The Essential Guide To Camping In The Winter

Winter camping can be great fun, waking up with frost covering the tent and a beautiful misty sunrise. But it can also be a truly miserable experience if you end up cold and tired due to poor preparation or supplies.

According to the app Dyrt, the interest in camping in winter grew by 40% during the pandemic and has remained popular ever since. So if you, like a surprising number of other families, are willing to tackle the challenge, read on.

Essential Tips for Camping in Winter that Could Save Your Night

Here are some tips to make sure you have a lovely winter camping experience.

1. Sleeping Warm and Well.

There is nothing worse than waking up cold in the night, because it’s very hard to get back to sleep! Make sure you have a good four-season sleeping bag as a starting point. You might also want to consider a cotton or silk sleeping bag liner for an extra layer. A sleeping mat will not only help with your comfort but will also give insulation from the cold ground.

2. Dressing Warmly in Winter Camping Clothing.

Lots of layers are the order of the day to keep warm. The Arcteryx company at https://arcteryx.com/ca/en is a terrific resource for all season clothing, outerwear and footwear. All should be made of wicking fabric so that any moisture is drawn away from your body. Add as many of the following items to your packing list as you like:

• thermal base layer
• thin long sleeved tops
• thin fleece and thick fleece

You should also have waterproof coat and trousers so that you don’t get wet. In the tent, having a down jacket is a good idea. Obviously, you should take hat and gloves too, and keep these handy at night time. You might want to wear them while sleeping if it’s really cold!

Always take slightly more clothing than you think you’ll need. It’s better to have carried in a couple of extra items and not needed them than to have spent the night shivering for the lack of one extra layer.

Eating Well While Camping in Winter is Important

In winter, you need hot food and drinks to stay warm and well.

3. Cooking in Camp to Maintain Your Body Temperature

A good stove is vital when winter camping. You need hot food and hot drinks to keep your energy and temperature up. Whatever system you go for, don’t forget to take along extra fuel — running out of gas is a pest at the best of times but it is potentially dangerous in winter.

Take lots of high energy, easy-to-prepare food. Wayfarer packets and other instant meals are excellent for winter camping as they are quick and easy to make.

Prepare for the Camping Adventure of a Lifetime

Camping in winter is one of life’s great pleasures — as long as you’re prepared. Our guide to camping resources helps you locate campgrounds and facilities you’ll need.

4. Camping Preparation and Taking Caution.

Notify friends before departure of your camp site location. Be sure you alert them to which routes you may be hiking. Camping off the grid is a thrill but do carry a charged cell phone in case of emergency.

For more sound tips, please watch the helpful National Park Service video above. Be prepared and cautious and you’ll be able to enjoy your winter camping trip without worrying about the cold.

Have a great trip, wherever and whenever you go!