Winter SurvivalPrepared By:

Former NYMOY Emeritus Young Marine SgtMaj McCall Behringer

Gear essentials

• The most important thing you can do is make sure you have every item on the gear list.

• The items that most important to ensure success for a fun weekend are gloves, wool cap, and DRY socks.

• You must have these items at all times during the weekend.

Gloves

WRONG

Correct

Hats

Wrong Right

Socks

WRONG

Correct

If you want to stay warm…Remember C.O.L.D!

• C-clean clothes breathe and insulate better.• O- avoid overheating by

ventilating.• L- dress in loose layers. • D- stay dry.

Points where Heat escapes

• It’s important to not allow heat to escape your body. Therefore, you must cover these key areas. • Head• Feet• Armpits

• Although you should always stay as warm as possible, if your body starts to sweat then you are overheating.

• It is very important if you start to sweat to start taking off some clothing to reduce sweating

Layers

When out in the field you should dress in layers. Therefore if you become too warm you can loose a layer and if you are cold, then you can put it back on

First Layer

• Start out with a shirt, underwear, and socks• The best decision would be using

Long Johns for this first base with DRY wool socks

Second Layer

• Next you will add a cotton or knit shirt and a pair of sweatpants

• These clothes should not be loose but should not be skin tight, just enough as to allow a air socket between them to provide insulation.

Third Layer

• Next put on a sweatshirt or a sweater and long pants• This should also not be skin tight

but should just be baggy enough so you can comfortably wear your final layer

Fourth Layer• Last you will have your Jacket• Preferably water proof• Along with this you should have your

boots, which also should be water proof, and should have a good tread. • Don’t forget your knit cap and gloves.

Hydration

• In the cold you are less likely to feel thirsty, however it is just as important to constantly hydrate as it is in the summer.

Food!• Your body will not function without

food. • Eating is the fuel to make heat.• Eat all of the food provided at each

meal or you will be cold.

When Sleeping….• ONE layer (sweatshirt and

sweatpants)• Clean Socks• Beanie• Zip your sleeping bag all the way up

Other Nifty Tips• Chapstick will save your lips.• No hand or foot warmers. They will cause

you to sweat.• Drink the hot wets, they will keep you

warm and hydrate you.• Trail Mix and Jerky are great things to

snack on during the day.

MEDS

• IF YOU HAVE AN INHALER IT MUST BE PLACED IN YOUR LEFT CARGO POCKET

• IF YOUR DUE MEDS (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) WE CALL ONCE, TWICE WILL GET YOU SPECIAL ATTENTION

FOOD ALLERGIES

• IF YOU KNOW YOU CAN’T EAT IT DON’T!• IF YOUR NOT SURE TALK TO MEDICAL

Most Importantly

HAVE FUN!