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If you’re planning a camping trip during cooler temperatures, it’s crucial you stock up on these cold weather camping essentials. Having the right gear is important for staying comfortable and safe outdoors. Harsh weather like rain, ice, and snow can be unforgiving, but it doesn’t have to deter you from enjoying time in nature. To make sure you are properly prepared for the weather, make sure you have these cold weather camping essentials on hand.
Cold Weather Camping Essentials
Four-Season Tent
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when winter camping is taking your regular tent with you. This type of tent is not suited for extreme weather conditions, making it very uncomfortable or even dangerous to spend the night in.
Instead, you’ll want to invest in a four-season tent. These tents have thicker walls and sturdier handles to survive heavier rain and snow. They also offer better insulation, so you can still sleep warm and soundly in the cold.
Insulated Sleeping Bag
Along with a four-season tent, you’ll also want to buy an insulated sleeping bag. This is a sleeping bag specifically designed for cold weather of 10 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. We also recommend choosing a mummy-style bag with a hood for extra protection.
Although they offer more protection, insulated sleeping bags aren’t necessarily heavier. Nowadays, you can find down or synthetic material sleeping bags that are extremely lightweight and easy to carry.
Sleeping Pad/Mattress
Whatever you do, don’t forget to bring a sleeping pad or mattress with you on your camping trip! Heat loss through the ground can be dangerous, but an extra layer between can drastically keep things warmer.
When choosing a sleeping pad, look for one made of foam (although inflatable ones are okay if you have a long walk to your site). If camping in a very cold area, it’s perfectly normal to use a foam pad and an inflatable one for more protection. Or you can bring a cot to raise you off the ground completely.
Layered Clothing
What you wear camping is equally as important as the equipment you bring. But since it’s difficult to pack heavy items, we recommend that you dress in layers instead. That way, you can adjust your clothing to adapt to the weather changes.
Start with moisture-wicking thermals or wool as your base layers. Wet skin loses heat quickly, so this type of material ensures you stay dry and warm. Your mid-layer should be a fleece jacket, down vest, or sweater that provides insulation. And for your outer layer, bring a water- and wind-proof jacket to protect you against the outdoor elements.
Cold Weather Accessories
Things like gloves, hats, and socks are a must for staying warm. Your hands and feet (and your head) are particularly vulnerable to heat loss, so it’s crucial to protect them with cold weather accessories. We also love portable hand warmers, as they can be placed in your gloves, boots, or pockets for more heat!
Portable Stove
When it comes to mealtime, most cold weather campers like to prepare meals that are hot and soothing. To do this, you’ll need to have a portable stove or gas grill. It’s also a good idea to bring extra fuel, as you burn more in cold weather than you do in warmer weather.
What you eat also makes a big difference. Because your body burns more calories trying to stay warm, you’ll likely need to eat more than usual. Opt for high-fat or high-protein meals to help you stay satisfied and full for longer.
Insulated Thermos
Keep your hot water or drinks warm for longer with an insulated thermos! We cannot stress enough how important it is to stay hydrated while you’re outdoors, even in the winter. Having an insulated bottle will ensure you have hot drinks long after the stove has been turned off!
Fire-Starting Kit
Hanging around the fire is an important aspect of any camping trip. But lighting one in cold and wet conditions is a lot more challenging than you may think. Instead of relying on newspapers and logs, it’s smarter to put together a fire-starting kit. This will include waterproof matches, a lighter, a fire starter, and dry tinder or kindling. If you have space, you may also consider a fire-starting log to make things easier.
Lantern and Headlamp
It gets darker earlier in the winter, so extra lighting is a must for navigating your campsite. For packing, we prefer a lantern with a collapsible design so it’s easier to store in your backpack or toolbox. Since you’ll be using it quite a lot, bringing extra batteries is also a good idea.
A waterproof headlamp can also be a useful item to have with you. The hands-free operation means you can still cook or find what you need even in the low light.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Camping in cold weather requires specialized equipment and clothing to help you stay warm and comfortable. So when planning a trip outdoors this winter, make sure you have the right cold weather camping essentials with you. This is especially true if you’re bringing along the family. Taking your kids camping in the cold weather can be difficult, but with the right gear, it can also be a very rewarding experience for everyone! Just make sure to pack the essentials and keep them entertained!
