Winterize Your Gear

Yep, it’s that time again. As the weather cools off and the days get shorter, it’s time to update our basic loadout. Also, as we are seeing increased attacks on power substations and increased partisan rhetoric, we might as well up our game while we’re at it.

First, cold weather gear. The key to cold weather gear isn’t a massive coat and pant set, it’s layers. Layers that you can add or take off to maintain comfort. If you are sweating, you have too much on. Add warming layers to your Get Home Bag or vehicle kit in case you need them. As a reminder, GoreTex is for when you are stationary, never for while you are moving. As much as it keeps water out, it keeps heat in and you will sweat.

An overlooked item is LEG GAITERS. Now that I’m in Montana, I swear by them. The keep the snow or rain off your lower pant legs. Without them, capillary action has the wetness creeping up your pant legs, making you cold and miserable. Find some quality leg gaiters and keep them with your daily gear. Mine are Outdoor Research and they are tough.

Gloves are the same way – go with layers. Start with a liner glove then add warmer layers. In REALLY cold weather, mittens are king. Again, I go with Outdoor Reseach Firebrand Mittens, which are the US military’s current issue.

Shelter and fire-making are important in winter. As far as fire-making, I carry a lighter, plus storm-proof matches and a ferro rod – 3 ways. Sure, you can learn old-fashioned ways like a bow-and-drill or a fireboard, but those are for honoring tradition, not betting your life on. They burn precious calories that you need. Trust me, if Daniel Boone had known about the Bic lighter, he’d have carried several. Carry some type of tarp to rapidly set up a shelter. I use US military tarps.

Upgrade your vehicle gear. I pull out my regular collapible shovel and put an extendable snow shovel in my trunk. I add a Klymit Horizon blanket to my trunk, to pair with my wool blanket I keep in there. The Klymit Horizon is waterproof and very warm. The wool blanket is the new one from Arcturus, who make the thermal tarps I use. If you carry a sleep system, add in your winter bag.

Extra socks are important. Carry a heavier set as well as replacement standard socks. Change wet socks ASAP in cold or wet weather. Buffalo Wool Company Kenai Boot socks are my go-to socks. I also use their sleep socks when camping in cold weather.

If you keep emergency food in your car, put it in a cooler for the winter. This should keep it from freezing. It’s a good time to check the dates on all your emergency food and rotate your stock. Use up things that are getting close to expiration and make a shopping list to replace them.

Remember that cold will sap the energy out of batteries, so carry extra. Make sure all you radio gear is charged up. I take this chance to take the tactical radios that I keep in SLNT Faraday dry bags out and charge them up. CARRY A RADIO.

Double check your first aid kits and restock them all. Carry one every day.

Let’s talk tactical side too. It’s time to change your emergency camo. If you live in an area with snow, get a white or snow camo pull over (the surplus German ones are great). If you live somewhere that has dead leaves and grass but not a lot of snow, desert camos work great in the winter. MARPAT desert or Desert DPM (British) are my favorites. Because I live in the alpine forests of Montana, I wear desert pants and a woodland top. Works like a charm. While it is snowing or if I’m stationary, I put on my Pencott Alpine pullover (Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll).

Switch over to winter gear and be ready.

I have a Winter Survival course here at Camp Ponderosa December 13-14 so get signed up.

If you like this content, become a supporter at tacticalwisdom.locals.com or make a donation below.