Camping in the Winter brings about a much different set of challenges than the rest of the year. Whether you are new to camping or just branching out into the colder months, I believe that our tips for camping in the cold weather will make your next trip a success. We all love spending time in the outdoors, that shouldn’t be limited to the warmer months.
Choosing The Right Campsite
1. Location, Location, Location
It is important to pick an optimal location for your campsite. This shouldn’t be an issue during the colder months as you’ll have a lot less company. Remember the coldest part of the day is just before the sun comes up. Be sure to find a location that will get you that morning sun so that you can start heating up as early as possible.
Also look for areas with foliage to block the wind. This is a great advantage but remember not to get in an area that also blocks sunlight. You’ll also want to ensure you have enough room to place your tent upwind of the fire. Placing it downwind will keep your tent full of smoke and we don’t want that.
Clothing For The Win
2. Cotton vs. Synthetic
I think we can all agree that cotton is much more comfortable that the alternative. Unfortunately, it is not that great for cold-weather camping. Cotton absorbs moisture and that is not something that you want for these trips if you want to stay warm. Instead, choose material that is known to drawn moisture away from your skin and increases evaporation. Merino Wool is my preferred choice in this area, however it is likely more expensive than most of the synthetic options. Whatever you decide, just remember that you want to stay warm, comfortable and dry!
3. Layering Up
As mentioned above, it is important that your base layer be moisture wicking and quick drying. Follow the base layer, you’ll want insulated mid and outer layers. The outer layers should have good ventilation locations to allow moisture to evaporate. Lastly, remember to also have outer layer for inclement weather such as a poncho, bibs, rain jacket, etc. If you do get wet, either from precipitation or sweat, change into some dry clothes as soon as possible.
The main goal is to keep your feet and core as warm as possible. These areas regulate our body temperature the most. I am a fan of Darn Tough merino wool socks. They work great, and the best part is the lifetime warranty. Don’t forget about the head! We lose the majority of our body heat through our head, so you should keep it covered during the day and at night while sleeping. Bottom line, don’t wait around until you get cold before layering up. Once you’re already cold, it will take longer for you to get warm and comfortable again.
4. Spare Clothing
Be sure to bring an extra set of clothing for just in case you get wet during the day and a set for sleeping. This includes socks. Along with changing during the day it is extremely important to have a set that is dry for sleeping. This will keep you warm and comfortable during the night.
5. Use it if You Need it
While you’ll hopefully not be wearing all your clothes while sleeping, there can be uses for the spares without putting them on. Hopefully your sleeping bag fits your body, but if not you can use those spare clothes to fill any open gaps. This reduces open spaces and can preserve heat better. Also, if you begin to get cool during the night, you can lay spare clothing on top of the sleeping bag for additional warmth.
Sleeping and Downtime
6. Have a Tent That Fits Your Needs
The less open space available, the less area that needs to be warmed. If you’re going solo camping, you don’t need a family tent with one large room. This issue can be minimized if your family tent has separate sleeping compartments as this will reduce the room size. You could also downsize your tent or choose a canvas or poly cotton tent.
Check out our post on Backpacking Tents!
7. Don’t Sleep on the Ground
While I don’t recommend being suspended off the ground, you should add a layer or layers between you and the ground. We all know that the ground gets cold. The less transference, the better. Consider purchasing a sleep pad for this purpose. For cold weather applications, I would go no lower than an insulation R-value of 4. Of course, the higher the better as R-values are concerned. Sleeping bag liners can also help. Not only will they add insulation to preserve heat, they can also help protect the interior of your sleeping bag.
8. Pick the Right Sleeping Bag
Similar to the tent discussion, it is important that your sleeping bag fits YOU! If it’s too big, it will not retain heat properly. If it’s too small, your body may not fit into it completely or it’ll be uncomfortable. You’ll also need to look at the temperature rating. Always plan for colder temps. If you expect that the coldest temperatures you could encounter are 15 degrees, looks for something with a rating lower than that.
Check out our post on Sleeping Bags!
9. Sleep With a Bottle of Hot Water
I know, this may sound silly, but you’d be surprised how much heat this will provide inside your sleeping bag. Not only will it provide heat against your body, it will provide instant heat instead of waiting for your body heat to warm your bedding up. I’d consider using a bottle like Nalgene. Be sure that the bottle lid is secured to prevent hot water from pouring out on your dry bedding.
10. Always Bring an Emergency Blanket
While we all think that we have thought of everything before we take a trip, Mylar Emergency Blankets are often forgotten. I have an emergency blanket in all of my vehicles and packs. They take up virtually no space and can make a huge difference when you’re cold.
Pay Attention To Your Food And Drinks
11. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
Keeping your nutrition intake up while in the cold is extremely important, as your body uses more energy trying to keep you warm. Drink warm liquids throughout the day to help keep you warm. Choose foods that are high in protein and fats as they take longer to digest. Eat periodically thought the day to keep your metabolism up and elevate your body temp.
While it shouldn’t be your main plan, you can also supplement your meals with Hi-Lyte electrolyte capsules or the Nuun effervescent tablets to ensure proper nutrition. Enjoy a nice hot meal before bedtime!
Don’t Wait On The Fire
12. Build Your Fire Early
When out in cold weather, it is important to get that fire going before your body gets cold. When camping in the Spring, Summer, or Fall a campfire is typical in the evenings. During the Winter months, a campfire is important in the mornings, evenings, or when you’re just hanging out. Depending on the conditions, it can sometimes take a while to get the fire started, so start early and before dark.
Check out our post on Campfire Safety Tips.
Electronics Are Essential
13. Keep Your Electronics Warm and Dry
Your batteries will thank you. Batteries die quicker in colder weather, so do your best to keep them warm (Not Hot). Keep your phones, radios, etc inside your clothing or in your sleeping bag when not in use. You can also turn off or put into battery saving mode to assist. If you are in the snow or it is raining, it is important to leave all electronics inside of a moisture controlled container such as a bag or dry box. Moisture and electronics don’t mix!
Conclusion
I hope that these items help you in preparing and completing your next camping trip in the cold. While this is not an all-inclusive list, I believe that this covers the bases for success. If you have some tips you use and would like to share, please leave us a comment. If these helped you out and you’d like to see more ideas, please subscribe to the Winning Outdoors Newsletter.
Keep Winning Outdoors!