How to Stay Warm While Camping

For a camper, there are few sensations as refreshing as the smell of the outdoors or the sight of the clear night sky sprinkled with stars. For some, the sight of the mountains around them puts them in a good mood. However, you’d be unable to enjoy all of these things if you continuously have to suffer night after night in freezing weather. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, it always helps to have a good night’s sleep. And in the outdoors, you need that warmth.

This is why some people like to get tents with wood stoves. So whether you’re skiing or backpacking, you must be prepared for the elements. Once you’ve gotten the necessary gear to protect yourself from those freezing winter temperatures, you’d have a more comfortable adventure and an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors the way you’d want. Keep reading to get the latest tips on camping in the cold.

Checklist for Cold-Weather Camping

When you go camping in the cold, you want to be ready for the worst. Here are a few things to get when preparing for your camping trip:

• Sleeping bag
• Tent brush
• Bottle insulator
• Stainless steel water bottle
• Synthetic or wool base layers
• Nutrient filled snacks
• Wind-resistant tent stakes
• Sleeping pad

Tips for Camping Like a Pro

You can never be too prepared when getting ready to go on your trip. Here are a few tips used by veteran campers to guarantee a wholesome camping experience;

1. Check for weather conditions in advance
2. Secure your campsite sleeping surface
3. Use a hot water bottle
4. Don’t burrow deep into your bag
5. Wear weather-appropriate clothes

1.   Check for weather conditions in advance

Be aware of the weather conditions of your location before you head out. The golden rule of all outdoor activities is “know before you go.” Be sure to check the conditions of the area, as they will have a big impact on your trip.

Apart from the expected temperatures of the location, including extreme weather fluctuations and trends, you also need to be aware of the likely weather systems for that season in case you need a winter tent with stove jack.

Do enough research on all changes that have occurred in the terrain, the behavior of the wildlife, or other hazards. Be aware of the location of the nearest rangers in case of an emergency. Don’t go without a plan, and inform close relations or family about your location and when you expect to return from your trip.

2.   Secure your campsite sleeping surface

The moment you have picked a reasonable location that is dry and safe from the worst of the elements, you can set your tent. If there are favorable conditions, avoid the snow to get a clearer view of the dirt. Flatten the area and enter into the tent to smoothen the ground where you’ll sleep.

Do this immediately when you set up the tent because if you wait too long, the snow may melt, refreeze, and become much harder to manipulate. You may also create a shallow trough to stop yourself from rolling around. This shaping technique reduces the space and likelihood of heat loss that may occur through cold exposure. All of this ensures that you don’t have a miserable night or become subjected to frostbite and hypothermia.

3.   Use a hot water bottle

Using a non-insulated, hot water bottle in your sleeping bag, especially a hot one will help you keep warm at night. This will help you conserve and radiate heat. You can try wrapping and tucking the bottle into areas like your core and your inner thigh.

If you don’t like stainless steel, you could also use a BPA-free material. The downside to this is that dangerous chemicals may enter the water when the material is hot. This is why opting for 100% stainless steel water bottles is better. Note that not all bottles are made of stainless steel, so you must confirm before buying one.

4.   Don’t burrow deep into your bag

Your bag can easily trap moisture from your breath when you breathe or burrow deep into it. The best thing to do is to cinch the draft collar and create a hole to breathe through by closing the hood around your mouth. This is the best technique to go with if you have a down sleeping bag. Condensation is the worst thing that can happen to a down sleeping bag because moisture makes it lose insulation and takes a long time to dry out. This will make your camping trip more difficult. What you need to gain fluffiness in your bag is to shake it upside down. This returns the down to the top part of the bag where you need heat retention at your core.

5.   Wear weather-appropriate clothes

You may have heard of the misconception that sleeping naked inside your sleeping bag is better for warmth, but this is just that, a misconception. When camping in very low temperatures, less than 30°F, ensure you wear the right clothing.

• Don’t wear tight-fitting clothing because they may prevent your extremities from receiving blood.
• Don’t wear excessively warm clothing because moisture may stay trapped inside your bag and cause your body temperature to drop when you get cooler.
• Go after synthetic clothing.
• If you start to get warm, you should try to wear a vapor barrier. This stops perspiration from getting to the bottom of your bag.
• If you continue to wake up in condensation, open up your tent a little or ventilate it. Whether the weather is hot or cold, ensure your dress appropriately and don’t take cotton clothing.

Your camping experience may be dampened if you cannot sleep well due to poor weather conditions. It is essential that you are aware of what to expect on your trip, so you are not taken by surprise. It always helps to research and ask questions to prepare adequately.