Although camping is commonly thought of as primarily a warm weather activity, there can be many advantages to heading outdoors for a winter camping trip. First of all, you will certainly avoid all the bugs and the crowds. Winter camping is also an excellent way to beat the winter blues as well as ward off severe cases of cabin fever during those dreary months after the holiday season.
On the other hand, winter camping comes with its own set of unique challenges that you don’t have to deal with other times of the year. The most challenging aspect of winter camping is dealing with the cold. Trying to carry out normal camping activities in freezing or below freezing weather can be as difficult as it sounds. Everything you do, from transportation to cooking, will be harder and take more time. Just getting and staying warm is a challenge.
Here are some tips to get the most out of winter camping:
- Know Before You Go – Before you set foot out the door, be prepared for all kinds of weather conditions and shorter daylight hours. Winter weather can quickly turn for the worst with the chance of snow, blizzards, and severe storms. Check the forecast and be sure you know how to assess the risk of an avalanche. Make sure that everyone in your party has experience using avalanche safety gear.
- Consider What Gear You Bring – Winter travel and recreation means that you will probably need to bring more gear with you. Consequently, you’ll need a bigger backpack or might consider pulling extra items on a sled. In order to stay warm, invest in a high-quality cold-weather sleeping bag that is rated at least 10 degrees lower than the coldest temperatures forecasted. You can outfit your sleeping bag with a liner to improve warmth and it is advisable to use two sleeping pads underneath. Any items that you need to keep warm at night, i.e. flashlight batteries or water bottle, can be stored in your sleeping bag with you.
- Dressing for the Cold – Dressing for winter outdoor recreation means layering. A basic winter wardrobe for the outdoors includes a base layer made out of breathable, moisture-wicking material, a middle layer of insulation, and an outer waterproof, windproof shell. Winter boots are a must as well as hats, gloves, gaiters, glasses, socks, googles, and a balaclava. Be sure to carry extra clothing.
- Food and Water – Be aware that it takes extra time to cook and melt snow for water in the cold so you will need to bring extra fuel for your stove. Liquid-fuel stoves are strongly recommended for winter camping and consider bringing food that does not require much cooking or clean up.
- Shelter and Transportation – Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular ways to get around in the backcountry. Once at your destination, consider using a mountaineering tent for shelter. Consider a snow cave or igloo for the ultimate winter camping experience.