Raise your hand. Who has ever had a cold night in a tent where it was very difficult getting warm?
Anyone who has spent a good amount of nights in a tent has experienced the kind of cold that seeps into your bones no matter how many layers you pile on, turning a peaceful night under the stars into a long, shivering wait for morning.
I used to think cold-weather camping was only for the most hardened of adventurers, those who thrived on discomfort. But I've come to learn that staying warm isn’t about being tough; it’s about smarts – knowing how to stay warm.
The wilderness in the colder months has a quiet, majestic beauty that is unlike any other time of year. The air is crisp, the trails are less crowded, and the stars seem to shine brighter. For those of us who have learned to appreciate the simple pleasures of an active outdoor life, a little cold shouldn't be an obstacle. With some foresight and the right mindset, a cold night can be just as comfortable as a warm one. The secret doesn’t have to be expensive gear. It can be as simple as a few simple, time-tested strategies.
Here are my top tips for staying warm at camp in cold weather, so you can enjoy the magic of the wild all year long.
1. Master the Art of Layering
Layering is the single most important principle of cold-weather comfort. Sure, a giant, bulky jacket is nice, but it’s not really the answer. The beauty of this system is that you can add or remove layers as you work or rest, keeping your body's temperature perfectly regulated. Here are the basic elements:
- Start with a Base Layer: This is a layer of synthetic or merino wool fabric (or blend) worn directly against your skin. Its job is to wick moisture away from your body. Think: moisture is the enemy of warmth.
- Add an Insulating Layer: Next, add a fleece or a lightweight down jacket. This layer traps warm air and holds it close to your body.
- The Outer Shell: A waterproof and windproof jacket is critical to protect you from the elements – especially if it’s windy, rainy, or snowy.
2. A Smart Sleeping Strategy
The trick to a comfortable night's sleep isn’t about having the highest rated sleeping bag. It’s about your entire sleep system and what you do before you tuck yourself in at night. Let’s review.
- Use a Good Sleeping Pad: This is just as important as your sleeping bag. The ground will suck the heat right out of you, no matter how warm your bag is. An insulated sleeping pad (with a high R-value) provides a crucial barrier between you and the cold ground. The colder the environment, the higher the R-Value.
- Don't Go to Bed Cold: Never crawl into your sleeping bag when you are already shivering. Do some jumping jacks or a few laps around the campsite to get your blood flowing and your body warm (not sweaty) first. Your sleeping bag works by trapping your body's heat, and if you have none to give, it can’t do its job.
- Wear Dry Clothes to Bed: It's tempting to crawl into your sleeping bag in the clothes you've been hiking in all day, but they are likely damp with sweat. Always have a dedicated pair of dry long underwear and socks just for sleeping. Change into dry cloths, walk around a bit to get warm, then get in your sleeping bag.
- Sleeping Layers: Your sleeping bag should be is rated higher than the coldest temperature you’ll experience. You may also want to have a sleeping bag liner or a light wool blanket inside your bag. If you have a down sleeping bag, don’t put layers on top of it, because it will reduce the loft, which lowers the insulation benefit.
- Your Shelter: Your shelter should be ventalated (on top) but it should not be drafty. The vent will expell some of the moisture and condensation inside your tent. Remember that moisture is he enemy of warmth. Drafts will take away too much of the heat inside your tent, so reduce drafts as much as possible. Ideally, use a 4-season tent.
3. Fuel and Hydration
Staying warm is an active process for your body. You need fuel to keep the furnace burning. Eat and Drink before turning in for the night. Your body generates heat by burning calories, so eat a good, calorie-rich meal before you go to bed. A warm drink is also a great way to raise your core temperature. But whether it’s warm or not, be properly hydrated.
4. Other Tricks to Staying Warm
- The Hot Water Bottle Trick: This is a classic trick that works wonders. Fill a hard, leak-proof water bottle with hot (not boiling) water. Tightly seal it, wrap it in a sock or piece of clothing, and place it at your feet or by your core in your sleeping bag. It will keep you toasty for hours.
- Warm Shoes and Cloths. We dread putting on cold cloths and boots in the morning. Consider putting your hiking cloths and boots in a plastic bag inside your sleeping bag at least an hour before getting out of your tent in the morning. (sleep with them all night if you want). In the morning you’ll be putting on warm cloths and boots. It’s nice!
Staying warm in the cold is a game of preparation and mindfulness. By understanding these simple principles and listening to your body, you can transform a challenging night into a peaceful and comfortable one, opening up a world of adventure that lasts all year long.