Winter camping sounds intimidating… It’s cold, it’s wet, and the days are significantly shorter than summertime. But if you can push past the worst parts of cold weather camping then you’ll realize how magical and rewarding winter camping really is! The landscapes are stunning, the trails are empty, the nights are tranquil, and the stars are somehow even more vibrant than summertime. The reasons to go Winter camping are endless, but if your somehow still not convinced then here’s 10 reasons we love to go camping come Wintertime!
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10 Reasons To Go Winter Camping
1. Stunning Snowy Landscapes
Winter transforms landscapes into breathtaking scenes of snow-covered trees, frozen lakes, and serene landscapes. Every turn brings new and unique scenery and every view brings a new magical perspective.
Hiking in the woods through a blanket of snow will truly make you feel like your traversing through a real life snow globe.
2. Unmatched Solitude
The trails are completely EMPTY in Winter. There are very few people who dare to venture out in the Winter and this 100% will work in your favor. The “popular” campsites will be available for your liking, and you’ll easily get to explore the best lakes and areas without the crowds.
3. A True Adventure
Winter camping adds an extra layer of challenge and adventure. Navigating through snow-covered terrains, mastering winter survival skills, and conquering the cold can be an immensely satisfying experience. You have all of the tasks of summer camping along with the challenges of navigating the snow and icy terrain + nighttime chill. The adventure is one of the BEST reasons to go cold weather camping!
4. Bye Bye Bugs
One notable advantage of winter camping is the absence of BUGS! Without mosquitoes and other pesky insects, you can enjoy camping without the need for constant insect repellent. Big win for cold weather camping!
5. Star Gazing Galore!
The crisp winter air tends to bring clear night skies and vibrant stars! There’s less humidity and light pollution during the Winter months creating prime-time star gazing conditions.
6. Seasonal Depression Escape
I KNOW you all have experienced some seasonal depression before. As the days get colder and the nights get longer, you find yourself becoming a hermit in your own home. Instead of hibernating indoors during the winter months, camping provides an active and invigorating way to embrace the season. It’s a great way to combat the winter blues by connecting with nature and staying physically active.
7. Hot Springs Bliss
HAVE YOU EVER VISITED A HOT SPRING IN WINTER?! If you haven’t… you should change that! The most rewarding way to spend a winter day is to soak in a warm natural bath in the great outdoors. The contrast of the hot water and cold air is incredibly satisfying- 10/10 recommend!
8. Unique Wildlife Encounters
As human activities like hiking and camping decrease in the Winter, the likelihood of Wildlife in the area increases! Just as you and I don’t like people… the wildlife doesn’t either! Plus, snow-covered landscapes make for a nice, clear canvas for wildlife footprints… if they’re around, you’ll know it!
9. Campfire Cozy
Winter camping TYPICALLY means there are no fire restrictions and you’re free to enjoy a nice evening snuggled up to a warm campfire. && Trust me- a fire has never been more appreciated than when the sun goes down in the dead of Winter.
10. Your Favorite Spots Reimagined
Picture this- your FAVORITE camping spots but with a blanket of snow covering the grass, scattered snow on the trees, and frozen lakes that you can walk out on (if thick enough). Braving the cold at some of your favorite spots can be so rewarding! It brings an entirely different perspective to a “classic camp site”.
10 Ways to Stay Warm for Winter Camping
OKAY OKAY now for what you came for- all the expert tips/tricks for staying warm while winter camping!
1. Double Up That Sleeping Pad
The quickest way to lose heat is through the ground. Conduction heat loss is powerful and honestly people tend to overlook it. For cold weather camping, you should bring 2 sleeping pads. I always recommend at least one foam pad since those have the most insulating power and then one blow up pad for extra insulation and comfort.
2. Invest in Good Gear
Good Camping Gear is EVERTHING. You’ll need a sturdy tent, a warm sleeping bag, and two sleeping pads to ensure a warm night under the stars.
3 vs 4 Season Tent for Winter Camping
Know when to choose a 3 season tent vs a 4 season tent! Choosing between a 3-season tent and a 4-season tent depends on the specific conditions you anticipate during your camping or backpacking trip. A three season tent is designed for mild weather conditions with moderate temperatures, rain, and light winds and is typically not suitable for heavy snow loads or extreme winter conditions. If your camping involves heavy snowfall, high winds, or extremely cold temperatures, a 4-season tent is the safer and more suitable choice.
Cold Weather Sleeping Bag
Choosing the right sleeping bag rating is crucial to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep during your cold weather camping. Sleeping bag ratings are typically given in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or degrees Celsius (°C) and indicate the temperature range in which the bag is designed to keep you SAFE… not comfortable. With this in mind, we always choose a bag that is at least 15 deg lower than the actual lowest temperature we will encounter.
A few mummy bags we like:
SINGLES:
Ultralight: Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight 18F Sleeping Bag
Warmest: Mountain Hardwear Phantom GORE-TEX 0 Sleeping Bag
Women’s Specific: Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 Sleeping Bag – Women’s
Men’s Specific: Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 Sleeping Bag – Men’s
FOR COUPLES (zip compatable):
Right Zip: Sea to Summit Altitude Atl 25 Sleeping Bag
Left Zip: Sea to Summit Ascent AcI 25 Sleeping Bag
3. Merino Wool Layers
Merino wool provides excellent insulation, helping to keep you warm in colder temperatures. Unlike cotton, which tends to retain moisture, merino wool can absorb and release moisture, allowing it to evaporate, which is crucial for staying warm in cold conditions.
4. Hot Water Bottle Trick
Probably the most efficient hack to stay warm while winter camping is to boil water, pour it into your Nalgene, and put it into your sleeping bag before you go to bed. The hot water will radiate through the bag and the bag itself will keep the water insulated so minimal heat escapes! Once you’re ready to go to bed, you’ll crawl into a warm oasis waiting for you within your bag. Absolute game changer.
5. Body Warmers
Same concept as above! You can use body warmers near the toes of your sleeping bag to help keep your extremities warm during the night. The feet & toes tend to get the coldest since they’re small and distant from the core of your body. Body/toe warmers help significantly!
6. Don’t Sweat
I know it sounds a little counter-intuitive because sweating means your OVER heating, but you should try to avoid sweating AT ALL COST! Once you stop doing the activity that is creating the sweat, your sweat will QUICKLY cool you down and that is very hard to recover from when it is cold outside.
7. Reduce Ambient Space
Spread the rest of extra gear- backpack, clothing, stuff sacks, ect. around your sleeping area in the tent. I know it doesn’t seem like much, but it will provide an extra layer of insulation around you while your sleeping!
8. Sleeping Bag Liner
WHY don’t more people own a sleeping bag liner! Liners come in different materials, including those that add warmth or coolness. In colder weather, a fleece or thermal liner can provide extra insulation, while a silk or cotton liner can be cooler in warmer conditions. I’ll usually bring my seatosummit 15 deg liner on colder adventures! It adds up to 15 deg of warmth to your sleeping bag!
9. Eat- Calories
Digesting food requires energy. The process of breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats releases energy that the body uses for various functions, including maintaining core body temperature. This is one of those hacks that you don’t have to tell me twice!
10. Do Not Bury Your Head & Vent Your Tent
If you bury your head down into your sleeping bag, your breath will create condensation inside the bag which will create a little wet pocket that will be cold. If your face is cold, you can use a buff to cover your mouth & nose + a beanie for your ears & head instead of burying your head into your sleeping bag.
Same concept! You want to reduce the amount of condensation that builds up as much as you can! It is actually warmer to have a slight breeze come through the tent than to have the vents closed and condensation build up inside.
BONUS: If You Have to Pee... Go Pee
I KNOW IT’S NOT FUN GETTING OUT OF THE TENT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT TO GO PEE… but if you want to stay warm you’ve got to do it. Holding a full bladder contributes to cooler your body down in several ways. The body regulates its temperature through processes like vasodilation and vasoconstriction. When you hold your pee, your body will prioritize maintaining your full bladder over temperature regulation, which leads to you being cold.
10 Pieces of “Must-Have” Cold Weather Camping Gear
For a full list of our backpacking essentials check out all of our backpacking gear and recommendations! But for all of your Winter Camping essentials see below! 🙂
1. Tent
3 SEASON:
Ultralight: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2
4 SEASON:
Ultralight: Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 Tent
2. Sleeping Bag
SINGLES:
Ultralight: Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight 18F Sleeping Bag
Warmest: Mountain Hardwear Phantom GORE-TEX 0 Sleeping Bag
Women’s Specific: Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 Sleeping Bag – Women’s
Men’s Specific: Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 Sleeping Bag – Men’s
FOR COUPLES (zip compatable):
Right Zip: Sea to Summit Altitude Atl 25 Sleeping Bag
Left Zip: Sea to Summit Ascent AcI 25 Sleeping Bag
3. Sleeping Pad
Remember to use TWO sleeping pads in Winter for more insulation from the cold ground. You should take one foam and one blow up for maximum warmth.
4. Sleeping Bag Liner
5. Winter Stove & Fuel
It’s super important to use a liquid fuel stove in Winter conditions. Your classic Jetfoil or other cannister stove will not function properly in colder temperatures.
LIQUID FUEL STOVE:
6. Microspikes
7. Sit Pad
8. Cold Weather Gaiters
9. Tarp for Winter Camping
GROUND TARP:
