Winter is fast approaching, and a lot of people will be celebrating the festive season and the new year by spending time with family and loved ones in the comfort of their house, in a cozy vacation home, or partying with friends in public places. But what about those that have wanderlust and are always yearning for adventure, even during winter? Here’s what you can do if you plan on camping.
Is Camping During Winter Worth It?
Most of the time, people will camp during summer and spring since it’s, well, warm. But there’s something that’s “special” when you’re camping during winter. Most individuals that usually live in warmer areas will find camping during winter to be a unique experience in itself and a fresh new change of scenery from having to camp in the middle of the scorching heat of the sun.
There are a lot of reasons why people camp. Whether it’s setting up a place to rest while trekking, spending some alone time by yourself, or spending quality time with family and friends, camping is all about the experience. While some people might not think that camping during winter might be their cup of tea, it’s still an experience nonetheless.
Naturally, when you are camping, you’ll be facing different weather conditions. Still, these weather conditions are part of your experience. If you’re bound to camp during the summer and spring seasons, why not camp during the winter seasons? As the saying goes, the only time that you’ll appreciate warmth is when you have experienced the cold of winter as well. If this is the case, then there’s a certain je ne sais quoi to winter that you can’t experience if you’re camping in the warmer seasons.
But even though cold-weather camping can be a unique and unforgettable experience, it can also present a wide variety of challenges. For the most part, camping equipment is known for being versatile for many environments, but winter can still be pretty harsh.
Although you might have to dredge through snow-covered landscapes, early nights, early mornings, and below-freezing temperatures, you’ll still be able to appreciate that warm fire, steaming hot cup of coffee, and the warm fellowship of your friends. So is it worth it? Yes, it’s definitely worth your time and effort. Of course, you’ll need to have the right equipment and preparation for such a journey. Here are some things that you’ll need to know when it comes to camping in winter:
Bring Your Car, If Possible
Bringing your own car, van, or mobile home can make things even more fun, especially when you want to at least heat yourself up with your car or mobile home’s heater for a few minutes. It’s also great for storing extra equipment known for being bulky, such as tents, canopies, and other heavy equipment.
If you plan on going on a camping trip with your family or friends, you might want to ensure that your camping equipment won’t be covered in snow, twigs, and leaves. You might want to place a cover on your car when you’re not using it.
Another important factor to take into account is hail or sleet. Even though hail usually happens in warmer weather conditions, it can still happen during winter. If ever hail does dent your car or leave lasting damage, you might want to consider commissioning auto hail repair services in your area.
Layer Up
First and foremost, you want to ensure that what you’ll be wearing will be able to retain a good amount of heat. Most expert hikers suggest getting polypropylene long johns; there are bound to be many cheaper options in the market. You’ll also want to ensure that your insulating later can at least be taken on and off easily as too much heat building up on your body can also have adverse effects. Something lightweight like a down jacket, fleece, and a wool sweater is great for getting yourself in a cozy position.
It’s important to ensure that your outermost layer will be able to protect from the elements that might penetrate the innermost layers of what you’re wearing, such as the wind, rain, or snow. You might want to choose a shell that will have at least a weather-proofing lining.
Contrary to what most people think, it’s best to avoid cotton when you’re on a trip since it’s known for absorbing a lot of moisture and can easily get wet.
Stay Dry
Whether it’s spring, fall, or winter, this is always something that should be observed: staying dry. Scientifically, water can easily transfer heat and cold temperatures. In winter, wet clothes can easily lower your temperature. It can be even more dangerous when it starts evaporating when this can easily lower temperatures. You might want to invest in waterproof boots and dry clothes.
There are a variety of ways of ensuring that you’ll have a good time with your friends and family even when you’re camping during winter. It’s important to adhere to safety measures when camping, as this can easily cause your temperature to drop and hypothermia to set in. Still, camping during winter is a unique experience in itself, and you should definitely try it!
