Winter camping is an excellent way of experiencing those calm and peaceful moments and settings that you can only see and feel during winter. There's the beauty of untouched and snow-covered landscape, the early nights, the early mornings, the warm fire and the sense of adventure. Some people balk at the idea of winter camping saying that it is very extreme and is not possible. However, that is not the case. As long as you plan ahead and bring the right gear with you, camping during off season, can be an enjoyable and exciting activity that you can share with friends and family outside your home. Here is how you prepare for winter camping.
Getting all the necessary supplies ready
- Pack a high quality, four-season camping tent like Lanmodo to help you survive your winter adventures. Lanmodo camping tent is easy to install, portable and very durable. It is made of strong materials, such as the waterproof 210D Oxford fabric and the sturdy, military grade fiberglass structure. These materials have been tested to keep you and your gears undamaged, by your rough winter outing. Using Lanmodo camping tent is a wise decision, as this will perform well in all four seasons of the year, especially during winter where you may experience snow and rain when you camp.
- Pack an insulated or thermal sleeping bag, these should be rated for winter camping. Consider including also a foam pad underneath and a sleeping bag liner for additional warmth, so that you and your fellow campers can sleep comfortably, despite the cold.
- Pack enough food, making sure that they are quick and easy to prepare and not likely to decay or go bad quickly. You can bring single pot options or freeze dried meals that need only hot water and no cooking. Bring serving and eating utensils that are wooden, instead of metal.
- Pack cooking supplies (gas stoves are great in freezing temperatures), extra fuel, shovel to clear the snow around your tent, first aid kit that contains plaster, sterile gauze dressing and supplies for medical treatment, flashlight, candles and other things that you may need for various purposes, when camping.
Dressing for the cold
Pack a winter hat or any winter headgear, a ski mask and a tight fitting garment that covers your head and neck, except parts of your face (balaclava) and goggles for extreme weather. Have plenty of warm layers. Avoid cotton base layers; use synthetic or merino wool instead. Wool and synthetic are great materials; they will trap heat and keep you warm, great as base layers. They also function well to wick away sweat and moisture. For middle layers, wear fleece shirt and pants and for outer layer, use a coat that can resist wind and water. Wear waterproof and sturdy hiking boots. Choose the ones with solid traction soles for snowy trails.
Staying warm
It is important that you stay warm, when you camp out during winter. Keep your socks and boots inside the sleeping bag, so that they are warm, before you put them on the next morning. Don't forget to bring a hand and toe warmer. These warmers are small disposable packets that provide extra heat when held in your hands or placed on your toes. They can keep your fingers and toes at a comfortable temperature. Building a fire will also keep you warm, when winter camping, so pack also some fire starters, enough wood, paper, extra lighter or matches.
Being safe
Before you leave for your winter camping, check the weather from local and national agencies. From these reports, you can determine if you need to pack additional supplies. If the prediction looks particularly bad, with possible blizzards, blinding snow, strong storms or freezing rains, it will be better if you postpone your trip. If the weather reports say that it will be a nice winter and no weather disturbance can be expected, make sure that your tent is set up in a safe and comfortable area. Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Drink lots of liquid, so you can stay hydrated.
