Winter Camping

Multi-Tool with LED Light - includes Free Gift Model: C5799 See details Our price: $39.99

When people think of camping, they typically envision summer: warm days, clear starry nights, nature in full-bloom. Conversely, most campers rarely think twice about camping in the winter. Granted, temperatures are colder and the weather is more extreme, but these conditions only serve to heighten the experience. Like summer, winter camping can be enjoyable - if you know how to properly prepare.

There are some distinct advantages to camping in the winter as opposed to the spring or summer. For instance, since winter is an off-season, you'll find most campsites are readily available and unoccupied, meaning there will be little trouble finding that perfect spot. Additionally, since school has started again, you're probably not going to run into many families or children along the way, ensuring you have all the peace and quiet you want. Once there, you'll notice the scenery has changed. Sure, summer was beautiful, but now there's a mysterious beauty about winter: still silhouettes of trees with bare branches, refreshingly cold and crisp air, light dustings of freshly fallen snow. And if that doesn't entice you, well, maybe you should know that winter camping rates are as cheap as they come.

Still, there is a reason the winter months aren't as popular, one of them being there are a number of elevated risks. Hopefully, provided you follow the suggestions below, you can effectively minimize those risks.

Winter Camping Gear
Before even venturing out, you'll need to prepare yourself with the right equipment for winter camping. Aside from all the outdoor equipment you'd normally take camping, there are a few other things to consider bringing along.

For instance, packing a heavier sleeping bag and bedding to combat colder temperatures will play a large role in the success of your winter camping trip. Likewise, acquiring and packing heavier, warmer clothing is essential as well.

You'll need a reliable source of light during the darker days and longer nights. An LED lantern is your best bet for supplying the most light - LEDs are brighter than other bulbs, and a lantern provides light in more directions than does a conventional flashlight. Incidentally, having an easily portable LED flashlight is more convenient for moving about the campsite and/or campground during the evening and early morning hours. Better yet, an LED headlamp will free up both hands for optimized efficiency and convenience.

If you think knives come in handy during your summer camping trips, you'll be astonished at the security they provide during the winter season. Don't overlook packing one. In fact, packing a combo knife or multi-tool might be an even better choice. When you're in potentially hazardous conditions, it's best to be as prepared as possible.

Be sure you have adequate storage for all your supplies. Winter often means wet, so whatever you use for packing needs to be waterproof and/or airtight. That goes for clothes, gear, and food. On a side note, it's important to remember to stay hydrated during your trip. Just because everything else may be wet and cold doesn't mean your body doesn't need the same amount of water it normally does.

Finally, I'd like to suggest adding a few items to your survival kit. In addition to basic First-Aid supplies, make sure you've got an emergency blanket, whistle, and a reliable source of fire (waterproof matches/lighter, fire-starter, candles, etc.).

Winter Camping Safety
Once all your essential gear is in place, there are a few things you can do before you leave to make your camping experience a safe and enjoyable one. The first and most important is to tell people where you're going and give them an itinerary. Second, do not camp alone. The adage "safety in numbers" couldn't be more true here. Finally, periodically check the weather before you leave so you'll know what to expect; though, you really should be prepared for anything as weather has a tendency to change unexpectedly during the winter.

If you enjoy camping in the summer, you can enjoy winter camping just as much. When you're adequately prepared and take the right precautions, the advantages of winter camping heavily outweigh its disadvantages. I encourage you to give it a try - you might just be surprised.

~ Richard McNeal, 2009

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