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As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, camping in the colder months can feel daunting, but it's also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have outdoors. Winter camping allows you to see nature at its most serene and peaceful, with the added bonus of fewer crowds and the chance to test your skills against the elements. However, it does require some extra preparation to ensure your campsite is both comfortable and safe. Here, we’ll explore the essentials for setting up a cosy winter campsite to help you stay warm, comfortable, and ready to embrace the chilly weather.
Choose the Right Location for Your Winter Campsite
The location of your campsite is vital, especially in the winter. It’s tempting to find a clearing exposed to the sun, but once the sun sets, these spots can get very cold. Instead, look for areas that offer natural windbreaks, such as dense trees, rock faces, or embankments.
Avoid valley bottoms and low-lying areas, where cold air tends to settle. Opting for slightly elevated ground can prevent moisture build-up and reduce the likelihood of a damp campsite. Keep in mind the proximity of your fire setup to your sleeping area as well, so you’re close enough to benefit from the warmth without risking safety.
Opt for a Hot Tent Setup
For a truly cosy winter camping experience, consider setting up a hot tent such as the OneTigris Rocdomus. A hot tent, often made from canvas or another durable material, is designed to accommodate a wood-burning stove safely inside. This setup provides heat, making it possible to keep your tent interior warm and dry throughout the night. With a hot tent, you can enjoy a level of comfort that standard winter tents can’t offer, especially when temperatures drop significantly.
Tips for Hot Tent Setup:
Safety First: Ensure your hot tent has a fire-resistant material around the stove pipe outlet and a well-ventilated space to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide build-up.
Stable Stove Placement: Position your stove on a level surface inside the tent to prevent any wobbling or tipping.
Bring Extra Wood: Gather and prep wood in advance to keep your stove going through the night – having a well-stocked pile can mean the difference between a cosy night and a cold one.
Invest in Quality Thermal Tarps and Ground Insulation
Layering is key when camping in winter, and that applies to your campsite as well. Using a thermal tarp over your tent or as a windbreak can help retain heat by reflecting warmth back towards your camp. Thermal tarps are lightweight, durable, and highly effective at trapping heat, making them ideal for maintaining a comfortable camp temperature in colder weather.
Don’t overlook ground insulation either. Cold can seep up from the ground, leading to a chilly night’s sleep, so invest in a high-quality sleeping mat with excellent insulation properties. Many winter campers double up on mats, using a closed-cell foam mat underneath an inflatable one for maximum warmth and comfort.
Stay Warm with Hammock Under Blankets and Insulated Sleeping Gear
For those who prefer hammock camping, cold-weather preparation is essential. While sleeping in a hammock can keep you off the cold, damp ground, it also exposes you to more air circulation, which can cool you down quickly. This is where hammock under blankets, or underquilts, come into play. Under blankets provide an insulating layer beneath you, effectively blocking cold air from circulating under the hammock.
In addition to under blankets, invest in a high-quality, insulated sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures, ideally with a hood to retain body heat. A well-insulated sleeping system will help you stay comfortable without needing to overload on bulky blankets.
Build and Position Your Fire Strategically
A campfire is a natural gathering spot, adding warmth, light, and an inviting atmosphere to your campsite. In winter, the fire’s warmth can be a game-changer, but where and how you position it is key to maximising its benefits. Try setting up your fire closer to your tent than you might in summer, but always follow safe fire practices to avoid any accidental damage.
Tips for a Cozy, Efficient Fire Setup:
Reflector Walls: Position rocks or logs behind the fire to reflect heat back toward your sitting area or tent. Reflector walls can amplify the warmth, ensuring you feel the fire’s benefits even at a small distance.
Firepit Design: Dig a shallow pit for your fire and line it with rocks. This design helps contain the fire and concentrates the heat, keeping you warmer.
Bring Firestarters: Firestarters, such as cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly or waterproof matches, make it easier to start a fire quickly in cold or damp conditions, saving you time and energy.
Dress in Layers and Use the Right Materials
Keeping warm is as much about your clothing choices as your campsite setup. Dressing in layers lets you adapt to temperature changes throughout the day and night. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin, followed by insulating layers like wool or fleece, which trap warmth effectively. Top it all off with a windproof and waterproof outer layer to shield you from the elements.
When it comes to materials, wool is a winter camper’s best friend. Unlike cotton, wool retains warmth even when damp, making it a reliable choice for base layers, socks, and hats. Merino wool in particular is known for its softness and warmth, making it comfortable enough to wear all day.
Prepping Hot Water Bottles for Extra Warmth
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay warm at night is with a hot water bottle. Before bed, heat water over your fire or stove and fill a rubber hot water bottle, then place it in your sleeping bag a few minutes before you get in. Not only will this pre-warm your bed, but it’ll also help retain heat throughout the night, offering cosy comfort on especially cold evenings.
Alternatively, for a quicker option, use metal water bottles that can withstand high temperatures, heat water, and place the bottles at the bottom of your sleeping bag.
Plan for Hearty, Warm Meals and Hot Drinks
Eating calorie-dense foods is crucial in winter camping as your body burns more calories to stay warm. Plan for hearty meals like stews, soups, and porridge that are easy to prepare and provide sustained energy. Cooking over a campfire or a portable stove allows you to prepare warm meals that can make all the difference in chilly weather.
In addition to meals, bring a Yeti bottle to keep hot drinks like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate at the ready. A warm drink by the fire not only helps keep you hydrated but also adds an extra layer of warmth.
Night-Time Preparation: Keep Your Gear Warm and Dry
As temperatures drop, keeping certain gear items warm can make a significant difference. Items like boots, gloves, and wet clothes left out overnight can become stiff with cold, making mornings uncomfortable. Try storing these items in a dry bag and keeping them inside your tent or even in the foot of your sleeping bag for warmth.
If you have electronics, such as a mobile phone or camera, cold temperatures can deplete battery life quickly. Keeping these items close to your body, like in a pocket or insulated pouch, can help preserve battery life.
Safety and Preparedness: Always Have a Plan
Lastly, safety is paramount when camping in winter. Make sure someone knows your camping location and expected return time. Cold weather increases the risk of hypothermia and frostbite, so be prepared to recognise and respond to these conditions.
Know the Signs of Hypothermia: Early signs include shivering, fatigue, confusion, and slurred speech. If you or someone in your group shows these symptoms, get them warmed up immediately.
Bring a First Aid Kit: Ensure your kit includes items specifically for winter camping, like hand warmers, blister treatment, and supplies for treating minor cuts or burns.
Stay Hydrated: Cold weather can mask dehydration, so make a conscious effort to drink water throughout the day, even if you’re not sweating.
Embrace the Winter Outdoors with UKSN
With the right preparation and a few thoughtful additions to your camping setup, winter camping can be a comfortable and deeply rewarding experience. At UKSN, we believe that the outdoors can be enjoyed all year round, and our community offers a supportive network for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you're camping with family, solo, or as part of a UKSN Charter group, we’re here to help you make the most of every camping experience, no matter the season.
So pack up, dress warmly, and prepare for a truly cosy winter camping adventure! Winter in the UK has its own unique charm, and with these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy every moment of it.
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