Introduction
Winter camping is a fantastic adventure that you and your friends can try, but have you stopped and wondered what it means to do winter camping? Most junior campers do not like this season because of rains, snow, and winds, but should you allow the weather to compromise with your fun? The best thing to do is prepare for winter camping rather than dumping the whole thought of it.
Consider the following eight tips that you should follow when winter camping to keep you warm. Remember that it is cold, and you will be staying in a tent, not your house, so every tip here is vital.
Do a thorough preparation
Before you set out for winter camping with friends or family, you should do thorough due diligence. Ensure that you discuss what you are likely to expect. Talk about the things you will need during the trip and plan the possible solutions to the hitches you are likely to encounter on your journey. Many campers are aware of the rumors about how winter camping is challenging. The truth is, it is always easier when you have the proper preparations.
Be aware that winter camping is the only opportunity to enjoy the camp privileges because of fewer crowds. You will enjoy popular campgrounds with fewer crowds, and you also get to feel the pleasure of the snow-dusted scenery and the peace. Good preparation and discussion of the supplies that you will need are vital so that you don't end up with surprising encounters.
Setting up a winter campsite
Here are the lead steps that you ought to follow when setting up a campsite:
1. Be quick
Because it is winter, there are likely snowfalls, rains, and winds. Learning how to erect a tent faster will save the situation, but if you go slow on tent-making, you will be trapping more snow and colds that will interfere with the warmth in the tent. It would be best if you learned how to erect the tent faster and what you ought to do to make the tent trap heat as much as possible.
2. Location of the tent is prudent
Before setting up a campsite, you should be sure that you are setting it up in the correct location. Look for a spot that does not experience strong winds. The place should be sheltered from strong winds and rains. The questions below are vital when looking for the right spot to pitch a tent.
- The business should be far from mountains that may likely experience avalanches and excess snow buildup
- Ensure that you are erecting the tent in a point where it is fully protected from strong winds
- The tent should be in a position to receive sufficient sunlight. Note that you need it to stay warm in the tent.
If you're going to put up your tent in the snow, stomp out a level area that's a little bigger than the size of your tent. When you enter your tent, this will help you avoid sinking into heavy snow. You can also construct a small snow wall around your tent to act as an additional wind barrier. If you're going to camp on a slope, make sure to put up as far away from the steep side as possible.
3. Be creative when tying up the tent
To help pitch your tent on the icy ground, carry substantial tent stakes and a small hammer. A well-staked tent will allow for good airflow, which will assist keep you dry by preventing condensation buildup. It may be pretty challenging to get the stakes into the hard ground. If this is the case, you can use the deadmen anchors trick. The trick involves;
- Tying the tents guy lines to objects like rocks, small branches, and the turf sack filled with snow.
- You will then pull out the line the way you do when setting up the tent, but you don't need a stake this time. You will cover the object in snow.
- The snow will freeze, and it will act as an anchor that keeps your tent upright.
You will lose heat through conduction when you sleep on the ground, which is not suitable for winter camping. To overcome this, you should ensure that you set up the tent with an extra ground cloth or learn the ground's setup tips.
Choosing the Right Gear for Winter Tent Camping
After setting up the campsite, the essential next step is to choose the right gear for your winter camping. You want to improve your camping experiences, and you will only achieve this when you have the right equipment. Ensure that you are carrying the right gear that will keep you long and can stand the strong winds and rainy winter seasons.
1. Spring for a Seasonal Tent
Your tent choice is vital. Not all tents will do during the winter camping. That is why it is good to check the tent specifications before purchasing. When you know what to expect during winter camping, choosing the tent that will augur well with the situation you wish becomes easier. Ensure that you are selecting a small size tent because the small tent will accumulate heat faster.
2. Prepare your sleeping gear
The sleeping gear you will choose will determine if you will stay warm or cold during the night. There are many options out there that you can choose from, including the sleeping bag, the sleeping pad, and many others. The bottom line here is that you should stay warm, and whatever you take should have that ability to keep you warm during the chilly winters.
It will be worthwhile to invest in quality gear, especially if you plan to frequent your winter camping trips. You can always find the hacks to guide you on a successful winter camping. You can add a liner to the sleeping bag or use a Bivy sack on the outside.
3. You need a stove
One of the best winter gear that must never miss is the stove. A stove will help you get the extra heat. You will also need a stove to boil the snow for hot water that you will be drinking to add excess heat to your body. It will be worth carrying a thermos to keep your water hot after boiling. You may need two for hot and cold water.
How to stay warm inside and outside the tent in winter
Don't get wet or cold when you are winter camping. It is the first step that many people do not care about. Always keep your clothes dry and warm. Always follow the steps that will keep the heat in your body rather than do things that will take heat away from you. Don't get wet if possible, and you will happily enjoy the winter camping.
1. Take food
Eating is the first step that will ensure that you are warm throughout the cold winter. Cook food that will increase the metabolic processes in your body. You may concentrate on proteins and carbs because they enhance metabolism in the body. You will then accompany them to the cafe to ensure that you supply sufficient heat and energy to your body.
When camping in the cold, make sure to consume lots of food for dinner and the morning to keep your energy up and your body warm. When the temperature drops, warm beverages are a particular slice of heaven.
2. Layer up
Clothing selection is also essential for staying warm both inside and outside the tent. Wear many layers, including a mid-weight base layer, a hat with a brim that covers your ears, mittens, and thick socks.
A couple of layers of wool, a down jacket, and a waterproof layer are your best bet for remaining warm. To prevent the discomfort of putting on a cold garment to start the morning, You can sleep with a winter hat on and keep the next day's clothes in a sleeping bag with you. If it gets colder, you can add a layer and do some exercises such as jogging because it will speed up the generation of warmth in the body.
