Winter is a season of fragile beauty, almost completely encapsulating the green landscape with one of white. There is a comforting chill in the air and a quiet that can only be described as pure serenity.
The natural wonderland of winter is as beautiful as it can be harsh. In many parts of the world, animals either hibernate or fight to survive in the cold conditions.
In terms of camping, cold weather camping destinations offer some of the best opportunities to find solitude in nature, but with higher risks of discomfort and injury. It is extremely important to be prepared for the weather when planning to camp in the fall and winter seasons.
There are safe ways to backpack and camp in the cold seasons of the year to enjoy that beauty, silence, or solitude.
Here are five cold weather camping tips to consider in any upcoming trips this chilly season.
The Top Cold Weather Camping Tips
1. Pack the Proper Attire
It is extremely important to dress in layers, especially towards the center of your body.
The bottom layer of clothing is best as thermal polyester underwear. Wool and polyester are the best materials for cold weather camping because they are moisture wicking but breathable.
Choose jackets that are breathable, but water and wind resistant. You want to easily be able to regulate your temperature by removing or adding clothing throughout the day.
And, bring along gloves, hats, and scarves to help you hold warmth in other areas.
Don’t forget to bring extras!
2. Pick the Right Campsite
During the cold months, you usually want the sun in the morning to warm you and your tent up.
This is especially true because early morning is the coldest time. Be aware of the direction the sun will rise, and face the tent appropriately.
Also, a slightly higher elevation is usually better because cold air sinks to a lower elevation.
3. Sleeping Equipment
The equipment you sleep with is the most important advantage you can have against the cold at night.
Sleeping bags are often the first defense, and it’s vital to know how to pick the correct one. The ratings of a sleeping bag are by temperature, so consider where you are going and your sleeping patterns.
In addition to a sleeping bag, there are also sleeping pad options to protect you from the ground. Investing in one or two is a great idea for camping in the cold.
Other equipment to maintain warmth at night could include candles, hand warmers, and a mylar blanket.
A friend is always a great option for warmth at night as well 🙂
4. Consider Tent and Trailer Options
Tents can be adapted to fill all of your cold weather camping needs.
A well-ventilated tent helps to prevent condensation inside. It is extremely important to have a durable tent to withstand freezing conditions.
However, one cold weather camping tip is to rent or buy a special teardrop camping trailer.
These can provide you with the maximum protection from the elements at night while allowing you to enjoy backpacking and hiking during the day.
Teardrop trailers extremely durable and well-worthy investment for the frequent camper and travel at any time during the year.
5. Always Check the Forecast
Lastly, always keep an eye on the weather leading up to your trip. In the event it goes awry, it is always better to reschedule rather than risk it. Overall, preparation is your main toolkit, and consider all clothing, equipment, and sleeping options in the planning process.
If camping is your passion, consider investing in a teardrop trailer. These are suitable for all types of weather conditions. There is also the added benefits of portability, size, and affordability compared to an RV. Contact Aero Teardrops to talk about teardrop trailer options to fit your traveling and camping needs.
Enjoy camping with these cold weather camping tips!