Great Tips For Taking A Camping Trip In Winter
This Could Be The Perfect Year To Go Camping In Winter
It may not be the first thing you consider when wanting to take a trip in winter, but camping may just be the answer to get out of your home and into a pristine landscape. There are so many destinations with travel restrictions during the global pandemic that camping might be a great option for you at the moment. Here are our top tips for going camping in winter.
You may be wondering just how do you camp in winter? Well, below you will find some helpful tips to get you started. Camping in winter can be magical, peaceful and make you feel like you are living in a winter wonderland. Before considering camping in the winter, you should check out what camping destinations are available to you. The second priority will be to ensure you are fit and well to camp. If you have any medical conditions, you may want to read this post on traveling with an illness to see if this option is the best one for you.
To help your trip run smoothly, here are some suggestions:
Packing For Winter Camping
When you are contending with winter, it is best to pack with the worst-case scenario in your mind. While the weather app may suggest the days will be crisp and fresh, you can never totally rely on it. The advice would be to pack for cold, wet and occassionaly windy weather as well as snowfall. This means packing emergency supplies such as extra layers of warm clothing, additional food, and water and add in hiking poles too in case of a deep snow fall.
Buddy up
Due to the potential dangers of the weather, it’s best to go with a friend or two and not go camping alone. While it can be peaceful, having friends there will ensure you can work together if you need support, get stuck or need assistance.
Research the area
Do your homework and ensure you know the area you are traveling to. You will want to be close to amenities, somewhere you can get firewood to light a campfire, a village nearby where you can purchase extra food if you need it, or a place to stay in case the weather gets too bad. Be sure the area you are traveling to has nearby emergency services.
Inform family members or close friends where you will be
Ensure someone knows where you are going, the location of where you will camp, and how long you will be gone for. This ensures that if someone happens, your family can alert authorities if you are out of contact for any length of time.
Use the right equipment
This means ensuring your tent is fit for the purpose of being secure in the winter. There are some strong winds in winter, snowfall, and rain. Make sure your tent is waterproof and up to the job of dealing with winter weather. As well as the actual tent, you could also opt for a screened canopy to add additional space. This could be where you can sit during the day to relax without having to sit outside on the cold, damp ground. There are also tent heaters on the market that can be carefully used to keep you comfortable in cold weather.
Wear warm clothing and layers
The best way to stay warm outdoors is to wear layers. Layers are good at trapping heat. They keep you warm, and you can take one or two layers off if you become too hot. Go for a base layer that wicks away sweat.
The most effective ones are ones that contain merino wool. Next, you need to think of a mid-layer. This could be a fleece on top and fleece-lined trousers for the bottom half. A waterproof jacket is needed for the outer layer. This should be waterproof to keep you dry if it’s raining. Just a reminder, don’t forget your feet! Opt for thick socks and waterproof boots. Cold and wet feet are not pleasant!
Know how to set up
Setting up a tent in bad weather can be tricky. Before heading off, ensure you have practiced setting up the tent. This will save you time and effort in the long run. Ensure you arrive at your campsite during daylight hours; putting up a tent in the dark is extremely difficult. Also, consider where within the campsite you will pitch your tent. Consider how the wind is blowing, are you close to a water supply, or are there any loose branches overhead? Consider all of these issues before setting up camp.
Know what food and drink you need
Think about what food and drink you need to bring with you. Having an adequate supply of drinking water will keep you hydrated. Remember, though, to wrap any water bottles to prevent them from freezing. Try to avoid metal water bottles as they often freeze more quickly and can expand and break. Bring high energy food with you. Items such as nuts and chocolate are a good option.
Ensure you bring a stove so you can have hot meals such as soup or stew. You could prepare soups and stews beforehand and bring them with you. All you would need to do is reheat them.
Protect your electronics
You may bring electronics on your camping trip, but unfortunately, cold weather can drain the power from your batteries particularly fast. The best way to protect them is to put them in your sleeping bag. The warmth from it will keep them at a temperature that won’t drain the battery. Always keep an eye on the battery life of your electronics, especially your phone – just in case you need it in an emergency. You may want to invest in a solar charger as well.
Keep your Tent in good condition
This means removing any frost that might have built up on your tent. Any frost or snow that melts can cause your tent to become wet, and it can leak and soak anything within your tent. Control this by removing any frost or snow each morning. Cover your clothing in bags and keep electronic items secure in your sleeping bag.
A word of encouragement:
Camping in winter can be a magical experience. It is you with nature. Camping in winter is a time to enjoy and make unforgettable memories for yourself and those on the journey with you. Taking precautions is the best way to enjoy the camping experience.
