Tips for Winter Camping
Tips for Winter Camping
Camping during the winter offers stunning scenery amid heavy snowfall (as well as fewer bugs!), but you need the right gear to keep warm and safe. Freezing in your tent at night can turn your outdoor adventure into a nightmare, so the solution is high-quality camping gear to help you handle winter weather. We’ll cover all of this below.
Key Tips for Winter Camping
A high-quality, warm sleeping bag is essential for the cold temperatures at night during your winter camp.
Layers are essential. Managing layers appropriately with the right clothing will conserve your body heat and help you stay warm. Pack midweight base layers, extra socks, fleece pants, and a warm outer layer like a down coat.
An effective camping heater is essential for surviving below-freezing temperatures and extreme winter conditions.
Make camp in a spot free from avalanche risk, steep slopes, and sheltered from the wind. Look at the tree line; don’t set up underneath damaged or unstable trees. Before making camp, pack down the snowy surface to prep your tent site.
Think about a water source. Melting snow can be a good option if you’re within short walking distance of other sources.
Great Winter Camping Brands and Models
Tents
A sturdy tent that keeps out the cold weather, stops you from losing body heat, and withstands powerful gusts is a must for winter camping.
Baralir’s Inflatable Camping Tent ($489.99) is a good choice for winter camping. It’s weatherproof for water and snow and can also be used for camping during the warmer months.
The Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 ($900) is another reliable option used in settings from Antarctica to Mt. Everest. It’s easy to set up and take down, strong and has extra space for more gear. It has also been tried and tested in the coldest temperatures.
Sleeping Bags and Pads
Good sleeping pads or bags will give you extra warmth and stop you from feeling the high winds of especially stormy weather and cold, heavy snow loads.
Feathered Friends Snowbunting EX 0 ($719) has an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio and a premium downfill. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT ($240) is a great value alternative for those on a budget.
Backpacking Stoves
A liquid fuel stove rather than a canister stove is your best bet for cooking while you camp. Liquid fuel stoves run on white gas. It burns hot, and the stoves don’t need the built-in pressure regulators of canister stoves. Canisters often depressurize in cold temperatures and produce a weak flame.
MSR’s WhisperLite ($200) has a canister liquid feed known for its performance in cold weather. The Optimus SVEA ($120) is a cult classic famed for its lid that doubles as a cooking pot.
Key Accessories
Headlamps
Headlamps like Petzl’s Actik Core ($80), which comes with rechargeable and AAA batteries, will ensure good visibility at night.
Sleds
Sleds like the Paris Expedition Sled ($86) are perfect for reducing the weight on your back and carrying more gear on longer expeditions.
Skis
The Salomon Stance 96 ($750) offers stability on firm snow for traveling in areas where hiking on foot is difficult.
Concluding on Winter Camping
Choosing the right winter camping gear and making smart choices about where you camp can help you take the stress out of winter camping. The right products will keep you warm and safe, letting you focus on enjoying yourself. Happy camping!
