Winter is here, temperatures are dropping, winds are rising, and snow may fall in the highlands. But that doesn’t mean we have to stop camping. Even in the summer, many environments experience rapidly changing weather. If you’re not well prepared, you could end up in a cold tent.
The following tips can help you camp comfortably even in the cold. It is important to note that the following tips are for family and car campers only. However, some of the tips are also useful for backpacking campers.
Check weather conditions before camping
Before any outdoor activity, you need to check the weather conditions first. You need to know the temperature extremes you may encounter, the local terrain, and what the weather conditions will be like in the future. You can contact the nearest ranger station to get an update on the status. Always plan your trip well and inform your loved ones of your whereabouts.
Prepare your campsite
Where you pitch your tent has a direct impact on how warm you’ll be. If you want to stay warm throughout the night, you’d better choose a place with no wind. Therefore, try to avoid pitching your tent at the top of a ridgeline or slope. A windproof forest is the ideal place for you to pitch your tent. Before setting up your tent, you need to clear the snow. If you can’t avoid the snow, then you can flatten it. You need to do this as soon as possible because the snow will melt and form ice underneath you.
Layering early
Don’t wait until you feel cold to layer. Once it’s evening, add an extra layer. If it’s too late, then it will take longer for you to become warm again.
Use hot water bags, hand warmers and foot warmers
It is a wise practice to bring a hot water bag to camp. You may need it even if you are camping in the spring or fall. You can also bring hand warmers and foot warmers. On cold nights. Put them at the foot of your sleeping bag to keep your feet warm.
Don’t sleep cold.
Before entering your sleeping bag, have a hot drink, walk briskly, or do some simple aerobic exercises that can make you feel warm all over. It can keep you warm in your sleeping bag for a long time.
Use polyester film blanket
A polyester film blanket, also known as a space blanket, is a great way to keep your tent warm. You can put it on your sleeping pad or mattress. You can also attach it to your tent. It can reflect your heat back to you to keep you warm.
Use disposable heat packs
You can take some disposable heat packs with you when you are camping. They are very easy to use. You just need to stick it on the area where you need to stay warm. You can stick it inside your clothes or in your sleeping bag.
Don’t use a large tent
Smaller tents do a better job of keeping the heat inside the tent. Instead of having your family spread out in several tents, try to keep them crammed into one small tent. This way the tent can retain more of the heat generated by your body.
Use a tent safety heater
Tent heaters are one of the most obvious ways to keep your tent warm. Considering safety, try to use a heater designed for tents. Nonetheless, we do not recommend running the heater all night. You can let the heater run for a while to keep the tent warm before you go to bed. Once you feel warm enough, you can turn off the tent heater.
Use the right sleeping bag
Sleeping bags are seasonal. Some sleeping bags are only suitable for summer. A snug fitting mummy sleeping bag is the best choice to keep you warm. Before you buy a sleeping bag, please make sure your sleeping bag can be used in cold environment. In addition, you need to take some time to organize your sleeping bag before going to bed. Fluff up the insulation inside by shaking your sleeping bag and make sure they are evenly distributed. Outside, bask your sleeping bag during the day in good weather to keep it dry.
Bring extra blankets
Bring extra blankets in case you need them. On very cold nights, a thick fleece thermal blanket can that you fight the cold.
Keep your tent ventilated
If ventilation is poor, moisture from your breath inside the tent can condense and build up, making the contents of your tent damp. By keeping your tent ventilated, you can keep yourself and the inside of your tent dry. This means you stay warm.
Keep your feet dry and warm
Before you crawl into your sleeping bag, put on a pair of dry socks. We recommend that you have a pair of socks that you use only for sleeping. Again, you will need to dry your sleeping-only socks during the day.
Isolating the ground
Sleeping pads are great, but they may need a little extra help. The cold ground absorbs your body’s heat. You might consider putting a foam exercise mat or a layer of leaves or twigs under your sleeping pad. These leaves and branches can be easily found in the woods.
Wear a knitted hat
When you bring a sleeping bag in, your head is most likely to lose a lot of heat. Wearing a knitted cap to sleep prevents heat from slipping away from your head. This is better than sticking your head in a sleeping bag. Because you breathing in your sleeping bag will cause your sleeping bag to become wet.
Eat the right foods
In fact, your body knows how to regulate its own temperature, but you need to provide him with enough fuel. When camping in cold places, food with lots of protein and healthy fats is a must. You’ll need to snack every few hours and eat a rich, calorie-rich dinner before bed.
Final thoughts
For camping in cold weather, learning how to stay warm in your tent is crucial. Proper planning and using the right equipment can help keep you warm and comfortable inside your tent.
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