A successful winter campout depends mainly on how well you can handle the extreme and unpredictable nature of this cold weather activity. Suppose your curiosity is pushing you to winter camping this coming season, but your fear of the cold and unknown is holding you back.
In that case, we’re here to explain how you can protect yourself from the harsh winter elements and stay warm for the entire duration of your trip.
In this article, you will find the reasons for taking these necessary precautions and the various ways to effectively mitigate those risks to your health, safety, and enjoyment.
From your choice of winter tent and camping clothes to the techniques you need to learn to retain as much body heat as possible, you will likely find something valuable and worth remembering from our 15 tips and reminders for campers interested in the beauty and excitement offered by winter landscapes.
Why is it important to stay warm when winter camping
Your efforts to keep warm and dry while on a cold weather expedition will protect you from the significant health and safety risks associated with prolonged exposures to extremely low temperatures. The failure to prepare well or pay attention to your body temperature will put you at serious risk of developing medical conditions that could lead to severe or sometimes fatal consequences.
On the other hand, sticking to the good practices on how to stay warm can help you focus better on your planned winter camping activities. You won’t feel uncomfortable by the harsh weather, and when you return to your warm tent, you will recover your energy for another fun-filled day.
How does your body lose heat?
The first method occurs when your skin or clothing is wet, usually because of sweat. You can lose up to 85% of body heat as the moisture evaporates. We also unconsciously cool down when we breathe when our body temperature exceeds 370C.
The third method happens when the environmental temperature drops to 200C or lower. This process, known as radiation, causes body heat to move away toward the colder area.
If you lie down on a cold surface, conduction will further reduce your body temperature due to the direct contact with a colder object. Winds blowing in your direction can also rob some body heat because of convection.
15 tips for how to stay warm camping in winter
- Plan for the winter – Gather relevant information about the area, expected weather, and your campsite. Look for a sheltered spot to pitch your tent. Check if a natural wind block is nearby—for example, a dense group of trees or a low-lying hill. If possible, search for an area where your tent will be exposed to the sun when it rises in the morning so that your tent will warm up quickly during the daytime.
- Flatten the snow – Pack down the snow on your camping spot. Stomp on the ground with your snow shoes on, or ski in the area until all snow in your site has been compressed together. Any loose snow near your tent will melt quicker than packed snow. This will create excessive moisture inside the tent. Further, you do not want lumpy snow on the ground where you will set your sleeping bags or mattress.
- Select a winter tent – Choose a 4-season tent. Though a 3-season tent may be suitable for winter camping, an all-season tent is waterproof and offers better protection against snow, cold winds, and moisture. If you pick a freestanding tent with a dome or teepee form, you won’t have to worry about snow building up on your tent roof, too. Regardless of your choice, ensure that the tent fabric is breathable and has vents to prevent condensation.
- Wear appropriate clothing – Bring winter clothing with adequate insulation for the expected temperature in your destination. They can be made of natural or synthetic fibres as long they are breathable and won’t retain moisture. As for accessories, you should shield your eyes from snow glare and cold winds by putting on winter goggles. You should also pack wool hats, insulated gloves, and thick, non-cotton socks to protect the body parts prone to frostbite.
- Layer correctly – Keep in mind the layering technique when picking what to wear. We suggest going for something made of wool or polyester for the base layer. This will be in direct contact with your skin, so it should not be too heavy. Then, put on a fleece or down jacket and heavy underwear for the insulating middle layer. Finally, top it all with an outer layer consisting of a waterproof but breathable jacket and bottom.
- Wear snow shoes – Select your footgear based on your winter camping activities and the expected snow level. The standard hiking boots might be suitable if there is no heavy snowfall. However, insulated boots made of rubber or leather with wool liners are a better choice in case of deep snow. However, if you expect to do some hiking or climbing, remember to pack a pair of waterproof mountaineering boots with insulated liners.
- Prevent sweating – If you’re going to engage in physically strenuous activity, such as skiing or snowboarding, take off some layers to feel cool but not shivering. Wearing all your layers will lead to overheating and sweating, which will then cause you to lose body heat faster than expected. If shedding your layers is not an option because of the frigid temperature, you might be okay with zipping down your outer jacket or rolling up your sleeves instead.
- Cook warm meals – Bring a tent stove for cooking or warming the area. If you have an adequate supply of firewood in the area, a wood-burning stove can be a good option. Otherwise, look for a liquid-fuel stove instead of a canister stove because the latter tends to malfunction in cold weather conditions. Don’t forget to create a base for the stove using a wooden board or something similar and place it a few centimetres away from the wall. Or opt for a tent with a stove jack for easy access.
- Plan your meals – Plan to cook and/or eat simple but hot meals. Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables because you don’t want to carry all their extra weight plus your camping gear. Better options include cereals, oatmeal, cheese, butter, baked goods, nuts, chocolate, and your choice of protein. If you’re going to cook, look up quick and easy recipes for soup, stews, or sandwiches that you can bring in your backpack before you head out.
- Keep yourself hydrated – Though it might be hard for you to drink frequently while you are out in the cold, the human body needs water to maintain homeostasis and continually produce body heat. Pack a thermos that you can fill with hot water, tea, coffee, or even cocoa if the mood strikes you. Take a break from whatever you will be doing to sip your beverage every now and then.
- Choose a winter sleeping bag – Use a sleeping bag rated for temperatures lower than what you’re expecting. You might be fine during the day, but the temperature tends to drop significantly by nightfall. We recommend looking for a model that will fully and snugly wrap around your body because empty spaces can prevent you from staying warm. It will be even better if the sleeping bag comes with a hood to insulate your head.
- Use a sleeping Pad – Insulate your sleeping bag or mattress by placing one to two pads underneath. Remember, there is no snow on the ground where you have pitched the tent. Look for a foam pad that is at least 1.5 centimetres thick. Then, layer it with a thinner inflatable pad. Both sleeping pads should have lengths that will cover your full height, not just the upper or lower body, for maximum protection.
- Reduce snowy floor space – Fill the floor space of your tent with your belongings and other camping gear. Just like the pads, these objects will insulate you from the chill coming from the snowy ground. This practice will also safeguard your things and prevent them from becoming frozen or covered in snow overnight. You can also space out anything that needs to be air dried on the floor so that they will be ready for use or packing the day after.
- Get your heart pumping – Perform exercises before getting ready for bed. Common examples include doing a few rounds of jumping jacks or cardio routines. Some also jog in place or around the campsite to get their heart rates up. You don’t want to push yourself until you’re drenched in sweat. The goal is to generate more body heat to bring back to your sleeping bag. If you end up with sweaty clothes, change them before heading to bed.
- Use a hot water bottle – Generate extra heat inside your sleeping bag using a hot water bottle. Boil enough water to fill a stainless-steel bottle. Make that it isn’t the insulated kind because that type will not radiate much heat, thus defeating the purpose of this technique. Be careful handling the water bottle because it might be too hot at first. Once you can comfortably touch it, tuck it between your thighs or near your neck as you sleep.
The risk of hypothermia and frostbite
If exposed to freezing temperatures, you will be at significant risk of suffering from hypothermia or frostbite. Hypothermia refers to a condition where the body temperature drops to a dangerously low level. On the other hand, frostbite is an injury due to freezing conditions. Both should be considered medical emergencies, and thus quick and effective action is required to prevent irreversible damages or loss of life.
What are the signs of hypothermia?
The signs of hypothermia may be observed after prolonged exposure to cold. You’re losing body heat faster than you can generate it. However, you won’t likely be aware of it because the brain functioning slows down along with your physical movements.
You will feel exhausted or drowsy even if you’re not doing any exhausting activity. Communicating with others can also be challenging because of slurred speech. You might drop objects or fail to do simple tasks because of your fumbling hands. Your body and limbs will also shiver from the cold, too.
In severe cases, the person may fall unconscious while the heart rate drops and breathing slows down to the point of stopping altogether.
How to treat hypothermia
The key to treating hypothermia is immediate action.
If it’s possible, seek medical attention right away. However, if you are in a remote location, you can attempt to halt the progress of hypothermia by moving the person to a warmer place. If their clothing is wet, take it off.
Then, place a heated blanket over the person’s head, neck, chest, and groin area. In case that is not available, you can use a combination of dry blankets, clothes, or skin-to-skin contact with you or another person.
Encourage the person to drink something warm if they are conscious. Refrain from giving anything alcoholic because that could worsen their condition.
What are the signs of frostbite?
Often, the person suffering from frostbite does not notice it until someone else has pointed it out. After all, this injury is characterized by a loss of sensation in the affected areas, especially if frostbite has started in the nose, ears, or chin.
Frostbitten fingers or toes may also not be observed immediately if they are covered by gloves or shoes that are not protective against extreme cold.
Therefore, it is in the best interest of you and your companions to keep in mind the tell-tale signs of frostbite. In terms of appearance, the affected area of the skin turns white, grey, or yellowish. If you touch it, the skin will feel waxy and firm.
How to treat frostbite
Frostbite requires immediate and proper medical attention, especially if it coincides with hypothermia. Seek the attention of a professional right away.
However, if help is not available, perform the first aid for hypothermia first before addressing the frostbite. If the person is not hypothermic, assist them in moving to a warmer location. If the frostbite is on their lower limbs or toes, try to carry the person in your arms or on your back to keep them from walking on their own.
Refrain from rubbing the frostbitten body part, but you may use your body heat to warm up the said part. Another way is to warm up enough water to submerge the affected areas.
FAQs on how to stay warm camping in winter
All things considered, winter camping may be done no matter how low the temperature is. Many experienced campers with a high tolerance for the cold go for the extreme challenges winter brings forth. That being said, no amount of experience can guarantee everything will go well without careful planning on what equipment to get, choosing the right waterproof tent, which clothes to wear, and how to survive in dire winter conditions.
If your tent is equipped with a stove jack, the best way to warm things up is by using a tent stove. Don’t assume you can substitute a window or vent for a stove jack, though. It must be made of fire-retardant fabric to prevent damages or fatal accidents. In case yours doesn’t have one, common alternatives include hot water bottles or heated rocks.
Aside from using tent stoves, propane heaters, or other heat-emitting objects, you can try lining the tent walls and ceiling with a space blanket to reduce the amount of heat escaping your tent. However, this may cause problems with excessive moisture. Therefore, a safer option is to place your camping gear on the empty spaces inside the tent to provide extra insulation from the bitter cold.
A memorable winter camping itinerary can be achieved if you’d stay warm and dry. That means dressing up in layers of winter clothes and using a 4-season or 3-season tent that is neither too spacious nor cramped for storing your gear inside. We highly recommend a model with a stove jack for cooking or temperature control.
While the idea of wearing cotton might seem reasonable initially, the primary drawback is the fabric’s tendency to absorb moisture. Imagine skiing all afternoon while wearing a cotton shirt. You might not notice it, but your shirt will become damp in no time. Coupled with the cold winter air, you will lose body heat faster than expected, thus putting you at severe risk of hypothermia.
There are three tricks you can do to create a cosy and pleasant stay. First, you should start layering up before you start feeling too cold. Wear thermal clothing, socks, gloves, and a hat, if need be. Eat a high-calorie and warm meal for dinner, and if you’re going to sleep, consider tucking in a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag or under the blanket.
Stay warm in a cosy winter camping tent
Winter camping doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or dangerous for an authentic experience. Yes, it is known for being extra challenging, even among frequent campers. However, you can go through all those thrills and discoveries if you prioritize your wellbeing throughout the trip.
Achieving this is possible through the careful selection of your camping tent, clothes, and sleeping bags, to name a few. Remember, you are responsible for your safety and comfort when engaging in cold weather activities. While we have shared numerous tips on staying warm in this article, you’re free to consider only the ones applicable to your trip.
Finally, we hope you will also take the time to learn more about the safety and survival skills you’ll likely need while exploring your dream winter camping destination.
Check out some of our tent guides:
- Best Winter Camping Tents with Stove Jack – Find a cosy winter tent to keep you warm.
- Best Winter Camping Tents – Find the perfect winter tent without a stove.