Camping in winter and what material to take to avoid getting cold | Complete guide
Tips for camping in winter and not freezing at night
Camping in winter is a unique experience and as satisfying as doing it during other times of the year. The weather is harsher and there are fewer hours of daylight, but going winter camping has rewards that no other season of the year will give you.
If you are clear about the characteristics of this cold season and bring winter camping equipment , you will enjoy the beauty and magic that camping in the snow entails.
First of all, consider your limitations and expectations. If you do not enjoy the cold or do not want to get wet, it is advisable to do your camping at another time of year with a more pleasant climate.
Good preparation and the right equipment will ensure that your winter camping is a success. Read on to become an expert!
How to camp in winter: what to consider before camping
1. Plan well your winter camping and your route in advance
Once you have selected your destination, plan your route from home. Investigate the area and study the maps to see the terrain.
With the help of physical and topographic maps, you can determine how long it will take you to reach your destination and the elevation of the terrain. Research the area and check road and trail conditions. You will be interested to know if there are emergency services available near the area.
If your winter bivouac includes areas of deep snow, you must know how to recognize and avoid avalanche areas. Find out about local avalanche forecasts and stay away if there is danger.
It is also recommended that you plan your route with Google Maps or another application that can help you calculate your route and choose the best place to camp.
2. Don’t camp alone in winter
Winter in the high mountains can be complicated and it is better to share the experience with a group of friends or family, preferably people who have experience in winter camping , or skills such as orienting in the snow, finding routes and taking refuge.
Going in a group or with another person will be useful in case of falling ill, injuries, or getting lost in the mountains. Spending a bivouac night in solitude can be tempting, but also too risky in winter.
3. Leave a travel plan and always stay located
Before your camping trip, inform your family or friends where you will be and when you will return. Include information about your vehicle, contact information for your colleagues, etc. Make sure you have your mobile with coverage and geolocated at all times.
4. Check the weather forecast for your camping in winter
This step must always be done, but in winter it is even more important, since winter storms can appear suddenly and are dangerous.
5. Always have a plan B when camping in winter
The weather and snow can play a trick on you despite the previous preparation, so better think of a plan B in case you have to look for alternatives at the moment.
- Bring a map with shelters, lodges or even rural houses in case it is impossible to camp outdoors.
- If the weather is not good and you cannot even light a fire or camping gas, bring food that you can consume without cooking.
- Think of leisure alternatives. If you can’t finally carry out your plans for sports and activities in the mountains because of the weather, you will have to look for fun hobbies inside the store. This point is important if you are camping with children or teenagers.
6. Locate your tent in the warmest and safest area
When you are looking for the area to plant your tent, study the place beforehand:
- Try to avoid places that may pose a hazard, such as avalanches, landslides due to rain, or falling trees .
- Find the least steep and sunniest spot throughout the day and with less humidity. To do this, orient the entrance of your store to the east. From dawn and during the day, your tent will be more exposed to the sun and will heat up more efficiently.
7. Make an inventory of the camper equipment for winter that you will need so that you do not forget anything
Essential material for camping in winter and not getting cold
Next we will see the essential material for camping in winter . Take note!
1. Use a winter-friendly tent
In addition to the sleeping bag, your tent is a crucial piece of winter camping gear . Depending on the climate in the area and the number of people, you should choose an appropriate tent. Heating a family tent is not the same if you are camping alone. Choose a store with the precise number of places for your living
Characteristics of a winter camping tent
Choose expedition tents (4 stations) in the shape of a tunnel or dome . 4-season tents can better withstand rain and snow, thus keeping their interior dry and warm and offering less ventilation to keep the cold insulated from the interior.
It is important that your tent is waterproof and withstands the inclemency of winter. You can choose a model with double closure or separate entrance if necessary.
In the morning, leave the tent open to air it out . This will prevent moisture from condensing inside your tent. Close it before evening falls to warm it up with the last rays of the sun. You will appreciate it overnight! Whenever possible, have an alternate place to hang wet clothes.
2. Use a winter sleeping bag to sleep below zero
The sleeping bag will be key to ensuring optimal rest during your camping trip. It is your best help to keep you warm when the temperatures drop at night.
For this reason it is essential that you use a winter sleeping bag and not a summer one. The best thing to do is to opt for a double-insulated mummy model that will make you feel protected and comfortable.
#TipSeatoSummit : In the morning, turn your sleeping bag over and dry it on the tent. At night, before sleeping, cover yourself with it while you have dinner so that it warms up, being careful not to bring it too close to the fire.
3. Place a mountain mat to insulate your sleeping bag from the cold ground
It is important that the sleeping bag does not come into contact with the ground. Choosing a good inflatable or self-inflating mattress will help you better isolate yourself from the cold ground and that you sleep more comfortably and comfortably.
In the same way as the sleeping bag, there are mats suitable for winter and others not. Insulating mountain mats are governed by the thermal resistance classification or R value. For your winter camping you will need an R value equal to or greater than 4 (scale from 1 to 8).
The R-value represents the ability of the material to oppose the thermal conductivity of the cold floor from the tent to your sleeping bag.
4. Use a sheet sack to add a few degrees of warmth to your sleeping bag
It’s better to prevent than to cure. Make sure you sleep warm in your winter bivouac with a sheet sack. They will help you increase the temperature inside your sleeping bag and you can use it as a summer bag.
5. Put up an awning to protect your tent
An awning will add another layer of protection from elements such as wind and rain and improve the durability of your tent.
6. Bundle up! Bring the right winter clothes for your winter camping
Your winter camping gear is important, but your clothes are too! The tent and sleeping bag will keep you warm at night, but during the day you need something sturdy, waterproof, and warm.
- Bring the necessary amount of clothes to be able to change the sweat; if you wear wet clothes in winter you will be crying out for a cold
- Pay special attention to socks and shoes. It is easier to maintain a suitable body temperature with warm and dry feet
One of the basic rules for camping outdoors in winter is to stay warm and dry. The best way to do this is to wear layers of clothing that:
- isolate
- absorb moisture and dry quickly
- are weather resistant
- are breathable
By adjusting the layers you can stay warm and dry throughout the day.
Layers of clothing needed for winter camping
LAYER 1: The basic layer that includes a T-shirt, pants and socks . This layer regulates the temperature and keeps moisture away from you. Wear thermal shirts and avoid using cotton as a base layer.
LAYER 2: This second layer keeps you warm and prevents your body from cooling down. They are garments made with breathable and insulating fabrics. It is recommended that they be light garments for greater movement. Wear another, heavier pair of socks over the first pair.
LAYER 3: This third layer includes a jacket and windbreaker pants that protect you from moisture and wind. Don’t forget a windproof hat to keep your head warm, as well as waterproof gloves or mittens to protect your hands.
MOUNTAIN BOOTS: If in addition to camping you are going backpacking or hiking, take good mountain boots . They will protect you from the cold, rain and uneven terrain, as well as having good cushioning. For added protection, put on gaiters to cover your legs and ankles.
6. Hydrate yourself and eat the right food when camping in winter
What to drink when camping in winter?
Good hydration is necessary for the practice of any outdoor sport. In the case of intense cold, the air dries more quickly and our body needs to recover from this dehydration with water. Don’t skimp on water.
On the other hand, it is not advisable to drink water or very cold isotonic drinks. Carry a good thermos with hot broth, teas, coffee, or even chocolate to add extra calories.
The right food for winter camping
If you have decided to go camping in winter , take a camping gas to prepare or heat hearty dishes. If you are going to be on the road during the day or you are camping in the open air, consume energy foods such as bars, nuts or dark chocolate.
Bring extra food in case you are isolated by a snowstorm. Make sure you have enough extra calories to consume in an emergency. Survival energy bars and tin cans can help you in extreme situations.
How to avoid the cold while camping: 5 tips for a hot bivouac night
Once you have your location chosen and winter gear ready, here are some things you can do before bed and scratch a few degrees of heat at night.
1. Exercise before bed in your winter tent
Your sleeping bag does not heat your body, but rather retains body heat. The warmer you are when you get into your sleeping bag, the better you will sleep. The trick is to get enough exercise to warm you up, like squats, but not so much that you start to sweat, as the moisture freezes and this causes you to cool down very quickly. Getting the right level of body heat is key
2. Put a hot water bottle inside your sleeping bag
After dinner, melt the snow until it boils. Then pour the boiling hot water into heat resistant bottles and tuck it into your sheet sack. The bottles give off a tremendous amount of heat and will warm the sleeping bag from 6pm to 4am.
3. Protect your head when sleeping if you are camping in winter
Most of the heat is lost through the head. In extreme temperatures, we recommend sleeping with a hat (not too tight). Then adjust the hood of your sleeping bag so that as little of the head as possible is exposed.
4. Dry your sleeping bag to avoid excess moisture
At night, your body produces heat and you exhale hot air, both of which cause condensation and can affect the performance of your sleeping bag. Dry it well to remove any excess moisture.
5. Dig a hole in front of your tent
Hot air rises, cold air falls. Dig a hole in the snow in front of the entrance to your tent. The cold air goes down into the hole instead of settling around your body. The hole has other advantages: it will serve as a bench and will facilitate the entrance and exit of the store, preventing snow from seeping inside.