Tips for a Happy & Fun Winter Camping

 

Here are some things that will help you stay warm and comfortable during winter camping. If you’re warm, you’re better able to enjoy yourself. Print them out and follow them.

 

Clothing

  1. Bring at least 2-3 complete changes of clothing, with the possible exception of a coat and boots. Pants, shirts, gloves, hats, underwear, long underwear. Bring at least 2. If you are planning on snow activities, you will want to bring more.
  2. Wear warm footwear, such as boots. Do not wear sneakers. They will not keep your feet warm.
  3. Wet clothes will make you miserable and can be dangerous in freezing weather. If your clothes get wet, change them. See #1.
  4. Bring separate cloths to sleep in. Sweat pants and a long-sleeve T-shirt work well. You will want a stocking cap as well if your bag does not protect your head.
  5. If any of your clothes get wet, either put them in a plastic bag, or dry them by the fire.
  6. Wear layered clothing. As you get warm, you can remove or open outer layers. As you cool down, add layers. If the inner layers get sweaty, you’ll need to change them.

 

 

 

Sleeping

  1. Before going to bed, remove ALL clothing and put on your sleepwear. Clothes you wear all day have moisture in them that will make you cold when you go to sleep, particularly the clothes in contact with your skin.
  2. Bring AT LEAST 2 blankets with you: one (preferably) fleece blanket which fits inside your sleeping bag and one thicker blanket which lays over the top. A third blanket under the bag may help keep you warmer as well. A 0˚ sleeping bag will definitely feel warmer with a fleece blanket inside it.
  3. DO NOT BRING A COT. The cold air under the cot will allow heat to escape below you. Use an air mattress, pad or several thick blankets instead.
  4. Bring a couple of hand warmers and toss into your sleeping bag an hour or so before bedtime. If you leave them in your bag overnight, make sure they will not touch your skin. For example, put them under the blanket inside your bag.
  5. Take the DRY clothes you are wearing the next day and put them inside your sleeping bag overnight, perhaps down by your feet. They’ll be warm when you need to dress in the morning. There’s nothing worse than changing into underwear that’s chilled to 11˚ as you roll out of bed.
  6. Absolutely no flame, heaters or warm rocks in tents. A couple of chemical hand warmer packets only.

 

Behaviors

  1. Check yourself periodically. If any exposed skin is turning white or is numb find an adult immediately. Treat for frostbite.
  2. Check on your buddies periodically. Even if they say “I’m fine”, if you suspect a problem, bring it to the attention of an adult. Better safe than sorry.
  3. Never go off by yourself. In very cold weather, exposure or wet clothing can be a severe problem in less than 1 minute.
  4. Drink fluids regularly. Drink warm liquid occasionally – cocoa, tea, apple cider, etc. but be sure to drink regular water occasionally too.
  5. Eat snacks. Your body uses lots of energy staying warm. Be sure to keep it fueled.