What To Bring To Make Cooler Weather Camping More Enjoyable
Winter is here, and the cold weather and snow camping season have begun. For my fiancé and me, camping and adventures don’t stop when the weather gets bad.
We take it as a challenge to push the limits of our equipment and systems. We have camped in everything from rain to snow to freezing temperatures. After much trial and error, I have compiled a list of items that make camping in the winter season not only bearable but enjoyable.
First, let’s acknowledge that cold-weather camping should not be one of your first trips. Before taking on this challenge, it is important to dial in your other systems, such as cooking, sleeping, changing, and the restroom. When you are in cold weather, camping is more about staying warm, comfortable, and, more importantly, safe.
That said, once everything else is dialed in, use the items below to take your experience to the next level. To some extent, these items are optional, but utilizing them will make your trip more comfortable than ever.
1. Appropriate Sleeping Area
This might seem obvious (and it kind of is) but still worth mentioning.
Often when camping in the slow the temperature drops dramatically when the sun goes down. Have a comfortable and warm place to escape to is a must. The ultimate solution to this is a truck camper like our ORU Designs Tenfold Weekender. But plenty of people still use ground tents, RTTs, or sleep inside their truck bed with a topper and something like the BamBeds platform.
With my setup, we are able to easily climb inside with the diesel heater (I’ll get into this next) running with the rear door open and simple enjoy the view. A well insulated roof top tent will work as well a very strong ground tent. But often the cool air is sitting close to the ground so the farther you separate yourself the better.
2. Diesel Heater
This has been, by far, the most significant game-changer I’ve added to my collection. I’ve tested electric, propane, and diesel versions, the former of which don’t come close.
This type of heater is based around a small diesel-powered motor, similar to the air-cooled cars of the past. However, this motor doesn’t have pistons, making it extremely quiet. Diesel fuel is injected into a combustion chamber where it ignites, and the exhaust fumes are expelled from the bottom of the heater. A fan blows air over the large heat sink inside the heater, forcing the heated air into your tent. With these heaters, you get all the warmth and none of the smell.
Over the past two years, these units have significantly dropped in price as they gained popularity. They require very little mess and maintenance. Similar heaters have been used in the big rig industry for years, where drivers stay in the sleeper side of the truck.
The primary drawback to these units is the need for a battery to run them. The heaters require around 130W on startup, which exceeds most portable battery units’ typical 12V 10A capacity. So, you’ll likely need to upgrade your power setup. They draw varying amounts of power but a 1000W unit is a safe bet.
3. Zero Degree Sleeping Bag
We also use a zero-degree sleeping bag on top of the heater. This is because you can always cool yourself off by cracking a window or unzipping the sleeping bag. It is always better to be too warm than to freeze in icy temperatures. There are many different types of bags to choose from, but there are some things I look out for while shopping.
First is the temperature rating, and understanding the temperature rating is crucial. It is common to see these options…
- 40 Degree
- 30 Degree
- 0 Degree
- Below 0 Degree
The key takeaway is that the bag’s temperature rating is the temperature you can survive in, not necessarily comfortably. For example, if it’s 30 degrees outside and you are in a 30-degree sleeping bag, you will be alive but cold. The rule of thumb is to aim for 10-20 degrees lower than you anticipate needing. Often, I use my 0-degree bag for temperature ranges from 20F to 40F. I run the heater all night when we get down to 0F-20F.
The second is material, which also equates to weight. I prefer an oversized sleeping bag to avoid feeling constrained inside. I always look for down or synthetic down material, which I know can handle moisture and pack small. Other fill materials do not compress as nicely, and you may end up with a large storage bag. As a bonus, they also make two-person sleeping bags for those traveling together, which helps with extra body heat.
4. Heated Blanket
Portable camping batteries are becoming increasingly popular. With that comes the promise of being able to use things such as heated blankets. We have tested a few 12V heated blankets, but I have found that the power draw of a normal-sized 120V heated blanket is perfectly suitable for a small battery pack. But do your research, some can draw considerable power.
These blankets are best used to preheat your sleeping bag before climbing in and to warm yourself up while sleeping. It’s also nice to have to keep your lower back warm in the middle of the night. I know that tends to be the place I get coldest.
Producing any sort of heat from electricity is extremely inefficient, and I recommend not running the blanket all night, as it will drain your battery quickly. If needed, combining the lowest mode possible and a 0-degree sleeping bag should keep you plenty warm in freezing temperatures.
5. Quality Fire Pit
The last thing I want to do while camping is spend the whole day trapped in the tent or the truck for heat. We combat this by bringing a big, sturdy firepit. We have been using the BioLite Fire Pit for years, and its built-in fan keeps the fire rolling at a very high temperature.
Paired with a stack of dry wood, axes, and chainsaws, we can keep a fire going all day and night, only needing to stop it to sleep. For those who have camped in these conditions, they know that 30 degrees during the day feels fine, but once the sun disappears, the temperature drops rapidly. This makes a warm fire a necessity.
If wood fires aren’t your thing, propane fire pits provide instant heat. You also don’t have to worry about extinguishing the fire before bed. Howl Campfires makes the gnarliest one you’ve ever seen.
6. Emergency Comms/Tracking
I often advise people not to underestimate the dangers of camping in the backcountry, hours away from the nearest hospital, especially with unpredictable weather. In addition to the first aid and medical equipment I carry, investing in a GPS tracker or SOS device is essential.
Personal Locator Beacons with GPS, such as the ACR ResQLink, are on the minimal end. These are a one-time purchase, and when activated, they will send your emergency coordinates to the nearest search and rescue.
Stepping up, there are GPS trackers and Satellite Communicators. These devices often retain the same SOS functionality but add the ability to use satellites to send text messages or receive information. This includes devices such as the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator and the Garmin inReach Mini. They also include a Check-In functionality that allows you to share your location or have someone else track your whereabouts while you are on your adventure.
Final Thoughts
As we prepare for winter, I look forward to testing other products in freezing conditions. The list above will remain the same in terms of categories. I will still carry a diesel heater, a good base layer, and SOS comms, but the brands and types may change over time.
I have had great luck using the items listed above, and I hope the same for you. Take the time to build out your kit; you don’t have to have the best equipment to go out and have a good time. Personally, I use an off-brand heater manufactured overseas. Additionally, I have quite a few pairs of base-layer clothing that you can find at your local Costco.
The overall takeaway is to be overprepared for the situation to ensure we are not trying to figure out solutions in a crisis, which could potentially ruin the trip. If you have any questions or need recommendations, please get in touch with me!
