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Camping is one of the world’s most celebrated pastimes and can be enjoyed in every season. While most people plan their camping trips around the warmer months, some adventurers enjoy the added challenge of exploring the wilderness during the winter season.
If you’re one of those people, you’re about to embark on a journey unlike any other. Camping in winter can be a fantastic experience if you are adequately prepared. To help you prepare for your upcoming adventure, we have curated a list of the top 16 essentials you should bring along for your trip.
Are you ready to get packing? Let’s get started.
Camping Equipment
Well Insulated Tent
To start, you need to invest in a well-insulated tent for your winter camping trip. Temperatures can drop well below freezing in the winter months and you do not want to be ill-prepared in these harsh conditions.
High-end tents designed for winter travel have an extra layer of insulation that helps block wind and reduce the chill from freezing conditions outdoors.
Another great tip is to bring a high-quality tarp to set up under your tent. It’ll help to keep you and your belongings dry no matter what the weather conditions may bring. Wind and rain are common in the cooler months and can make for a miserable trip without the proper setup, so don’t forget this vital item.
Thermal Sleeping Bag
In addition to a well-insulated tent, you should prepare your sleeping arrangements to keep you warm throughout the night. Thermal sleeping bags are much thicker than traditional ones and can help regulate your temperature so that you have a warm spot to sleep as temperatures reach their lowest point.
Thermal sleeping bags are designed to keep you warm by retaining body heat, meaning the longer you stay in the bag, the warmer you’ll become. These items are usually water and windproof as well, making them a great option to escape harsh outdoor conditions if the weather were to take a drastic turn.
While these items may be a bit of an investment, they are well worth the cost and will keep you safe and healthy during your winter camping adventure.
Portable Stove and Fuel
Having a way to heat meals and cook food is vital to enjoying a camping trip during the winter season. While soups and other canned foods can be consumed cold, you’ll welcome the warm meal when the outdoor temperatures continue to drop.
Some portable stoves require an outside source of fuel while others may need a power source from which to pull energy. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 is a great addition to any campsite and easily provides power for any of your cooking needs.
Lighting and Headlamp
Those winter evenings can get very cold and dark without the proper equipment. Safe lighting that is set up in and around your tent will not only make it much easier to function but will also serve as a safety measure when exploring the surrounding area. You can extend your time out of your tent if you have the proper lighting arrangements, so be sure to have a couple of options packed for your trip.
There are plenty of easy-to-use lighting options on the market, so research and find which would work best for you.
Portable Power Station
No matter what season you choose to camp during, you should always have a backup power plan in case of emergency. EcoFlow Portable Power Stations are an excellent option for off-the-grid campers and can make the trip a lot more enjoyable by supplying you with a reliable power source and a place to plug in any necessary electronics.
Having a portable power station at the ready will allow you to set up the perfect campsite with a space heater, phone charger, and whatever else you may need to stay comfortable and safe during your trip, so don’t forget to pack this vital tool.
Winter Clothing
Insulated Boots
Keeping your extremities warm is crucial in frigid winter conditions. Insulated boots are essential and will allow you to traverse the surrounding area without fear of snow, water, or mud getting to your socks. Wet socks are hard to come back from and make the entire trip quite miserable, so find a good pair of comfortable and functional boots for your trip.
Most pairs of insulated boots also have rugged bottoms, which provide great traction in slippery and wet conditions. If you live in a location that tends to stay wet during the winter season, these boots will make it much easier to move around safely.
Layered Clothing
Packing plenty of layers is always a great idea, no matter where you camp. Temperatures in the winter can fluctuate quite drastically, so it may be hard to dress without the proper clothing layers.
In order to be best prepared, you should bring along a hefty overcoat that is well-insulated and designed to keep you warm. From there, thin layers of long and short-sleeved tops are great to have on hand to add or take away if the conditions change rapidly.
Waterproof Jacket
In addition to the other layers you choose to bring, a waterproof jacket should definitely be a priority on your packing list. Waterproof jackets are great options and can help to keep all of the other clothing layers you brought dry. It’s a smart solution and will allow you to re-wear items if you must.
Cold weather and wet clothes don’t mix, so do your best to avoid this at all costs. Investing in a high-end waterproof jacket is a great investment that can last you many camping trips to come.
Travel & Safety Gear
Navigation System
Now that you have all of your traditional camping items packed and ready to go, it is time to make your safety plan and pack the necessary equipment needed in case of emergency. While cell phones are great options for navigation, they are not always the most reliable. Instead of holding out for a strong connection, you should bring a navigation system that will work on its own.
There are tons of great handheld options, though some can even be installed into your camper van. Do some research to see what local campers use and find one that will work best for your planned trip.
Compass and Map
While navigation systems are typically reliable, it is always best to plan for the worst-case scenario. Printed maps and compasses can come in handy in true emergencies and will ensure you have at least some guidance in finding safety if it comes down to it.
Before you leave for your trip, be sure to study the surrounding area where you will be staying and have a general idea of an evacuation route so that there are no surprises.
First Aid Kit
Accidents happen when you least expect them, so always being prepared is in your best interest. First aid kits are inexpensive and easy to transport, making them the perfect addition to your trip. They’re typically loaded with basic first-aid supplies and can really help in a pinch.
If you are camping far out in the wilderness, you should load this kit up with additional items and overprepare, as additional help may take a bit more time to reach you.
Tools
When camping in the great outdoors, you may need to use some basic tools. Hammers and axes are great aids for cutting wood for fires or setting up your tent. Bringing these items along will help you seamlessly set up your camp and will likely save you a ton of time compared to trying to do it all on your own.
Food, Hygiene & Personal Items
Portable Cooler
Staying hydrated and nourished is especially important to keep healthy and prepared for harsh winter conditions. With the EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator, you can store all of your perishable food items and keep drinkable water at the ready for the duration of your stay.
If temperatures drop below freezing, your cooler can also protect your gear from freezing. These multi-use items are great for all seasons and can help ensure you and your items withstand changes in weather.
Water and Food Supply
Packing plenty of food and potable water should always be a priority as you plan for any camping trip. The amount you need to bring will depend on the length of your stay and how many people are in your camping party.
Always make sure to bring more than you think you need in case you have to stay any longer than you anticipate. Extra food items, especially non-perishable items, are easy to pack and will give you peace of mind knowing you and your entire crew will have enough food and water to remain comfortable and nourished throughout your trip.
Hand Sanitizer
Out in the wilderness, you may find it difficult to clean your hands before diving into meals. To avoid contracting any illnesses or cross-contaminating items, you should be sure to pack plenty of hand sanitizer for your trip.
A great tip is to give each member of your camping party an individual hand sanitizer and also set one up at your campsite so there are plenty of easily accessible spots to keep your hands clean.
Cleaning Products
In freezing temperatures, you will likely not want to get fully undressed and wet in a traditional shower. You may not even have access to one where you are staying, so come prepared with cleaning wipes or other personal cleaning products so that you can stay healthy and feel your best throughout your trip.
Plenty of disposable and easy-to-transport options exist, so make the most of your space and be sure to pack these items for the length of your trip.
Final Thoughts
Camping in the winter season can be a wonderful adventure if you take the time to prepare. With these essentials on your packing list, you are sure to have an enjoyable trip where you can make memories that will last a lifetime.
Looking forward to camping all year long? Learn more about how the EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC is the perfect addition for both summer and winter trips, with its unparalleled temperature control and regulation.