As summer slowly starts to fade away and the weather begins to cool, it’s time we put away our camping equipment geared more toward the warm summer months and adopt equipment more appropriate for the crispness of fall. Whether camping under the twinkling autumn stars or a frost covered winter landscape, the right purchase can mean the difference between an enjoyable weekend get away or a cold, miserable and laborious nightmare.
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Here’s all the camping gear you need for cold weather
Layers, Layers, Layers
Staying warm is essential while braving the bitter cold and snow while camping in the colder seasons. Investing in wool or synthetic under layers, such as thermal long johns, is a great start. A thick, synthetic or down parka, Gore-Tex gloves and pants, as well as a fleece beanie, are all standard when setting up camp in a chilled climate. Breathable materials are ideal for the colder weather as they will reduce the buildup of precipitation, which gives an extra level of comfort.
A Good Cooler
Stalking up on calorie dense foods, preferably non-perishable foods, is a must and the storage of said food is equally important. The need to keep up your calorie count is more important in the frostier weather, as the body tends to burn more calories to keep us warm. Investing in a compact, cooler to store items such as protein bars etc. will ensure that an ample supply of food and snacks are on hand for when the stomach begins to its rumble rumba.
A Good Night’s Sleep
One of the most important pieces of equipment for a winter camping trip is a thermal sleeping bag. With hundreds to choose from, a potential camper must keep an eye out for sleeping bags specifically made for colder weather. A light weight, insulated, polyester Goose Down sleeping bag, will keep you nice and toasty throughout the night. Keep an eye out for a high R-value rating when perusing the sleeping bag isles. The higher, the better.
A Stainless-Steel Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is just as important in the cold as it is in the warmer temperatures. Investing in a stainless-steel water bottle will ensure that you keep hydrated, but also gives you a bonus of the bottle being able to double as a heat radiator. Placing the bottle against a warm region of the body, the stainless-steel can absorb and redistribute some of your body’s heat back to you, providing an extra level of warmth and comfort.
The Tent’s The Thing
With the myriad of options out there for all-season tents, choosing the right tent to fit your needs could get a tad overwhelming. However, with the mindset of comfort, convenience and staying warm at the forefront of your mind, the process can be made that much easier. For a full-on winter tent, a winter expedition or lightweight mountaineering variety would be fitting for multiple days of winter camping. Most varieties are lightweight and pitch quickly for extra convenience.
