Winter Camping Guide and Tips

     Happy new year fellow adventurers!  2024 Is here and if you love going exploring all year round, then January with its snow covered wilderness isn't going to scare you off.  The snow and ice can be very beautiful but also very deadly.  If you plan on staying any amount of time out in the extreme cold, you have to take certain dangers into consideration, such as hypothermia and frostbite.  Did you know that hypothermia can come on slowly without you realizing it until it is too late?  Hypothermia occurs when your body temp drops below 95F, signs of it include shivering, pale skin, decreased heart rate, confusion, slurred speech, low energy, and slow breathing.  It doesn't even have to be that cold to experience it, it can happen above 40F if you are wet all over.  For this month's blog we talk about some important considerations for planning a cold weather camping trip.  Even if you aren't camping, but going out into snow for a long hike, these are also important tips.  Read on!

1. Picking your destination.  Always do research into where you are going, what weather patterns they are experiencing and what amenities you might have.  This will include camp grounds, dispersed camping, RV-ing, or maybe cabin renting.  Look up the day time temps, night time temps, humidity, wind, and likelihood of precipitation; this way you can bring the proper gear.  Also be sure to check out the nearest emergency services, and how accessible your spot is.  Something else to check on is the wildlife in the area, always make sure you give any wild animals you encounter enough room and do not approach them.  You can still come across dangerous animals in the winter time and need to always keep your eyes open and alert.

2.  Cold Weather Gear.  Now that you have picked your destination, you have to make a list of your necessary gear and make sure it is all rated for winter weather.  You can't just use your normal tent and sleeping bag; get a four season tent and sleeping bag that are well insulated.  There are inserts you can buy for tents that are an extra insulated shell that goes inside your normal tent, like a tent in a tent, that are designed to keep you warm in cold weather.  Also be sure to get an insulated sleeping pad to under your bag, that way you won't lose so much heat to the ground as you lay there.  Pack some emergency thermal blankets that are the metallized PET, they are very thin, packable, and will keep you from getting hypothermia should your tent not be enough or you get lost in the wilderness while hiking.  Clothing is also very important, you can't just wear a puffy coat and hope for the best.  You also don't want to sweat underneath all the layers.  Wear moisture wicking base layers, socks, leggings, and shirt; then an  insulating middle layer like fleece lined clothing, and then waterproof outwear.  Take waterproof insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry, and you definitely need waterproof gloves to protect your hands.  Wear a good hat, insulated, waterproof if possible, and make sure it covers your ears.  You have to be careful with your extremities due to how sensitive they are to the cold, and they get affected before your body.  It seems like common sense to have all these items, but there are some people out there that think they will pack what they have and deal with it, only to find out their gear isn't going to cut it, and they have a miserable time in the cold weather.  Or they think they are tough enough to just endure the cold!  Some other gear to consider are trekking poles, goggles, snow shoes, crampons (spikes for your boots), and a gaiters for your face, neck and legs.

3. First Aid Kit.  Any time you go for an out door adventure, you should pack a first aid kit, and in the winter time is no different.  You can always buy these pre-made kits that have antiseptic, bandages, gauze, tweezers, and pain relievers in them, but you can also pack your own.  For the winter time, pack it in a waterproof bag or box that won't get soaked if left in the snow.  A good addition to your kit would be the one time use chemical hand warmers, you can buy these in packs at outdoor stores; they are normally used by kneading the bag and activating the two chemicals in the bag causing heat to be released.  There are also electric handwarmers that can be charged ahead of time, and used over and over as long as their battery is charged.

4.  Stay Hydrated.  Take plenty of water with you, just because it isn't hot outside, doesn't mean you can go without water.  You will be sweating and probably still hiking around, so take bottles of water, or have a source to get fresh water and filter out the microbes.  There are plenty of water bottles with the filter attached so can fill it at a stream and it will be safe to drink.  Also take electrolytes, because just drinking water isn't enough, your body functions with sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.  You can buy powdered electrolyte mixes to add to your water, or buy them separately and take them in what doses you desire.  Also use an insulated water bottle to keep your water from freezing, don't just use those clear plastic bottles that are for hiking on normal 75F degree days.

5. Food and Cooking.  You will want a way to cook food if you are camping out in the cold.  If you are not in an RV or just out day hiking, you will need more than just some snacks to tide you over.  Pack a way to cook food, usually a gas source is ideal, and some cookware meant for outdoor cooking.  You can of course build a fire, but if you are in a location that is too wet, it may not be possible, so will have to have an alternate way to cook.  We have the Mons Peak IX cooking set in our Survival section of the store.  It heats fast and is easy to use.  Taking packs of freeze dried food is usually the best way to go for camping trips, that way you just need to boil some water and add to the bags of food.  Don't forget to pack utensils!  There is nothing better than a hot and hearty meal to satisfy you while it is freezing outside your tent.  Take some marshmallows to toast for an after dinner treat, they are tasty no matter the time of year.

6. Tools. Always pack some tools, you never know when you may need some pliers.  Some good tools to always keep on hand are flashlights, knives, pliers, mace, backup power bank to charge your phone, small shovel, paracord, GPS device, and a hatchet.   

   Hit the snowy trails this winter with confidence knowing that you are fully prepared for the new adventures in store for you.  Don't forget to take binoculars and a camera to observe and capture all the beauty you will encounter.  And most importantly, have fun!  Whether you are by yourself or with a group, make sure to enjoy yourself, that is the point after all isn't it?  Don't let poor preparation spoil your time in nature.  If you are in a group, tell stories around the campfire, or roast marshmallows, play a game, anything to keep your mind off the cold.  And if you are going solo (be sure to tell someone where you are going of course) then enjoy the solitude, introspection, and peaceful calmness that a winter camping trip brings.

Happy adventuring!