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While there are so many wonderful ways to explore the UK, camping during the winter season is a particularly unique way to see this beautiful country at its best. With peak winter conditions on their way, now is the perfect time to start planning your winter camping trip.
Scenic views and icy landscapes are guaranteed to leave you feeling like you’ve escaped into a true winter wonderland, but this type of trip is best enjoyed when planned properly. You’re in the right spot if you’re seriously considering undertaking the adventure.
Below, we’ve created a list of the top 15 essential tips to ensure you have a great camping trip. Before we dive in, here are some things you should consider to ensure you are ready for this type of trip.
Should I Go Winter Camping in the UK?
If you are looking for a unique travel experience and a chance to escape into a winter wonderland, you should plan a camping trip in the winter months. While campers of all experience levels can undertake this type of trip, it is typically recommended for those who have experience dealing with freezing and icy conditions.
Camping in winter is a bit more complicated than in other seasons, but with the proper preparation, you’re guaranteed to make some great memories that will last a lifetime.
15 Essential Winter Camping Tips
1. Prioritise Insulation
Proper insulation is key to getting the utmost out of your trip when camping in the freezing winter months. Your tent, clothing, and any other layers you pack should be of high quality and offer tremendous insulation to ensure you can retain body heat and stay warm.
Four-season tents are great options for winter campers and provide added insulation so that the wind chill will not make its way inside. When purchasing clothing for your winter trip, search for jackets and layers that offer insulation, as this will help you combat the freezing conditions on your upcoming trip.
2. Stay Dry
Winter in the UK is notoriously wet. Between snow and ice, there are plenty of opportunities to get wet, which you want to avoid at all costs.
When planning your campsite, include two large tarps for placing underneath your tent and the other over the top if the weather worsens. Tarps are great at keeping your space dry and will ensure your clothing and bedding are not affected by the outside conditions. You should also plan to bring a waterproof vest, as this will help keep your layers dry and even be reused if needed later on your trip.
3. Pack Plenty of Layers
When it comes to cold weather, you should always pack more than you think you need. Plenty of layers will help you stay warm and greatly reduce the risk of catching hypothermia. Your body will have a better chance of retaining heat if you pack the proper layers, so take your time to do the research and find exactly what you need.
4. Invest in a Portable Power Station
Portable power stations are great investments for a variety of trips and can make your winter camping trip a whole lot more enjoyable. Models like the EcoFlow Portable Power Stations and EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station can easily provide you with a reliable power source for the entirety of your trip. These stations are powerful and can help to supply energy to a portable heater or other thermal device.
The EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC can even be used as a heater, making it a great way to combat the potentially icy conditions of a winter camping trip in the UK.
5. Research Your Destination
While basic winter camping knowledge will help you along your way, you should always allocate some time to research your chosen destination. Each destination offers its own unique challenges, so taking the time to prepare will leave you with a much better understanding and plan for what you may be up against.
Is there rocky terrain? Will you be near a source of water? Is there wildlife that you should know about? These questions will guide you in planning and leave you feeling much more confident when entering the winter wilderness.
6. Stay Hydrated and Eat Plenty of Food
It’s vital for your health and safety to stay hydrated and nourished while camping in harsh, wintery conditions. In fact, your body tends to burn more calories at a much faster rate when in cold climates. It’s generally due to an increased heart rate and shivering, so be prepared to stock up on plenty of high-calorie food for the length of your stay.
Canned options are excellent, though you can also bring perishable items along with the EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator. This compact portable cooler is easy to travel with and safely stores food for days at a time.
7. Stay Connected
When travelling in the wilderness, you should always have a way to stay connected to the outside world. Bring a phone and charger, and be sure to communicate with someone so they know where you are and how you’re doing.
You should also bring a device that allows you to stay updated on any drastic weather changes. The winter season can be unpredictable, so don’t let a lack of planning put you in a dangerous situation.
8. Choose the Right Place to Set Up Your Tent
Once you’ve familiarised yourself with your surroundings, it’s best to find a high and dry spot to set up your tent. This will help reduce the chances of standing water or ice getting into your tent and ensure that all of your items stay dry.
Depending on where you choose to camp, you can use some natural elements to your advantage. Rocks and boulders make great wind-blockers and will keep your tent from being impacted by strong gusts.
9. Bring a Thermal Sleeping Bag
You should have a thermal sleeping bag ready for those long and chilly nights. These sleeping bags are more of an investment than typical sleeping bags, but they’re well worth the money.
These items are designed to retain your body heat. When you’re settled in for the evening, you will be very grateful to have such a thick and cosy spot to sleep.
10. Travel with Others
Camping alone can be dangerous, even in calmer seasons. Winter camping is best practised in groups and isn’t generally recommended for solo travellers.
Find a group of like-minded travellers in your community, and you’re more likely to enjoy your stay camping in the winter wonderland.
11. Pack Snow and Ice-Specific Tools
Snow and ice require a specific set of skills and tools. Before you leave on your adventure, visit your local outdoor store and chat with an experienced individual so that you know which tools will come in handy. Make sure to mention where you’re headed, so they can give you tailored advice.
12. Test Gear Before You Leave
Once you have purchased all of your gear, plan a day to test everything before you leave. Knowing how and when to use your tools can make or break your trip, so don’t wait until the last possible moment to test them out.
It’s also a great chance to check that you know how to use everything and that everything works properly.
13. Have a Plan for Emergency
The winter season is unpredictable, and accidents can happen when dealing with icy conditions. In an emergency, like a medical issue, food or water shortage, or even a bug sting, it’s best to have an escape plan ready for you and your group. It will help ease any panic and guarantee you can all make it out safely if you have to. Also, bringing a first aid kit with you for cuts and scrapes is wise.
14. Pay Close Attention to Your Health
Hypothermia is one of the leading health concerns when spending long periods in cold temperatures. Read up on the warning signs and pay close attention to how you’re feeling throughout your trip. As stated above, having a plan for emergencies is the best practice and can be a life-saving measure in certain instances.
15. Know When it’s Time to Leave
Some weather conditions just aren’t worth risking. Be smart and play it safe if things take a potentially dangerous turn. Communicate with your group and ensure everyone is on the same page about leaving the campsite if conditions get too bad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, camping in the UK during the winter season is a great way to reconnect with nature’s serene and peaceful aspects. If you are planning a trip in the colder months, take the time to prepare and pack all of the necessary items to stay warm and safe during your adventure.
While this is generally up to personal preference and experience level, you shouldn’t camp in winter if temperatures drop below freezing (30 ℉ or -1 ℃). Without the proper equipment and preparation, elongated exposure to these conditions could greatly increase your risk of developing hypothermia. Do your research and make an educated and informed decision before camping during winter.
Final Thoughts
Camping during the winter season in the UK is a great adventure for experienced campers. The quiet and peaceful winter season offers a view into the serenity of nature and is a wonderful chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
If you’re ready to head out on a winter camping trip, ensure you’re prepared with all the necessary equipment. The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max is an excellent addition to any camping adventure, providing you with all your backup power needs.