WEATHER
it’s extremely important to check the forecast before heading out to camp in cooler weather. Cold weather brings extreme risks like frostbite and hypothermia, so it’s important to prepare correctly for whatever the weather may bring. Note precipitation chance percentages, humidity, and sunset and sunrise times.
LAYERS ON LAYERS
When dealing with cooler, damper temperatures, synthetic or wool materials are the best way to stay dry and warm. Pack plenty of layers including underwear, socks, base layers, puffy jackets, and more. Accessories are also important to keep extremities covered because your body will naturally keep your core warm. Your hands and feet need extra attention. Don’t forget hats, neck gaiters, and mittens!
ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR STAYING WARM WHILE SLEEPING OUTSIDE
Store your socks, boot liners, and gloves inside your sleeping bag overnight. This helps keep those items warm for the next chilly morning.
If your tent has extra room and air space around your pad and sleeping bag, you can store gear inside your tent to create extra insulation. Specifically, be aware of corners of the tent, as well as where the tent walls connect to the tent floor.
Your breath creates more moisture than you think. Refrain from sticking your head inside your sleeping bag while sleeping, because it can cause a build up of condensation inside your sleeping bag. Which will in turn create a damp environment prone to freezing.
It can be easy to simply wear your tight base layers to bed, but it’s a better idea to wear loose clothing while you sleep.Tighter items of clothing can prevent air from insulating your body. Instead of wearing multiple layers that lie close to your body, try wearing one loose layer to create an insulation layer of air in between you and your sleeping bag. But don’t forget to wear a beanie to keep your head warm.
Having trouble staying warm even after following the proper sleeping protocol? Boil water, store it in a stainless steel bottle, and keep it inside your sleeping bag to get a head start on heating up your sleeping bag.
Cold weather camping may seem intimidating, but with the right gear and the right mindset, you can make this into a fun adventure.
Have you ever wanted to cold-weather camp? Tell us where you would like to go!