Winter camping seems really scary and impossible, especially if you’re a beginner. Many don’t even think of it as an option due to the chilly temperatures.
However, is it really something impossible? Of course not. If you bring with you the right equipment and plan ahead, you can have fun camping alone or with your friends, even on winter days.
Important Winter Camping Tips
If you’re going camping during the winter for the first time, it is particularly important for you to prepare properly! In this article, you will find great tips that will help you prepare for your first time and make the most of it.
1. Adequate Preparation
Before you go on your trip, especially for the first time, it’s very important to decide what gear you need.
The first and most important thing you have to bring is a zero degree down sleeping bag. Temperatures during the winter can be very low, so it’s very important to maintain the body temperature to avoid problems and stay warm during the nights.
The main rule is for you to bring a sleeping bag that is 10 degrees below the lowest temperature you are expecting at night. 0-degree bags are the best option in most cases. After the bag comes the choice of tent so you need to buy a rooftop tent that can be installed on top of your car.
Make sure it has additional features that will keep you protected in case of a snowstorm. In the list of essentials also come appropriate clothes, waterproof boots that have soles with solid traction for snowy trails, hand, and toe warmers to keep fingers and feet warm, a first aid kit, and a flashlight.
Sit down and write a list of what you need to bring, and then start packing. Indeed, with proper packaging, your winter campsite can become an extraordinary adventure. And remember, if you have wet clothes at the end of the day, keep them in your tent during the night to dry them.
2. Selection of the Camping Site
It’s very important to choose a winter campsite that you like. You should look for places that are safer and better protected in the event of disasters.
Avoid the bottom of the hill, because the cold air holes are usually formed here, but also the hilltops as they are exposed to wind. Try choosing a flat surface. Try to pitch the tent correctly, and set it up focusing on the door to be placed perpendicular to the wind coming.
Another helpful tip is to choose a field near home. It’s very important that you feel safe and that you can do something about the unexpected.
When you’re close to home, you create a sense of security and it’s as if you could go home at any time. This is also great advice for beginners since for some the first start can be stressful.
3. Preparation of Warm Meals
Do you wonder how to keep yourself warm? The answer is through the food! There’s nothing more soothing than a hot meal and or drink when it is cold outside and you feel a bit chilly!
The process through which food digests provide the body with heat and it’s the best way to keep the body warm.
The most important thing is to bring food that is easily and quickly prepared. No one wants to spend time cooking and preparing food. Dehydrated foods are great for winter camping as they are easy to prepare and allow for a simple warm meal.
Nuts are also a great option because they maintain your metabolism stronger and they are an excellent snack for camping. Don’t forget to bring tea bags or cocoa to enjoy the heat of a warm cup of tea in the winter sun.
4. Check the Temperatures Expected
Don’t forget to check the temperature and weather forecast before deciding to go camping!
Pay particular attention to the lowest temperature, because in case you are not ready and you do not have the right camping equipment, it will be very difficult to camp at night when it’s the coldest and when temperatures are lower.
It’s recommended that you choose a period when the days and nights are warmer. This way, your first experience will not be difficult and you can devote yourself more to the adventure.
With all this, you can try out the gear you’ve already purchased and see if you’re missing something.
5. Camp in Your Car
For those who are camping for the first time, it’s possible that they won’t like this kind of adventure.
If this is the case, make sure you have a backup plan, meaning, you can always camp in your car if you find it too cold to sleep in a tent.
There are tents compatible with cars also so you can opt for this option if you find it more appropriate.
This is a good option to make a smoother transition and get used to the cold weather before deciding to go on proper camping and sleep in a tent on the ground even when there is snow outside.
Final Thoughts
Winter camping is in any case a wonderful experience.
Despite the cold weather and the challenges, once you’ve mastered the preparation and setup for winter you will enjoy it better than any other adventure!
Make sure to stay safe in order to return home happy!