Tips to Stay Warm in Winter Camping

Camping is a fun and engaging activity that you can do even on winter days. Winter camping is an excellent opportunity for you to see impressive landscapes covered in snow. Not only that, but it also gives you the chance to enjoy several winter activities, from dog sledding to ice skating. Here in the Great White North, there are numerous winter destinations that you can choose from. Winter camping is exciting, especially if you are with your friends. However, you may find it challenging because of the cold weather. That's why it is vital that you know how to stay warm in winter camping to avoid getting sick.

How to Keep Warm in Winter Camping

Several people enjoy winter camping, but for some individuals, it is tough to beat the cold weather. If you are an adventurer who has never tried camping in a snowy area, know that there are some tips that you can apply to stay warm. Below is a list of simple ways on how to keep warm while delighting in winter camping:

Avoid spills. It is essential not to spill liquid on your dry gear because it may take some time to let it dry. If you are drinking water, you can make use of a reusable straw for no-mess drinking. You may choose a metal straw if you want something durable and easy to disinfect.

Check the weather conditions from time to time. As other people say, know before you go. Be updated with the latest weather updates, including the temperature, to make sure that it is the best time to go winter camping. Check the temperature on the camping site and the possible hazards that you might experience. Research the most recent changes when it comes to terrains and trail closures. If you are updated with the latest weather conditions, then it would be easier to identify all the necessary gear needed for winter camping.

Eat foods rich in calories. Winter campers need extra energy in the cold weather; that's why it is vital to eat foods enriched in high calories. You may opt for snacks with sugars, fats, and carbohydrates but try to eat in moderation. Try to include chocolate, cheese, and even nuts to give your body an extra boost.

Find the perfect camping spot. Whether you are in a mountain or near a lake, make sure to find the best place for camping. Search for a spot that is dry and flat where you can set up your tent. If you are opting for winter hammock camping, make sure that there are no big tree branches above the hammock. Try to clear away all the snow in your tent or tarp above your hammock. It would be challenging to get rid of the water from the melted snow. That's why get rid of all the snow in your camping gear as soon as possible.

Maximize your tent's space. If you are using a tent for winter camping, insulate it by placing your stuff inside the tent. Doing so reduces the ambient space. You can further do it by securing a blanket onto your tent ceiling. You may use duct tape to ensure that it will not fall. Another way to insulate the heat and to maximize your tent space is by placing your company's sleeping pad close to yours. It is crucial to know that body-to-body warming is an effective method of staying warm in cold weather. This method could be a lifesaver, especially if you have encountered extreme severe weather conditions.

Prepare a bottle filled with hot water. Try to include a non-insulated stainless-steel water bottle in your camping essentials because it can help in keeping you warm. You only have to fill it with hot water and place it inside your tent to create heat radiation. If you are using a hammock, you can set the hot water bottle at the bottom of your feet to stay warm. Since not all metal water bottles use stainless steel, you can check the tags and look for #304. Another option is to find 18/8, food-grade stainless steel.

Protect your electronics. It would be best if you protect your electronics from the cold weather to keep them running. Since batteries and other gadgets have minimum and maximum operating temperatures, it is crucial to place them in safe storage. To ensure that your electronics are working, you can check them out before heading into the campground. You may also recharge them, especially if there is no available electricity at your campsite. Try to bring extra batteries so that you have something to use if there are damaged ones.

Use insulated bottles for your drinking water. The cold weather can freeze your drinking water. To prevent it, make sure to use insulated containers to keep your drinking water from freezing at night. Try to look for water bottles that reflect almost all the radiant heat. These types of bottles are useful in keeping your hot drinks and soup warm throughout the night.

Wear gloves and wool socks. It is crucial to keep your hands and feet warm to conserve energy. That's why try to always wear a pair of synthetic blend or high-quality gloves and socks. Try to bring extra pairs of gloves and socks. You can find them useful if what you are wearing becomes wet. Take note not to wear tight gloves and socks, which can restrict the blood flow to your extremities. Other than gloves and socks, you may also consider a cozy cap for your head and scarf for your neck.

Camping could be your next favourite winter activity, especially if you become familiar with it. You don't need to be an expert to enjoy camping because there are practical tips that you can do to thrive in the cold weather.