Preventing Hypothermia
Hypothermia isn’t only a danger in deep winter. It can develop in cool, wet, windy weather, especially when you’re tired, hungry, or unable to get out of the elements. The good news is that preventing hypothermia is often about noticing small changes early and acting before they become an emergency. In this episode, we’ll focus on practical habits that help keep you warm, alert, and able to make sound decisions outdoors.
First, manage moisture and wind. Sweat, rain, wet snow, and damp ground all pull heat away from your body, while wind speeds heat loss from exposed skin and clothing. Dress in layers you can adjust as your effort changes: a moisture-wicking layer next to your skin, insulating layers to hold warmth, and a wind- and water-resistant outer layer when conditions call for it. Vent before a hard climb or carry so you don’t soak your clothes in sweat. Keep spare dry socks and an insulating layer protected in a waterproof bag. If your clothing gets wet, change when you can do so safely and get out of the wind.
Second, protect the body’s heat with shelter and smart pacing. Choose a sheltered rest spot rather than stopping on an exposed ridge, and use a ground pad or another barrier between you and cold earth or snow. In camp, make shelter before you’re exhausted, and keep your sleeping clothes dry. On the move, take breaks before fatigue takes over, but avoid standing still for long in cold conditions. Keep your head, hands, and feet comfortably covered, while checking that boots, gloves, and clothing aren’t so tight they restrict circulation.
Third, keep your energy and attention up. Food provides fuel for activity, and regular snacks can help when you’re working hard in the cold. Drink fluids throughout the day; cold weather can make thirst less obvious, but dehydration still matters. Warm, non-alcoholic drinks can be comforting, but don’t rely on them as a substitute for dry layers, shelter, or food. Alcohol can impair judgement and increase heat loss, so it’s a poor choice when staying warm is the priority.
Finally, watch one another and respond early. Uncontrollable shivering, unusual clumsiness, fumbling hands, slurred speech, confusion, and marked tiredness are warning signs. Don’t dismiss them as someone simply being cold or cranky. Stop, shelter the person from wind and rain, replace wet clothing with dry insulation if possible, and get help. Confusion, worsening coordination, or reduced shivering despite ongoing cold exposure can signal a serious emergency. Handle a severely cold person gently, keep them insulated, and contact emergency services; don’t rub their limbs or give alcohol.
The simplest prevention plan is to check conditions, pack dry insulation, eat and drink regularly, and speak up as soon as you or a companion starts getting cold. Hypothermia can narrow attention and weaken judgement, so early action is a survival skill in its own right. Make warmth part of your routine—not something you think about only after the shivering begins.
