Table of Contents
Scenic winter views and frosty mornings are just some of the many rewards of camping in the snow. The winter season is serene and a great time of year to camp, but only if you’re prepared.
Choosing to camp in the snow adds a certain level of complication compared to camping in more moderate conditions. However, it can absolutely be an enjoyable experience, and certain steps can be taken to ensure it is comfortable as well.
If you’re planning an upcoming camping trip in the show, we’re here to help. Below are the top 10 tips for staying comfortable and warm while braving the freezing temperatures in an outdoor setting.
Let’s get started.
10 Tips to Camp Comfortably in the Snow
So, are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Camping in the snow can be incredibly rewarding and enjoyable, but it can also be miserable if you don’t take the proper precautions.
To make this a memorable trip (for the right reasons), you need to plan ahead and give yourself ample time to ensure your travel arrangements are set. To help you get focused on the things you absolutely should not forget to do or pack before you head out, we have made a guide geared toward curating the perfect camping trip in the snow.
Research Your Location Ahead of Time
When choosing to camp in the snow, you’ll need to spend some time in the research phase of planning your trip. There are so many wonderful spots to camp in the snow, but you need to ensure you have a good lay of the land for your safety and peace of mind during the trip.
Be sure to study a map of the area where you will be camping and understand your exit route in case of an emergency. Talk to locals or even reach out to those who have camped there before you to better understand some of the challenges or hurdles you may face on your trip.
A well-informed camper is always best prepared to handle unexpected challenges, so be informed before you leave.
Invest in a Well-Insulated Tent
Now that you have a good idea of the terrain, it is time to find a tent that is best suited to your trip’s needs. Typically, finding a tent that is well-insulated and designed to withstand harsh conditions is a great start, though it is not the only consideration.
How many people will be staying with you? How long do you plan on taking the trip? Do you need extra space for the items you intend to bring with you? These are all important questions to ask yourself prior to buying your tent to ensure you are getting the most practical and comfortable option for your trip.
If you choose to buy a tent with a little extra space, consider bringing along the EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC. This portable unit can be used as a space heater and is guaranteed to keep you cozy and comfortable throughout your entire stay.
Pack Plenty of Layers
Clothing layers are essential on any camping trip, though they’re an absolute must on winter trips. Temperatures and outdoor conditions can change rapidly during the winter season, and the last thing you want to be dealing with is running out of options or not having enough layers to keep you warm.
Thermal and well-insulated layers are excellent options for camping trips in the snow. They are designed to retain body heat and keep you warm. You should also invest in a thick, waterproof jacket to throw over your layers when you leave the tent.
Having all of these options at your disposal is vital to staying warm and comfortable. They can also help you combat some of the more serious concerns that come along with freezing temperatures, like hypothermia.
Have a Plan to Stay Warm
Once your tent and clothing layers are purchased and ready to go, you need to ensure you have a solid plan to stay warm. Space heaters are excellent options, though you may also want to consider some other items to bring along.
Hand and feet warmers take up next to no space and can work great in a pinch. Heated blankets and sleeping pads are also great additions, though they may require a power source to work.
The good news is that EcoFlow Portable Power Stations are great for camping trips and are easy to bring along to any destination. They can provide a reliable power source to any items you pack to help you stay warm.
Bring High-Calorie Comfort Foods
Your body tends to burn a lot of calories when staying in cold conditions, so it’s vital to bring plenty of food options to feel your best. There’s nothing better than having a warm meal filled with comfort foods to warm you up, so don’t skimp on this step.
Soups and other canned items are easy to pack and can be heated up by a portable stove or fire if you can build one. These items are typically high in nutrition and will give you the energy and calories you need to stay nourished throughout your trip.
Designate a Dry Space for Your Essential Items
Winter conditions can often be very wet, especially when snow is involved. To keep your tent dry and comfortable, designate wet and dry spots for your items.
Your shoes and exterior layers are bound to get a little wet when moving around outdoors. Instead of ruining all of your other clothes by throwing them in the same spot, place them in a separate space and allow them to dry out over time without dampening anything else.
In a pinch, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max can power up a small fan to dry things off much faster. If you are expecting particularly wet conditions, this would be a great investment.
Prepare Your Sleeping Arrangments
Even with a well-insulated tent, you must still prepare your bed inside. A cold-weather sleeping bag is the perfect addition to any winter camping trip and is specifically designed for freezing conditions.
These sleeping bags have many great features that are meant to keep you comfortable. Look for one that has down insulation and a hood to put above and around your head. These simple features can make a world of difference as temperatures drop in the evenings.
Curate an Emergency Plan
Staying comfortable goes hand in hand with having peace of mind. Before you leave for your trip, be sure to create a well-thought-out emergency plan that is easy to act on. Know your exit routes and who you will contact if something goes wrong.
Planning ahead and packing the proper items will help to mitigate the chances of an emergency, though it is always best to be prepared.
Ventilate Your Tent
When camping in freezing conditions, condensation can form throughout the tent. To mitigate the chances of this happening, you need to find a way to ventilate the tent safely. Most tents have zippers designed for this and are easy to open and close if the conditions change rapidly.
Stay Active
Believe it or not, getting in some light exercise is a great tip for staying warm. Just by moving your body a bit more than you usually do, you’ll quickly see the rewards of increasing the blood flow to your extremities, which, in turn, warms you up.
It can be challenging to get up and move, especially when in freezing conditions, but your body will thank you, and you’ll start to feel much better as a result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Camping in the snow is a great solution for those who may not enjoy battling the crowds in the more popular, warmer seasons. The winter season is typically a lot quieter and will allow those brave enough to enjoy a serene period of time to reconnect with nature in solitude.
Camping in the snow certainly adds a layer of complexity that is not otherwise experienced in more moderate conditions. Freezing temperatures and wet and icy grounds can challenge the experience. However, With proper planning, camping in the snow can be quite enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Camping in the snow may not be an experience for everyone, but for those who are brave enough to attempt it, it can be an incredibly rewarding and unique way to enjoy the hobby. With the proper preparation, you can stay warm and safe while reconnecting with nature in the peaceful and serene winter conditions.
If you are ready to head out on your very own winter camping trip, don’t forget your portable power station. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series is a great addition to any camping trip throughout the year and can help keep you warm on your winter expedition.