Many people believe that winter camping is impossible or extreme. However, as long as you have the proper equipment and plan ahead of time, it can be fun to get your friends together outside during the off-season. Winter camping offers many advantages.
Campsites are inexpensive, gear can be rented, and many campgrounds are within a day’s drive of most cities, making camping an accessible and affordable vacation option. In addition, you don’t need more than a weekend to organize a successful camping trip.
Remember that most campgrounds close for the season around the middle of October, with some smaller locations closing even earlier. At the same time, some sites are open in all seasons. For example, winter campgrounds in Colorado offer year-round camping sites.
Winter camping can be a truly remarkable and revitalizing experience, just what one needs as the temperature goes down. Here are some tips to prepare for winter camping for a memorable experience.
Selecting a locationÂ
If you’re going out into the wilderness in the winter, don’t go alone, especially if it’s your first time out there. Instead, bring someone along to share the highs and lows of your adventure.
Choose a spot that is within your capabilities and will likely meet your expectations and goals. Then, speak with others who have visited the area to get their perspectives.
Watch the weather
Check the weather forecast and prepare for the worst-case scenario before leaving for a campsite. When camping in the winter, it’s always best to plan for the coldest possible conditions, as being over-prepared is preferable to arriving at your campsite and discovering that your clothes aren’t warm enough or that your sleeping bag is not appropriate for the weather.
Layer your clothingÂ
Dress appropriately in breathable, moisture-wicking clothing that provides adequate insulation and protection against wind, rain, and snow. The clothing layers will help you to stay warm and dry. You can include a base layer, a mid-layer, and an outer layer.
Base layers should be made of a soft, light-to-medium-weight synthetic or merino wool fabric. The middle layer acts as an insulator, allowing you to retain body heat.
The outer layer protects you from rain, snow, and wind. This layer should be breathable as well as waterproof and windproof.
Appropriate equipmentÂ
Choosing the appropriate winter camping accessories and equipments will keep you warm and safe during your camping trip.
You want a sleeping bag that is made for temperatures below freezing. It could be down or synthetic insulation, but pay attention to the label. If you are carrying the bag for a long distance, you may prefer it to be lighter in weight, but you do not want to sacrifice weight for warmth. Fill a hot water bottle in your rucksack with hot water from a stove before retiring for the night.
A sleeping bag liner is an option if you don’t want to spend money on a new winter sleeping bag. These are much less expensive and can increase the temperature rating of your bag by up to 25 degrees.
The tentÂ
Avoid windy areas where your tent could be blown away or snow-filled. Instead, find a sheltered tent site in case of snowfall to avoid getting wet and cold at your campsite. Set up your tent as per manual instructions if there is no snow on your camp.
If it is windy, you should also build a snow wall around the tent to cushion the blow. If the snow isn’t deep enough to form a wall, you can dig it out until you can see the ground, then construct a barrier.
You can use a 3-season tent while camping in the winter as long as you don’t plan on camping in high winds or exposed areas.
A liquid-fuel stove
Invest in a winter-ready model if you don’t want your stove to break down in the dead of winter. In cold weather, white gas, used in liquid-fuel stoves, is the preferred fuel. However, propane and butane may be challenging to work with because they lose pressure when exposed to freezing temperatures.
Safeguarding your food and waterÂ
Keeping your food and water from freezing during a winter camping trip is critical. Prepare by bringing foods that will not freeze and will keep you satisfied.
Moreover, you can also keep your snacks and a water bottle inside your sleeping bag to prevent it from freezing. Other food should be stored safely in your backpack and away from animals.
Other essentials
Don’t forget to bring extra batteries and lighting (lanterns, headlamps, and candles are essential). Bring water treatment and melt snow instead of packing water if you want to keep your backpack light. In the cold, all electronic equipment loses power more quickly. For added convenience, consider using portable power packs.
Bring camp chairs, blankets, or your closed-foam pad to avoid sitting directly on the snow. Do carry a first aid kit for emergencies and some games to keep you occupied. Seasonal changes can make it easy to get lost. Bring a compass and map, which work without GPS.
