Important tips for winter camping
Howcast - Explore the great outdoors this winter by popping a tent and going camping.
For many, the draw of camping is something that occurs throughout the year, even in winter. Something is alluring and wonderful about getting away from it all and being in nature. When the world is blanketed in white, it seems quieter and more relaxing—you also don’t have to worry about bugs. If you are planning on doing some winter camping this year, there are some tips you’ll need to follow.
Pick a Destination That Works for You
When it comes to camping in the cold, you have to decide how cold you are willing to get. There are many places you can go that will have temperatures dipping into negative degrees. If you don’t have the cold weather gear or the ability to handle this level of cold, then you might want to pick a spot that stays a little warmer. Knowing your limitations and what your gear is rated for will help in this endeavor.
Photo by Sam Marx
Keep an Eye on the Weather
After you have determined where you want to do your winter camping, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast. The last thing you want is to get caught in a terrible snowstorm. Even if you have a winter tent that can handle these conditions, other factors may come into play. These include running out of food, getting buried in snow or temperatures that get colder than expected.
By checking the weather forecast, this will also let you know what to expect for high and low temperatures so that you know how to pack and can be prepared. Snow camping is more dangerous than camping in the summer, and frostbite, windburn, and hypothermia are serious threats you’ll need to consider.
Bring the Appropriate Equipment
From your winter tent to your clothing choices, the equipment you bring during cold weather camping could literally save your life. You’ll want to make sure you dress in layers so that you can add or remove them depending on the outdoor temperature. At the campsite, it’s also a good idea to have a tent with a stove to keep your space warm, cook your food, and dry out anything that might get wet.
Items such as wool socks, warm boots, thermal underwear, and a warm coat that blocks the wind will ensure you stay warm while snow camping. Many avid campers opt to use a puffy jacket. Don’t forget your hat, gloves, and earmuffs. You'll want to make sure your clothing is waterproof so you will not freeze should you get wet. It's crucial to make sure as much of your exposed skin is covered. You might also consider wearing clothing or bringing fire-resistant sleeping bags. This will be especially helpful if you plan on starting fires to keep you warm while winter camping.
Other equipment you’ll want to bring includes a sleeping bag that is rated for the temperature of your destination. It’s also a good idea to have a foam sleeping pad, down air mattress, or a cot to keep you off the ground. Don't forget the blankets. Should you have a tent with a stove, make sure you have enough fuel to keep it running for your entire trip.
If you aren’t bringing a stove with you, then make sure you have enough firewood to keep your fire stoked for your entire trip. Depending on where you are going, you may be able to get some wood from the surrounding area, but if it’s covered in snow and wet, it may be hard to light. Thus, having dry wood is essential when you go camping in the winter.
Stay Dry
Since you are snow camping, keeping things dry is going to be a bit more challenging. However, you must stay dry to prevent hypothermia and frostbite from occurring. This includes making sure that your condensation doesn’t freeze. Don’t bury your head in your sleeping bag, as this will trap your breath and turn it into ice crystals. If that happens, you will lose body heat, melting it, which could leave you feeling wet and super cold.
Warm Up Your Sleeping Bag
In addition to not burrowing in your sleeping bag to stay warm, you also want to make sure you warm it up before you climb in. If you don’t, you’ll need to use your body warmth to heat it, and this could take a while and leave you feeling cold. The best way to warm up your sleeping bag is to use a water bottle. After adding boiling water, you will then stick it in your bag. You can also sleep with this item, as it is a way to keep you warm as well.
Store Your Boot Liners in Your Sleeping Bag
Not only should you be placing a warm water bottle in your sleeping bag, but you should also place your boot liners in there. If you leave them sitting out, your body will have to warm them when you put them on the next morning. Since your body is concerned with keeping your core warm, you may find that your feet never warm up. This can make for an unpleasant camping trip, and an increased risk of your toes get frostbitten.
Bring High-Calorie Foods
Camping in winter means that your body will be working hard to keep itself warm and to move you from one destination to the next. To ensure you have the energy, bring and prepare high-calorie foods. You’ll also want to make sure you have protein and plenty of water to get you through your winter excursion.
Camping in winter can be a great way to get away from the stresses of everyday life. It requires a bit more planning and gear than when you go camping in the summer, and you’ll need to be aware of the weather conditions before and during your trip. However, by taking the time to put a plan in place and bringing the right equipment, you can have an amazing time camping in the snow.
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