Winter is not a season that has nothing to do with camping. You may be surprised when you know how many people love winter camping. A warm fire, a star sky, snow-covered landscapes...winter campers enjoy those tranquil moments and settings that only winter can provide. And no-bug, less crowded and less cost...these factors will further make the winter camping experience much more enjoyable.

But it is undeniable that the biggest problem facing winter camping is cold. Many campers hesitate to go camping in the winter due to cold weather conditions. If you can solve this problem, your winter camping will be very comfortable. In this article, we will share some winter camping pro tips on staying warm.

1. LAYER UP

Layer up is a wise choice:

  • Base layer: polypropylene long johns work great, which can trap body heat and easy to dry.
  • Insulating layer: the down jacket, lightweight fleece, or wool sweater is suitable for this job.
  • Outermost layer: a shell with weather-proof lining will protect you from wind, snow, and rain.

2. KEEP DRY

Wet clothes will quickly lower your body temperature, so you need to keep dry while winter camping.

  • Avoid cotton altogether when packing for your trip;
  • Peel off layers to limit perspiration;
  • Wear waterproof boots and gaiters (along with snowshoes) are a must while trudging through deeper snow.
  • Wear a pair of waterproofing treatment hiking boots.

3. PACK A FOUR-SEASON TENT

Four season tents are tough enough to withstand most winter conditions that hiking enthusiasts face. Remember to choose a smaller one. While containing the same number of campers, the small tent will be much warmer than the large one. So if it’s just a short camping trip for a couple of people or solo, consider using the smaller tent.

4. GOWN SLEEPING BAG + LINER

You need very good quality sleeping bags to keep warm. Remember that a down sleeping bag will keep you super toasty and warm, and it’s worth the investment if you plan to camp in cold weather. Surely you can use innovative synthetic sleeping bag fillings and liner to keep warm while camping. Be sure to carefully check the temperature scale of the sleeping bag before purchase.

5. SLEEPING PAD + AIR CAMPING COT

The combination of camping cot and the sleeping pad is very popular now. They keep us away from the cold ground to effectively prevent the loss of body heat.

6. PUT PICNIC RUGS

You can put picnic rugs or some inexpensive rag rugs on the floor of the tent, which means if you do have to get out of bed at the night, you won’t be stepping onto a cold groundsheet.

7. LIGHT YOUR LANTERN

Light your lantern which will heat the tent a little, but a little heater does help.

8. ENJOY A HOT DRINK

Enjoy a nice hot drink, chocolate perhaps to get you warm inside first before sleeping. But remember not to drink too much. It is not a happy experience to get out of the warm sleeping bag and go to the toilet in the middle of the night.

9. WEAR A HAT AND PUT ON WOOL SOCKS 

The head is a place where heat is easily dissipated, mention to keep it warm when camping. So choose a sleeping bag with a hat is necessary, wear a woolly hat is a good idea too. The feet are also easy to dissipate heat, so wearing woolen socks will keep you warmer.

10. PUT ON FLEECE PAJAMAS

Put on thick fleece pajamas, although they are not stylish, but will make you warm, which is much more important while camping.

11. TAKE A HOT WATER BOTTLE

Always pack a hot water bottle (if you have packed a stove and kettle), even if you think that the weather is warm enough, take one anyway. It is the ideal way to warm up fast, not only used in a sleeping bag; you can use it anytime you feel cold.

Stay comfortable and warm, let's enjoy winter camping!