6 Winter Camping Tips & Tricks for the Cold Weather
When it comes to camping, most would generally opt to camp during a warmer summer season. However, given the right planning, camping during the winter can be a surprisingly fantastic experience.
The key word here is “preparation.” During the summer or spring, you are afforded the chance to make a couple of mistakes outdoors without inclement weather negatively affecting your well-being. Make a big mistake during the winter, and you leave yourself open to discomfort at best and danger at worst.
To ensure that you and your family or friends make the most out of this excursion, here are six winter camping tips to remember:
1. Make A Checklist
Before you even begin to pack for your winter camping trip, do some pre-emptive planning in order to organize your necessities. For example, make a note of all the gear you’ll be bringing, such as a backpack, portable stove, snowshoes, and skis or a snowboard for some fun.
In addition, sturdy footwear such as winter boots, a tent, sleeping bags, kitchen utensils and safety essentials will all prove to be neccesary in the long run. Supplementary items such as hand and toe warmers will also do their job in protecting you from the brutal cold that is awaiting you.
Always give yourself enough time to check off the winter camping essentials you’ll be bringing along for your trip. This will prevent frustration and save you money from not having to make unnecessary purchases.
2. Pack Proper Clothing
It’s winter. You’re going to want to dress accordingly.
Ensure that you are bringing a few warm layers for outside activities. To add on, bring some clean and dry layers to wear while sleeping. For specific types of clothing, opt for wool-based materials rather than cotton. Wool aids in trapping heat, ensuring you stay as warm as much as possible.
Other pieces of clothing to bring along include the fundamentals. A warm hat, scarf, and gloves all add to your blood circulating properly in the cold. Good circulation is critical in maintaining balanced heat levels within your body, so appropriate clothing is paramount.
3. Sleeping Well
A good sleeping bag is probably just as important as bringing the right clothing along for your trip. It is also vital to the quality of your sleep you’ll get once camping is underway.
If you are shopping around the market for the right one, ensure that it includes a few key characteristics. First, purchase one that is rated for temperatures a bit colder than what is to be expected. Next, place any spare gear you have lying around under your sleeping bag to boost insulation.
You might also want to do some light bodyweight exercises before climbing into your sleeping bag. The heat produced from this will be trapped in the bag, ensuring you stay warm throughout your rest. Proceed with those jumping jacks!
4. Eat And Hydrate Accordingly
During the winter, it is important that you keep yourself well-nourished and hydrated. You should opt to bring food sources that are a great balance of complex carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats.
In addition, although you’ll be indulging in the nearby loft’s hot cocoa, water is just as vital as eating well. Hydrate throughout the day in order for your bodily systems to function properly. Failing to do so can expose your body to an increased risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
The quantity of food during your winter camping trip is just as vital as the quality. Eat at least three times throughout the day of your trip. Keep those snacks like almonds and fruits readily available too!
5. Find The Right Camp Spot
Snow is to winter as the sun is to summer. This marks probably the biggest difference between camping in the winter, in comparison to warmer seasons. You’ll most likely be camping near or on the snow’s surface, so it is critical to examine a spot that provides the most comfort.
Look for an area that will first mitigate the amount of wind blowing in your direction. In addition, set up your campsite in an area that is not immediately affected by potentially hazardous circumstances, such as nearby damaged trees.
Finally, a spot that offers privacy in addition to available sunlight will enhance your camping experience tenfold. Winter doesn’t have to impair your chosen campsite if picked correctly!
6. Secure Your Campsite
Once you are all set up for both the day and night, it is critical to properly protect your campsite. This entails safely securing anything that may get blown away by incoming harsh winds or potentially being buried by snowfall.
Make sure ancillary items such as spare clothing, electronics and gear are properly stored inside your tent or packed away and put where you can immediately access them.
Winter camping definitely leaves an impression on you once experienced. However, with proper planning, you might find it to be an even more enjoyable excursion in retrospect.
Bring the essentials, choose an adequate camping spot, and, above all else, stay warm!