There’s nothing like the solitude and tranquillity of camping on a cold, snowy evening. With most animals and other people holed up for the winter, you likely have the whole frozen landscape to yourself, which can make for a truly unforgettable trip. Still, camping in low temperatures can be a challenge — there’s nothing like waking up to realise all your water turned to ice overnight. Here are 15 tips that will make your excursion a little easier.
1. Invest in the Right Sleeping Bag
Down is an excellent choice of insulation as long as it stays dry, but synthetic insulation works, too. You might get away with using a lighter bag if you use a sleeping bag liner.
In general, choose a bag rated for a lower temperature than you’ll be camping in, since the rating ensures you’ll survive the night at that temperature. But you don’t just want to survive — you want to be comfortable!
2. Check the Forecast
This is a mainstay of winter camping. If the weather is predicted to be extremely cold, rainy or windy on the day of your trip, consider rescheduling and doing something indoors instead. That campsite will still be there the following day.
3. Layer Up
Wear several layers of synthetic or wool clothing inside your sleeping bag and out. This will keep you warm while ensuring you can remove a layer if you get hot. You want to avoid sweating because it can lead to hypothermia.
4. Use a Ground Pad
A good sleeping pad does more than just cushion your back while you rest. In addition to saving your joints, it also insulates you against the cold snow.
5. Keep Your Outings Short
Have a plan for how long you’re going to hike, then stick to it. Even if you’re physically fit, trekking through the snow can get exhausting quickly, so get back to camp while you’re still feeling fresh.
6. Slather on the Sunblock
Even on a cold day, you can still get sunburnt. Wear plenty of sunblock on your face and ears. You’ll also need sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of the snow.
7. Have Plenty to Eat
Trying to stay warm uses a lot of calories. Be sure to replenish your body with dense, high-calorie foods to fuel your outdoor adventures.
8. Bring Important Items Inside
At night, bring your water bottle, electronics and sunblock into your sleeping bag so they don’t freeze. Stash them in a rubbish bag next to your feet.
9. Get a Four-Season Tent
Three-season tents are great for camping into the chillier months of autumn, but you’ll want the thick durability of a proper four-season tent for winter outings. They can handle being snowed on without buckling.
10. Use Body Heat to Your Dry Clothes
If your socks or gloves get damp, stow them in the waistband of your pants, on top of your shoulders or in your armpits to slowly dry them out. Just don’t put them against your bare skin.
11. Exercise Before Sleeping
Instead of going to bed cold, do a few jumping jacks or jog in place to warm up a bit first. Once you’re nice and toasty — but not to the point of sweating — get in your sleeping bag.
12. Invest in Some Hand Warmers
There are several types of hand warmers, from the air-activated type to reusable ones you boil in water. Stow them in your boots, gloves or sleeping bag at night to get extra toasty.
13. Bring a Shovel
It can come in handy when digging a snow shelter, levelling your tent site or gathering snow to melt for drinking water. You can also use a shovel to clear the snow before digging a cathole — that is, if the ground is soft enough for you to do so.
14. Dispose of Waste Properly
Make sure to bring bags to pack your solid waste or dig a hole a significant distance from any water sources or other campsites. It’s a bit gross, but not as gross as leaving it behind for the next campers to find when the snow melts.
15. Stay Hydrated
It can be hard to remember to drink water when you’re cold. However, your body still needs to stay hydrated, so sip plenty of liquids throughout the day. If you have a thermos, make some hot cocoa or tea to encourage you to drink more.
Remember to Have Fun
Camping in cold temperatures can be tough, but you’re tougher. Use common sense, stay warm and have plenty to eat and drink, but above all, enjoy the solace of being outdoors on a crisp winter day.
[Note: This was a guest post.]
Leave a Reply