Being a camper is great fun. You can grab your mates or your partner and head off for a weekend of nomadic adventures. However, every camper has the dilemma of facing the cold on those winter nights. And yeah, we’re going to say it, some of us are only fair-weather campers because it’s easier than freezing your balls off.
However, we know a lot of you out there are hardcore and will brave those winter nights in the outdoors - and we salute you for it. You’re brave, you’re impressive, and you’re a true outdoor enthusiast. So, if you are heading out for a camping trip this winter, or you just get cold anyway, we’ve compiled this blog for the best tips to stay warm when camping.
Layer under as well as over
It can be really tempting to grab as many blankets as you can find, haul them into the car and then layer them over yourself to sleep at night. While this may feel like the right thing to do, and in some capacity, it actually is, adding layers underneath you is also a good idea.
The ground beneath you absorbs a lot of heat which subsequently means this heat is lost, rendering your million top-layer blankets a bit useless. Add a roll mat or sleeping mat underneath you for a comfier night’s sleep, and for some added insulation to avoid heat loss through the ground.
However, adding layers to the top is also a good idea too. But for the best insulation, heat from above and below.
If you haven’t already tried hammock camping, this may help you to stay warm. Setting up your hammock with an underquilt or underblanket allows a big pocket of warm air to sleep under you all night, heating you from below. You can get cosy inside the hammock in a sleeping bag and some additional layers. Then add a tarp over the top for a more enclosed, cosy feel.
Change clothes
After a long hike or a busy day exploring the wild, the last thing you want to do is expose yourself to the elements and strip down in the cold. But we’re sorry to say, that is the best thing for you. If you wear your sweaty clothes to bed you’ll likely be colder due to the moisture trapped in your clothes. So before you go to bed, make sure you change into some fresh clothes. You’ll be warmer and happier for it.
Shake your sleeping bag
A lot of sleeping bags work by trapping pockets of air that absorb heat from your body to keep you well-insulated. Give your sleeping bag a good shake before you use it to make sure it's lofty and filled with air. This way you can enjoy the full effects of the insulation and have a cosy night.
Pee before bed
We’ve all been there, tucked up in your sleeping bag ready to nod off. But disaster strikes and your bladder has other ideas. It’s tempting to just force yourself to sleep and avoid the slog to get out of your sleeping bag and face the cold… but we’re sorry to say that this is the worst idea.
When you’re cold you need to pee more frequently, and your body wastes more energy keeping your bladder warm. So, release the tension, pop out and let it all go. You’ll sleep better and fall asleep much faster, too.
Eat and drink
Your body needs energy to keep warm and if you’re hungry or thirsty, you’re going to feel the cold a whole lot more. You should be making sure you’re fed and watered anyway, but even more so when it’s cold outside. Stock up on camping food like snacks, or even take some freeze-dried meal pouches or military rations with you for a high-calorie and practical meal. We recommend stocking up on Expedition Foods who stock a huge range of meals to ensure campers and adventurers alike can enjoy the trill of the outdoors with a belly full of nutritional food.
Don’t put your head in your sleeping bag
We know, we know - when it's cold, all you want is some connection to your hot breath to heat you up. But this is actually not a good idea. By enclosing your breath inside, the moisture of your breath will condense the inside of your sleeping bag, making it damp and ruining its insulation effect.
Cover extremities
A lot of our heat can be lost through our heads, especially when we sleep. If you’re out on a camping trip, you’ll know how useful a cosy hat can be, and the same goes for when you’re asleep. Wearing a hat can help to reduce heat loss. We’ve got loads of ex-military winter hats and other stylish hats and caps to help you stay warm.
Take the right gear
If you’re going to be camping in minus temperatures, your summer sleeping bag is certainly not going to cut it, no matter how many layers you add. Taking a winter sleeping bag that can withstand low temperatures is key. The Big Agnes Park 0 sleeping bag can withstand temperatures up to -18 and is perfect for remaining toasty even in extreme conditions. Alternatively, we also carry military surplus arctic sleeping bags.
Additionally, the Kelty sleeping bag range carried at Preppers Shop is vast and includes lots of sleeping bags for various seasonal use. You’ll also want to make sure your tent or hammock is warm enough. And if you’re van camping, adding insulation to the doors is a good idea to keep out the cold.
Heating tools stocked at Preppers Shop
We’ve also listed some heating essentials stocked by us to help you through the cold.
- Survival foil blanket
- Thermal bivvy bag
- Feuerhand lanterns
- Lantern oil
- A selection of camp stoves
- Gas heater
- Military blankets
- Hand warmers
- Gloves
- Emergency fire starter
- Fire barrel
- Fire starter set
To have a real browse of our extensive product range, you can visit us at our store in Cornwall. However, if you’d like to know more about our products, what you can buy to stay warm when camping, or any other queries, please get in touch.