PATROLLING IN THE SNOW:

Snow cover may be your greatest ally and your staunchest enemy. Keep in mind some of these life-saving details and you will be well served:

Can you do Airsoft renactments in a snowy environment?
Yes, we do several such ops each year.  A little planning is all it takes.

Gear:
- You will get wet - either through perspiration or by walking/crawling through the snow. Be prepared to shed layers and replace wet ones as soon as possible. Waterproof/breathable layer (e.g. GoreTex) is welcome. If you are stalking, a mat-cover to lay on is a good idea.
- Don't overdress - it is better to be slightly cool at the beginning of patrol t       hantoastywarm.Movementwillwarmyouup.
- Boots in nylon bags may allow you to block some of the external water, but will not allow the perspiration to escape. Invest in some Seal Skins socks and gloves - you can find them at Sportsmans Guide for cheap and wear thin polypropylene liner socks and gloves underneath. You will be grateful.
- Use hefty amount of Fog-Free (e.g. Rain-EX) compound on your goggles. Treat them, wipe, wait till they dry and them apply again. Have a soft, lint-free rag handy (you can attach it with a small bungee cord to your breast pocket on the jacket, so you can pull it out and wipe goggles when needed).

Movement:
- Deep snow will sap your strength quickly - avoid the areas of deep snow, in clearings, along obstacles etc. Always chose your path wisely, through the dense woods, ditches and other places where it was least likely to drift in.
- Knee pads and elbow pads allow you to distribute your weight on a relatively deep, but firm snow. Don't try to walk through the drifts, crawl and glide over them.
- NEVER follow tracks unles you are absolutely sure you know what are you doing. They may lead you in a wrong direction, or even worse into a deadly ambush.
- If entrenching, build a small snow wall around you to help deflect rounds, dig a foxhole in the snow.
- When scouting, you will likely never see snow-camouflaged hostiles. Scan the area, focusing onto shaded locations underneath the trees - fire a single-shot into the area if not certain.

Guns:
- Keep your gun barrell out of the snow.
- When firing, don't rely on full auto - but small 3-6 round bursts - your battery will last longer.
- Leave your gas gun at home - unless it is CO2 powered, low temperature will decrease the volatility of HFC
- Warm batteries are happy batteries. In extreem cold a chemical hand warmer can be used to keep the electricity flowing.

Other:
- If you feel sleepy, it may be a sign of hypothermia - move around, shake out your limbs and return to base camp if all else fails - PRONTO.
- Never warm numb finger/toes immediately near fire. Rub them as you slowly heat them up.
- Alcohol and Tobacco don't mix with cold weather - they will lower your body temperature, particularly in the extremities. Smoke'em and drink'em if you got them when you are back at the base. 

LUCK FAVOURS THE PREPARED