During the winter season, the leaves start changing and the days become cooler but still, it does not mean that the opportunity for camping comes to an end. The days may have a bitter cold but camping can still be enjoyable. But for that, you have to know certain tips that can make your camping enjoyable. That is the reason why in this article we have come up with five essential tips that you must know before you start camping in the extreme cold weather.
Some essential tips you must know for camping in the cold weather
The following are the essential tips that will certainly help you to stay comfortable during the winter camping:
1. Stay dry:
The first thing that you need to do is to stay dry during the winter camping. You should dry your wet clothes as quickly as possible since it can lower your body temperature. You must try to dry your clothes and body even when you sweat as it can cool you down which can be dangerous for you in the long run. So, you must not take it lightly and hence it is always recommended to carry extra clothes while going for winter camping. There are many people who want to carry lesser clothes along with them during the camping but often it is seen that overpack remains always better than to run out of dry clothes. Again it is always recommended to carry waterproof boots as well as gaiters since you will not be able to keep your feet wet. For more on these, you can visit Bootsempire.
2. Flatten your sleeping surface:
While on camping, you must choose a secured place that is reasonably dry, flat and protected. If possible you must try to clear away the snow to expose the dirt. Apart from that, you can also flatten the site with the tools or boots that you have carried with you. You must try to make the best tent for high winds in the camping area as there can be some wind apart from the severe cold. You can check campingconsole.com and find some tents that would suit your needs. You can also climb into the tent that you have made and use your knees to smooth out the ground area well so that you do not face any problem while sleeping. You should not wait for the last moment to make your sleeping surface since it will become difficult to make the sleeping surface when the snow melts and freezes.
3. Carry an insulated, closed-cell foam sleeping pad:
It is mostly seen that people sleep on the ground during the camping. But the heat loss due to conduction and you feel bitter cold while sleeping on the ground. Hence, it is recommended to carry a cold-weather sleeping bag with an insulated pad underneath the bag. But whenever you purchase the sleeping bag you must make sure that it has an insulated and closed-cell foam pad. Thus it is always recommended to purchase it from a reputed brand even if it is a little costly since the sleeping pad remains durable. You can also have an aluminized, coated pad that is highly durable and lightweight. In simple words, your sleeping pad should be durable, compressible and comfortable. These are the three most essential qualities that your sleeping pad must possess. Hence, if you want to escape cold while on winter camping then you should never sleep on the ground rather always try to carry a quality sleeping bag with an insulated sleeping pad.
4. Warm-up your sleeping bag with a hot water bottle:
Another great idea to keep yourself warm during the winter camping is to put a hot and non-insulated steel water bottle in the sleeping bag at night. This will help you to radiate heat like a sauna stone. You can also try tucking your makeshift heater next to your core, inner thigh, as well as around your neck. If you do not like to use stainless steel then you can opt for a BPA free material. However, stainless steel is always preferred over BPA free material since in case of stainless steel chemicals cannot leach into the water at the time when the material is heated. Thus before you go to purchase the sleeping pad you must know that all types of metal water bottles are not stainless steel and so you must check it. Once you are sure that it is stainless steel you can purchase it without any question in mind. For food-grade stainless steel, you must look for # 304 or 18/8 marked stainless steel.
5. Wear the right clothes:
Last but not least you have to wear the right clothes both at the time of sleeping as well as any other activity. There is a misconception among many people that sleeping naked in a sleeping bag can keep them warmer but this is not true in any way. When the temperature falls down to below 30 degrees Fahrenheit you must wear clothes that have layers. You should also avoid tight-fitting clothes such as socks, gloves, underwear, etc. as it may restrict blood flow to your extremities. Apart from that, you should also avoid running too warm clothes since in this case the moisture will get trapped in the sleeping bag which will cause an overall drop in the body temperature. Thus it is always recommended to wear synthetic fabric or woolen clothes. However, you can also wear warm socks, fingered gloves and cozy caps while sleeping during the winter camping. You should also avoid cotton clothes since cotton clothes do not wick the moisture and it may drop your body temperature. Moreover, you should also avoid silk and cellulose fibers such as cotton, layer strategic rather you should opt for synthetic fabrics. In the end, always have a fire if you can and the fire can keep you warm, be sure to know how to start one in the right way and what tools to use. You can learn about that on this website.
Conclusion
Camping in the extremely cold winter condition can be enjoyable if you follow the above-mentioned tips. Hence, before you start or plan to go camping you must not forget to purchase or carry all the above-mentioned essential things.