As summer officially draws to a close, we’ll soon begin to feel a chill creeping into the night air. This shouldn’t put an end to your camping adventures, though. Staying warm while camping is simply a matter of having the right equipment and know how to handle the weather.
Pick a sheltered campsite
First, pick a campsite that is sheltered from the wind. Cool air settles in lower areas like valleys, so look for a spot higher up. Sleeping near bodies of water is great in the summer but will have a cooling effect in winter, therefore a spot away from the water is a better choice.
Layer for warmth
Wearing the right clothing will go a long way to help you stay warm. While cotton and cotton blends are great during the summer, synthetic fabrics, wool, and fleece do a better job at holding in your body heat. Be sure to keep those extremities covered. Wear a knit cap and pack plenty of extra wool socks to keep your feet warm.
Pick the right sleeping bag
Having the right sleeping bag is vital to staying warm while camping. Down is great in dry weather, but if it gets damp it will lose its insulating power. Choose a synthetic bag designed for cold weather camping, and note that men’s and women’s bags can differ. Because women tend to be cooler while sleeping, a men’s sleeping bag might not feel warm enough to a woman. Ladies can choose a bag designed for them, or a men’s bag that is rated for colder conditions than expected to make up the difference.
Keep your blood temp up
Before climbing into bed for the night, take some time to increase your body temperature, which naturally drops when you sleep. Do a few jumping jacks or jog in place for a couple of minutes. You don’t want to exert yourself enough to get sweaty (going to bed damp is not a good thing), just enough to get the blood flowing.
Keep a warm drink close
Have a warm drink or a small snack just before bed. Aim for something high in protein over a sugary treat. This will keep your digestive system working as you sleep, providing a natural boost to your body heat. Another trick to staying warm while camping is to tuck your clothing into the bottom of your sleeping bag. Not only will this provide extra insulation but your clothes will be warm and toasty when you get dressed in the morning.
Choose the right tent
Last, choose the right tent. A three season tent will usually suffice unless you’re doing some serious winter camping in freezing temperatures. Then you’ll want to upgrade to a four season tent. Make sure any mesh panels or vents in your tent can be fully closed, and invest in a good rain fly to ward off chilly breezes. With the right gear and preparation, staying warm while camping will be a snap no matter the time of year!
Featured Image from Andreas Wagner/Unsplash
