Some people who enjoy camping like the chance to be outdoors in the warm weather. And while they love outdoor adventures, they would never consider doing it an any other time of year. But for a select few, the winter is the perfect time for camping that presents the perfect combination of relaxation and challenge. In the winter, those two things are not mutually exclusive as the feeling you get upon surviving in the wilderness can be exhilarating. And of course there are the down times when you get to huddle up in your tent and just enjoy the company of your camping partners.
When you camp in the winter, you want to make sure you set up your tent in a good location that is both secure and relatively dry. If there is snow on the ground then make sure to pack it down before you lay your tent over it. You will have to use deeper stakes to secure your tents to the ground, and fasten them tightly because they might not actually get through the snow. Cheap tents simply will not perform well in the winter so you will want to invest in a good four season dome tent that can shed snow with its rounder design.
At night you want to make sure your tent is secure and all the openings are closed. Remember that heat will be your most valuable resource so you don’t want any of it to escape. Before going to bed, warm up your sleeping bag a bit by lying in it, and don’t be afraid to wear extra clothing if you need to.
You don’t want too much space between you and the surfaces that are on top or you risk losing heat in the process. And before you go to bed, take some time to brush off any condensation that has formed or else this can build up on your sleeping bag and other camping gear. Remember that nutrition and a good night’s sleep are essential in the winter so that you give yourself a chance to regenerate for the next day’s adventures.
photo credit: woodleywonderworks