Dressing in layers is the answer. By dressing in layers you can easily adjust for weather changes. Remember to dress lightly for the walk into your campsite if its more than 1/2 mile away from your car. You can add a layer later if deemed necessary. You can add at night too.
A wool blanket will come in handy in this type of weather. You can use it as a cloak. You can use a rope or sash to tie the cloak closed. Or even use a blanket pin. A good wool blanket will keep you warm on a cold night in bed if used properly. Check Pathfinder's videos on how to use a wool blanket.
A rain jacket is a good top layer. It can be used as a wind break that will keep you dry from outside moisture. Be careful when choosing rain gear. If it does not breathe, you will get just as wet on the inside, as you would from the rain. I have a military issue with a vinyl coating on the inside and cloth exterior. I have to decide if its worth putting it on for a light drizzle. A wool jacket would be a better choice for light rain as it retains heat when wet, and dries quickly from body heat. Wool does not hold up well to wind though. I learned that the hard way in my youth on a motorcylce trip in the Fall. In a windy environment, you need a wind break over wool.
Shelter configurations may differ as well. Having a lean-to with a fire that can be maintained according to temps is a good choice. Having enough firewood available is necessary if the temp drops low. Having everything prepared included dry tinder is very important, and will allow you to quickly start that fire without even getting out of your covers. Sleeping bags that use layers are better in unknown conditions as well. I use a 0* bag with a fleece liner. I can regulate sleeping temps by opening the bag/s or by removing one and using either, and covering with the other if needed. During the summer I use a 40* bag with the liner. I got my fleece sleeping bag from Gander Mt for $20. It is surprisingly warm for its weight and is generally good down to 30* by itself depending on clothing worn to bed. On that note, I ALWAYS remove my pants to sleep. Wet clothing may feel warm until 3am. Walking through moist grass and being by the fire will make your outer clothing damp. Damp is wet. It retains moisture that will wick the heat from your body. Having a dry set of clothes, like sweat pants or long underwear just used for sleeping in will keep you warmer than jumping in your bed with your clothes you wore all day. Your body releases moisture all day, even in the coldest climates.
Hydration is always important. More so in cooler weather as you may not notice sweating, the most common sign of water loss. You loss body moisture many different ways though. Through respiratory, through convection and by the wind. 3-4 quarts per day is a good rule for most. Keeping those fluids helps regulate body temp. So keep hydrated throughout the day. Remember that the more protein you eat, the more water your body needs to process it. A good rule to follow is 1 quart of water per meal, with sips in between for good measure. If you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated. Ever notice that at home you can sleep all night without having to get up and relieve yourself? Well in the outdoors, your body doesn't want to waste energy keeping those fluids warm, so it gets rid of it faster. Use a bottle with a tight fitting seal to use that warm fluid to keep your feet warm. Just make sure the lid is on tight when finished filling it!
Jeff "LFB" Kindy
Manager
Instructor
Great Lakes Bushcraft
