Top 6 Tips for Cold Weather Camping

Exploring nature in the chillier months of the year can be incredibly rewarding and offer some spectacular scenery and experiences, but it's important to do it safely. These top 6 tips for cold weather camping will help you prepare for and enjoy your camping trip, even when the snow flies and the temperatures dip below freezing.

Photo credit: Matthew Sichkaruk

Stay Dry

This is the most important thing to remember. If you're wet, it's going to be very difficult to stay warm. Moisture will draw heat from your body and keep you shivering.

To ensure that you stay dry throughout the trip, pack more clothes than you think you'll need and store them in sealed plastic bags to keep them dry. Have an extra set of dry sleeping clothes which you can keep stashed in your sleeping bag. Bring a waterproof outer layer with you and use it as needed.

If your clothes get wet, change as soon as possible, and keep the wet clothes away from the dry.

Although it's very important to keep your body dry to stay warm, this also applies to your firewood. Keep kindling in a sealed container or tote to make it easy to start a fire quickly. Larger pieces of firewood can be covered with a tarp to protect them.

Photo credit: eepic.diller

Know Before You Go

Check the weather forecast as you plan for your trip. It's the easiest part of the whole process and it will help you know what to expect and what to pack. Always err on the side of caution since the weather can change without warning and forecasts aren't 100% accurate.

Dress in Layers

You've packed plenty of dry clothes, so make sure to use them! Temperatures can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, so it's important to dress in layers that can be removed and added as needed.

Start with a moisture-wicking base layer that will keep your body dry. There are a variety of synthetic materials that will do this, and silk and merino wool are also good choices.

Add an insulating layer to keep you warm. Good choices include fleece, down, or wool. The thicker the layer, the warmer you will be, so use your judgement based on the temperatures you'll be facing. You don't want to be too warm, as that will cause you to sweat.

Your top layer should be a protective one that will protect you from snow, rain, and wind. Choose something that is breathable but has a water-repellent coating.

Pack Extra Food

Regardless of what type of adventure you're on, your body is going to work harder in cold weather to keep you warm. Burning more calories means you'll need more energy, and may need to eat more frequently or have larger meals. You can also keep plenty of hot beverage on hand, like tea, coffee, or dark hot chocolate.

Photo credit: Freepik

I recommend planning nutrient dense meals that are suited to cold weather camping, like hearty turkey chili or Dutch oven shepherd's pie. Also, wind, snow, and rain can make it difficult to start a fire, so be sure to bring plenty of snacks that don't require cooking.

Protect Your Extremities

Exposing your fingers, toes, face, and ears to extreme cold can result in frostbite, but those types of temperatures are generally too cold for camping, anyway. That said, your extremities are the furthest from your heart, so your heart has to work hard to get blood there and as soon as you start to get cold, those are the first areas to suffer. It becomes difficult to use your fingers and it's just plain uncomfortable.

Insulating your hands, feet, and head means that your body doesn't have to work as hard to keep you warm. Always pack more socks than you think you'll need, and wear extra pairs, if needed, particularly when you're sleeping. If they get wet, change them immediately. In cold weather, wear gloves or mittens and a hat, and make sure it covers your ears.

Bring the Right Equipment

Don't make your body work any harder than it already has to in order to keep you warm. Cold-rated camping equipment is designed to help you out.

Photo credit: Mathieu Delauriers

Choose a sturdy tent that's waterproof. Bring a warm sleeping bag that is nice and snug, along with a couple of sleeping pads to protect your from the frozen ground. A hot water bottle is also handy to keep you warm in your sleeping bag.

Keep in mind that not all camp stoves are created equal. If you are bringing one along, make sure that it is designed for use in cold weather.