We have always been told, ‘keep running’, ‘you need to keep up with the world’, ‘You need
to catch up’ and more. In this busy schedule, amidst trying to keep ourselves relevant, we
often lose track of ourselves. So never hesitate to take a break for yourself in between.
A quiet day by the landscapes, serene evening by the rivers or a happy night under the stars
might just do the trick. Camping is an incredible way to escape the hustle of everyday and
reconnect with nature. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or just a curious newbie,
camping provides you with best ways to unwind yourself and make happy memories.
But, there is no avoiding the cold climate and chilling temperatures. Never let the idea of
frigid fingers stop you from making these beautiful memories. With the right tips and tricks,
you can always get a break, while you recharge yourself.
Plan a warm, cozy winter camping with our comprehensive guide to keep you comfortable
during your stay.
1. Never forget to check the weather
Like with your any other outdoor activity, always remember to check the weather
conditions, you would most likely to encounter in your camping site. You can check it on
local weather forecast app. Be prepared for any possible changes that might happen.
Always ensure that sufficient clothing and supplies are present for any worst case
scenario.
2. Pick the right tent and sleeping bag
We always like to pick the family size tent, the bigger the better sized tent when it
comes to camping. But, it might not be the case for winter camping. The main purpose
of the tent is to provide you insulation. Tents trap your heat within and provide you
insulation to keep you warm. So smaller the better. For two person winter camping always go for a three person tent. This way you will have space to keep your gear and supplies inside the tent.
3. Layer up the sleeping bag
Finding gear that offer winter warmth but is light and compact can always prove to be
difficult. That’s where your quilts can be a game changer. Layering your sleeping bag
with light weight quilt can provide you with an additional layer of warmth that can
make a huge difference.
Most of your body heat is lost by sleeping on cold ground. If possible use double pads
under your sleeping bag. For additional warmth, you can also just tuck a few hand
warmers inside your sleeping bag just before going to bed. Hand warmers can easily be
brought in most outdoor and hiking shops. It is easy to carry around and more practical.
4. Always shake up your sleeping bag
Most sleeping bags works by trapping pockets of air that absorb your body heat and
then keep you well insulated. Give your sleeping bag a good shake and make sure it’s
fluffy and full of air for maximum insulation. With light bags remember to shake it from
the bottom end to encourage the filling to accumulate in the upper sections of the bag
where the insulation is most needed.
Don’t fill your sleeping bag with all your belongings too. While, it might seem like a
good idea, if you compress the sleeping bag lining too much, you are also lessening the
effect of insulation too.
5. Dress in layers
Always dress in multiple layers which can be added or removed at any time. As you go
through the activities of day, you might work up some sweat making you uncomfortable
throughout the time. To avoid this you need to regulate your body temperature in a
way that you are never cold nor sweaty. The most efficient way to do this is to dress in
layers.
Basically the three layers, you should carry are
- Base layer: This layer will be the innermost layer and move moisture away from
your body to keep you dry. They should be made of synthetic or wool and
including little to zero cotton, which holds water and absorbs most of your body
heat. Only when temperature starts freezing consider heavier base layers. - Middle layer: Middle layer acts as your insulating layer. It retains body heats
while also allowing some air for circulation to prevent your body from over-
heating. It can be a sweater or jacket made of synthetic or woollen material. - Outer layer: It is also called as shell layer. It includes coats or jackets that
provides you protection from strong winds and moisture. It’s always better if it is
of waterproof material.
6. Pack extra
Once you are down to settle for the day, change into a fresh set of dry clothes.
Changing in a colder climate can prove to be a hassle, but once you change into dry
clothes, it would be worth the work. Wearing dry clothes at night will keep you warm.
The dirty clothes contain sweat and oil released from the skin which reduces the
insulating properties of the material. Layer with as many as pieces as you feel
comfortable (including your socks). Always pack extra with base layers.
7. Prevent loss of heat
Always remember to cover yourself as much as possible through the night. It’s common
that when you start feeling cold, you start piling every rug/blanket that you could find
on top of yourself. Don’t underestimate the heat lost through the ground. It’s always
wise to cover yourself from below too.
Also remember to use a hat to cover your head and a dry set of socks to reduce the loss
of body heat. It is suggested to use hand gloves too during extreme cold conditions.
8. Water bottle trick
An easy old school way to keep yourself warm is to heat the water and put it in a plastic
bottle and put it near your feet or in between your legs. Ensure that water is too hot
and always remember to not use a metal bottle to avoid getting burnt. Be sure to crank
the bottle lid tightly to avoid any leaks.
9. Have lot of calories
While planning your meals make sure they are high in calories. Your body needs more
calories to burn to keep up the internal heat. At night, high fat and high protein foods
burn slower then high carb meals, keeping your body warmer for longer period of time.
Keep your meals simple and easy to prepare preferably single pot meals.
Make sure to drink lots of water and keep yourself hydrated. If a person gets
hypothermic, it’s easier to warm their core temperature with hot water or any other
warm drink.
10. Let nature have its way
When you need to pee again or middle of the night, don’t hold back to go out.
Especially in the cold climate you need to go more. Your body is spending lot of energy
to keep the liquid warm in your bladder, wasting a lot of energy in doing so. Let nature
take its course and pop out of the tent, the trip is definitely worth it. You will sleep
much better later on.
11. Turn things upside down
If your winter camping location has freezing temperatures, plan ahead. Turn your stove
fuel can and water bottles upside down. Ice forms from top to bottom, thus keeping the
opening of your container on bottom will stop it from becoming unusable first thing in
the morning. If possible insulate your supplies as much as you can.
12. Never run out of power
Try using lithium batteries instead of alkaline batteries. Lithium batteries perform better
in cold climates and more suitable for winter camping. Not only this, but they last
longer and weight lighter too. As they have become more common, making it easier to
find.
If your batteries die, try warming them with your hand or in your sleeping bag. That
might give them a kick start.
Conclusion
To put it in simple terms, the more comfortable you are, the more you can enjoy your
winter endeavours. With the right preparation, you can stay warm and cozy and enjoy
winter landscapes and wilderness
Remember to prioritize safety, plan carefully and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the
magical winter nights while making beautiful memories.
