have a proper sleeping bag that can handle the cold, you shouldn't go on this trip.
Additionally, it's a good idea to bring a liner to put in your sleeping bag and a few wool blankets.
You'll probably think, "I'm glad I brought it."
7. Everything freezes
Anything, really.
Water bottles, tent zippers, car door locks.
Everything freezes.
But don't worry, that's part of the "promises" of winter camping.
If you take proper precautions, you can avoid waking up frozen and unable to move the next morning .
Here are some basic tips for doing so.
1. Keep water warm by turning it upside down
Just like your body, your gear needs to be protected from the cold.
If you have a large water tank, turn it upside down before going to bed.
Ice forms from the top down, so if you turn it upside down, the drinkable part will be less likely to freeze.
2. Lubricate the door lock and rubber seal.
It's quite a hassle when the door doesn't open until the sun comes out in the morning.
Before you leave, lightly spray the rubber on the door with silicone spray to prevent it from freezing.
For added security, put some grease in the keyhole as well.
3. Don't leave wet gear outside
This is usually the case when shoelaces become like hard rocks or clothes become like cardboard .
Keep wet items inside as much as possible to prevent them from freezing.
🔚 Finally──Even if you feel like it might be a little difficult...
You may be thinking, "Isn't this a bit of preparation?"
But there's no need to be discouraged.
Taking the time to plan and prepare well before you leave is a
It will multiply the fun once you are actually out on the field.
Besides, we have plenty of time while we wait for the weather to improve.
Next time, if the winter weather is bad and everyone around you is staying indoors wishing for summer to come quickly,
You load your luggage into your car and go outside.
If you venture out into nature, you'll find incredible adventures waiting for you.
And the experience will surely remain in your memory forever.