First Time Overnighter, Need some Advice.

If you're dead set on making a sub freezing trip your first, here are some things I would add to the advice already given.

Clear the snow and then lay down some hemlock or other soft evergreen bows if you can to insulate your tent from the cold ground. (even a small tarp is better than nothing).

I always bring an extra lightweight blanket to cover my head and shoulders when sleeping (even with my hat on).

You can drink the snow without purification, just pack it in your stainless steel canteen and warm it under your coat or by the fire.

Bring good gloves!
 
make sure you have a snackpack (The previous post said trail mix, must be the same) and take a bite each time you stop for bearings, enjoying the view etc.

Just feed your body the fuel it needs when walking and battling the cold and replenish often.

I use cookies, chocolate, noga, caramel fruit-grain bars (don't know what they are called in the us), nuts, dried fruits and just crumble it all in small pieces.

Be sure to drink enough. Cold, dry, snowy conditions make you dehydrate faster and can give you headaches.

Also be sure not to drink to much before going to sleep and take a good pee before going in you sleeping bag. You don't want to go out at night, stuff freezes off :D

go for it, just be prepared, and act wisely
 
For hiking and around campsite: wool long underwear, wool socks, fleece lined pants and waterproof shell over a down jacket. Definitely no cotton anything!

For Sleeping: take off sweaty daytime clothes(they are damp even if you think they aren't) and put on some down filled long underwear or wool long underwear.

Word of caution if you do Worthington SF: I live a couple of miles from here, and we are in a weather pocket that is colder and windier then just several miles east/south.

This means temperatures at night are in teens and low twentys, and single digits not uncommon. Oh, and very windy, so plan for this accordingly.
 
2 cents worth...

As someone that teaches winter backpacking in the Oregon Cascades, I routinely sleep in temps well below zero degrees. If you can't get a good night sleep due to an inadequate sleeping bag, you will have trouble enjoying and learning from your trip. With all the money you have invested in knives (I'm jealous :) ), do yourselves a favor and don't skimp on your bag. At those temps, mummy bags are the way to go.

Jay
 
Just so people know, this isn't my first time camping. I go car camping in milder weather quite frequently. Scouts are great, but I don't have time to study, play sports, keep my job AND do scouts.

Thanks for all the comments.
Cmdionne: thanks, summer sausage sounds good. I love that stuff! How about vienna fingers? I know they are canned, but I can drain them and put them into zip-lock bags. If they freeze, put em in boiling water right?

Thanks Valcas

EMS: Where is the WLC? New Jersey? Ill see if I can go, the time slot is perfect BUT, I've got term exams that same week. I cant see it on their site (weteachu.com).

Bag: Ill definitely be getting a mummy bag. Im really considering that Columbia Down bag + a waterproof shell. Looks like a great bag. As for the shell, what should I use? There doesn't seem to be a definitive answer in the Winter Bivvy Thread.
 
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