Outdoor survivalist skills aren’t solely useful for when you’re headed out, stranded in a local forest, or when you’re going on long hiking or camping expeditions. They can also work wonders for vacations too, perhaps with a partner, friend or set of relatives. These skills are also tremendously useful in the midst of intensive weather experiences.
Now, most people won’t head into the middle of an Amazon rainforest for a laid back vacation, so it’s worth considering – what are the most common adverse weather conditions to be found in a general vacation? Well, winter is usually a perfect example. Not only does it come around once a year, but depending on where you’re staying, it can be pretty rough to deal with.
You may also be seeking out winter vacations explicitly, as snowshoeing and cross country skiing season is coming. As such, learning a few helpful survival tips and bringing a few pieces of kit with you can be general-purpose and helpful for a broad range of scenarios.
Let’s consider what those may look like in practice:
Insulated Clothing
Insulated clothing, especially undergarments like vests, long johns or socks can be a great investment. While you should also wear waterproof coats, jackets and thick, robust trousers like cargo pants in the colder weather, these insulated undergarments provide layers of warmth and retain the heat, which is essential when outside in a freezing climate. As obvious as this sounds, it’s easy to neglect thermals if you wake up in a warm bedroom or feel as though they’re not needed, but having a fresh and clean set with you every morning can help you avoid discomfort, or even real issues like frostbite.
Cold Weather Sleeping Bag
While it’s true you might not be sleeping out on a frozen mountain for fun despite your proximity to it on a skiing or camping trip, a cold weather sleeping bag gives you the kind of comfort and relaxation you need. For example, let’s say you’re staying in an older hotel where the heating might not be as capable as it once was, or perhaps you feel the bite on a cold chilly night. Having a bag you can bring out easily, internally or externally, allows you to rest in relaxation while retaining the heat no matter how (reasonably) cold your exterior could be.
A Rugged, Waterproof Backpack
A backpack is essential when enjoying any kind of survivalist vacation, but even winter vacations can benefit from a large rucksack with multiple compartments and solid waterproofing. If you pack with your heaviest items in proximity to your back, you can then pack out and maintain balance. Moreover, winter backpacks are designed for keeping items internally as opposed to external water bottle holders which could freeze up in exposure to the cold. Many even have straps and buckles to easily attack the bag to your body, helping you avoid the need for continual adjustment, especially when having your hands free is an essential requirement.
With this advice, you’re sure to prepare your kit for a wonderful winter getaway.