Cold weather camping can be an unforgettable experience.
There are often fewer crowds, and nothing beats the feeling of sitting around a warm fire, enjoying the mix of warm heat and cool crisp air.
But what happens when you finally leave the fire and crawl into your tent? How are you going to keep cozy then?
If you’re wondering how to stay warm when camping in the cold, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll go over some practical good weather camping tips, so you can stay warm and cozy on your next trip.
Even if the temperature is below freezing.
(Disclaimer-This site contains affiliate links, including those from Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.)
Choose the Right Sleeping Bag for Cold Weather Camping
Your sleeping bag is the most important piece of the puzzle when it comes to fighting off the chilly night air.
Make sure to check the temperature rating on your sleeping bag before you buy it.
Some sleeping bags are lighter—designed for warmer weather—and some are heavier—designed for colder climates.
Always check the weather before your trip so you know what conditions will be like.
Finding a sleeping bag that is rated for below-freezing temperatures is a crucial first step toward coziness.
Mummy-style sleeping bags are believed to hold warmth much better than rectangular ones.
If you want to go one step further, you can buy a sleeping bag liner for added protection.
Bring a Quality Sleeping Pad
Even the best sleeping bag in the world won’t keep you warm if you have cold air seeping up through the ground all night.
Buying a foam or inflatable sleeping pad will not only give you a softer place to lay your head, but it can also give you another barrier between you and the ground.
Creating this extra space means the cold will have to work that much harder to get to you, keeping you as warm as possible while you survive the night.
Most sleeping pads set up in just a few minutes and roll compactly for easy storage or backpacking.
Layers, layers, layers
I feel like I shouldn’t have to say this but WEAR LAYERS.
Why wouldn’t you?
It’s common sense.
More layers=more warmth.
Depending on how cold it is outside, you may need two or three layers of clothing even inside your sleeping bag. No sleeping in your tighty-whiteys.
Be wary of the types of fabric you choose, as some hold moisture different than others. Moisture can amplify the feeling of the cold air.
Wear Socks and Hats
You’ve probably heard it before, but you lose most of your body heat through your head and your feet.
This means that you need to have socks and a hat (beanie) on to make sure it can’t go any where.
I like to sleep with my hood up on my sweatshirt if I don’t have a hat. It serves the same general purpose.
If your socks are wet from sweat or water, make sure to change into a dry pair before bed!
Eat and Drink for Warmth
Your body generates heat by burning calories.
A high-calorie meal before bed—things like pasta, oats, peanut butter, or MREs—can help give your body the fuel it needs to stay warm through the night.
You’ll also want to stay hydrated. Drink water, not sugary drinks and liquor.
Too much caffeine or alcohol can dehydrate you and make you feel colder.
Stay Moving Before Bed
There’s a reason why they call a light workout a “warm-up”.
A short walk or some kind of other movement right before bed will help get your blood circulating through your body, in effect keeping your body temperature up before crawling into your suitcase.
Remember, this is a light workout. Too much and you’ll bring your sweat into the tent with you–which we said earlier is a bad idea.
Extra Tent Tips for Cold Weather Camping
- Fill a metal water bottle with hot water from the fire before bed and slide it into your sleeping bag with you. It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book and will give you a safe source of extra heat in your sleeping bag.
- Pitch your tent in a sheltered spot (if possible) to keep it out of the wind as much as possible.
- Add a ground tarp or footprint underneath your tent to block out cold air.
- Bring extra blankets and hang them around you or the perimeter of your tent to ‘insulate’ your tent
- Smaller tents hold heat better than larger tents. If you’ve got a two or one person tent, that might be an option to consider.
- Cuddle up! Two bodies is better than one when it comes to heat, so if you’re partner (romantic, not camping) is there, make sure to get nice and cozy. Anything that happens beyond that is your business. What happens in the tent stays in the tent, right?
Final Thoughts on Cold Weather Camping
Learning how to stay warm when camping in the cold comes down to preparation and smart choices. With the right gear and the right knowledge, you can turn a frigid night in the woods into a cozy, memorable experience.
Cold weather camping doesn’t have to mean discomfort.
Think critically, plan ahead, and change your damn socks.
Thanks for Reading!
We are a small blog just starting out, but we appreciate you stopping by to read our content. We hope you found it helpful. You can help support us by sharing this post with a friend, subscribing to our blog, or following us on social media. We plan to bring you more camping tips, site reviews, and other great content in the future, but until then, happy camping!
Leave a Reply