Tips for Winter Camping

For those looking for an exciting adventure, winter camping may be the choice for you. Winter camping brings an entirely new element to the arena of camping. Not only does it give you a whole new look at the great outdoors, it also offers different challenges from summer camping.

Supplies

It is very important to have the correct supplies for winter camping, as this is can be a dangerous activity. Things to keep in mind include rapid weather changes. It may be sunny when you leave to hike to your destination and within minutes a winter storm can blow up. Dress appropriately in layers for winter camping. Never wear cotton. Cotton does not dry fast and holds the water against your skin causing you to become even colder and the possibility of hypothermia developing.

When winter camping, use nylon or wool clothing, including socks. Dress in layers starting with a thin layer of clothing against your skin that may be a cotton blend material that is used in long johns, next a warm layer of clothing that may be a fleece type material and finally an outer layer that is a quick drying material like nylon. Use wool socks to keep the feet dry.

Make sure to have appropriate boots for winter camping. Boots that are water repellant or have a protective coating are best to repel the water from your boots and keep them from absorbing the water.

Always wear a hat and bring an extra one just in case. Your mom wasn’t kidding when she said most of the heat from your body goes out your head.

Bring gloves and tie them to your coat to keep from loosing them. Make sure to pack an extra pair of gloves too.

Winter camping tents can be purchased, although sometimes they are big and bulky to hike in. Depending on where you are going and how far you are hiking, determine if a winterized tent is appropriate.

Bring small shovels to shovel a flat space if needed for the winter tent. If not using a winter tent, snow shelters can be built that will keep you warm. Find books on the appropriate way to build a snow shelter. Take some time to practice building a snow shelter before planning on spending the night in one.

Make sure to bring a sleeping bag that is made to with stand the deep freeze of winter. There are many mummy bags that are extremely warm. A foam pad may also be a good addition in order to place it on the ground first, to keep the outside of the sleeping bag from getting wet. The pad can also be used to sit on during the day.

When winter camping make sure to bring food that may be eaten without heating up. Although there are water proof matches, sometimes it can be difficult to find tinder when winter camping. Have a supply of food that you carry on you when winter camping, in case you loose your original supply.

Winter camping is a great outdoor activity. It is crucial to have the appropriate supplies and there are many stores that can assist a consumer in location the correct supplies.