Periodic rests also help avoid overheating. Pulling a load over the snow on a sled or toboggan is generally easier than carrying it in a backpack. Snow is a terrific insulator. Snow shelters are much warmer than tents because they retain heat and keep out the cold wind. If you have adequate time for building snow shelters, you will spend a much more comfortable night sleeping in them than in a tent.
Snow is the greatest thief in winter, swallowing up small dropped items.
Tie or tape a piece of brightly colored cord to small items so they can be seen in snow. Some items, such as mittens, can be tied to larger items, such as a parka, to prevent them from being dropped and lost. Melting snow in a pot to get water may cause the pot to burn through or may scorch the snow, giving the water a disagreeable taste. Prevent this by adding a cup or two of water in the bottom of the pot before putting in the snow to melt. Punch a hole in the top of your ice chisel and string a stout cord through it.