It's impossible to avoid the cold when camping in the winter. However, don't let the prospect of freezing fingers and toes deter you from going on that overnight ski tour or snowshoe adventure. You can keep warm when winter camping and get the rest you need to tackle the next day's goal with the correct tips and methods.
Layer up:
First and foremost, for cold-weather camping, dress to impress. Wearing various layers, such as base layers, midlayers, puffies, and shell jackets, allows you to better maintain your body temperature. You'll build up body heat while you go about your daily routines. It's vital to avoid sweating while doing so because sweat cools as it dries, encasing you in a frigid cocoon. Managing your body heat by adding and removing clothes on a regular basis helps you avoid sweating as much as possible, which is essential for staying comfortable on winter trips.
Choose canvas:
Cotton or canvas is one of the most commonly encountered tent fabrics. When you choose a cotton/canvas swag or tent, you can expect better temperature regulation. Canvas is great for keeping you warm, but it also allows you to breathe easily when you get too hot. Cotton and canvas resists moisture better than other tent fabrics as well. This means that if it does start to rain or you start to see condensation on your sleeping equipment, it will be easier to dry out than other materials. A wet, cold swag is one of the worst situations you can find yourself in, making it nearly impossible to get comfortable, so if you don't have a way of keeping moisture out, invest in a decent hiker fly. Or if you are travelling in a vehicle, install a decent awning as most swags are not completely waterproof.
Remove sweaty clothes before sleeping:
Remove your sweaty clothing as soon as camp is set up and you're ready to settle down for the evening. While it may be difficult to strip down in extreme weather, you'll be glad you did. Putting on dry garments restores your body's warmth (this includes your socks). Then, as many pieces as you need to feel comfortable, layer up. Finish them out with a puffy jacket. Tossing on a hardshell jacket over your large puffy on the coldest nights can be a smart decision because hard shell coats trap heat remarkably effectively. If it means a nice night's sleep, there's no shame in sleeping in a hard shell jacket.
Two sleeping mats are better than one:
The cold ground and snow are insulated by your camping mattress, and two and two sleeping mats provide more insulation and warmth than one. The R-value of a pad determines its warmth (thermal resistance), and the good news is that the R-values of two sleeping mats add together to provide combined insulating power. A winter-grade air sleeping mat with reflective fabric is put on top of a closed-cell foam pad with reflective fabric in the tried-and-true two-pad combo. In a portable, packable sleep system, it's difficult to get warmer than this configuration.
Pack the right sleeping bag:
It can be difficult to find gear that provides winter warmth while being light and compact in your overnight pack. Layering your winter sleeping bag with a featherweight quilt can be a game-changer in this situation. Modern materials have made sleeping bags and quilts lighter and more efficient than ever before. A featherweight quilt gives protection against the coldest of nights for very little weight penalty, offering that extra layer of ultralight warmth that can make all the difference. Remember with sleeping bags, you can never go past getting one that is rated to well below the intended temperature you will be camping in. Sleeping bags unzip, so it's actually easier to get cooler than it is to get warmer so the more heavy duty the better.
Hot water bottle on your core:
Instead of placing a bottle with hot water and placing it between your toes, as is recommended, place it near your core. It will heat the blood that goes throughout your body, reaching all of your extremities and warming your entire body up faster, from that core position. The change is evident, and this is likely to be the first tip you share with the next camper. Remember to take caution when dealing with hot water because it's easy to burn yourself, and close the lid tightly to avoid leaks.
Keep your head warm:
Through your head, you lose a large amount of heat. One of the quickest methods to raise your body heat is to cover your dome, but beanies and jacket hoods tend to fall off during the night. A balaclava, on the other hand, stays put and traps the heat you've worked so hard for. It also has a breathing hole to allow for ventilation. As you go off to sleep, layer it under a beanie or hood for optimum warmth.
Airflow:
Airflow in your tent is vital throughout the winter, despite the fact that it may seem paradoxical. Inside the tent, you exhale hot vapour when you breathe. When those water droplets touch the cold tent fabric, they condense and freeze as condensation. Even partially opening the vents in your tent will help you avoid waking up encased in an icebox of frost that will later melt, leaving you damp and unhappy. For those particularily frosty camping trips that you just can't seem to get warm, we highly recommened the Companion Aeroheat, with bluetooth capabilities. It's a world first in camping tent heaters and we just can't get enough of it. Check them out here to start enjoying toasty warm tents in winter.
Fuel your body:
To stay warm, your body consumes calories, so nibbling frequently keeps your internal furnace running. High-fat and high-protein meals burn slower at night than high-carb meals, allowing you to stay maintained (and warmer) for longer.
When it comes to how effectively your body performs in the cold, hydration is also crucial. Allowing oneself to become dehydrated will only make it more difficult for you to stay warm. Drinking plenty of water can help you feel less tired. If all that water makes you feel like you need to go in the middle of the night, go. The walk outside is worthwhile because your body expends energy to heat the liquid in your bladder. Finally, the more comfortable you are, the more relaxation and energy you will have to accomplish your winter activities while still enjoying the tranquilly of snow camping.
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