How to Make Winter Camping Your New Favorite Winter Activity

For most of us, camping is a warm-weather activity. But if you are a truly adventurous camper, winter camping is a fun and exciting way to get out and enjoy the outdoors in a season that is normally reserved for skiing and sipping hot drinks.

Winter camping does require a little more preparation than camping in other seasons. Especially if you will be camping in a harsh climate, winter camping gear must be sturdier and better able to hold up under difficult conditions. Your winter camping supplies will also be altered to allow you more cooking fuel, more layers of clothing, and a warmer place to sleep.

Always be Prepared

Successful winter camping requires you to be prepared and to have a plan in advance. If you simply show up at a campsite with a tent and a pack full of gear in the middle of a snowstorm, your chances of being miserable are very high. It's essential that you know what you're going to be up against before you go, and over-prepare for the conditions that await you.

The gear you use for winter camping will need to be sturdy and able to handle the conditions. Waterproof clothing and outerwear may seem like the best choice, but this type of apparel can actually retain moisture and make you colder. Boots which lace up and constrict the foot are likewise poor choices for winter camping. Instead, choose overboots that allow enough room for your foot in a regular shoe.

Protect Yourself from the Elements

The most obvious element of winter camping is snow. If you live in an area that doesn't get much snow in the winter, this will be less of a concern. However, for those areas that do receive significant snowfall, knowing how to camp in the snow is a valuable skill.

When placing your tent in the snow, stamp down the area first. This will avoid the problem of snow melting from your body heat and refreezing in an uncomfortable position under your sleeping area. Then, be sure to place your tent in an area that will receive direct sun in the morning and is sheltered from the wind.

If you live in an area where winter wind is a problem, be sure that your tent is wind-resistant. A lightweight summer tent is a poor choice. It is too well-ventilated to be any protection against wind.

Allow Extra Time and Limit Exposure

While winter camping is a lot of fun, it can also be dangerous if you aren't careful. Give yourself extra time to do everything from setting up camp to finding firewood to cooking dinner. In the cold and snow, everything moves more slowly and you'll need plenty of time to get things done. Also remember to limit the amount of time you are exposed to the elements, and try to cover as much of your exposed skin as possible to reduce the risk of frostbite or painful wind burns.

The warnings above may seem ominous, but winter camping really is an experience that you'll enjoy and remember forever. With the right amount of preparation and care, your winter camping experience will be so much fun that you'll want to do it again and again.