Winter camping tips

A winter camping trip is an ultimate adventure. Once you’ve chosen a campsite and checked the weather conditions, ensure you equip yourself for the elements. Here are a few tips to help you prepare.

Clothing
Winter clothing should include three layers. Your base layer wicks moisture away from your body, so choose wool or synthetic fabric. Your middle layer will insulate you — think puffy jackets of synthetic material or wool. Your outer layer should be wind and waterproof.

Tent
Take a large enough tent to store your gear inside. A four-season tent will hold up under heavy precipitation and high winds but can accumulate excess moisture. If the weather conditions aren’t too harsh, a three-season tent is sufficient and allows better ventilation. Line the ground with a tarp or ground cloth to prevent moisture from forming inside.

Sleeping bag
Choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of 10 degrees lower than the coldest expected temperature. A sleeping bag liner may add 20 degrees of cold protection. You’ll get good insulation from the cold ground by doubling up on sleeping pads.

Food
To keep warm, you’ll need to load up on calories for your body to burn. Easy, one-pot meals are ideal. Hot drinks will warm your core quickly if you get hypothermia. Don’t forget to bring plenty of drinking water, as hydration is just as critical in winter as in summer. A small camp stove is essential for fast, effective heat.

Visit your local outfitter to get the gear you need for your winter camping trip.