Outdoor Clothing and Equipment Recommendations
The following
recommendations will help you to enjoy the winter and early
spring seasons in the Central Oregon outdoors. If you
have questions, please call the Outdoor Programs Coordinator at
389-7275 and we'll be glad to help.
Avoid Wearing Cotton: Cotton becomes heavy and cold when dampened by rain, snow, or sweat. Wool, Capilene, polyester, polypropylene, cool-max, and other synthetic materials help keep you warm by retaining very little water, wicking moisture away from your body, and trapping warm air next to your skin. Outfitting yourself with these materials may seem initially expensive, but it is a good investment if you are going to be spending time playing in the snow or hiking in the spring and fall.
Dress in Layers: A system of synthetic and/or wool layers is far more effective at regulating your body temperature than a giant parka or a one-piece winter snow suit. Wearing a parka while exercising gives you two temperature choices-hot and sweaty (parka on) or cold (parka off). With a layering system, you can be comfortable at many temperature and activity levels by simply adding or removing layers as needed.
Carry a Waterproof/Breathable Shell: The most refined layering system in the world is still vulnerable to the elements if you do not have a waterproof/windproof outer shell. It is recommended that your shell clothing be "breathable" because perspiration that cannot evaporate through your clothing will eventually get you wet. Your shell also protects you from heat loss when the wind gets howling, so bring it along.
Don't Forget Your Hat: A hat with a visor or a brim helps keep sun off your face.
Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Sunlight is intense at altitude. Even on cloudy days, unprotected eyes and skin can be burned. Therefore, it is a good practice to wear both sunscreen and sunglasses whenever you are out for extended periods of time.
Bring Extras: It is always a good practice to bring an extra fleece shirt, hat, and pair of gloves in your daypack. If you don't need them, someone else just may. On long outings, an extra pair of dry socks you can change into while lunching can significantly warm a cold afternoon.
Water and Food: Carry at least one quart of water (preferably more) in your daypack and make sure you take a drink every time the group stops for a short break. Keep drinking even if you are not thirsty because once you feel thirst, you are already slightly dehydrated. Make sure to bring a sack lunch for our mid-day break, and carry a couple of energy bars, a bag of GORP, dried fruit, or some other snack that mixes complex carbohydrates and simple sugars in your pack as well. Eat and drink early and often and you'll be happy and energetic all day long.
Day Pack: Make sure you have a pack that is large enough to hold water, food, extra clothing, and other equipment. If you have back problems, a fanny pack may work as a substitute.
OTHER ITEMS
Whistle: If you get lost or separated from your group, it's a good thing to have on your pack. You can whistle for hours, but only shout for help for a short time.
Map and Compass*: It takes time to learn how to be good at using a map and compass. If you are not confident in your map & compass skills, it is recommended that you stick to well established trail systems (such as local snowparks) as you build your route-finding ability. GPS units have their uses, but batteries can quickly go dead in the cold, and cannot replace good map & compass skills.
Emergency Shelter*: If you or your equipment breaks away from the trailhead, a space blanket, small tarp, bivouac sack, snow shovel, etc. will allow you to get some protection from the elements until help arrives.
Flashlight or Headlamp*: be sure to carry fresh batteries and extra bulb.
Fire Starter*: Matches in a waterproof container, along with a candle, lump of presto-log, etc. It will be difficult to start a warming fire without these during the winter.
Personal First Aid Kit*: The good outdoor first aid kit will contain many items not normally found in the drugstore variety. The best kit is one that you put together yourself as you gain the training necessary to use it effectively. Consider registering for a Wilderness First Aid course offered twice each year through BMPRD to gain more outdoor first aid training.
*it is recommended that you carry these items any time you travel into the woods, especially if you are not with an organized group.
