Winter camping is a great adventure and can be a fun way to explore a familiar location in very different conditions.
You can’t escape the fact that camping in winter means you’re likely to experience cold temperatures and bad weather. But with some careful preparation and the right equipment, you can stay warm and dry while camping in the winter.
These useful tips for cold weather camping will help you plan your first winter camping trip, and help ensure that you’ll want to try camping in the snow again in the future – really!
Planning your winter camping trip
Solo camping might sound peaceful, but it’s not a good idea to go winter camping alone, especially if you’ve never done it before. It’s safer to take some friends with you, preferably ones who have some experience of camping in the winter.
Be sure to check out the local area for things like a forest where you can find firewood or a local village in case of emergency. And you should also make sure that you give someone at home all the details of your trip.
Here are a few tips to help you choose your campsite:
- Avoid low-lying areas where cold air will settle
- Avoid open areas or ridge tops as the wind could blow your tent down
- Don’t set your tent up under overhanging branches
- Don’t choose a site that may be at risk of an avalanche
- Face your tent towards the south for more direct sunlight
The days are shorter in winter, so you should plan to arrive at your winter camping location as early as possible to avoid having to set up in the dark.
Winter camping clothes
Staying warm and dry is a major concern when you are winter camping, and the right cold weather gear is really important.
You lose a lot of heat through your head if it is uncovered, so a good warm toque (hat) or balaclava is vital when you’re camping in cold weather. You may even need a facemask if the conditions are predicted to be windy.
Mittens are warmer than gloves because the fingers keep each other warm. However, gloves give you more dexterity so you might want to take both options.
The best footwear for your winter camping trip depends on the predicted weather as well as any activities you are planning. Insulated boots have a layer of wool felt under a leather or rubber outer, to create a dead air space that keeps your feet warm even in freezing conditions.
Dress in layers
Dressing in layers is the best way to keep warm when you’re cold-weather camping, as you can manage your body temperature by adding and removing layers. It’s best to avoid cotton clothing (remember, cotton kills!) which doesn’t allow moisture to wick away, as this will soon make you feel cold. And make sure that your outer layer is windproof, well-ventilated and waterproof.
I swear by Merino wool layers, PrimaLoft down jackets (thinner than puffy down and just as warm) and GoreTex shells to ward off wind and rain. Wearing layers will also keep your feet warm, so wear thin synthetic socks followed by one pair of wool or wool blend socks.
Your outer socks need to be big enough to fit comfortably without constricting your circulation, as this will increase the risk of frostbite. You may find that you need to change your socks during the day to keep your feet dry.
Remember, there’s no such as bad weather, just bad clothing, and not enough preparation for the conditions.
Winter tents
Make sure to take a waterproof and heavy-duty winter tent with you, such as a 4-season tent with extra strong poles to hold up against strong winds or snow. It’s a good idea to pack extra guide wires to support your tent in extreme weather and spare poles or pole tape in case of a break.
You will need to be able to put your tent up while wearing gloves, so be sure to practice this at home before your trip.
Your body heat will raise the temperature inside your insulated winter tent. When the temperature inside is above the outside temperature, this will cause condensation that eventually freezes and makes your tent feel colder. A breathable inner tent with a waterproof fly will reduce condensation and opening any vents on your tent will also help.
Cold weather sleeping bags
Your sleeping bag needs to be suitable for the lowest temperatures you are likely to experience. We’ve camped with -10 C-rated sleeping bags, but when the weather dipped to -25 C, it made for a very cold night. Even with all of our clothes on. Look for a 3 or 4-season sleeping bag with an appropriate temperature rating to stay warm while camping.
Down-filled sleeping bags are very popular for winter camping because they’re both light and warm. They compress well into a stuff sack and take up minimal room. A mummy-style bag will keep your head warm overnight, which is important. If the weather is very cold, putting some hand warmers into your sleeping bag will help you keep warm and cosy.
A camping mattress will not only help you sleep better, but it will also protect you from the cold ground. You can even layer two sleeping pads underneath your sleeping bag to provide even better insulation.
Essentials for winter camping
Camping and backpacking in winter requires more kit and a larger backpack, so try to pack as lightly as possible without leaving out anything essential. If you need to carry a lot of cold weather camping gear, a sled can make transporting it easier.
If you’re traveling by car to a winter campground, you’ll have the luxury of more space for more warm weather stuff. You also have an easier escape plan, should you decide to abandon camp and pack up in the middle of the night.
You’ll need good lighting on the long winter nights, so take lanterns and headlamps on your winter camping trip. And be sure to pack spare batteries as they don’t last as long in cold weather.
A hot water bottle is a great way to keep warm but try placing it around your core rather than at your feet, as it will heat your whole body up faster that way. And remember to check that the lid is firmly closed to avoid any dangerous hot water leaks.
It’s best to pack with the worst-case scenario in mind when you’re camping in cold weather. So be sure to carry the essential items as well as some emergency supplies like extra food, water and a first aid kit.
After all, the more comfortable and rested you are, the more energy you will have to enjoy your wonderful winter camping adventure.
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