The Only Winter Camping Gear Essentials You Need
, by Laurence, 13 min reading time
Our camping pros have put together a checklist of their top winter camping essentials & gear to help you be prepared for the chill. Read more & shop everything you need at Wood To Water.
When most people think of camping, they envision warm summer nights spent sleeping under the stars. However, there’s something special about huddling around a campfire while the snow falls gently outside. Winter camping can be an equally enjoyable experience as summer camping, with the right equipment.
Our experts have created a guide to the essential winter camping gear you need to make your trip as comfortable as possible. So whether you’re an experienced camper or just thinking about giving it a go, read on for everything you need to know about winter camping.
A 4-Seasons or Winter Camping Tent
When choosing a shelter for winter camping, you need to pick one that is made from waterproof and breathable fabric to properly protect you from the elements. It’s also important to choose a tent that has enough space for all of your gear so that you don’t have to sleep on top of your belongings.
Although packing light is ideal, having a durable, hardwearing tent that can withstand the temperatures of cold weather camping is essential. The main thing you need to look for in a tent for cold conditions is a 4-season categorisation. This means the tent is designed to be used in all seasons, including winter.
To increase the comfort of your tent, you can bring an extra footprint to provide additional insulation from the cold ground.
|
Our bestselling 4 season tents include: Naturehike Cloud Peak 2 Man Tent 4 Seasons 15D – £170 3F UL GEAR Taiji 2 4 Season Tent – £240.00 3F UL GEAR Lanshan 1 Pro 4 Season Tent – £170 3F UL GEAR Lanshan 2 Pro Tent 4 Season Tent – £190 |
Sleeping Bags Suitable for Cold Temperatures
Sleeping bags are one of the most important pieces of gear for winter camping. You need to make sure you choose a bag that is rated for cold weather and has a snug fit. You might also want to invest in a sleeping bag liner to add an extra layer of warmth.
When it comes to camping in cold weather, a good sleeping bag keeps your body temperature high enough through the night to allow you to rest properly and avoid health concerns like hypothermia. A sleeping mat is also a great addition to help keep your body insulated from the cold ground.
|
What to look for in a cold weather sleeping bag: Temperature rating Style of sleeping bag (Mummy sleeping bags are great for cold weather) Insulation type (Down is best) Draft collar (essential for winter camping) |
We recommend the Bushman Walker 3 Sleeping Bag. This sleeping bag is great at providing thermal comfort – +10°C for women and +6°C for men – so you can stay warm in those chilly temperatures. It also features a drawstring hood, so you can protect your head and ears while you’re sleeping.
The Highlander Serenity 450 4 Season Sleeping Bag is a close second on our list. The mummy-shaped bag has a tough outer shell that’s packed with hollow fibre filling, which is great at retaining warmth. It’s also very light, so it won’t weigh down your kit.
What to Wear When Winter Camping
It’s important to dress in layers when camping in cold temperatures. You need to make sure your body heat is insulated while the cold air is kept at bay. To make sure you're warm, comfortable, and healthy when camping in winter, our experts suggest:
- Wear a base layer of thermal underwear
- Follow that with a mid-layer of fleece or wool.
- Top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. (Such as an insulated jacket)
Be sure to pack extra socks, gloves, and hats in case you get wet or lose any items along the way.Our go-to camping outerwear choices include the Highlander Stow and Go Trousers, a Highlander Shield Water Repellent Jacket and the Naturehike Hooded Waterproof Poncho.
All of these pieces of camping clothing are weather-resistant and will keep you warm in the cold weather. They’re also wind and rain-proof, so even in harsh conditions, they’ll keep you protected.
Winter Camping Footwear, Socks & Gaiters
Warm and waterproof boots are essential for winter camping. They help keep your feet dry no matter what the conditions are and protect your feet from injury when hiking.
Our top tip for new camping footwear is to make sure you break in your boots before you go to avoid blisters when walking around in the snow. Also, be sure to change your socks as soon as possible if they do get wet to avoid uncomfortable conditions such as trench foot and frostbite!
Gaiters also prove to be a great investment when camping in colder climates. They’re designed to keep snow, mud and other debris out of your boots while providing additional warmth in the cold weather. Our favourites are the Highlander Glencoe Gaiters. They’re lightweight, so they won’t make walking or hiking difficult, but they fit snugly around your calves and boots to protect against weather.
Weather Proof Camping Stove & Equipment
A portable stove is a necessity for winter camping. You need to choose one that runs on fuel, such as propane or butane, to bring winter camping, as dry wood will be hard to come by.
You’ll also need a pot or pan to cook in, as well as some utensils to help you make nutritious meals to keep your energy levels up. It’s also a good idea to pack some instant coffee or tea and energy bars so that you have something to eat if you’re unable to cook a meal due to extreme conditions.
Camping Stoves, Cookers & Systems
Cooking is part and parcel of camping, so it’s essential to choose a good quality stove that will make the experience hassle-free.
At Wood to Water, we have a huge range of portable camping stoves and cookers that are both easy to use, efficient and built to last.
We recommend the JetBoil Flash Cooking System. This is an incredible camping stove that can boil water in as little as 100 seconds, so you won’t have to hang around in the cold for your meal or cuppa. It’s also a very convenient size, so you can easily pack it in your gear. Fuel it using the JetBoil 230g Jetpower Fuel.
Remember, it's important to have a practice run with new equipment before you head out wild camping. This helps you know how the stove works and how to use it properly.
Food & Hydration
There’s no doubt that winter camping can be strenuous. Even without hiking, your body uses extra energy to generate body heat. It's essential that you pack enough food for yourself and everyone in your group.
Guaranteeing Drinkable Water
Water is the other essential element. Make sure to pack enough to drink in case you run into any problems along the way. Packing a water filter or purifier is the ideal way to make sure you always have access to drinkable water in case you’re unable to find clean water sources.
Dehydrated Camping & Expedition Meals
Although you might find yourself craving a homecooked meal while you're say in your tent porch, that's not possible when camping in the winter. Thankfully, there are many brands of dehydrated camping and expedition meals that taste delicious and provide you with all the energy and nutrients you need.
It’s also a good idea to pack some high-energy snacks like nuts or fruit bars in case you need an extra boost of energy.
For those looking to enjoy delicious, nutritious meals on their next camping or expedition trip, Wood To Water has the perfect solution: dehydrated expedition packs!
Be Prepared With a First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is always a good idea when camping, but it’s especially important to have one when winter camping. Be sure to include items such as bandages, antiseptic cream, and pain relief such as paracetamol. You should also pack a small flashlight and extra batteries in case you need to signal for help in the dark.
Camping First Aid & Survival Kits
Getting injured while camping is a very real possibility, especially with the treacherous conditions posed by winter weather. With a first aid kit, you can rest easy knowing that you have everything you need to nurse yourself or your group back to health, even while camping.
There are different types of first aid and survival kits from small festival kits to full medical kits. The type of kit you need will depend on your surroundings. If you're wild camping, you should take as much first aid equipment as possible to be safe and prepared.
As a basic first aid kit, our experts recommend:
- Plasters
- Bandage
- Antiseptic cream
- Disposable gloves
- Dressings
- Antihistamines
- Pain killers
At Wood To Water, you can always be prepared for the unexpected with our large selection of first aid and survival kits. No matter your needs, we have the perfect first aid or survival kit for you.
Winter Camping Gadgets
Camping accessories and gear have developed a lot in the last few decades, so it makes sense to take advantage of winter camping gadgets that can make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Keeping your camp organised and clean helps you keep track of your equipment to help you ration things throughout your trip. Recycling your fuel canister can help you keep track of which ones are full and which are used, especially if you're using a lot of fuel to generate heat or make a hot water bottle or hot chocolate for comfort. Plus, it’ll make it easy to organise and dispose of your rubbish.
Our recommendation: JetBoil CrunchIt Fuel Canister Recycling Tool
Our experts' favourite winter camping gadget is disposable hand warmers. These can be used inside your sleeping bag, in your clothing, or to help apply heat treatment to injuries sustained during your trip.
Our recommendation: Thaw Disposable Hand Warmers 2 Pack
At Wood To Water, we have an extensive range of winter camping gadgets, gizmos, and accessories to keep you happy and healthy in all weather.
Gear Up For Winter Camping
Winter camping can be a great way to enjoy the beauty of the season. However, it’s important to be prepared with the proper gear. This is just a basic overview of the essential winter camping gear you need to know about. You might wish to take some extra gear along with you to improve your winter camping experience.
Happy camping, camper!
FAQs
How cold is too cold for winter camping?
Generally speaking, most people camp in temperatures between 0°F and -20°F. However, some people have been known to camp in temperatures as low as -40°F. It really depends on your level of comfort and the gear you have. If you find the temperature dropping too much during your trip, it’s okay to bail.
What type of clothing should I bring?
You’ll want to bring clothes that are made of waterproof and insulated materials. This will help you stay dry and warm during your trip. You’ll also want to pack plenty of extra clothes in case you get wet or sweaty during your hike. It’s always a good idea to layer your clothing so you can easily adjust to the changing temperatures.
What type of sleeping bag should I bring?
Your sleeping bag should be rated for the lowest temperature you anticipate camping in. For example, if you’re camping in temperatures between 0°F and -20°F, you’ll want a sleeping bag that’s rated for -20°F. This will ensure you stay warm and comfortable during your trip.
How do I stay safe while winter camping?
There are a few things you can do to stay safe while winter camping. First, always camp with a friend or group. This will help you stay safe in case of an emergency. Second, always tell someone where you’re going and your chosen routes. This way they can easily find you if necessary. Make sure you have plenty of supplies and a stocked first aid kit to tide you over if you need it.
Tags
Blog posts
-
, by Author Article title
-
, by Author Article title
-
, by Author Article title