With winter just around the corner you might think your camping days are behind you, but the camping fun does not have to stop there. Winter camping is just as fun, if you have the right gear and attitude. The cold can make or break your trip. Here are some helpful tips to survive camping in the winter.
1. Bring more layers than you think:
The thing about camping in the winter is it is cold. When getting ready to gear up for a trip into the elements, bring more layers than you think. You will thank yourself later if one of your layers gets really wet. The more layers the better. If you have room for them, pack them. want more tips on how to layer clothing? Check out REI's website on how to dress in layers.
2. Drive Carefully:
Now this one might be a given, but you would rather be safe than sorry on this point. If you are driving in the snow and you think you might be able to go through that patch of snow, make sure your car has 4 wheel or all wheel drive. Even then be cautious on where you go. If you don't feel comfortable or safe going there, try and find a new spot just in case. You don't want to get stuck. Plus always have the right tools in your care in case you do. This includes but is not limited to a shovel, a ice scraper etc. Want more winter driving tips? Go read about it on AAA's website!
3. Alternate Ways of winter camping:
You might be like me and like really traditional tent or hammock camping. But since it is much colder out, try thinking of alternate ways of camping outside. For example, I sleep in the back of my truck with a futon mattress in it. It keeps you a lot warmer than sleeping on the ground at night. Not only that but it is much easier to put away if it snows. Not only will you be warmer, but you will sleep better too. If you don't have a truck or a vehicle you can sleep in, try a double sleeping pad situation. If you have a blow up sleeping pad and a foam sleeping pad stack them on top of each other. Want more alternatives to traditional winter camping? Check out this cool website.
4. Get a good sleeping bag:
You might think you can just use a lot of blankets, and while that might help a little bit, a good sleeping bag is key to actually sleeping decent. Invest a nice goose down or polyester sleeping bag with a lower degree rating then you are going to sleep in. If it is going to be 20 degrees outside, you do not want a sleeping bag with a rating of 20 degrees. Sleeping bags are rated for survival, not for comfort. So if you have a 25 degree bag, that means if it is 25 degrees outside it will help you survive. With that in mind choose a good sleeping bag. Although you might not want to drop $100 on a sleeping bag, in the long run it will be well worth it. Want some ideas on sleeping bags? Go to your local REI and ask someone about sleeping bags, they should be able to help you find the right one for your needs.
5. Bring a buddy you can snuggle:
Body heat is really nice when it's cold outside. To bring a little extra warmth to the sleeping situation, if you zip your sleeping bags together it makes sleeping a lot warmer. If you don't want to cuddle up to someone that is totally fine, but it does make things warmer and we have found it to be very nice during those long cold nights. If you don't want to cuddle bring extra blankets for your bag, it's definitely worth it. Even if you are going to be all snugly with someone, bringing extra blankets is always worth it, it could get colder then you had intended it to get.
6. Bring a positive attitude:
Camping in the cold can get you really grumpy if you let it. Bringing a positive outlook on the situation can drastically change your experience. This is just general advice for any trip though. If you have a positive outlook on whatever you are doing than it is going to be way more fun for everyone involved. So even if you hate what you are doing, be that over optimistic person you don't like and just fake it till you make it. It's scientifically proven! Click here to watch a video on just that.
7. Bring warm drinks:
In the morning when you wake up you might be reluctant to get out of your cozy sleeping bag and start your day. If you have some hot cocoa or coffee to help warm you up in the morning it is more motivating to get out of bed. Bring some hot cocoa mix or some form of coffee or tea or anything that will warm up your insides and hands in the cold mornings. Don't want to spend a lot of money on hot cocoa mix? Here a yummy recipe to try out for your camping mornings. https://www.eurekacamping.com/blog/article/diy-camping-hot-chocolate-mix
8. Prepare for the worst:
Here is where you prepare for everything that you can think of that could or might go wrong. Bring extra water and food just in case you get stuck in the snow somewhere. Bring the gear that I mentioned earlier, bring extra blankets etc. Have a back up plan if you cannot get to the spot you wanted to go to, just in case it is snowed in or the roads are too icy or someone is there already (not likely but still). Remember to have all of the things you need in your car for the worst things to happen. Remember, hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Here is a link to a DIY winter car survival kit.
9. Have multiple ways to start a fire:
When you are out in the cold and wet you might need to have multiple ways to start a fire. Have matches and a lighter and make sure the matches aren't wet. It is important to have a backup just in case your matches get wet or get dropped in the snow. But also don't rely on a lighter completely either. It is also a good idea to have easy to use tinder. Such as cotton balls with Vaseline on them or dryer lint in a toilet paper tube. Tinder might be harder to light in colder and wet conditions.
10. Don't forget to have fun:
It is still camping, so don't forget to have a good time. Do the winter outdoor recreation activities you love to do. Depending on where you live and where you go camping you could do such things as building a snowman, or cross country skiing. Sledding is also fun no matter what age you are. Just be prepared, and go out and have fun. Here is some of the best winter camping spots.