Winter camping can be the best opportunity to brave the elements and truly experience nature first hand. Uninhibited freedom, the chilly serenity of an empty campground, and the virtually bug-free environment of a Midwest winter camping experience is truly intoxicating. Before one embarks on this harmonious winter camping experience, however, there are some winter camping tips and winter camping gear that are needed to ensure that the experience is a pleasurable one.
Keys to having a good time while camping during the winter rely on knowing the environment you will likely be subjected to. Everything will move slower, most of your activities will take place in the dark, staying dry is an absolute must, and the right winter camping clothes can be the difference between a good and bad experience. Here is a list of what you will need for your winter camping adventure.
Winter Camping Gear
- Backpack or other large duffel bag lined with a garbage back to keep the contents dry
- Warm jacket and scarf
- Two extra pairs of pants, sweatshirts, long underwear, regular underwear, non-cotton hiking socks
- Winter gloves or mittens (as many pairs as you can obtain)
- Insulated winter boots
- Two warm hats
- Two insulated sleeping bags or one winter sleeping bag
- Two closed cell-foam sleeping pads or 2-3″ of newspaper under your sleeping bag
- 5″ x 7″ “Blue” tarp
- Pocketknife
- Flashlight
- Small first aid kit
- Compass
- Matches
- Toilet paper
- Mess kit (bowl, spoon, fork, plate, etc.)
- Two one-quart water bottles (hot water bottles for inside sleeping bag if desired)
- Winter camping tent
Being prepared for a harsh winter climate is the number one tip for a successful winter camping trip, but knowing what to do once you’re in the environment comes in at a close second. There are small tips to follow to ensure that the whole experience runs smoothly. Here are some things to remember while braving the elements in order to keep yourself and your gear safe, dry, and in working order.
Winter Camping Tips
- Everything moves slower in winter. Equipment will be bulkier, and the days will be shorter. Expect darkness during most of the trip
- Always keep anything you take off in a secure place. Things will dry out in winter, so keep damp items on tarp lines or other dry surfaces.
- Keep track of all your winter camping equipment at all times
- Avoid cotton at all times, the material will turn into a frozen mass by day two
- Avoid metal cups, they have the potential to fuse to skin in cold temperatures
- Learn to operate and/or modify all of your equipment with gloves or mittens on
- Wear a lot of black to absorb all of the solar rays you can
- Use layers while dressing so that you can add or remove them as you see fit. Items with zippers are ideal for increasing airflow
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