Make sure that layering is used, no matter what the weather forecast! A sweatshirt or raincoat can be easily carried around a waist or in a daypack.
For short hikes, carry water, lip balm, a pocket snack (such as GORP or a breakfast food bar), hat, and rain coat. Wear durable walking or hiking shoes. Sneakers are also suitable, depending on the terrain. Sandals, flip-flops, and jellies are prohibited except for water activities and showering.
For day-long hikes, carry everything above plus lunch with beverage, sunscreen, and depending on the season, a sweatshirt and long pants.
Pack an extra outfit when going on a camping trip. In case of sudden change in weather, this gives more clothing to put on or a change of clothing if soaked in a downpour.
Remind girls to change from the inside-out when getting ready for bed. The clothing that has been worn all day is damp from perspiration. On cool nights, add a hat and socks to the sleeping attire. Heat escapes the body more rapidly through the head and the feet. Keep them warm and the body will stay warm!
Faced with varying weather conditions in the out-of-doors, girls must be able to select, put on, and care for outdoor clothing. “Be prepared” for sudden changes in temperature. Dressing appropriately can ensure one’s well-being in cold or hot weather.
Each Safety Activity Checkpoint provides specific suggestions related to the event but there are some Girl Scout standards:
CLOSED-TOED, CLOSED-HEEL SHOES should be comfortable and provide good support; roomy but not too large and “broken-in” before long treks.
SOCKS help prevent blisters; tall socks reduce scratches, ticks and bug bites.
LONG PANTS offer better protection from ticks, the sun and wind than shorts.
SHIRTS that cover the shoulders and have sleeves for sun protection.
HATS with a visor reduce sunburns, heat stroke, and eyestrain in the heat or sun. Sunglasses are also recommended. Head-wear on cold nights conserves body heat.
Layering involves wearing a number of loose-fitting garments rather than one or two heavy garments. These must provide warmth/sun protection and ventilation without hindering mobility or adding weight. Helping the body regulate body temperature and prevent hypothermia (lowered body temperature) or hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) is very important.
SKIN LAYER - Should wick perspiration away from your skin.
MIDDLE LAYER - Light wool or fleece for warmth (as needed).
OUTER LAYER - Protection from wind and wetness. May provide additional warmth.
Knowing the characteristics of fabrics to suggest to girls will make clothing selection easier.
COTTON allows air circulation for staying cool. However, it soaks up and retains water. For instance, denim can double or triple in weight when wet and take a long time to dry.
LYCRA-SPANDEX stretches and can either retain heat or keep you cool. Most resist water and wick moisture from the skin and are quick-drying
FLEECE OR PILE sheds water, insulates well, and is light-weight; machine wash and dry. When wet, pile gains only 2% in weight compared to wool’s gain of 40%.
WOOL helps retain body warmth even when wet. It dries quickly and sheds water. Wool blends make the best socks. However, wool is heavy and washing care can be difficult. Wool blends are lighter and can be machine-washed.
NYLON is available in many grades that vary in durability, strength, wind and water resistance. Nylon is usually quick-drying, resist abrasions, and can be inexpensive.
LIGHT COLORS are best in the heat because they reflect the sun’s rays.
DARK COLORS are best in the cold because they absorb the sun’s rays.
Other suggested items to wear :
BANDANAS have many uses! They work for sun protection, holding back hair, as a mask around fires and for first aid as a sling, a tourniquet, and to wet and apply to neck when hot.
WHISTLE ON LANYARD should be worn at all times and used in an emergency.