Case Study on Thermoregulation

Left Out in the Cold: A Case Study in Thermoregulation

by

Tom Cappaert

Department of Physical Education & Sport

Central Michigan University

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Part I

Joel had been looking forward to his first backpacking trip to the Canadian Rockies for some time. He had some experience in camping and backpacking, but was looking for a new challenge in the mountains and forests of Canada. As he drove to the trailhead to begin his trip, he was a little surprised at the immensity of the mountains and the snow on the peaks this late in the spring.

“We certainly don’t have many of these in Florida,” he thought to himself. As Joel unpacked his equipment, he ran through a mental checklist of the essential gear he had brought to be prepared for his first extended cold weather hike. The last time he had checked the weather reports, they had predicted dry weather and moderate temperatures. “I won’t need all this extra cold weather clothing; it is April after all. I think I’ll lighten my load a little,” he said to himself. He didn’t think it necessary to check with the park rangers again about the weather since he was only going to be gone for the day.

Joel’s hike went well at first. He had handled the steep climbs without too much difficulty and he had been amazed by the scenery and wildlife in the area. But he was a little worried now by the dark, ominous clouds that were gathering quickly to the west. He could feel a cold wind starting to blow and wished he had brought that extra clothing after all. He realized he wasn’t used to the cold and found himself wishing for the Florida sunshine. Soon, snow started to fall lightly and Joel began to worry about dealing with the weather. He thought he should start heading back to his car because he figured he was at least four hours away. He picked...