There’s so much to love about being outdoors and camping amidst nature. Various elements like the sounds of nature, the fresh air, bushwalks, hikes, and most importantly, the digital detox are some of the best benefits. These are just some of the reasons why you should throw your tent in the back of your car and head to the nearest woods.
While camping is the ultimate adventure, doing so in winters is a next-level adventure. Not everyone is out in the woods when the mercury is dipping, which means you get secluded views of stunning lakes, mythical forests, uninterrupted sunrise and sunsets, and more. Last year, amidst the pandemic, a lot of people took to winter camping as a way to escape the hardships of the pandemic.
It’s currently the last leg of winter and if you have been holding out on that camping trip, it’s now or never. A winter camping trip will not only give you a respite from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life but also touch base with mother nature.
But remember, your winter camping experience will only be as good as your preparation. Moreover, in the cold weather, it’s imperative to come prepared against the minus-degree weather. Here are some of the camping essentials to keep warm during winters.
Insulated Tent
Your tent will be your home during the entire camping trip. With every inch of snow and every dip in the mercury, sleeping outside becomes increasingly dangerous. This is the reason why winter camping expeditions require special gear, and more importantly a high-quality cold weather tent.
Begin with deciding between a three-season or four-season tent depending on the type of environment you’ll be in. The former is meant for temperate winter conditions, while the latter is designed for more intense cold weather conditions like winter winds, and heavy snow.
Insulated Sleeping Pads and Bag Liners
An insulated tent is your first line of defense against the deadly chilly winter temperatures. The mercury drops even further at night, which would mean you’ll need extra protection. A sleeping bag liner is just the product you need when you’re camping out in the cold.
There are two kinds out there including mummy liners and rectangular liners. The former is a sack that you slip into your sleeping bag. On the other hand, the rectangular liners are like travel sheets that can be used with or without a sleeping bag. An insulated sleeping bag liner helps in keeping warm during the winter by trapping the body heat.
Warm Outer layers
Did you know that police gear kits offer some of the best options for winter camping? There are gears like cold weather hooded parka winter jackets and winter overalls that are a must for when you are facing a minus degree winter weather. They become especially critical when you are out there in the open with just a tent separating you from the harsh winter climate.
Apart from police gear, make sure to pack sufficient layers like a midweight base layer, fleece pants, and a waterproof jacket as well as pants. These are crucial to avoid cold injuries such as frostbite and hypothermia. Decide whether you will be indulging in outdoor activities or simply staying in your tent and relaxing and pack clothes based on that. Don’t forget about leg gaiters, gloves, and toe warmers.
Moisture-wicking Inner Layers
One of the most critical decisions —apart from clothing and essentials— is the choice of base layers. Considering the harsh weather condition, it will be better to pack your best cold-weather layers. Ensure that you pack a base layer that’s crafted from moisture-wicking performance fabrics.
This is particularly important if you plan on undertaking any activities during your camping expedition since sweat can give you chills. The purpose of the base layer is to draw the moisture away from your skin and thus keeping you warm and dry. There are various materials to choose from but synthetic materials are better at moisture wicking and odor reduction.
If you’re heading out to a place where you know temperature can go below zero degrees, opt for a heavier base layer or underwear. These have denser knit than lightweight underwear and will be drier for a long time. However, the selection of the base layer depends on the natural body temperature and cold tolerance of your body.
These are the top tips to keep in mind and essentials to carry while planning a camping trip in winter. The weather might not be as chilly this time of the year but being prepared does no harm.