Out in the Cold - Using the body's heat generation

In the last blog post I talked about the most important ingredient needed to survive and not only to survive but to enjoy the cold, and that is an attitude of hope. This is made possible by preparation, which engenders confidence. Today I want to talk further about the body and it's reaction to cold, and how to use what we know about the body to preserve it.

There are things that happen as the body functions that are important to know about. One of these is that the body generates heat as a by-product of metabolism or work. Since there is a narrow band of acceptable body temperatures (96 deg F to 101 deg F), excess heat must be removed to prevent overheating. 

In  conditions where air temperature is below 77 deg F the body must conserve part of the heat to prevent excessive cooling (hypothermia). The idea then, where temperatures are low, is to capture and retain as much of this body heat as possible. If enough heat cannot be retained, then outside heat, such as fire, must be applied to prevent hypothermia, It is best to rely on heat generated by the body, it is more dependable than a fire or stove. Fires and stoves are not practical in blizzards.

It is best to make gear to insulate effectively and use body heat to create a micro-climate inside this protective clothing. We use the term thermal self-sufficiency to describe the idea of using the body's heat generating capacity to maintain it's core temperature at an appropriate level. Only with properly constructed clothing can this be done. Thus clothing becomes one of the most significant survival items one can possess. 

In upcoming blog posts I will talk about, A) retaining body generated heat, B) how to keep the "furnace" stoked up, and C) other uses of the heat generated by the body. In all we seek to utilize all heat energy, trying not to waste any of it if possible.

Meanwhile keep an eye on our videos on YouTube for further information, WI videos

Introduction to Winter Clothing Series

We have started the series on Winter Camping and Survival on YouTube with several introductory videos, showing the use of the foam hat and mittens even when soaked in ice water. The series will continue showing all the elements of clothing and sleeping gear and it's proper use. We will also show how to manufacture the items. In addition there will be training on food, water, and psychological preparation.

What follows here is an overview of our cold weather system, Part 1 Introduction.

Man, to survive, must provide for himself, a few essentials. An area immediately around the body must be maintained within certain limits, a micro climate, if you will.

Animals, unlike man, are very well suited for survival in a wide variety of circumstances. Seals can swim in very cold water. Caribou are able to withstand severe winter conditions. In contrast, man, naked, can become hypothermic at temperatures lower than 77 deg F. The advantage that man possesses, intelligence and reason, can more than make up for the physical deficiences.

Perhaps the ingredient most important in survival, would be an attitude of hope. The ability to think clearly, coupled with confidence, provide the best opportunity to successfully resolve most difficulties.

The Survival System for Adverse Weather that we talk about is designed to meet the above conditions. When a person has made a System and then begins to use it, a confidence begins to build, in the ability to deal with conditions that may arise.

When a person has made, with his own hands, the articles of the System, a feeling of accomplishment develops. This feeling gives an assurance of being better able to withstand, or even to enjoy, occurrences of foul weather. The primary reason for this System being successful, is that it works!