Winter camping: 10 tips for a hassle-free experience
Although tent camping repels many, for others, like my family and I, it rhymes with happiness, freedom and tranquility. It's an invitation to return to our roots.
And what about the hiver campsite? In the article: Hiking in winter, comment ? I told you about my love for hiking in all seasons. Well, the same goes for camping. We enjoy it as a family whether it's 20 C or -20 C !
More winter camping tips: 10 tips for keeping warm during winter walks.
More amenities than you might think.
Winter camping does not only mean cold and wet clothes. There is comfort on many levels. There are no insects to bother, few people to disturb, and it is easier to find a place to camp (especially since the ground is more comfortable and soft). In addition, there is plenty of water (snow) and the scenery is even clearer because the leaves have fallen.
However, good preparation is required
It is important to be extra careful with the temperature. Indeed, drastic changes in temperature and conditions sometimes force you to quickly adapt your clothing. Heat loss can be fatal if it is taken too late or if you are under-equipped to cope. The organization of equipment and meals must also be carefully planned.
Here are a few tips based on my personal experience of winter camping on my own.
1. prefer the multilayer system
It is important to be able to add or remove as many layers as possible. Whether it is to evacuate heat or to warm up during less active times. On the body, I usually wear a merino wool base. It is a material that is very well suited for heat retention, sweat evacuation and its ability to dry quickly.
Depending on the type of exit, I then put on a fleece jacket or a goose feather down duvet to conserve my warmth. For example, during a mountain outing, I prefer a fleece jacket for its greater capacity to evacuate humidity.
2) For the sleeping bag, choose a sleeping bag that is 5-10 degrees warmer than the expected temperature.
As with clothing, multilayer is recommended. Bring a sleeping bag liner to add if necessary, in case of more intense cold. It is not heavy or bulky. It's definitely worth it. However, make sure you know that there are many different types of sleeping bags made of different materials that affect the heat factor.
*** For my two young boys, I slip a hot water bottle in the bottom of the bag to help them keep warm. You could also use a bottle of water that you warm up before you go to bed.
3. carefully select your floor mat
The floor mat is the layer that really protects against the cold at night. Of course, there is something for every style and every price. Choose a mat with a heat factor of at least R4(ideally R6) to ensure a good barrier against the cold.
But if your budget is more limited, you may simply decide to use your summer mattress while adding a second layer. For example, a blue foam mattress (inexpensive) can be used under your mattress to add the missing insulation.
When cooking food, remember that gas freezes below a certain temperature.
Instead, you should opt for systems that run on naphtha or a Biolite that runs on twigs or wood chips. For our part, we use Biolite, summer and winter. We carry with us pieces of ecological logs that we have cut. In addition, the energy created by this system provides a source of energy (battery) to recharge our appliances.
This will allow you to plan comforting and hot meals such as soups, stew or chili. For breakfast, why not opt for oatmeal or omelette ? For beverages, coffee and alcohol are often banned because their warming effect does not last and even causes the body to cool down.
Instead, herbal teas are suggested, which warm thanks to their properties " activantes ". For my part, I wouldn't live without my coffee and my guys always find it pleasant to end the evening with a good hot chocolate. It's up to you to see what makes you convient !
Choose water bottles with wide mouths to prevent ice from clogging them.
Also, always keep water bottles in an insulated envelope at the bottom of your sleeping bag. This will avoid the unpleasant surprise of having your entire supply of fresh frozen water when you wake up.
Take advantage of a small fire to warm up, but not too much, as this will increase the humidity level of your clothes.
You can, however, take the opportunity to try to dry wet pieces of clothing. However, I must tell you that the most effective way to dry your clothes when they are wet is by sleeping with them.
We put our wet bits in our coat or close to the body. The heat provided by your body will allow the moisture to escape while you sleep. It's surprising, but it works for sure (unless your clothes are soaking wet).
7 When your feet are wet, there's nothing better than a pair of dry socks.
If you have snow in your boots, try drying them on the edge of the fire or put your feet in a plastic bag before putting your boots on. As a personal tip, I always carry heating bags like " HotPaws " to make sure that none of the ends will suffer from the cold and to avoid frostbite.
8.drag a small compact touring shovel
It will allow you to dig a hole to put your tent in and create a barrier against the wind, while helping you keep warm.
9 With the night falling faster, don't neglect a good light source.
The headlamp will quickly become your best friend. However, don't forget to carry spare batteries. Cold weather has this annoying tendency to make them discharge faster.
10 Finally, feel free to brighten up your winter camping experience with some " luxes ".
In very cold weather, we love to bring our winter slippers. They are slippers that keep our feet warm all evening and night. Even on a short night-time pee break, we can keep them on and come back warm in our sleeping bag. For our children, we sometimes take warm socks with us so that they can put their boots back on the next morning without making too many faces.
You will discover the business of this activity. Especially at night, winter takes on its magical side with its white blanket that sparkles in the moonlight. This is from toutebeauté !
I encourage you to try the experience and above all, to you amuser !
Happy camping from hiver !
Josée Lachapelle
Mum & Hiker