Winter Camping Basics

You must equip yourself with knowledge and basic items needed for a winter park camping trip. Provided below are some things you must consider when preparing for winter camping.

Setting up camp

We recommend picking a spot which is free from potential avalanche and strong winds. You can prepare the site for tent by packing the snow down.

Staying hydrated

Eating food with high calorie count and staying hydrated can keep you healthy during the trip. Proper nutrition helps your body to stay warm, preparing you for a cold winter night. We suggest that you take nutritious and hot meals and drink plenty of liquids throughout the day.

Wearing warm clothing

Some items that you should consider bringing are fleece pants, base layers, coat and jackets. You should also not forget accessories such as socks, gloves, sunglasses and hats.

Getting winter camping gear

Expert winter campers suggest bringing the appropriate equipment for camping. These include sleeping bags, sturdy tent, sleeping pads and cooking equipment.

There are several items that you should comprise your winter camping gear. Here are the things that you should consider including in your winter camping checklist.

Tent

It is pertinent to set up a shelter that can handle the cold winter weather. As you choose a tent for winter, select one that can handle a three-season backpacking tent. For heavy snowfall and intense winds, you can prioritize a 4-season tent.

You should also take into consideration the space it provides.

Here are some of our suggestions for the best family tents you and your family may check.

Backpack

Backpacking during the winter time requires bulkier pieces of clothing. With this, you can select a larger bag compared to what you bring on summertime.

Footwear

We suggest finding boots that are equipped with features that make them waterproof and comfortable. Waterproof snow boots are great to bring along on wet campsites. This gives your feet protection as you cross streams and walk on water puddles.

You must remember that wet feet may cause blisters.

Sleeping bag

To make sure that you get good sleep, you must get a sleeping bag that has a good rating. It should handle at least 10 degrees Fahrenheit temperature lower than what you expect. If it gets warm you can just vent the sleeping bag.

Here are some of the best sleeping bags we recommend you look into.

Cooking equipment

You need warm meals when staying in snowy locations. We recommend bringing a portable camping stove.

Here are some of the best backpacking stoves we recommend.

Food Storage

We recommend that you prevent animals from coming to your campsite as you stay in the outdoors. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that animals stray away from nice smelling food.

Here we have an article about camping food storage.

It is possible to build your shelter even with snow. Snow campers usually spend their nights inside a tent. Here are some snow camping tips to help you set up your tent.

Establish walls

You can build snow walls in the perimeter of your tent. This helps your tent stabilize on windy occasions. If establishing walls tends to be difficult, you can dig the snow for your tent feet and vestibule. This aids in reducing the impact of wind.

Utilize snow stakes

Regular stakes will perform less on snowy conditions. We recommend burying filled stuff sacks or utilize stakes specifically made for snow.

You must make sure that the tent is securely staked so that the wind will not easily blow it off.

Dig you vestibule

Experts suggest digging out your bench under the tent’s vestibule. This creates more area for gear stowage. Moreover, it also makes it easier to enter and exit the tent.

Avoid sharp objects

Should there be any sharp objects that can potentially damage your tent, you must remove it immediately. You should not bring it inside as well. These items include crampons, ski edges and ice axes. We do not want your tent to rip off during a cold winter night.

Pack the snow

Loose snow can easily melt with the heat of your body. It is uncomfortable sleeping on melted snow. With this, you must set up your tent and pack the protruding snow down.

These are some of the things you can do while setting up your tent.

Remember to get a good quality tent that can maintain a warm temperature even on a chilly night.

You may encounter several injuries when dealing with the cold climate. Some of these health conditions are frostbite and hypothermia.

To prevent these concerns, you should take good care of your health.

Here are some ways we deem that you should consider.

Stay warm

We recommend dressing appropriately to maintain a temperature comfortable for your body. Staying warm is preferable instead of getting warm once you get too cold.

Check your fellow campers

You can regularly check your fellow campers to make sure that they are in good condition. If they are feeling the cold, you can place their fingers in warm areas of your bodies such as armpits.

Seek assistance if in need

You should also constantly check your health state. If you deem that your temperature keeps dropping, immediately seek medical assistance.

Overall, preparing for a camping trip requires knowledge and winter gear to help you survive the cold weather. We suggest equipping yourself with knowledge on how to stay warm. Some suggestions include eating food, doing exercises and getting hot compress.

It is also pertinent to bring along appropriate winter camping gear such as sleeping bags, pads, stoves and tent. Do not forget the clothes and footwear that are appropriate for the cold weather.

These are essential items to include in your camping gear checklist.