No doubt staying warm while camping in subzero temperatures presents a huge set of challenges. But what is harder is overcoming them since your fight is not with an inanimate object or even a human but against severe weather conditions.
In this post, we’ll reveal some common challenges you may come across when camping in a cold climate. We’ll also teach you how to stay warm camping in frigid temperatures in 8 quick and budget-friendly ways.
Challenges of Camping in Cold Weather
Below are hazards of camping in cold weather you might come across:
- Cold-Related Risks: There is a serious risk for camping in the cold, where one can suffer from either hypothermia or frostbite. Hypothermia is when your body's temperature drops too fast, while frostbite is an occurrence affecting the extremities—your fingers and toes, among others. Therefore, knowing how to stay warm camping in a tent should be your first priority.
- Camping Gear and Clothing: Winter camping requires appropriate equipment, for example, four-season tents and insulated sleeping bags. You’ll also need to pile yourself up with layers of moisture-wicking dress wear.
- Water and Food: Water will freeze at subzero temperatures. Moreover, you’ll need high-calorie food as your body will burn up more calories in cold climatic conditions.
- Camp Setup: Snowy and icy ground makes it not easy to find a solid base for a tent. This can also result in setting camp in the wrong place, e.g., in an avalanche-prone area.
- Cold and Moisture: Condensation in a tent can make it difficult for your clothes and equipment to dry fast.
- Short Days: Less daylight limits your activities.
- Fatigue: Winter camping involves more physical effort, like hiking in snow and setting up camp. This can lead to exhaustion and poor decision-making.
- Mental Strain: Cold, isolation, and harsh weather can be tough on your mental health.
Quick Tips to Stay Warm While Camping
As we discussed earlier, staying warm while camping in subzero temperatures must be your number one priority. Here are 8 quick tips that teach you how to stay warm in a tent camping in cold weather:
Layer Your Clothing
The best way to stay warm while camping is to pile yourself with layers to manage body temperature and avoid wearing cotton as it retains moisture. Begin layering your body with a moisture-wicking base, such as merino wool, to keep sweat off of your skin. Furthermore, wear fleece or down for thermal insulation. Add a protection layer, for instance, a waterproof and wind-proof outer layer will do. In case you get wet, immediately change your clothes, as damp clothing facilitates loss of heat. Sleep in layers, wear a woolen hat, insulated gloves, and thick socks to prevent your body heat from escaping.
Pick the Right Sleeping Bag
Pick a sleeping bag rated for extremely cold temperatures than you expect, like a 0°F bag for 20°F nights. A 3-season bag would work well for spring and fall too. Also, use a quality sleeping pad as well to boost comfort and warmth. Use a closed-cell foam pad for added insulation.
Consume High-Calorie Diet
Cold weather burns more calories. Therefore, focus on high-fat and protein meals. Try granola with nuts and milk, oatmeal with dried fruit, or pancakes with syrup for breakfast. Lunch ideas include grilled cheese sandwiches, warm soup, or loaded campfire potatoes. For dinner, enjoy hearty options like chili, beef stroganoff, or honey garlic chicken cooked in foil. You can also grab some trail mix, cheese, and salami when you feel you need a quick energy boost. Also, there are many fluids to take many times a day, even though one may not feel the need to. This is because your dehydration is likely to worsen the cold weather’s effect on you. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided because they are both considered diuretics. This is so because both lead to an increase in urine output. Alcohol has a much stronger diuretic effect, and the higher its percentage, the more fluid loss will occur. Caffeine, on the other hand, acts mildly on the system. But if consumed in large amounts, it causes the same dehydrating effect as alcohol.
Use a Portable Power Station for Heat
A power station is particularly important if you are going camping during the cold season. It could power various applications, including electric heaters, blankets, and items that could warm you and protect you from freezing nights. Unlike traditional generators that struggle in low temperatures, these compact and lightweight units perform well in cold and are easy to transport. Many portable power stations also support solar charging. For instance, the BLUETTI AC180 Solar Portable Power Station can sustain you with energy even in remote locations. It has an AC output of 1,800W which is enough power to charge all things you require to make you feel comfortable while camping such as microwave, refrigerator, etc.
The power station also boasts a 1,152Wh battery, 11 output ports, and 4 recharging options: AC, solar, car, or generator. Not to mention, it provides a noiseless operation and you can charge it in 45 minutes from 0 to 85%. Weighing at 35.27 lbs (16 kg), the BLUETTI AC180 is a lightweight unit that you can take on your camping trip. It also allows you to regulate its power consumption with the BLUETTI app. What’s more, you can charge BLUETTI AC180 using BLUETTI Charger 1 in your car while driving to your desired campsite. It offers 560W fast charging and features an active fan that keeps it cool and extends its life while it’s charging your power station. The charger’s safety features also protect against short circuits, reverse connections, low voltage, and overheating.
Insulate Your Tent
Knowing how to stay warm in a tent is equally important as layering up with clothing. You must reduce cold air inside your tent by lining its perimeter with gear for insulation. Use a space blanket or reflective material on its ceiling as well to retain heat. You might have to ventilate your tent now and then to prevent condensation buildup.
Bring Extra Bedding
Bring light fleece or wool blankets for warmth around campfires or to add to your sleeping bag. You could even use a heat-proof bottle with hot water in your sleeping bag to keep it warm e.g. place a stainless steel bottle inside a sock.
Choose the Right Campsite
Pick a spot with natural windbreaks, like trees or hills, and good sunlight exposure, such as the south side of a hill for morning warmth.
Stay Active
Lastly, another way to know how to stay warm while camping involves staying active. To do this, move around, like hike or walk briskly, and avoid sweating, as it can make you cold later.
Winter Camping Tips FAQs
Q1. How to avoid feeling cold when camping?
You can avoid feeling cold when camping by dressing yourself in layers of clothing. For instance, wear a moisture-wicking base, an insulating middle, and a windproof outer layer. As well as use a sleeping bag specifically for cold weather with an added liner, and pack warm hand and toe warmers.
Q2. How do you keep a tent warm on a cold night?
To keep your tent warm on a cold night, use an insulated sleeping pad to block ground chill, close zippers to reduce drafts, and opt for a low-ceiling tent to trap heat. A hot water bottle in your sleeping bag also adds extra warmth.
Q3. How to keep a tent warm without electricity?
If you want to know how to stay warm camping in cold weather without electricity, keep your tent warm. First, set it up in a place sheltered from wind near rocks and trees. Then, put a tarp on the tent’s floor as insulation from the cold ground and line the tent's interior with blankets. Next, use sleeping pads with a high R-value and layer up nicely to stay cozy.
Q4. What temperature is too cold to camp in?
20°F (-6°C) is the lower limit for comfortable camping, requiring a four-season tent and insulated gear to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Whereas, below this temperature, camping is too cold for most people unless they have specialized gear and experience, as frostbite can occur in less than 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Camping in cold weather can be intoxicating, but safety and comfort should always come first. Therefore, to learn how to stay warm camping, follow all 8 tips meticulously to the T. For instance, wear moisture-wicking and insulated clothing and use a sleeping bag rated for low temperatures with extra padding. Also, consume high-calorie foods, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol and caffeine intake. Remember to pick a sheltered campsite with sunlight and stay active to maintain body heat. Furthermore, use a portable power station like BLUETTI AC180 that can juice up heaters, blankets, and other devices, keeping you warm and cozy in biting temperatures. It features a long-lasting battery, fast charging, and AC, solar, car, and generator recharging options. You can also control its power consumption with the BLUETTI app from the comfort of your sleeping bag. Don’t let cold weather deter you from enjoying your winter camping adventure.
