Prepping for the 2011 Everglades Challenge

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It got cold last year. I started shivering pretty bad on the first night and I don't want to do that again. I'll talk about the stuff you can't see, first. Since I always wear my life jacket, my core stays pretty warm, so for my upper body, I just have my normal Windstopper jacket. My legs are more venerable, and because I am sitting, the fabric is stretched over my thighs, reducing heat retention in my pants. To help prevent heat loss through my legs, I got a pair of waterproof snow boarding pants.

Next up is feet. There is always water in the bottom of a boat so when the sun goes down, your feet get cold. This year, I am bringing a pair of Bogs insulated, waterproof boots.

Of course, a good watch cap is worth its weight in gold on a cold night.

And finally, should the jacket and snowpants not be enough, or if there is rain or spray, I have my bright friggin' yellow rain gear.

Hypothermia kit - 'cuz accidents still happen (and it's required by the rules.) Space blanket (which I used last year) chemical heat packs, 2 types of matches, a lighter, fire starting sticks, a candle, a poncho, and a spare knife. I learned about the poncho/candle trick at the safety inspection last year and I like it.

Bug spray and sun screen - it is the Everglades after all.

Med-kit: Pain reliever, antibacterial wash, ointment, Band-Aids, gauze, pads, tape, tweezers, cleaning wipes, and a spare whistle.