Winter is a truly magical part of the year. With the snow all around and all the holidays, it has something special about it. However, not everyone imagines spending time in front of the TV and being in the comfort of their home. Some adventurers love to explore, hike and camp during winter. It is a certainly courageous endeavor and it can be a lot of fun! You just need to make sure to prepare and plan everything before you go, so you can make the most out of it while you are there. In order to have a great time, we have gathered a few essential tips.
Dress appropriately
Winters are cold but can be even colder when you are camping in places far from the city. Remember that you need to be smart about choosing your clothes. You need to layer up the clothes, so you can add more layers when necessary. Choose a jacket that can keep you warm, but is also fire-resistant, because you will be around the fire a lot. It’s best that you wear a woolen sweater underneath because it will keep you warm.
Remember, cotton will not help you stay warm, because not only it is not thick enough, but it also gets really cold when it gets wet. It is very important to choose fabrics that will not retain water. If you choose the regular clothes that you wear in the city, you will soon realize that it is a very bad idea. Getting wet while it is cold outside will lower your body temperature very fast. Even sweating can cause a problem. This is why it is crucial to pack lots of dry clothes so you can change when necessary.
Wear waterproof boots
This should go without saying, but we still can’t stress this enough – your feet should be dry and warm at all times. Hiking with wet feet and spending all day in the wet boots is a recipe for getting sick which is certainly something you don’t want when going camping. Also, take with you plenty of socks you can wear in case you need to add a layer or two. This is the reason why your boots should be one size bigger than you usually buy.
Choose the camping equipment carefully
The first and most important thing you need to prepare is a high-quality tent. It can be a tent for all seasons or one made specifically for the harsh winter conditions. Also, you will need a sleeping bag that will be comfortable and warm, so you can sleep blissfully once the night falls. Bring with you one dry bag that you can use to protect your sleeping bag from moisture. If you are going with friends or family, you will need a camping table and stools, so you can sit down and have a meal and some coffee.
Also, it is very important to bring with you lots of blankets and a small pillow. Nights can get very cold, so you need to have plenty of blankets handy, so you can stay warm. Think about the sleeping pad and foam bad that you can place underneath your sleeping bag. It will be much warmer and softer, that’s for sure. Click here thecampinggear.com to check out the camping gear you can choose from and make your camping trip as comfortable as possible.
Don’t forget to bring lots of food
Eating calorie-rich meals is essential for staying warm. Bring with you food that can prepare easily, such as pasta, precut food, instant rice, instant mashed potatoes, dehydrated eggs, granola, and dehydrated fruit. It is necessary to bring the food that can keep you full for longer periods of time and that you can consume easily. Plan your meals and always keep some sweets close by so you can get that instant calorie infusion in case you need it. We lose more energy when we are in harsher weather conditions.
Also, you will need to bring a spoon, fork and a knife, as well as a plate and a mug. If you love coffee, then make sure you bring enough of it for the entire planned stay. You will need a stove and fuel for the stove. You may need to boil water, so make sure you have a pot that you can use for that purpose. Also, make sure you pack a few towels for your hands and a few kitchen towels that you will need for the kitchen utensils. A good alternative is a paper towel. Also, bring with you lots of sanitizers.
Pack safety equipment
It is very important to have your phone with you and an external battery charger that you will have with you at all times. This is essential for staying safe in case you need any kind of help. Make sure you pack a flashlight and plenty of additional batteries. Also, it is vital to bring a first aid kit. It’s better to have it ready in case you need it. In addition, bringing sunglasses may be pretty useful because winter days can be sunny too. Protect your eyes. A watch will be very helpful since you will need to know what’s the time.
If you consume medications, make sure you bring at least twice the amount you will actually need. Make sure you split it into two because in case you lose one, you will have the other. Lip balm and sunscreen will protect you from the wind. You will also need a map, GPS, multi-tool and a compass.
These were the main tips that will ensure comfort during your camping trip. Adjust the list of necessary tips according to your personal preferences, but make sure you take with you all the essentials that are crucial for safety while you are away. Plan everything carefully and check everything twice before you go. In the end, the only thing left to do is to have fun!
