4 Aspects To Keep In Mind When Planning Winter Camping

Obviously, cold weather, which can also change dramatically, makes winter camping more demanding in terms of equipment and clothing. It is essential to have a reliable and well-protected shelter, such as a 2 person all-season tent, and to learn more about winter camping before you go.

It is the planning of your trip that you need to pay special attention to since the safety and success of your camping directly depend on it. Having set up a tent somewhere in a wonderful spot with stunning scenery full of snow-capped mountains and white treetops, it will be a shame if instead of enjoying this beauty and spending a good time with your friends, you solve some problems or get sick.

Therefore, let's look at some of the main aspects that should be taken into account already at the planning stage of your camping. After all, the more you know, the better, as it will help you avoid issues and make your winter camping a great memory and experience!

Your tent should be well-protected

The key item in any camping trip is the tent. And in winter, the issue of your shelter's protection becomes even more pressing.

When planning winter camping, you need to pay attention not only to the shape and materials of the tent but also to its capacity, since it is obvious that you will need more warm clothes and equipment to make your camping comfortable. Therefore, you should give preference to tents with division into zones and a spacious interior.

What's more, it is important to choose a tent made from water- and wind-resistant fabrics that additionally have good insulating properties to prevent quick heat loss.

Another factor is the construction features. The poles of your tent should be made of metal and have sufficient strength. Same with stakes.

A high-quality tent with good protection from low temperatures and stormy weather, which can arise at the most inopportune moment, is the key to your comfortable and safe camping.

Before you head out, it is also worth visiting a camping supply store to get sleeping bags suitable for cold weather, as well as sleeping pads for extra insulation, warm clothing for extreme temperatures, portable heaters, etc. All of these will protect you from the harsh weather, which can be quite severe in winter.

Make a camping gear checklist

Once you have got your tent and are sure it is suitable for winter camping, the next step is to create a checklist. You can do this yourself or find a ready-made one on the Internet.

Any trip planning is much more effective and organized if you know what you need to take first.

Although comfort level is different for each person, the issue of necessary equipment for winter camping should be given attention.

Among the items that you may most likely need and that should be included in your checklist are:

• Portable heaters, gas stove, tent stove
• Moisture-proof matches, lighters, fire starter fluid
• Firewood or coal, as well as a supply of drinking water
• Flashlights, headlamps, and other lighting elements
• Power banks and batteries
• Ax, hammer, shovel, knives
• Kitchen utensils, thermos
• First aid kit
• Personal care products

A good idea would be to divide the items from the checklist among group members. As everyone can take some of the gear, this will help save space and also money, since there is always a chance that your friends already have something from the list.

When planning a winter camping trip for a couple of days, you don't need a very large number of things, but consider your habits and preferences. Imagine in advance how these few days at the campsite might go and what you may do there in order to better understand what you will definitely need.

Pay attention to choosing a spot

Another aspect to consider is where you plan to set up your tent. Choosing a spot is an important step because it directly affects your comfort and safety while camping. A good site is not only about beautiful scenery or easy access to the place by car.

There are a number of factors that need to be taken into account, so it is recommended to study a map of the area in advance. It is crucial to note where lakes and other bodies of water are, as sometimes they can be completely covered in snow, causing you to accidentally fall through. Also, if you are in a mountainous area, learn about the risks of avalanches. In addition, it is worth finding out about the predators that live in the area and what is the likelihood of meeting them. Finally, check alternative routes to understand how you can get to or from the campsite in case of unforeseen circumstances and heavy snowfalls.

Once you reach your destination, try not to set up your camp in the lowlands or on peaks without trees or other barriers, as empty areas are windy and can get snowed in, making your camping more problematic.

Always remember safety

Safety is a top priority during winter camping, especially when it comes to remote areas or regions with extreme temperatures. 

If you are a beginner and this is your first experience of winter camping, spend some time studying information regarding safe stay in nature during the winter season, watch videos with survival tips and ways how to stay warm, insulate the tent from heat loss, etc. You can also chat with more experienced campers on forums or ask for advice from your friends who have already been on winter hikes.

It is important to be careful about safety since ignoring possible dangers can not only ruin your trip but also pose a threat to health and life.

Basic rules to consider include:

• Your clothes and shoes should always be dry. If you get wet, change clothes as soon as possible and put your clothes out to dry.
• Avoid being on ice in the early days (sometimes weeks) of winter, as the ice at this time is not yet thick and stable enough. If you find yourself in a situation where the ice under your feet begins to crack and there is a risk of falling through, take a horizontal position to evenly distribute your weight on the surface.
• Mark on the map the nearest pharmacies, hospitals, heating centers, and other useful places where you can get help.
• Include emergency blankets in your checklist. They prevent the body from heat loss, and on a cold night, they will additionally protect you from frost.
• Let your friends and family know exactly where you are going and for what period.

Finally, it is best to choose prepared campgrounds with infrastructure and amenities for your first winter camping. You should not risk setting up camp in primitive and remote sites without the necessary experience.