Please note: This post may contain affiliate links and ads, please read our full disclosure HERE.
The Ultimate Guide to Camping in the Winter
Here’s a guide on how to camp in the winter. We’ll discuss what gear you’ll need, where to go and more!
Winter might not be the best season to enjoy outdoor activities, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. If you prefer camping in the winter, this guide will help you plan your trip and make it enjoyable.
Winter is when most people take a break from camping, but it doesn’t have to be. Winter camping is a great way to get out into nature, enjoy the quiet beauty of winter and make some amazing memories with friends and family.
If you’re considering going camping this winter, here are our top tips for ensuring it’s a success.
Know Your Limits
Before heading out on any trip in winter, it’s important to know what your limits are. If you’re not used to winter conditions, start by getting some practice in milder weather before heading out into sub-zero temperatures. If you suffer from any kind of condition or illness that might be exacerbated by cold temperatures or wet weather, then stick to milder conditions until you’re more comfortable with what winter camping entails. If you’re unsure whether or not you can handle it, try renting gear first, that way if things go wrong, at least it won’t cost much!
Plan ahead before you go
Camping in the winter can be a great experience for any camper. But before you head out into the cold, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Regardless of your skill and experience level, there are steps you can take to make sure that you stay warm and healthy while you’re outside, so be sure to check them out before hitting the trail.
There’s nothing wrong with planning an elaborate trip, If you know what to expect and have your gear ready to go, there’s no reason you can’t go camping any time of the year. As long as you plan ahead, don’t be afraid to take advantage of winter by going camping.
Stay Warm
Keeping warm is one of the most important things when winter camping, if you get too cold then hypothermia will set in quickly! Dress in layers so that if one gets wet or starts to overheat then another layer can easily be added or taken off without removing too many other. Make sure you have extra or more thick clothing in your backpack so in times of very cold breeze you’ll not freeze.
I usually wear a lightweight merino wool base layer and an insulated jacket. I never camp in the winter but if I were to, I would add an extra layer of clothing and wear a headband or hat to help retain body heat.
Get good gear
So what should you have with you when you go winter camping? First and foremost, a survival kit. A survival kit contains all the essentials to keep you alive until help arrives. There are a lot of different types of survival kits out there, but they all contain the same basic items:
fire starters, a knife, rope, tarp (shelter), food and water (and in some cases drinking water), first aid items, etc. If you’re planning on hiking into your campsite using snowshoes or skis, it’s also important to have waterproof boots.
You can wear regular boots, just make sure they’re dry before heading out in the morning. wear several layers of clothes that will wick moisture away from your body and allow it to evaporate. Wool is great if it’s available as its warmth-to-weight ratio is one of the best on the market. Filling (polyester or down) jackets would also come highly recommended since they weigh next to nothing but provide excellent insulation for their weight so long as you don’t mind being hot and sweaty when moving around too much.
Choose your tent wisely
You should take into account how to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. Winter camping with a cheap tent will ruin the experience, and the tent might not even survive the first winter. If you can afford it, buy a four-season, waterproof tent.
When selecting a tent for winter camping, my recommendation is to look for a four-season tent. It should be designed for harsh weather conditions. The largest tents can be difficult to maneuver in the winter and are often not as warm or as dry. A smaller two-man tent will often yield better results with weight and maneuverability being important factors during snowfall or when camping in extreme conditions.
I would suggest bringing a sleeping bag rated between 15 and 20 degrees instead of a -30 bag because of the extra heat lost from the small open ends of your shelter.
The location
A great way to enjoy the winter and experience nature in its purest form. Is to pick the right location. There are many factors to consider when choosing winter camping spots such as accessibility, weather conditions, and amenities.
Whether you’re looking for a remote spot away from civilization or an easy-to-access campsite with all the amenities, there are plenty of options for winter camping locations around the world. With careful planning and research, you can find the perfect spot for your winter camping trip!
With proper preparation, camping in the winter is fun for everyone!
Finally, remember that safety comes first when camping out under open skies during winter months! Be sure to check weather reports before heading out into nature so that you can plan accordingly, if there’s going to be heavy snowfall overnight then maybe don’t camp out near any trees.
In the end, winter camping isn’t that much different from summer. Sure, some of the basics are merely more important (i.e. shelter, water heater), and others are downright impossible (i.e. swimming), but everyone seems to have a good time when people enjoy the season for what it is.