If you’ve crawled into your tent feeling like a rugged outdoor legend, only to wake up in the night shivering like a chihuahua in a snow storm., then you already know that staying warm while camping is more of an art than anything else.
It’s a high stakes, slightly ridiculous art, and sometimes it comes down to smart choices like packing decent gear, learning a few tricks, and maybe investing in proper insulation fabric instead of relying on your lucky hoodie that’s just a thin layer of lies. You need to know the essentials so that your next camping trip feels less like a survival documentary and more like you enjoying the outdoors while you stay warm when camping.
3 Ways to Stay Warm When Camping – Think About How You’ll Be Sleeping
The first thing to consider is your sleep system and the fact that it matters. A good sleeping bag is not optional. Check the temperature rating and then go one rating lower because nature loves surprises. Down-filled bags are great for cold conditions while synthetic ones hold up better if things get damp and something always gets damp when you camp.
And don’t forget that your sleeping pad needs to come with you. It’s doing more for warmth than your bag is. Your body loses heat to the cold ground faster than you’d think, so go for a pad with a solid R value insulation so that you can avoid the pain of just folding a blanket. It won’t work and nature will laugh at you.
3 Ways to Stay Warm When Camping – Layers, Layers, Layers
You then need to think about the way that you are layering. Start with moisture wicking base layers. Cotton is banned because it absorbs sweat, traps cold and betrays your trust. Stick to merino wool or synthetic fabrics and add those insulating mid layers of fleece and wool. You then need to top it off with a windproof outer shell. At night time you need to resist the urge to overdress because wearing too much can also trap some cold air, not heat. You want to be warm, not wrapped like a panic burrito.
3 Ways to Stay Warm When Camping – Bring The Right Gear
The real warmth really comes from your gear. Hand warmers are absolutely essential and a hot water bottle tucked into your sleeping bag is magical. A beanie on your head is a good idea, and you also need to have dry socks. Plenty of extra pairs of dry socks.
Always pack extras specifically for sleeping too, and you can put them right on before bed and feel instantly snug. Your tent setup will also play a huge role. You need a sheltered campsite away from wind channels or valley cold traps. Keep the tent ventilated. Yes, ventilated. Closing it completely traps the moisture, which leads to condensation, which leads to waking up in the chill cloud.
Staying warm outdoors is not about suffering, but it’s about using smart gear, layers and habits to prep right, pack right, and drift off to sleep. You need to be feeling cosy, capable and pleasantly smug in your toasty little cocoon.