Winter camping is less popular than summer hikes, but this type of camping is still common among many enthusiasts. Whether it’s travel, ice fishing, outdoor sports, or the pursuit of new experiences, camping is an attractive option that allows you to break away from routine, have fun with friends, enjoy the unique attractions of the winter season, and create wonderful memories.
Planning a winter trip requires more preparation, as it is important to gather useful information, purchase the necessary equipment, and ensure that your shelter will be safe and comfortable enough during the cold season. Preparations take a lot of time as there are many factors to consider, such as finding a tent, buying warm clothes from a specialized store, and collecting helpful items such as camping wood stoves.
At the same time, one of the most common problems with winter camping is low temperatures. Many people who want to try their hand at winter trips are put off by the thought of spending the whole night in a tent in the cold.
However, there are many ways to stay warm and healthy on a winter trip. Here are some tips on how to survive the winter cold in comfort.
Drink Plenty Of Warm Drinks & Do Not Skip Your Meals
Staying hydrated is essential on any trip. When hiking in winter, you need to drink hot drinks often to keep warm. Snacks and meals should also not be ignored since the human body spends a lot of energy producing heat. Therefore, food and drink provide the body with the energy it needs to stay warm.
Alcohol should be consumed in moderation. Although alcohol is thought to warm the body, it actually causes heat loss.
Bring A Portable Dryer When Camping
A portable clothes dryer is an extremely useful and valuable item for winter camping trips.
Since you will be moving a lot and constantly doing some kind of work at camp, one of the reasons why you may get cold faster is because your clothes become wet not only from sweat but also from water and moisture.
It is important always to have dry clothes and another pair of shoes to change into if you get sweaty or wet. This is especially true for the legs. Shoes and socks should always be dry. Ignoring this requirement may cause you to get sick and ruin the whole experience.
To quickly dry wet clothes and avoid the risk of illness or hypothermia, you can use a portable dryer or heater.
Two Sleeping Pads Are Better Than One
The purpose of a sleeping pad is to insulate your body from the cold ground or snow.
Usually, one pad made of high-quality insulating material is sufficient. However, additional pads can be used to enhance insulation and warmth.
This way, you can quickly warm up before bed due to the high level of cold protection and stay warm at night, making sleeping in a tent more comfortable and safe.
Don’t Forget To Ventilate Your Tent
Ventilate your tent during the day when you are not in it and an hour or two before going to bed. The circulation of fresh air makes staying and sleeping in a tent more pleasant. In addition, ventilation helps to warm up your shelter faster, which is also a good advantage during winter camping.
What’s more, airing out the tent before using the stove will make the process more efficient. Therefore, make sure to maintain fresh air circulation in the tent.
You Should Dress In Layers For Winter Hikes
Another, and perhaps most important, tip is to dress in layers. The right clothes for winter camping will allow you to stay comfortable even if the weather turns bad and the temperature drops at night.
The key here is to wear two layers of clothing. The outer layer protects against water and moisture. The inner layer retains body heat.
For the first layer, use jackets and pants from sports stores. Waterproof clothing for snowboarding or skiing is best.
The second layer of clothing should not be made of cotton or other natural materials. It is best to wear clothes made from synthetic fibers instead.
It is also recommended to cover body parts such as arms, legs, neck, and head. These parts of the body lose heat faster than others and should be well protected.
Place A Heating Pad Or Hot Water Bottle In The Sleeping Bag
The best way to stay warm at night is to place a heating pad or hot water bottle in your sleeping bag.
This way, you can quickly warm up before going to bed and feel cozy and comfortable. Heating pads or hot water bottles should be placed near hands, feet, or other parts of the body that feel cold.
In addition, mobile phones and other gadgets can be placed next to a heating pad or heater to avoid damage to the battery due to low temperatures.
Final Thoughts
Winter is an amazing season for a variety of activities, so with the onset of cold weather, you should not sit at home. On the contrary, this is a great opportunity to have fun!
Choose an interesting place and activities to enjoy the winter season to the fullest. The most important thing is to make sure you have a durable winter tent, warm clothing, and necessary items to keep you warm. After all, if you are warm and comfortable, cold weather will not be a hindrance to your hike!
