Outdoor Hacks for Winter Camping: Stay Adventurous, Keep Warm

You've been hiking all day, and now you're setting up camp, ready to brave the night.

It's freezing.

You can't remember why you agreed to go camping in winter in the first place.

While pleading temporary insanity is okay, freezing is not. Since we've been where you are, we prepared some hacks to keep you warm on your winter camping trip.

Preparing for Your Winter Camping Trip

Once you're on your trip, there's not much you can do in the cold if you're not prepared. We don't want you to go camping and start regretting your life choices. That's why planning is important for all camping, but especially winter camping.

These are our tips for you brave hearts going winter camping:

1. Choose the Right Gear

To brave the winter elements in South Africa, you'll need high-quality gear designed for cold conditions.

If you're not sure where to start, use our checklist for cold-weather camping gear, including a good-quality sleeping bag and thermal layers to stay warm.

Your Camping Outfit:

• Choose thermal tops and bottoms to keep warm.
• Wear wool or synthetic socks to keep your feet warm.
• Invest in waterproof jackets and pants to protect against moisture.
• Don't forget gloves and hats to cover extremities, where heat loss is most significant.
• Look for items with insulation and breathable materials to balance warmth and comfort.
• Layer your clothing by starting with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulation layer for warmth, and finish with a waterproof, windproof outer layer.

Packing the Essentials:

1. Insulated sleeping bags: Great for low temperatures as they create a warm cocoon for sleeping.
2. Thermal blankets: These blankets provide insulation or emergency warmth.
3. Hand warmers: Gives quick heat when needed, whether tucked into gloves or sleeping bags.
4. Dependable camping stove: For preparing warm meals and boiling water for hot drinks.
5. Extra food: Pack plenty of high-calorie foods like nuts, cheese, and chocolate for quick energy boosts.
6. Water: Bring water as natural water sources are often frozen during the winter.

If you've got this list of winter camping gear packed and ready to go, you're halfway there to have a great winter camping adventure.

2. Set Up Camp Like Elsa

Since you're winter camping, choosing the right camping sport is crucial for your safety, warmth, and comfort.

Choose the Perfect Camping Spot

• Look for a safe and sheltered spot: Location, location, location. A sheltered spot will protect you from the wind, reduce wind chill, and help maintain warmth.
• Choose higher ground: Cold air tends to settle in low-lying areas, so choose a slightly elevated camping site to avoid cold pockets and prevent frost from forming around your campsite.

Build a Warm Shelter

When setting up a shelter for your winter camping adventure, paying attention to detail will help keep you safe and comfortable.

Insulate the tent floor using materials like insulating mats, foam pads, or a layer of leaves or pine needles to create a barrier between your body and the cold ground. This will reduce heat loss and give you a comfortable sleeping surface.

If it's windy, you can use a tarp or snow wall to block cold wind and maintain warmth inside the tent.

Good ventilation is essential, even in cold weather. Condensation from breath and body heat can lead to dampness and discomfort inside the tent. Ensure your tent has proper ventilation to allow moisture to escape without letting in too much cold air.

By carefully selecting your campsite and properly setting up your shelter, you can create a warm and safe environment in which to enjoy the beauty of winter camping.

Staying Warm Throughout the Night

Here are some tips for getting a good night's sleep while winter camping:

How To Get Your (Cold) Beauty Sleep

• Use a good-quality insulated sleeping pad to create a barrier between you and the cold ground. This will help retain body heat and ensure a more restful sleep.
• Wear thermal base layers inside your sleeping bag for extra insulation and to help wick away moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable.
• Buy a hot water bottle and place it near your core or at the foot of your sleeping bag to stay warm throughout the night.
• Proper ventilation in your tent is crucial to prevent moisture buildup and ensure a dry, comfortable environment.

Manage Your Moisture

• Stay dry: To ensure your gear stays dry, use any available heat sources to dry out wet clothes and boots. Hang your things inside the tent or under a tarp to let it air dry, and avoid putting it directly on the ground to stop moisture from building up.
• Avoid sweating as far as possible: Adjust your clothing layers to prevent sweating and moisture buildup. Change up your layers depending on how active you are and the temperature to stay dry.

Setting up Winter Camp? Choose Naturehike

If you're all amped up and ready to go cold-weather camping, choose Naturehike for top-quality gear. We have all the essentials to fill up your Fortuner so you can go on the adventure of a lifetime. 

Grab sleeping gear, a tent, camp kitchen essentials, and clothing to weather any weather.

Chase Adventure

Camping in the winter can be challenging, but with our expert tips and proper planning, it can also be an unforgettable adventure.

Before you head out, make sure to prepare thoroughly, pack wisely, and equip yourself with a positive mindset so you can look forward to your next winter camping trip, knowing that you're ready to stay warm and safe in the great outdoors.

Embrace the weather, and you’ll find that the experience is not only about surviving the cold but also about enjoying the tranquillity and beauty that winter brings. 

Once you adopt our outdoor hacks, you'll want to do this every year.